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What’s Old is New: The All-White Wedding

Over the last few years, brides have waded knee-deep into C-O-L-O-R. And not just your mother's pastels, either — we're talking modern, kicky, in-your-face combos practically bordering on neon (orange or teal, hot pink or chartreuse, anyone?)

But now that we're here, something novel is happening. To wit, brides are reclaiming white. It's almost like this: now we know we can push the boundaries with impunity, it's suddenly attractive to pull back.

The phenomenon started with a big rise in all-white bridal bouquets, and a resurgence in what used to be sniffed at as "plain white wedding cake."

But now we're seeing more and more weddings flanked by white from start to finish, bringing to mind new beginnings, crisp flapping sails on a lake and fresh starched laundry in the breeze.

white wedding cakes

The Tao of White

How do we love white? Let us count the ways! On a summer afternoon, against the deep greens of park grounds, and framed by a deep blue sky.

White also lets you pile on textures and layers. What might look fussy or overdone with too many hues looks elegant, even architectural, in whites and ivories. So go ahead, lay on the details: fabrics, piping, scrolls and overlays.

Best of all? When you pore over your wedding album years later, you'll never think, "yeah, that was 2008." You'll see a timeless-looking celebration, not a period style.

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White-on-White Playbook

Indoor evening events call for their own special treatments, benefiting from a monochromatic rainbow of ivory, cream, latte and the palest hints of blue, pink or peach.

But blinding white reigns supreme on a bright summer day. Picture this: an outdoor setting that beckons with airy tents and grassy carpets. Bright white brings an elegant center to even to the most freeflowing of outdoor events ... even a clambake!

all-white weddings

Wedding Wear: Keeping it Light

The bride and groom will be resplendent in formal wear (black tuxes with white vests and ties are great for the groom, or white linen suits in summer), but what about the girls?

For that lighter-than-air effect, try dressing your 'maids in off-whites, pale pastels or even white. Distinguish their gowns with a simpler design, a different silhouette (for example, try a two-piece tea length dress with a fuller skirt), a contrasting sash or a distinctive fabric, like dupioni silk.

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Beguiling Blooms

Classic florals for the all-white bouquet? Avalanche or Bianca roses, classic callas, flirty peonies and stephanotis. Lilies of the Valley are timeless, while hydrangeas bring a touch of old-world charm. Tulips look modern, with their screaming bright whites.

Other great choices: white orchids or gerber daisies, dahlias or spider mums, lisianthus or Casablanca lilies.

Mix textures and types for a contemporary look, or hark back to the past: wrap a nosegay of roses in a shiny satin ribbon wrap studded with pearl pins. For the tables, full-sized calla lilies tucked in trumpet vases look absolutely elegant.

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A Few More Ways to Set the Stage

• Drape the grounds' most decorative shrubs and topiaries in white tulle or organza.

• Use floating lengths of organza to fashion pew markers and arch decor.

• Scatter heaps of white rose petals down a grassy aisle, with a few tinted petals thrown in for depth (such as pink or chartreuse).

• Scatter white parasols on the lawn for a festive look, or hand to your bridesmaids.

• Group votives at the base of your centerpieces, to bring flicker and life to tables inside a tent.

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12 Comments in 9 Threads.  Add a New Comment »

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janelle
wrote
on October 5th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
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can you do an all white wedding in October including brides maides

stacey
wrote
on October 5th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
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janelle,
a all white wedding is perfect anytime of the year. for october an all cream or ivory would look awesome too, since it is a warmer color.
*color board
*it looks fantastic!!

you could take all white flowers and add twists of grapevine through out decor to bring in a fall touch, if you chose.
*real weddings
*all ivory wedding
* board ( be sure to use different textures etc. to keep it from looking “stark”) this is vanilla white, gorgeous isnt it?!?

 
 
Sasha
wrote
on November 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
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My beau keeps suggesting that we have an all-white affair for our nuptials. As this is supposedly our day and things are to be all about us, I’m a little skeptical. Has anyone ever seen this done? If so, do you have any pics or links that would allow me to get an idea of how this might look?

stacey
wrote
on November 6th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
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sasha, i love an all white wedding. planning is super simple, you dont have to worry about colors. the all white wedding is on the traditional side. it hasnt always been about color. there was a time that they were common. i see them coming back. with an all white wedding you can let the food add the pops of color. it has a crisp look, and chic or old fashioned depending on your preference. just look how beautiful!! google image all white wedding, lots of pics! i wanted to give you some links for different moods from classy to destination to chic. to see how it looks and its breathtaking! and all white wedding( which unless you want dont have to apply to guests attire, it can still be a white wedding with colorful guests!) will continue to be my absolute favorite colors.

* Style me pretty: A white wedding ( this will always be one of my faves, do add pops of color in your cake.

* aisle dash: Inspiration board: White wedding

* Brides.com - Jodi and Aaron in Baja, Mexico ( this is another fave of mine)

* Fabulous White Wedding Inspiration (DIY!)

 
stacey
wrote
on November 6th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
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sasha , oops 4 got your pic!

 
 
stacey
wrote
on August 27th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

carmella, your in luck!! ebay, walmart, hobby lobby, or any sewing store should have what you need. dont be afraid to ask for a discount if your buying ALOT!!

 
Carmella
wrote
on July 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
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Hi !!! I would like to buy white satin, tulle and organza fabrics by the yard to decorate. Does anyone know where I can get large quantities of these fabrics at really good prices.
Forever grateful !!!

 
Janel
wrote
on July 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
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btw no one will be dressed in white, except me! lol I’m having accents of tiffany blue and silver.

 
Janel
wrote
on July 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
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Hi does anyone know where to get white lights to put in the corners of a banquet room for my all white wedding theme? Please help! Thanks :D

 
SamanthaK
wrote
on February 16th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Totally agree, Stacy, and you know what else makes me go “hmmm” is that ‘friend’ who shows up at a wedding in a white sundress or whatever. Even when the dress doesn’t look anything like the bride’s it still competes in the photos, and sometimes (in the photos) it’s even hard to tell who’s the bride. :-?

 
stacy
wrote
on February 16th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

I wouldnt mind having an all white wedding but I think that its the brides time to shine so she should be the one dressed in white.

 
Blake@FavorIdeas
wrote
on January 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm


I wanted to share this awesome decoration idea that knottie musickbride found, involving tying long white satin ribbons from tree branches and tying or pinning flower heads down the length: gerbers or orchids, for example.

And, I just had to include this gorgeous white cake from PinkCakeBox. If you live anywhere in the NY/NJ area you have to give PinkCakeBox a good hard look. Pastry designer Anne Heap (who worked with Ron Ben-Israel) is a true one of a kind and her constant new designs ALWAYS make me smile.

 
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