Pattern Up Your Party

Photo courtesy of SAS Becker Creative Photography

Now, when we say “patterns,” we’re not talking about china.  We love when our clients transcend the stand-alone color palette for their wedding by infusing their décor with damask, swirls, caning and, even, textured fabrics.  It adds character and class. 

Patterns aren’t limited to stripes and polka dots, nor are these designs restricted to the preppy look any more. Alternating white and pale pastel stripes, and color-on-color oversized dots can be used to evoke a vintage look.  Meanwhile, wide stripes in a deep tone-on-tone presentation offer a sophisticated impression.  Of course, we also love damask in every size and color, especially because it’s fabric inspired, and goes so well with rich florals.

Photo courtesy of Wren and Field Photography

For sure, patterns can infuse traditional affairs with unexpected elegance and more casual or outdoor events with sophisticated fun. However, be aware that patterns can easily go awry. So, when you find yourself devoted to a design, refer to these rules for keeping your stripes straight and your cirques from swirling out of control.

• Find inspiration. For a bride, this can be as easy as looking at your gown or talking through your and your finance’s personal style with your event designer.
• Resist a rainbow connection. Don’t mix pastel and primaries, or vibrant with muted tones.
• Be mindful of your color palette.  Use related colors to tie the patterns together. Choose distinctively different designs-- like a wide stripe and a paisley in the same palette.

And now you probably want to know the right places for patterns in your party décor. Read-on you reception renegade:

• To start, the place and medium can be unexpected.  Let a pattern in on the action with your bouquets.  Blooms themselves can bring a design to the table, like the Vanda orchid, which appears to have polka dotted petals. Or, confer with your floral designer regarding ordering a custom ribbon to wrap your stems.
• Then remember, your stationery can say a lot about your event’s style, so it’s the perfect place to debut a damask with a specialty paper. Talk with your stationery designer about paper selections and/or designing a logo for your event that uses an element that you’d like to feature throughout your affair—from invitations and table cards, to a dance floor wash and linens. 
• Finally, flowers and décor are primed for pretty patterns. Talk with your floral/event designer about playing with (or on) the patterns from your stationery suite for to accent your room décors—from the linens and centerpieces, to the place settings and table cards—your reception offers a myriad of marvelous opportunities to infuse patterns and, subsequently, character.