Lookbooks | Fade to Grey Mens Suits

Groomsmen lookout! This one is for the guys, who are often left out on wedding blogs. Lookbooks has lots of ideas and inspiration for groomsmen attire. I currently have two clients where the men will be decked out in grey suits.  I'm finding that tuxedos are becoming a thing of the past.  So because of my two clients, I'm dedicating this Blog post to them.  Can't wait to see you handsome men!

Look 1

• Fordham 3-piece suit in pale grey from Reiss
• Bottega Veneta grey silk tie with polka dot print from Matches

Look 2

• Black and grey dogstooth Black label suit, slim cut with two button fastening from Charles Tyrwhitt
• Turnbull and Asser hexagon pattern silk tie in shades of grey and black from Mr Porter

Look 3

• Richard James two-button sharkskin wool suit from Mr Porter
• Grey herringbone bow-tie from Charles Tyrwhitt

Wedding Inspiration: Oooh and Aaah Factor!

Question: Beverly my wedding is going to be simple, but elegant.  My mom and I would like to know how to incorporate the "Oooh and Aaah" factor into a simple, but elegant wedding?

Answer:  This is a great question.  Whether you are having a wedding that is simple, elaborate, elegant or plain you should always incorporate the "Oooh and Aaah" factor into your wedding.  What that is will be based on your budget. 

If  you have a sizable budget to work with, you can go with an elaborate ice sculpture so long as it is not going to sit outdoors in the summer months.  I also like the idea of illuminated bubble bars. If you want your focal point to be on your centerpieces, go with very tall floral arrangement with crystals and and lights shining down on each centerpiece.  Or have a lighted dance floor.  If you plan to have steak, chicken or salmon, also have a food station set alone that serves sliders, tiny hot dogs in a blanket (junk food) or an ice cream bar or a candy station/dessert station, etc.

http://www.yumsugar.com/Yummy-Links-From-Dessert-Bars-Food-T-Shirts-7283815

http://www.theimperialpartyrentals.com/Party_Rental_LA_picture.html

If you have a modest budget, you can use up lights around the room.  Use candles as your centerpieces that sit on mirror plates.  If it's a winter season wedding, place white crystals on your place cad table to make it look like snow. 

http://www.squidoo.com/ChristmasCenterpieces

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding Inspiration: Place Cards Used As Wedding Favors

Here's a great idea on how you can save money by killing two birds with one stone (well not really killing any birds...just a phrase).  My fabulous clients came up with a brilliant way to use their place cards also for wedding favors.  They used mini champagne bottles as place cards and the wedding favor.  Keeping with the theme, they used a large bottle of champagne as the table number.  The guest loved the idea of taking champagne home and it was definitely a change from the usual candy, coasters, etc.  This idea was a major hit with the guest and definitely a conversation piece. Be creative and have fun planning your wedding!

Photographed by: Donald Norris Photography

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding Inspiration Board: Vintage Theme - Color Palette: Soft Blue, Teal Blue, White and Cream

Dress can be found at http://my-weddingdream.com

Vintage Couch can be found at http://cafeinteriordesign.info

Wedding Bouquet can be found at http://kaboodle.com

Vintage Invitations can be found at http://invitationcrush.com

Vintage Ceremony Chairs can be found at http://elizabethannedesigns.com/

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding Inspiration Board: Urban Wedding Theme - Color Palette: Red, Black and White

The other day, I met with a friend and we were discussing the beautiful inspiration boards I see featured on so many wedding blogs. I got to thinking, “What is an Inspiration Board”? 

Well, it's anything you want it to be! But, basically it's a photo collage that inspires you, drives you, helps you reach your goals, keeps you focused, organizes, makes you happy or just makes you laugh! 

I look at it as a small work of art made up of fabulous wedding items that link incredibly together.

So today, I decided to create my first inspiration board.  Below are the 4 steps that made this happen.

Step 1: Think of a Theme

Think of something—no matter how abstract—that you’re drawn to or which holds a special meaning. It could be a wedding location, song, food, painting, anything.  I decided to go with an Urban Wedding Theme. It's been something I've wanted to do for a while.

Step 2: Collect Inspiration

This is the fun part. Over the course of a week or two, start collecting anything that makes you think of your focus point and put it into a little folder or envelope.  You can even go to Google image searches and stroll through sites like Amazon, Overstock, Crate & Barrel, etc.  If you get a catalog in the mail, cut out related pieces that you're drawn to. 

Once you’ve got a nice little collection, lay them all out in front of you. My collection is small, but it will do.

Step 3: Focus

Now that you have it all right in your face, it’s a lot easier to start answering some questions about your theme that you can translate into something much more tangible. The questions I've come up with are a great way to put a spotlight on what you’re really drawn to—and what might be perfect for a wedding!

Is there a color story that pops out at you?  With my small little collection of inspiration, the color story is Red, Black and White. These colors will work with everything from invitations and flowers to suits and table decor. Bright lights, big wedding!  A Red, Black and White palette blends classic elegance with dramatic fashion - absolutely perfect for a downtown, big city lights wedding. 

Are there any textures or fabrics that show up again and again? Satin shows up a lot in the pictures I collected!

Is there anything else that stands out? I can’t help but notice the crystals in the bouquet, the bride’s dress and floral centrepiece.  Also, when you think of red, you have to have red roses.  Lastly, to add that “pop” the Damask on the Save the Date and wedding cake really stands out and pulls the solid Red, Black and Whites all together.

Is there anything you feel is missing from your collection of inspiration? When I think of Red, Black and White, I think of GLAMOUR, CLASSIC AND ELEGANCE. Adding some bright lights and maybe even a black or white city skyline on the invitations may be nice. Also, I would probably drape some light weight fabric in the ceiling. Even with a relatively small list of focus points like this one, you can gain a lot of direction.

Step 4: Shop til You Drop

Here's another the fun part, finding "The Dress".  The first thing the bride should do is look for a wedding gown. Try to find one that is reminiscent of the theme.

So. What do you think? I always thought creating an inspiration board would be hard work, but it wasn't too difficult or time consuming? I think that creating an inspiration board is a great way to help you and your clients get focused!  Stay tuned for my next inspiration board. I can't wait!

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698