Wedding Inspiration: Colorblocking

If you are a fellow fashionista, colorblocking is a familiar idea. Popular for the last few years, bold, contrasting colors on dresses, shoes, and handbags can be found at almost any retail store in the country. But bringing this trend to weddings is a fresh take on a familiar concept! Brides already love to incorporate color into their weddings, but going all out with bold stripes of bright colors is fresh, modern and fun.

Take a look at our pictures below for some inspiration on how to seamlessly bring this trend from the runway to your reception.

These dresses by Jim Hjelm (#2528) make colorblocking easy, and come in a varitey of color combinations!
Order these dresses at Miss Ruby Boutique.

These girls are bridal colorblocking perfectionists!
Photo found here.

A dress with two contrasting colors will make your Maid of Honor stand out in the crowd.
Photo found here.

If you don't want to go all out, colorblock heels are an adorable accent.
Buy these shoes here.

It's not just for the ladies! Any groom would love to sport a tie like this one.

We're loving the idea of mixing colors AND types of flowers in a bouquet.
Photo found here.

Tropical colors make these invitations fresh and fun.
Check out deepbluesea's etsy store for more.

This table setting is bright and cheery - perfect for an outdoor wedding on the beach.
Photo found here.

These subtle shades of pink make for a delicious looking cake. We also love their cake topper - so original!
More pictures from this wedding here.

This bridal arch isn't for the timid! The rainbow of colors (and her shoes!) are over-the-top but still work together.
Photo found here.

Destination: A Costa Rica Wedding

With the winter dragging on, it's nice to be able to close your eyes and pretend to be somewhere (anywhere!) warm. If you are planning on a destination and have your sights set on somewhere tropical, the gorgeous country of Costa Rica is the perfect location. Here are some pictures from around the web of brides who decided to take their wedding all the way to Central America in search of sun and sand. Hopefully you can gain some inspiration, and escape in your mind away from this long Wisconsin winter!

These breezy yellow bridesmaids dresses are adorable!
More pictures from this wedding here.

Use a map as an invitation or itinerary for your guests!
Photo found here.

This sign lets everyone know you're having a fun and laid back wedding!
Photo found here.

Tropical print bridesmaids dresses are a must -
and we love their flip flops! Perfect for dancing all night long!
More photos from this wedding here. 

Costa Rica isn't all about the beaches, you can take advantage of it's gorgeous foliage too!
Photo found here.

Palm trees in the background just scream, "beach wedding"
Photo found here.

This wedding arch right on the beach is so picturesque.
Picture found here.

Paper lanterns carry a laid-back vibe to your reception space.
Photo found here.

The Dragonfly Restaurant in Tamarindo is a perfect place for a rehearsal dinner or reception!
More information here.

Disappear into the sunset with your groom after a picture perfect wedding!
More photos of this wedding here.

The Do's and Dont's of Destination Weddings

Having a wedding in an exotic location is definitely a growing trend. It may not be for everyone, but if you are looking to have an unforgettable wedding/vacation experience, here are some tips for successfully planning a destination wedding.

DO: Take advantage of deals.
     We recently had a bride in our boutique who was planning a destination wedding in Nicaragua by using Groupon Getaways. Coupon sites such as Groupon Getaways or LivingSocial Escapes usually have excellent deals on exotic locations, and it can save you and your guests a lot of money. Just be sure you read the fine print, as these sites sometimes have limited travel dates.

DON'T: Have unrealistic expectations.
     This may seem obvious, but being in another country is not like being in the United States. People abroad will speak different languages, have different traditions, or different ideas about what a wedding should look like. Lines of communication might get crossed, but don't let that ruin your big day! Remember, you picked a destination wedding because you wanted something different, so remember to embrace the differences.

DO: Pick the right dress!
   We know all about this. If you are having your wedding on a beach, fabrics like chiffon and light silks will be much more comfortable than a heavy satin ball gown. More traditional locations, like European cathedrals, may have a dress code that requires sleeves. Remember to consider the climate and location when dress shopping.

DON'T: Try to control everything.
     A bride who was planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas said that the venue was perfect for her because all she had to do was "show up and everything would be taken care of." Planning a wedding hundreds of miles away means that you will not be able to control every detail. Try to think of this as just less work for you to do!

Here are some gorgeous pictures from destination weddings across the globe! Have any other tips about destination weddings? Be sure to post them in our Comments!

Real Wedding

For Megan and Bryan's breathtaking beach wedding, gorgeous Mexico made the perfect backdrop for their big day. We're loving these Jim Hjelm bridesmaids dresses in a laid-back luminescent chiffon, and the way the coral color pops against the bright, blue sky.

Bridesmaids wearing Jim Hjelm 5117 in coral luminescent chiffon

 

Real Wedding

Bride wearing Aria 186KB in Silk Shantung