For some inexplicable reason I find myself drawn time and time again to weddings utilising an all-white colour scheme. I can’t explain why but I find the soft layering of chalky whites against buttery ivory hues immensely soothing.
Whilst more colourful soirees have that instant wow-factor, and look amazing on film, weddings employing a neutral colour scheme are, for me at least, balm to the soul in their effortless grace.
It’s less about the instant gratification and more like a love affair that sinks its teeth into you and never quite lets you go.
If I had to pick an icon that represents this colourway then Grace Kelly would be Alabaster and Ivory, a subtle yet timeless overlay of white on white that we keep returning to again and again.
But… I hear you shout how do I ‘do’ this colour scheme without it appearing pallid, flaccid and well…boring.
Don’t fret, we’ll show you how…
Soft Linen
We’re seeing quite a few brides opting for gowns that feature cotton lace in some shape or form and this hot trend looks set to continue through to 2014 and beyond. If you love the idea of a neutral colour scheme but don’t know where to start then it’s worth considering linens in this fabric for your tables too. Broidery Anglais is another wonderful material that translates very well.
I’d recommend introducing several different alabaster tones to your table settings not only to add depth but also interest. Mixing up your florals is one way of doing this but getting creative with your tableware and stationery can produce a truly stylish look from contemporary cool to classic elegance. I love napkins with lovely finishes, edged plates and these amazing calligraphied linen menus!
Touches of gold can also help to warm tables up if you’re worried about them appearing too cold – look for old gold metallic votives, flatware or gold-rimmed glasses. Equally I adore these vintage books where their hard covers have been ripped off to expose their bindings. Balance them on top of one another to add height to your table settings.
Don’t underestimate the beauty of candlelight either. Pairing basic white candles with hired candlesticks in an unusual shape is a cost-effective way to add impact.
Frosted Fancies
Perhaps the easiest area in which to employ milky-white colours, this amazing cake below by Maggie Austin is proof that an all-white colour scheme is anything but boring. She just gets it so right.
Choosing alabaster-toned treats gives you the freedom to play with texture and composition without the worrying about the cake appearing too sickly on the colour front. Whilst I love the rustic appeal of a lightly dusted sponge bedecked in strawberries, I predict that we’ll see a return to the more traditional iced affair albeit with an abstract twist.
Pretty and romantic, all of the cakes pictured here have one thing in common – their use of pattern and texture. Whilst they don’t instantly power-punch you in the face, their chic qualities places them firmly on my coveted list. Try experimenting with form too – I really love a narrow but deep tier especially on the topmost levels.
Can I just throw something out there too. Really think about your choice of cake stand. It’s not something that immediately springs to mind but a fantastic cake stand can elevate your sweet treats to new heights both literally and on the style front too.
Fair Maidens
Favoured by K.Middy and super HOT Pippa, white maids dresses are here to stay.
We’ve noticed the rise of organic textures and simple designs reminiscent of the young Tess of the D’Urbervilles before she fell into Alec’s devilish clutches.
What do you mean you haven’t read Tess? Hop to it, go and read it now!
Some of you might feel apprehensive about dressing your favoured girls in a similar colour to your beautiful self but have no fear. Choosing a simpler design with sleeves in an off-white hue will clearly mark out the difference between bride and maids. If you’re still anxious I particularly love the idea of adding a plaited belt or a coloured sash around the waist for a modern twist.
And no lovelies, white stilettos need no longer be the reserve of Essex girls. I love this classic slingback by Emerson Fry pictured here – perfect for summer parties once your big day has passed.
Carte Blanche
Set the scene for your all-white affair with some classic stationery. Go rustic with simple letterpressed invites tied with twine or opt for a luxe suite printed on linen finished off in an opulent font.
Dressing your venue in alabaster tones is super easy too. White paper poms in different shapes strung from ceilings and doors is perhaps one of the easiest way to achieve impact. If you’re looking for something a little different why not make your own from off-cuts of blanched cotton or tulle.
No longer the reserve of the ever popular photobooth, homemade ‘backgrounds’ can be used behind the head or dessert table to create atmosphere. I’ve seen backdrops made from super-sized ivory sequins that just screams modern luxe but large chalk-white sheets printed with quotes look just as fantastic.
Lastly it’s worth looking on eBay for large vintage letters or even old pieces of furniture that you can spruce up with a lick of white paint to form wonderful pieces of wedding decor.
Flaxen Florals
Those of you who read this post will know that I could wax lyrical about white bouquets all day long.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, white blooms exude a sophistication that is hard to surpass whilst being wonderfully versatile too. We most commonly see the gloriously blousey heads of chalky hydrangeas in the clutches of brides and maids alike but white centrepieces look wonderfully chic on tables too.
