Sports Fanatic Elegance

Traditionally when weddings are planned they usually focus the vision of the bride and have nothing to do with the groom. A lot of the time, you hardly see anything the represents him aside from a possible groom's cake or a garter that is specially made. What if you were able to change that? We all know grooms rarely care for the details with the exception of what they're going to eat, and what they're going to wear. There is a way you can show how important your mate is in the planning and show an extension of what he likes and 9 times out of 10, it's sports. By letting his favorite sports team have a presence in your wedding you will truly show that it is about the both of you. Now before you get all skeptical and close off the idea, let me reassure you, there will be no footballs everywhere or basketball centerpieces - no terrible towels or cheese head wedges will be a part of the decor.

Once you've picked the date and time, one of the next things you decide on is the color scheme. These combination of colors can come from a lot of different inspirations that a woman might see. Whether it's the Tiffany blue boxes with a rich chocolate brown, or maybe a tropical feel is more your speed with bright colors and accents. There is a way you can incorporate your love for your mate and his love for the game. Whether it's his favorite football team (Go Chiefs!) or his old college alma mater, you can make the craziest color combinations translate into a very elegant setting to exchange vows and party the night away. The below examples will hopefully give you an idea on how you can merge sports and its colors into one magnificent display.

The Kansas City Chiefs
Of course we have to represent for the home team first. Now, this team is the owner of Red and Gold. This combination actually isn't that hard to translate considering around the Christmas season you see these two colors together quite a bit.

The Green Bay Packers

This color combination could pose somewhat of a challenge with its Green, Gold and White, but you could actually pull off something great. If you pick a main focus color that is more traditional, you can use the other as accents through out.

The New York Knicks

For the New Yorkers, your die hard Knicks fan would appreciate you taking their blue and orange color scheme and incorporating them into your day. It actually can be done very tastefully while at the same time offering a unique color pairing.

The Florida Marlins

I picked this team because of the combination of the teal with the black and gray. This is not so much a different combination, but it's one that you don't see a lot. These together can translate into a Spring like backdrop. Especially if you make teal the focus or main color element and accent with the gray over the black.



Wichita State Shockers

Rounding out the inspiration is this university which represents with its yellow and black. This color combo could be quite bright (Steelers fans could agree also) However, you can add the elegance to this one by the use of a damask or floral print. This will bring an element of softness to your overall look. Using this against crisp white linen will also help provide a very elegant element to your space.

As you can see, there are ways you can incorporate your mate's love into your big day. Whether he shows it or not, he will be extremely pleased with your color choices and thinking of him.

What The Plaid?!

Since we are coming to the end of the year (oh my gosh!) now is the time to start looking at what could be trends for the 2018 wedding season. In looking at different articles, there is a surprising one to me. During the winter month plaid is something that is traditionally known for that time of year in clothing. Who would've thought this pattern would move over to the wedding industry?

The fun thing about this trend is that despite it being a plaid pattern, there is still a variety of colors that come in plaid and it doesn't have to be the "traditional" red, blue and white. Not to mention they could be used in a variety of places. Below are a couple of examples of where plaid can live.

Table Settings

Here is one place where you can put plaid fabric and it seem to be "over the top". It could be something as simple as a napkin or a table runner, or you can cover the entire table with a plain tablecloth and then using solid napkins for balance.

  

Invitations

If you just want to add a hint of this pattern, why not send it to your guests? With the variety of shades, along with the plaid, you can pick solid variations and use them throughout the rest of the planning.

Bridal Fashion

If you are that bold couple that likes to make a statement, then this option would be for you. Incorporate your plaid in the wardrobe. From the bow tie to actually bridesmaids dresses. You can go as subtle or as bold as you want. 

However you choose to incorporate this bold fabric choice for your big day, make sure you do it in at way that makes YOU happy and enjoy the moment you see it all come together.

- Danielle

Lighting Is Everything

There is a simple way you can add some drama to any event. It's not your linens, which can create a certain level of it depending upon which ones you use. Elaborate centerpieces will catch the eye, however, the one thing that can truly change the ambiance of a space is lighting. Who knew that a few lightbulbs shining up from the floor could give a space that looks way a totally different feel?

The plus side is that lighting isn't as expensive as you may think it is. It doesn't have to be some over the top creation. Placing lighting strategically around the room will give you what you need. There are companies out there that will even let you do it yourself. All you have to do is just go, pick them up and plug them in with the color you choose. Then, after your event, just return them.

Below are some before and after examples of what a little light can do. It can be subtle or very dramatic depending on your budget and your theme. You just need to pick what best fits your personality.

Pantone's Color of the Year

So, if you're like us, you wait in anticipation of what new color Pantone is going to drop for the new year (well, maybe it's just us). For the year 2015, Pantone decided to go with a darker hue that is a contrast from the Radiant Orchid they chose for 2014. The new color Marsala has been described as "A naturally robust red wine..." on the Pantone website. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, she describes is this way - “Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth."

I can definitely see where she is coming from. Marsala is a rich color that can provide a warm accent to even the most pastel palette. Although I could see this shade being used more in the fall and winter months, I think the color is fitting for whatever season. This color can add texture to any type of decor you want to incorporate and it's a color that men could really get behind when picking their tuxedo accessories.

I did a little Google search just to see how this red wine (my favorite) color can be used. The inspiration boards are and photos are amazing. When you're color at the color palette for your wedding or special event, give Marsala a thought. It could be the missing element for you.

To learn more about this fabulous color click HERE to see what they say about it.