love the bold, modern color combination

I cannot resist a good wedding tablescape. I think my wedding detail rankings might go dress, location, couture tablescape, husband. My ranking system could possibly explain why that fourth detail is currently non-existant. Details.

i love me some feathers

These couture tablescapes by Sandra Downie Event Designs are stunning. She shows a sample ranging from bold and modern colors to classic layouts to shabby chic touches and I love them all. Decorating such a large event always comes down to the details. They may seem like the last thing you need to worry about but they’re also what turn a basic wedding venue into your own space. And Sandra seems to have figured out exactly how to do just that.

she does shabby chic too

And she’s located right here in New England with me - must be a sign that she should plan my next birthday party. A touch over the top and flawlessly styled - sound right up my alley.

An afternoon garden reception allows you to put extra focus on the sweetest wedding detail, the desserts. Instead of the single traditional, elegant wedding cake why not do a modern, laidback twist? Instead of including many cakes by making cupcakes, actually just make multiple cakes. And don’t stop there, do pies and cookies and cobblers too. I just love the idea of having a ton of delicious treats to pick from and it somehow feels fitting for a tea-sipping afternoon reception.

i'll take one of each, thanks for offering

And whether you’re planning this outdoor reception or a ladies only wedding shower these yellow and lavender macarons are too cute to resist. Such tiny little bites of goodness (click the image for the recipes too - another DIY option).

macarons look chic even standing alone

It’s never too early to begin planning a spring/summer 2011 wedding (these picks are likely too late for our 2010 summer wedding brides). I love bright colored weddings and think the ultimate spring wedding colors would be bright yellow and lavender. These two colors would allow you to work with a variety of shades because light yellow and dark purple accents would look good too. So this week I will plan a lavender and yellow spring wedding with a garden tea reception. I just love the idea of having an outdoor wedding in a blooming garden. And making it a tea party let’s you add a few whimsical touches, even if you only serve iced teas.

bright yellow short bridesmaids' dresses

These bright yellow bridesmaids’ dresses are so cute and they pop so well next to the bride’s crisp white dress.

yellow and lavender bouquets

Just substitute theses flowers into their hands and this would play nicely into my garden wedding. These dresses are from J. Crew, which is likely why I was drawn to them in the first place.

This week I’ve been picking out elements for the perfect fall wedding. I’ve brought all the elements together in this inspiration board – you really should start making these. Seeing everything together just feels complete, looks gorgeous and seems infinitely better than the individual parts.

For the do-it-yourself instructions and sources of all this goodness, check out the previous posts from this week! Purple, green and brown are such a modern twist on the traditional fall wedding color palette and adds a little bit of surprise to what your guests may have been expecting. Also, your bridal party will likely appreciate your color choices – who doesn’t look good in at least one shade of purple?

kate spade purple heels

And it allows you to sneak in these amazing, non-white wedding shoes