In an age where the bridesmaids (and even the bride) might wear fairy wings to the altar, or exchange "I Do's" at the uppermost bend of a Six Flags roller coaster, some brides are going with one of the oldest wedding themes of all — Love.
The Love theme comes in many flavors. Endless Love, My Heart's Twin, Key to My Heart. Fall in Love, My Heart's Desire, Hearts Intertwined. Or for a beach twist, Oceans of Love.
Love-theme brides center their efforts around certain keynotes: tight nosegays of classic red roses, hearts (or double hearts), candlelight, classic crisp escort cards flanked by rose petals, or votives like alphabet blocks that spell out "LOVE" or "I DO," scattered around the cake table. Royal red chair covers under sweeping swags of tulle, or a sparkling heart-shaped solitaire? It's all in a day's work for Love-theme brides.
There are certain areas of the wedding where your love or hearts theme is especially easy to slip in. Invitations, for one. "LOVE" stamps on the envelopes. Bridal — and flower girl — necklaces and tiaras. Sweeping red bridesmaid gowns.
Guest book and pen. Cake table accents, cake toppers, and subtle heart embellishments on the cake itself. (Raspberry filling in a snow-
white cake is a romantic complement to your Love theme.)
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Gold Heart Design Candle
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Don't forget the heart-shaped chocolate-dipped strawberries. Or the placecard holders and wedding favors. And then, as the ceremony winds down, a romantic dove release. Or for even more drama —if your venue has a water feature — try swans, with their curvy necks that repeatedly carve compelling heart shapes from the air.
The hearts and flowers motif lends itself to all kinds of lovely touches. Try a heart-shaped Styrofoam form from any craft store, and cover it with real or silk roses. Hang a pair from romantic satin ribbons as a welcome wreath for your guests.
Or try this: cut a simple heart outline about 3 inches thick from a large piece of poster board, creating a template. Now you're set to create quick and stunning rose-petal heart patterns over your cake and sweetheart tables. Or build them from confetti, or tiny seashells — or for different and daring, try lentils or coffee beans. Votives can also be dramatically arranged in heart shapes if your wedding's at sunset or enjoys low lighting.
A savvy bride pays tribute to the sounds and scents of endless love. Nothing evokes romance better than the old-fashioned tea rose, with its powerful perfume. Modern roses are sleek, but underwhelming when it comes to scent — consult with your florist to find the perfect musky rose (but don't drive out your sensitive guests with too many strongly-scented blooms). Or as an alternative to flower power, try lightly misting your reception room with a high-quality spray featuring romantic notes of vanilla, amber and musk.
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