Colour Palette Inspiration: Parisian Vintage
Delicate Lilac, Dusky Pinks and Soft Greens with Gold Detailing
This weeks colour palette is inspired by all the soft, nostalgic shades of Spring and Summer whilst attempting to step away from the more typical feminine pastels such as duck egg blue or blushing pink.
Whilst compiling and researching imagery for this post, we envisaged a warm balmy day, walking down a pretty Parisian street, our nostrils filled with the welcoming mix of aromas from local pâtisseries and florists that scatter the cobbled streets. There is something comforting and warm about this palette, but the rural elements hopefully add something fresh and airy - we hope you're feeling as inspired as we do!
Venue
There are many gorgeous options which will fit this theme, although you will of course want to
choose the perfect setting to hold the big day, the key really is in the small details coming together to create atmosphere. A bright Summer day would make this palette shine if held outside in beautiful grounds but alternatively an adorned tent, greenhouse or barn conversion would be equally as lovely and eases any weather related stress or need for covered shoulders when the evening chill creeps in.
The most important factor isn't necessarily the grandeur of the venue but the atmosphere it provides - there is something free and easy about this theme, so something more casual and open will likely work best.
Decor
As we have already said, the beauty truly is in the details with this theme, but luckily you will be amazed at how affordably you can achieve the look with minimal effort and just a little forethought.
Our top tip for during the build up to the big day is to get collecting! Get into the habit of frequenting local vintage shops, markets, charity shops and carboot sales and don't be afraid to ask to peruse your grandparent's attics for hidden gems.
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Mismatched vintage tableware will add that chic French twist and even if the gold leaf pattern is wearing off, this will only add to the overall understated chic look.
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Try to make a habit of collecting corks and be brave (and cheeky!) enough to ask local bars and restaurants for theirs, as they likely throw them away anyway - the corks can be used to make super easy name settings with extra impact.
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A gorgeous DIY trick for your table plan is to get your hands on a gilded antique look mirror - a brilliant place to hunt one down is Facebook Marketplace and online trade sites like Gumtree; once you've found your perfect mirror this can be used as a backdrop for stationary set out for your table plan - all you will need is sticky back plastic and heavy weight craft paper, you can print the plan yourself or get creative with calligraphy.
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Finishing touches such as foliage and twinkling candles really set the decor off, especially when the wedding reception rolls on until after sunset - glass bottles can be filled with water and small leaves to create a simple but pretty centre piece detail.
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For floral decoration on a larger scale, try opting for wild flowers or cheaper supermarket bouquets split between mismatched containers, like golden syrup tins, coffee tars or anything else quirky you can access easily
and affordably. -
Another little tip would be to get crafty with your napkins; sticking to the French theme, we had to opt for linen - we would recommend purchasing a bulk amount of ivory linen and cutting even sections to fold (it doesn't matter if the edges are raw, this only adds to the effect!), adorn the linen with a small piece of lavender, the scent being emblematic of Provence, and tie with a length of jute string.
We are currently loving pearl and bead detailing on accessories - simple long veils adorned with beading are luxurious but paired back enough that they rarely overwhelm your dress of choice. French style is typically more relaxed whilst still flattering, which allows any accessories to shine while also leaving you comfortable the entire day (and night - for all that dancing!)
Feeling inspired?
We are too! There is a plethora of ideas and inspiration out there on Pinterest, Instagram and blogs - you would be amazed at how much you can squeeze out of your budget by becoming a little creative, but most importantly how fun it is to do in the first place! Saving on all those smaller details doesn't take away from the end result but leaves extra cash to be a little more extravagant on food, drinks and entertainment - after all, who wouldn't love dancing the night away with a full stomach and a glass of fizz in hand? The answer, nobody.
