Photo: Shannen Natasha Weddings
The romantic and hauntingly beautiful canals of Venice serve as the perfect backdrop and inspiration for the perfect wedding color palette. Take a nod from the storied architecture and art that fill this romantic Italian city and add details to your day that feel old-world with a modern twist. This wedding palette and vibe seems to work best for weddings that are more on the formal side (think: men in tuxes or dark suits, lots of candlelight, martinis), but can also work with less formal weddings with the right commitment to details!
To start, choose a cake that is crisp and clean but with one delicate detail that feels baroque-esque without going too over the top. This white and gold cake from Erica O’Brien works perfectly, as the intricate thin bands at the base of each tier echo molding you might find in one of Venice’s beautiful and historic hotels.
Photo: Getty Images; Courtesy of Designers; Colleen Dyad; Emily Wren Photography
A wedding inspired by Venice also calls for moodier, deeper colors — think burgundy, deep teal, inky midnight. Rich fabrics and textiles also up the Italian vibe — think luxe velvets like this Velvet Raptor guest book (and psst: the monogram on the front is key — it adds to the old-world feel!), silks, and gilded details. Register or buy a special cake server that can remind you of your special day for years to come, and this pair from BHLDN perfectly harkens an almost Shakespearean style in an of-the-moment fashion.
For fashion, try for something a little unconventional (à la this gold, beaded Monique Lhuillier beauty) with a classic kitten heel in velvet to keep up the chic La Dolce Vita-ness. Beaded gold earrings on your bridesmaids will complement your dress in a subtle way, plus you’ll be giving them an accessory they’ll actually want to wear again (bonus points for you!).
See More: Winter Brides Will Love This Icy-Chic Wedding Color Palette Inspired by Aspen, Colorado
Carry a bouquet that feels lush and fresh, mixed with deep red and white dahlias and ranunculus, and plenty of greenery — maybe even some olive leaves. Have your florist tie it together with a thick silk ribbon with loose, long, ends to add to the romanticism. Finally, for your escort cards, silk tassels with classically intricate calligraphy can double as your favor — guests can take the tassel home and use it on a keychain or looped on a purse strap. Allora! All the ingredients you need for a moody and romantic, jewel-toned wedding.
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1. “Sabine” tassels, price upon request, Samuel & Sons; 2. Earrings, $250, Sachin & Babi; 3. Dress, price upon request, Monique Lhuillier; 4. Custom journal, $140, Velvet Raptor; 5. Shoes, $195, Via Spiga available at Nordstrom; 6. Serving set, $68, BHLDN 7. Cake, $12 per slice, Erica O’Brien Cake Design; Dahlia, garden, rose, and anemone bouquet, $300, Fall Flowers