Every other Friday, we feature a beautiful set of inspiration boards designed by our creative partners, Pocketful of Dreams. Today, Vicki and Michelle, the driving force behind this talented design team are focussing their thoughts on the summer months and a vibrant and feminine colour palet that I think you'll probably quite love…
It's official and you heard it hear first – brights are the new neutrals! They really do uplift the spirit and influenced by the sunny bank holiday weekend we've just enjoyed, today's wedding design inspiration features a really unique brights pairing to create a fresh and exuberant look.
This colour palette is inspired by none other than Pantone, the official colour trend maestros who identified Nectarine and Poppy Red as hot colours for 2013. So today we're bringing you plenty of inspiring ideas as well as design concept boards to show you how we would create a Summer Punch wedding design.
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – All Boards Copyright (c) 2013, Pocketful of Dreams
Our Summer Punch design pairs Poppy Red – a spirited, true red – with Nectarine – a citrus orange with coral undertones. These exciting and effervescent shades complement each other perfectly; the Poppy Red provides a celebratory yet passionate tone to the proceedings whilst the striking Nectarine brings a sense of animation, helping to soften yet invigorate the design. A warm orange completes our palette creating an overall look which is passionately optimistic with a freshness just perfect for the summer months.
Simple lines, natural materials and soft textures bring an organic edge to the look, whilst helping to reinforce the warmth and enthusiasm of this design. Vintage decor pieces, natural elements and retro styling help to create a design which is not only dynamic and exciting but boasts an effortless sophistication and timeless quality.
THE LOOK
Image credits: 1. Style Me Pretty 2. Southern Femme 3. Green Wedding Shoes 4. Minx by Eva Lutz
Our Summer Punch bride needs a gown which is fresh and flowing in shape. Look for column or Grecian style cuts in lightweight fabrics with a defined waist for a classic shape. Inject freshness into your bridal look with a coloured gown; coral-based tones will add your colour punch without appearing overly sensual and the bright but soft nature of Nectarine means it suits most skin tones. We adore this beautiful Elie Saab dress with a simple, flowing skirt in a crisp georgette and an intricately detailed bodice. Finish the look with a pop of Poppy Red on your feet; beautiful vintage lace up shoes like this varnish red pair for sale on Etsy would be perfect.
Keep your make up fresh and flawless with nude eyes, lashing of mascara and a bright Poppy Red lip (if you dare!) topped with gloss for maximum punch. Sweep hair up into a beehive for a sophisticated finish with a vintage edge.
Search out vibrant accessories and jewellery in Poppy Red tones which will perfectly complement your coloured gown or add a pop of colour to a classic white dress. Where possible stick to natural materials such as rope, cord or wood to maintain the organic freshness of this look. Etsy has a plethora of quirky and stylish pieces in this warm red, including this Sailor Knot bracelet and this fabulous Ombre Satin Cord Necklace.
Dress your maids in colour block Nectarine, coral or Poppy Red dresses or for a more subtle look, choose neutral toned dresses with accents from the colour palette. On the high street now and perfect for this look is this Electric Circus dress from French Connection; pair with some Poppy Red shoes and a neutral pashmina.
Image Credits: 1.Elie Saab 2. The Ancient Muse on Etsy 3. Elfina Design on Etsy 4. French Connection 5. Doble Ele on Etsy 6. Vandoma on Etsy
DECOR & DETAILS
Image Credits: 1. Style Me Pretty 2. Jose Villa 3. Style Me Pretty 4. Style Me Pretty
Go all out with large, untamed floral displays in gorgeous shades of creams, peaches, corals, oranges and Nectarine with the odd dash of Poppy Red. Look to use a variety of blooms to create arrangements of different textures, shapes and sizes: think ranunculus, David Austin roses, poppies (not just in the traditional red, but consider stunning coral and orange toned blooms), anemones and one or two Protea for a fabulous structural finish.
Reinforce the organic and warm nature of this style by tying bouquets loosely with twine and presenting displays in wooden planters or warm pewter vessels. And for a quirky colour pop, why not try something a little more unorthodox for displaying your florals, such as these fantastic Glass Pocket Wall Vases to pack a bright, citrus punch. They could be used to create a real statement-piece if you have a blank canvas venue, simply dot a number of them randomly along a blank wall.
Image Credits: 1. Wedding Chicks 2. A Southern Tradition 3. Etsy 4. MGE 5. Plan Your Perfect Wedding
The decor for this look should be bright but not necessarily bold; we're aiming to create a fresh and warm look so focus on adding pieces in Nectarine, coral and orange shades with the occasional scattering of Poppy Red. Focus on delicate and natural touches such as paper lanterns and the use of fruit as decor to create an effect which is bright and eye-catching yet unexpectedly soft.
Use low-level seating to create a relaxed and laid back environment for your guests; these hand stitched leather poufs will help to set the tone for your cocktail or evening reception.
Think about creative ways to serve refreshments….a vintage airstream serving fresh treats really would add something special to the day!
For your paper goods, think bright colours, delicately executed: neutral shades with pops of colour or watercolour washes would perfectly complement this joyful look. Think also about how you can extend that watercolour effect through into other elements of your day, not only in your stationery but also through displaying watercolour signage or artwork in your venue. We love the mouthwatering shades in this original abstract painting which would be a wonderful keepsake after the day.
Image Credits: 1. Luxe Wedding 2. Obaz 3. Inspired By This 4. A Southern Tradition 5. Grey Likes Weddings 6. Gastro Girl
Follow the Summer Punch concept through into the food and drink that you serve throughout the day. Focus on seasonal, fresh ingredients that pack a favour punch; of course nectarines are a must but don't forget other delicious summer fruits such as pomegranates and figs. Think of innovative ways to incorporate them into your food – nectarine granita would provide a crisp and succulent ending to your wedding breakfast or our personal favourite, popsicles to serve at your drinks reception. Opt for straight up nectarine flavours for the younger guests but inject a cheeky vodka twist for the adults!
Serve mouthwatering Lava Flow cocktails with rum and strawberries and don't forget that even the practical elements can complement your design. We love the geometric watercolour style of these linens found on Etsy for napkins and the fabulous swirling pattern on these warm orange plates; the perfect finishing touches. And finally, leave a sweet taste in the mouth's of your guests with a beautiful, ombre iced or watercolour decorated cake.
Image Credits: 1. Mt Baldy Glassworks on Etsy 2. Michelle Smith on Etsy 3. Squidoo 4. Stuck in the Mud Pottery on Etsy 5. Bazar Berber on Etsy 6. Watercolor by Muren on Etsy
Overall this wedding design pairs bright and effervescent shades with soft, organic details to create a fresh and optimistic look – just perfect for a summertime celebration. Do let us know what you think in the comments box below and if there are any colours, concepts or ideas that you'd like to see us incorporate into an upcoming inspiration board we'd love to hear from you!
Michelle & Vicki xx
Creative Event Designers at Pocketful of Dreams
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
