Category Archives: Event Design

Jan 10, 2017

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Last week we talked about some of the bigger trends we are seeing for weddings in 2017, and one is color! I think this is one thing that some brides struggle with and we always have fun putting together combinations, so today we are sharing some tips on choosing the right color palette for your wedding day.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

One of the most tried and true color combinations we’ve been working with for years is blue and white. However, we think it’s a mistake thinking that you have to stick to two dominant colors when designing. Using classic color combinations is a great anchor, but punching it up with variations of color in flowers, or in compliments here and there is a great way to brighten it up without going all out rainbow.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

If you are drawn to bright colors, think about the overall ratio in using them. Softer versions of bright colors like pinks, oranges, and corals still make a big pop against something like a navy blue but might start to look like a birthday party if put with another shade of pink or bright aqua. When using brighter hues, I’ve been a big fan of how mixing shades of them together has turned out, and adding in some greenery can help the blending.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Don’t forget to introduce your color palette early on- think save the dates or invitations. The paper elements set guests expectations early on, so why not introduce your palette from the beginning and set the stage.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Think about your venue and it’s decor. For this bride who wanted a muted fall palette the heavy emerald green and mustard yellow carpet would absolutely hinder her look, so we carpeted over it with a neutral tone. This can be an unexpected addition to the budget.

photo by Liz Banfield

Think of seasonal cross overs. A pretty pink or purple flower combination is typically thought of for spring or summer. But, here used with green velvet, deeper green ferns, and heavier brass flatware, it becomes perfect for a fall wedding.

Happy Planning!

1.10.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 09, 2017

Favorite Bouquets

photo by Liz Banfiield

We’re kicked off 2017 with our first wedding of the season! We can’t to be able to share details with you soon, but for the next few Mondays, we’re going to share our “favorites” of the past year. Today we are starting with some of our favorite bouquets! This first one was a full and cascading cream beauty of roses, phalenopsis orchids, and ranunculus. I love the look of the “new” cascade and we have lots of brides that do also since we get quite a few requests.

photo by Liz Banfield

This tight and textured bridesmaids bouquet was so lush and suprisingly colorful against black dresses.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

There are many notes on the tradition of bride’s carrying flowers. Some stem from the not so pleasant- during the times that people took yearly baths, the flowers helped cover up the body odor of the brides (pleasant, right?). Another is that carrying herbs and pungent flowers helped ward off evil spirits and bring luck to the new couple. But the one that I like to think is the main reason is because they added to the prettiness of the bride and meant something special.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

I am also loving mixing deep luxurious shades likes purples and burgundies with creams and whites for the depth that it gives.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

If you are still thinking about what flowers you would like to carry, past on past folklore, there are flowers that send different meanings to your groom.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

White camellias express adoration, peonies are said to bring a happy marriage, and ranunculus means that are dazzled by your future husband.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

These orchid cascades carried by bridesmaid perfectly coordinated with the bridal orchid cascade bouquet.

1.09.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Event Design, Flowers, Photographers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 03, 2017

Elegant Escort Cards

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Escort card displays have come a long way from the days of white printed cards set out on a table in alphabetical order. Many brides (and their wedding designers) are choosing to make these a focal point or another place to pack a design punch. Since this is an area that guests are guaranteed to see and experience, it’s a great place to get creative. For a floral themed Colorado wedding, we dressed up a simple chandelier in the foyer leading into dinner, by covering it in greenery and hanging die cut flowers from ribbon. The flowers were caligraphied in different shades matching the color palette… Flower tags by Lettered Olive.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

For a recent traditional wedding at home, an arched doorway leading outside to the dinner tent was covered in garland, and the escort cards were alphabetically woven into the greens. Simplicity ruled best here, but with a hint of whimsy, guests noted the thoughtful touch. Cards by Lettered Olive.

photos by Liz Banfield

If you want to stick with a more traditional route, ways you can dress that up or give a new look to it are by using different holders, or placing them on a topper with pretty color or pattern giving it some depth. For a wedding we did down in Georgia, native granite rocks were weighty card holder atop a palm printed linen.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

At this wedding with lots of blue pattern play, white glass subway tiles were caligraphied with varying shades of blue just to add some dimension. It was so tailored and lovely atop a blue patterned linen.

photo by Elizabeth Messina

At this outdoor tented affair, a sailcloth tent awaited guests on the adjacent lawn. A moss covered board was adorned with flower buds, and vintage keys and metal tags embossed with guests’ names. The paper tags attached let guests know which table to find, and the tags doubled as little keepsakes! Tags by Lettered Olive.

1.03.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>