Lately many brides have told me that
they want to decorate their weddings in the “Shabby Chic” style.
This is a pretty, romantic style that evokes a “lived in” feel
elevated with beautiful and sometimes slightly weathered vessels and
props. A hallmark of this style is to utilize not just one, but
sometimes an eclectic array of vessels for your centerpieces such as
garden urns or groupings of mason jars, tea tins, mercury glass
vases, etc. Oftentimes, there are assorted props incorporated as
well. For example, an arrangement in a garden urn could be placed on
a stack of old books or perhaps would have Ivy cascading down and
then wrapped around an antique statue. The color palette can be
varied, but is usually a pleasant combination of White, Ivory, Dusty
Rose, Mauve and Blush. In the arrangements, “Silvery” greens,
like Artemisia and Seeded Eucalyptus or even Succulents are nice
additions and enhance the sense of agedness.
One common misconception with this look
is that it can be done inexpensively. To begin, collecting various
vessels and props – your florist might have some – is time
consuming and an obvious expense. Perhaps you have some pieces, maybe
heirlooms, that you would like to use. I would strongly warn against
it, as delicate, sentimental things can get broken or lost at an
event. Consider that centerpiece vignettes with multiple arrangements
and props means perhaps more flowers utilized and definitely more
time spent decorating. This means higher costs. Even when there are
fewer flowers in smaller vessels, there are still often multiples on
each table or display. Also the flowers that define this look are
more high-end flowers, and therefor more costly – Roses, Garden
Roses, Peonies, Hydrangea, Ranunculus.
But aside from the expenses and
efforts, “Shabby Chic” is a lovely look for a wedding. The
charming romanticism and playful whimsy make for attractive and
visually interesting decoration. And, of course, the usual soft color
palette lends itself well for weddings. It is a creative way to
acknowledge things past while looking to your bright, new future
together. So I say, in with the old!
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