Even when a bride opts for the traditional country club or ballroom reception, she still hopes to create a distinctive look in what can be an impersonal setting. David Caruso, owner of Dynamic Events, suggests focusing on fine linens, textures, bold floral arrangements and fun color combinations to create a rich, sumptuous design. “This was created for a professional couple who have a high sense of style and class,” he says of his imaginary clients. “They have a prestigious mix of friends and family used to high-end experiences. They wanted an ‘adult affair’ that promoted their love for fine things and their modern lifestyle.” Often, with these types of clients, they’re entertaining business associates at their wedding in addition to friends and family, so attention to details are even more critical.
“The trendy colors—fern green and purple wine berry—bring the style more up-to-date and modern while still being appropriate for the setting,” he says. The pattern of the damask table cloth is repeated in the stationery elements including the invitation, menu card, place card and favor box wrapping. Layers of various patterns of fine china create a more personal look. China can either be provided by the club, with an accent plate providing a personal element, or it can be purchased or rented and brought in, he says.
Warm, bright colors are repeated in the floral centerpieces of amaranthus, hydrangea, roses in various colors and yellow celosia, anchored in pieces of fine crystal. In fact, crystal in several patterns plays a strong role in the tabletop design. Gold—coming back into vogue—as well as accents of the wine and green are also found in the tabletop settings.
Design inspiration comes from looking at retail merchandising, fashion trends, Pantone color reports, magazines, travel trends and industry events, Caruso says. “My goal is to never do the same design over again. Guests that have attended one of my weddings will never see the same exact element at another wedding. It is about remaining fresh, innovative and on top of the trends so that my clients are consistently getting custom, one-of-a-kind wedding designs that reflect their personal taste and style.”
This look: Mixing and matching china patterns create a more personal look: white dinner plates from George Watts & Sons, salad plates and tea cup and saucer from Anthropologie. A classic damask pattern and colors inspire the invitations by Paper Envy as well as the linens selected from BBJ Linens. Crystal accents, including these candlesticks from Anthropologie and the urn from George Watts and Sons add sparkle. The menus from Paper Envy were created en suite with the invitations to repeat the reception theme. Big bows on favor boxes from Broadway Paper add a pop of color. (Location: Bishop’s Bay Country Club in Middleton)