, ,

Bridget’s French-Inspired Wedding, Part II

Bridget’s gorgeous French-inspired wedding has me drooling.  Let’s tackle her two questions.  First, the invitations!  Ignoring color for a bit, because that’s the easy part, I would choose to incorporate some architectural details into the printing.  The French love to use swirls and complex graphics, and those fit in *so* nicely with the board she has put together.  Here are a few examples of stationery utilizing architectural details:

architectural.jpg
Clockwise from top left: Ceci NYMarie Labbancz PhotographyWeddingbee, Alannah Rose via Polka Dot Bride, Ceci NY, The Green Vase, Dauphine Press, Manifesto Letterpress via Poppytalk

The slate gray is such an amazing color of ink that Bridget couldn’t go wrong using that on her invitations.  Also, I think that since she has picked those gorgeous wine colored bridesmaids’ gowns, she can incorporate a bit more of the purple tones into her palette.  Since she’s on a budget (who isn’t?) gocco printing or offset printing would be the most cost-effective, but I completely am head-over-heels for the use of letterpress in this old-world style theme if she can at all pull it off!  Bridget, try contacting some independent Etsy sellers, or depending on where you live there could be DIY letterpress classes or shops who allow you to print your own invitations, such as Hollanders in Michigan.  I especially love this stationery set for you because to me it completely captures the spirit of your inspiration board. 

cecibridget.jpg
Images via Ceci NY

Now on to the theme question.  I don’t think you’ve gone too far at all.  I actually think you can carry forward some more of the French theme without going overboard.  The key to not going too far is having yourself and a great friend who will be honest with you be a barometer.  Every single thing you do should be cohesive, but shouldn’t be matchy-matchy.  There is definitely a fine line.  Every time you make or buy something ask yourself if it fits in with your inspiration board but if it completely matches something in the board don’t include it! 

Also, I love the chalkboard detail in your board and thought of you when I saw this blog post!

chalk1_2.jpg

You could use these for a whole host of things – wrap them around your wine bottles to indicate table numbers, use them as menu item cards if you’re having a buffet, as escort cards for your bridal party, to assign reserved seating for your ceremony… the list goes on and on!

I hope this helped – let us know what you decide!

E.