2008 Wedding Color Trends according to “The Bride and Bloom”
Fascination with Color At barely five feet tall, Nancy Liu Chin is bursting with larger-than-life creative energy that has won her legions of adoring and satisfied clients since she launched her floral design business in San Francisco five years ago. We‟re enjoying lunch at Axis Cafe a local bistro near Chin‟s Potrero Hill studio, and gabbing about what‟s hot and what‟s not in wedding style. “Because of my retail background, I have always looked toward fashion designers for my inspiration and envy the way designers create new collections every few months,” says Chin. “In my floral concepts and designs, I try to follow that same type of timeline. I am constantly thinking in three month cycles so that when I meet with a client and pitch them my idea for their wedding, it is a fresh take on what I think will be „in‟ fashion.” So Black and White Nancy Liu Chin remembers seeing Audrey Hepburn‟s, Sabrina, when she was in her late teens. “I will never forget that beautiful black and white gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina,” exclaims Chin. “It‟s so today – fresh, glamorous, and so relevant.” That strapless white gown with black threaded floral applications was created by French designer Givenchy and is one of the many iconic fashion pieces of that era. The influence of strong black and white detailing is driving the reemergence of black and white in wedding gowns as well as invitations, cakes, and especially flowers. Flowers strong in dark, black hues include „Black Baccara‟ roses, Chocolate Cosmos, dark eggplant Mini Calla Lilies and black Dahlias.
The New Pink is Lilac Pink has been very popular in recent years. But there is a new wave of pink which is more sophisticated and has a purple/blue base. This new pink, Nancy calls lilac. For spring, lilac tones should be softer. Using flowers like lilacs, sweet peas, hyacinth, stock, tulips, anemones are wonderful ways to incorporate lilacs. For fall, Nancy sees using deeper lilacs like „Cool Water‟ roses, mini calla lilies, dahlias, orchids, and such. Whatever you decide, lilac is wonderful. It‟s not as “cute” as pink but prettier than purple. For a modern twist, pair lilac with mocha brown. With white and celadon, lilac takes on a more classic feel.
Precious Metallics Another trend that Nancy Liu Chin sees is the return of metallic hues. In years past, it was all about platinum. Then silver. Now it can be anything – gold, copper, platinum, rose gold. They all work for 2008 with gold continuing to be strong. With the influence of metallic, it coincides with more glitzy décor for weddings. But Chin points out that it doesn‟t have to be as pretentious as it sounds. Multiple centerpieces and large table scapes do not have to look overdone as we‟ve seen in past trends. Using full and showy flowers like „Polo‟ roses, large Oriental Lilies, and ruffled-edge Peonies in multiples and tiered centerpieces can look elegant and lavish, without being too ornate and over-the-top. Larger size bouquets with soft, round edges and dressmaker details on the handle provide a sumptuous look.
Preppy Colors “It‟s a bit influenced by Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and perhaps, Hermes. You can‟t help but smile when you see preppy colors. They are so in,” states Chin. And there is nothing less preppy than the color combination of apple green, white and navy. It‟s the ultimate preppy colors. Nancy loves the combination of apple with navy because it‟s more relaxed, crisp, unusual, and democratic. And for once, these are wedding colors that the groom may actually like. Flowers and foliage that work with this color combination include spider mums, pom pom mums, „Super Green‟ roses, flax leaves, „Snowball‟ viburnum, green Zinnias, dark navy Delphiniums, and Irises. “It‟s been too long since navy was part of the wedding décor and I‟m thrilled that it‟s back.” shouts Chin. Citrus and Slate Most wedding experts will agree that wedding color trends for 2008 will include plenty of yellows, oranges and shades of silver. Though these colors may seem like fall shades, they will actually be used as wedding colors throughout the year. Pale yellows will be popular in spring, while bright lemon yellow will be used in the summer. As the weather turns cooler, the yellows will darken to mustard, green-yellow and beige-yellow. The trend is similar for oranges. In the spring, pastel peach will be popular with tangerine coming into play in the summertime. Many brides are choosing to use yellow and orange together in complementary hues, which is beautiful when used properly. Steel gray will replace chocolate brown as the accent color for 2008. Its many forms, including pewter, slate and steel, pair well with the bright contrast of bold citrus colors. Easily incorporated into your wedding via pewter bridesmaid dresses or steel gray linens, it can also be brought into your flowers using silvery tinted greenery such as Dusty Miller. This versatile metallic also pairs well with so many other colors. Try it with pale pink, eggplant purple or bright turquoise.
Article from “The Bride and Bloom” magazine, www.thebrideandbloom.com