Black and White Theme is Tops for 2010 in Triangle
One of the most popular wedding themes in the Triangle for 2010 is black and white. This crisp color combination has a great “pop” which will set your wedding apart. Brides in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill love the black and white theme because it allows them to design a wedding with a modern sensibility that also works beautifully with formal elements. These are some tips on how to plan the most fabulous black and white wedding.
Any wedding starts with the bridal gown. The black and white theme works marvelously for a wedding dress, and looks so sharp when the groom is wearing a tuxedo. Brides who love classic elegance can take their inspiration from the stunning gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in her film Sabrina. The white gown with black damask details was designed by legendary couturier Givenchy, and brides can find bridal gowns inspired by this classic at local bridal salons right here in Raleigh.
Brides who seek a black and white wedding gown with a more contemporary flair should check out the latest offerings from Vera Wang. Her Fall 2010 collection which will hit shops this spring was rich with ethereal white tulle and organza gowns accented with sheer black sashes. The dramatic black and white combination is stunning and would make an impressive grand entrance for any bride. Alexia’s Bridal Boutique is the one bridal salon in the Triangle which carries the exclusive Vera Wang Collection. Black and white pearl or crystal bridal jewelry is the perfect finishing touch for a wedding dress with hints of black.
The wedding flowers are another great place to showcase a black and white theme. Certainly, there are infinite varieties of white wedding flowers, but what will really set your bouquets and centerpieces apart is adding that splash of black. White anemones with black centers are a favorite flower for Triangle brides wishing to design a black and white wedding. They are such a perfect match, that they just can’t be beat! Another idea is to create a bouquet of all white flowers and have a black ribbon bouquet wrap. Sophisticated flowers like roses and orchids will suit the theme best. Some of the most striking bouquet wraps feature black and white ribbons used together to make a tuxedo inspired accent, or opt for a white ribbon embellished with a row of tiny black bows down the front.
Naturally, you will want your wedding tables to express your wedding theme. Black and white damask linens are the perfect tablecloths for a black and white wedding. They are the essence of style and elegance. Top them with stunning centerpieces created from white and black anemones. Or for the ultimate in glamor and drama, try a tall white floral centerpiece accented with black feathers. Such a unique centerpiece would really make a splash!
Finally, don’t forget about designing a fabulous black and white wedding cake. Many local cake designers such as The Cake Walk in Cary, among others, specialize in creating cakes which are works of art to behold. Some popular black and white cake designs include a regal black damask pattern over white fondant, a whimsical black and white polka dot cake, or striking black flowers on a white cake. Ribbons around the base of each tier are a popular accent for Raleigh brides; either use a black ribbon to further emphasize your theme, or choose a red ribbon for a bold contrast.
A black and white wedding is definitely one of the top trends for 2010 in the Triangle area. Whether you live in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or Durham, you will find that it is a chic and stylish theme that is easy to design working with local vendors. The classic yet fresh flavor of black and white design is a wonderful theme around which to build your dream wedding.
Planning a Summer Wedding In the Raleigh Area
Whichever part of the Triangle you happen to call home, you know that it is a great place to host a wedding. Summertime in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill region is uniquely beautiful, and also has its own unique circumstances to keep in mind when planning a wedding. These top tips for planning a summer wedding in the Raleigh area will help you create the perfect day for you and your guests.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
If there is one thing that we all know about the Triangle in the summer is that it can get hot! That is why it is important to keep the comfort of your guests in mind if your wedding will be in June, July, or August (and even into early September). First think about your venue. If you have your heart set on a stunning outdoor location under the impossibly blue Carolina summer skies, be sure to choose a site which will offer your guests some shade. Exchange your vows under the shelter of an ancient shady oak tree in a park or on the grounds of a renovated plantation. Some of the Triangle’s most beautiful wedding locations like Duke Gardens offer options which will allow you to be married in the splendor of nature without standing in the direct blazing summer sun. For a wedding at your home, rent tents to cover your guests to make sure they stay cool and fresh.
There are some additional ways to show your sense of Southern hospitality towards your guests. On a warm summer afternoon, what better way to welcome friends and family to your wedding than with a frosty glass of sweet tea or lemonade? Help them stay cool by setting pretty fans out at the seats for outdoor ceremonies. Feminine paper parasols are lovely for bridesmaids, both for their decorative nature and to protect your ladies from frying in the sun. Be a truly gracious hostess and set out baskets in the ladies’ room with the supplies that will help your female guests refresh themselves, such as hairspray to pump up wilted hairdos, blotting tissues to take the shine off noses, and non-greasy sunscreen wipes. If you want to go the extra step, pamper your guests with luxurious toiletries from the L’Occitane boutique in the South Point mall, like the cooling Verbena ice hand cream gel. (Verbena is an amazing summer scent – light, uplifting, and not appealing to bees and bugs.)
It is not only your guests who will appreciate shelter from the direct sun at your summer wedding in the Raleigh area. Did you know that some wedding cakes will melt when exposed to heat and sun? Speak to your baker about summer-friendly dessert options. In general, fondant will resist the heat much better than buttercream or whipped cream frostings. Certain fillings may also be more vulnerable to melting or even spoiling if left out in the hot sun for hours. Always plan to display your wedding cake in a shady area, such as under a tent for an outdoor wedding. Sometimes your baker will recommend bringing the cake out right before it is time to cut it, rather than leaving it out for the entire reception. Even at an indoor reception, you should take care not to position your wedding cake right in front of a window which gets a lot of afternoon sun.
The wedding party will want their attire to match the sunny spirit of a brilliant summer’s day in the Triangle. There could be no better color to match the bright blue sky than Carolina blue for your bridesmaids’ dresses (unless of course, your allegiance lies with Duke or State, in which case another cheerful color might be a better choice!). A bright preppy pink, buttercup yellow, or lime green are also great summer colors for bridesmaid dresses. Select a fabric which is light and breezy like chiffon or organza. Tie it all up with a pretty white sash at the waist and a classic pearl tin cup necklace for the bridesmaid gifts.
There is nothing more special than a wedding, and a wedding in the sunny Triangle is even better (they don’t call it “the Southern part of Heaven” for nothing!). Couples who plan weddings that take advantage of the season and also take practicalities into account will find that their special days are everything they had ever imagined. And your guests are sure to appreciate the extra care given to their comfort and enjoyment of your wedding.
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