Pink and brown is one of those combinations that has almost been done too many times. But, as with anything, you can take something classic or even common, and make it new and fresh. How is a pink and brown color palette made into something unexpected? When it’s paired with a gray accent, and applied to a rustic ranch venue. I didn’t want the ranch theme to be too much here, so I kept it to boots for the bride and a cake decorated with different cattle brands. Photos hung on an aged barnwood wall and a rusty old mailbox for collecting notes from guests play up the rustic feel, while pale pink softens things. And I know I did a pink ranch wedding not too long ago, but this one definitely looks different. I’m telling you, there are an infinite number of ways to have a beautiful wedding, even if the colors and theme have been done before!
Mood: rustic, romantic
Palette: pale pink, brown, gray
This board is for Laura, who needed some help visualizing her wedding in the colors she and her fiance had chosen. They imagine a wedding that is fun, elegant, and modern – no ruffles or frills here! Laura also mentioned an affinity for bees, so I tried to work that in as well. Another fun detail about this wedding: they’re getting married at the ruins of these cloisters in Paulinzella, Germany. What a unique and beautiful venue!
Mood: elegant, modern, fun
Palette: navy, rust orange, ice blue
Classic, formal elements define this wedding inspiration board, like elaborate calligraphy, floor length bridesmaid dresses, and garden roses. As much as I appreciate the desire for a unique and even unusual wedding, I also appreciate the timeless elegance of something like this. And I can’t get over Georgina Chapman’s perfectly romantic ruffly dress.
Mood: classic, romantic
Palette: pale yellow, pastel pink, green
10 Ways to Go Green:
1. Grow your own bouquet! I’m not going to pretend that I would ever take on such an ambitious task, but I know there are some die-hard do-it-yourselfers out there who would jump at the chance. Sweet peas make for a simply beautiful bouquet; other types of flowers (peonies, say?) would be a trickier endeavor. But if you have your date set, and you’ve given yourself plenty of time, or if someone you know has an incredible garden and green thumb, it’s a special way to go green.
2. Line your ceremony aisle with pots of living plants. You can either use them later in your own garden or home, or give them as gifts to your wedding party. Potted ivy wrapped in paper and ribbon make sweet favors for your guests, and if you want they could even act as centerpieces if you cluster them together.
3. Choose a caterer that uses seasonal, local and organic ingredients. The Lark Creek Inn is not only a lovely venue, it is one of the best restaurants in my hometown, using seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients. Search Portovert for green catering options in your area.
4. Cover your tables with delicate vintage linens. Search for them at antique shops and flea markets, or ebay (always a great resource).
5. Bottled water is a huge source of waste, so instead serve water in glass bottles that you’ve already used. Clean them, remove the label, fill them with water, and chill. If your local water isn’t too tasty, take the time to filter it yourself.
6. Beautiful little cakes can do double-duty as centerpieces, either on their own or surrounded by small floral arrangements. This example is adorned with delicate sugar flowers; real, non-toxic flowers would also be a pretty cake topper.
7. Send your guests invitations that will grow! Round Robin Press makes adorable letterpress invitations from organic cotton, with wildflower seeds embedded in the paper. Instead of throwing it away or keeping it around to create clutter, your guests can plant the invitation and think of you when flowers pop up!
8. Wear an heirloom dress. If your grandmother, mother, sister or aunt still has her wedding dress, have it altered to fit you. Or, you can have a seamstress or tailor incorporate details from the antique dress into a custom dress for you: lace trim, buttons, etc. And if you want to wear a vintage dress but don’t have one in the family, check out Vintageous or Posh Girl Vintage for some fun options.
9. Non-floral decorations are by no means the only way to go green. Choose a floral designer who uses organic local, seasonal, sustainably grown flowers. Erin from Floret Flowers emailed me some photos of her beautiful work, and shared this insight with me: There are other ways to go green with wedding flowers besides not having any or using paper blooms. I am an organic flower grower/floral designer and use a minimum of 80% local and seasonal flowers in my work. It is very possible for brides to have their florists source local blooms for their big day especially since wedding season and the peak local flower months coincide perfectly. You can expect to see more of Erin’s beautiful work in future inspiration boards!
10. Vintage is green, and that goes for jewelry, too! This gorgeous Edwardian engagement ring is an amazing example. You can go vintage for any of your accessories, and feel good about making an earth friendly choice.