Since you can find white florals at pretty much any time of the year, the hue translates well to weddings held in all seasons. Try Tulips and Narcissi in the Spring, Ranuculus in late Autumn and a combination of Roses and Peonies in early Summer.
Since white hues are so unassuming you’ll be sure that all your florals will work harmoniously with each other rather than fighting for the spotlight. Try mixing different neutral tones and flowerheads to prevent centrepieces and posies appearing too flat.
And one day folks, I’ll be rich enough to have the sheer amount of lily of the valley in this bouquet at the bottom here…one day.
Have I convinced you then or are you waving your flag at me from the colour camp?
What colours will you be integrating into your big day?
I’m now off to create a whole new Pinterest board devoted to alabaster – who’s with me?
All my love Lolly xxx
Lolly I love your inspiration posts and this one is so gorgeous! My colour scheme is purple and ivory (with a touch of lilac), and those Pom Poms and flowers have given me the confidence to leave some of the decorative details ivory, chic and understated.
So so beautiful.
@Claire your theme sounds gorgeous and I’m glad that I’ve been able to help on a cold and dreary morning. When is your big day and will you be using lilac (as in the flower) in your bouquet? The scent alone is divine.
I’m not sure if I am having lilac or not – great idea though! I am getting married in June so I am lucky to be spolit for choice. My florist has a beautiful cutting garden and is going to add to roses and hydrangeas (my absolute faves) with whatever is looking fabulous at the time – she has mentioned peonies and sweet peas…x
That Zsa Zsa Bellagio slice of cake?!!!!! *swoon*
Fabulous post Miss Lolly!
Who new Ivory could look so gorgeous & interesting!
First group of pictures, top left – what is this? Is it cotton? I simply love that display!
Thanks for reminding me that tall ivory candles can look effortlessly chic! Might have to scrap my silver/grey candle idea for Ivory instead!!!
xxx
Im having alot of White at my Wedding with a hint of Peachy/pink Peonies.
I didnt want a colour scheme running all through so Guys are in Grey suits with Skinny Charcoal ties. Girls are in Mint Green and the rest of the wedding is White. Looks so clean, Fresh n I think pretty Classy:)
Beautiful Post Lolly, Just waiting for your beautiful day now:)
X
@Claire sweet peas? Oh I’m so jealous – definitely add some sweet peas into the mix!
@Kirsten amazing isn’t it – in fact I quite fancy some cake myself right now…
@Becca yes lovely it’s cotton – doesn’t it look wonderfully wintery. Grey and ivory candles both look immense (I had grey at my wedding!) so whatever you go for will look exquisite.
@Lolly I love how you can always tell it’s one of your posts from the first few pictures!
You definitely have a glorious handle on elegant understated rustic glamour!
Loving this Lolly! I’m all about the white/grey/mercury glass for W-Day. 11 weeks and counting!!!
I absolutely adore this pale hued wedding inspiration! So, so beautiful, makes me want to get married again
) XxX
@Jess boys in grey, girls in green and you with a clutch of peonies sounds like a very lush wedding indeed! Be sure to share some pictures with us.
@Amanda you’ve made me blush! But thank you sweetheart, it means a lot.
@LynseyB 11 weeks eh? Exciting! Something to look forward to amongst all this slushy coldness we’ve got outside.
Could this feature be any more beautiful?! x
Gosh just so so beautiful lovely Lolly, I would like you to just come and decorate my house please, you have such an eye for detail!
It really makes an flecks of colour really pop too, like the baubles on that cake.
Xxx
YES! I am WITH YOU!! Pinning this entire post onto my dream wedding board.
@ Lolly, I’m with you! My bouquet will be white tulips and lilly of the valley. We’ll be mixing in a bit of woodland greenery but if it’s half as sophisticated as these shots I’ll be thrilled…
Pinning heaven! I couldn’t love all white any more!
Thanks for the fab inspiration!
x
Good enough to eat! My wedding now feels like a gaudy mess. I want to scrap it all and then bleach my hair whiter than white!!!
Delicious Miss Lolly, another style triumph xx
Those flowers are making me rethink the balance of what I would like in my bouquet. Thankfully I haven’t been to the florist yet so I still have time.
What a lovely combination!
Oh I love crisp white weddings, so chic, simple and stunning….
LOVE this…I was firmly anti-white at the start of planning, but have grown to love it as we’ve gone along. I actually wanted my best girls in white frocks but they talked me out of it for fear of spillages. But at the rate we’re going I may well have the whitest of white weddings – more snow is forecast and my wedding is but a mere 9 days away. AARRGGGHHHHH.
xx
Great post. Do really love the pale shades, can be very relaxing and soothing and when you get into it there are so many different shades of white and off whites it may sound strange but there’s a lot of choice and all with different characters.
Really want to know what that drink was to!
So, so beautiful. Immaculate attention to detail. Reminds me of a rustic winter, almost.