Wedding Ideas - The Wedding Playbook

Trending Bridesmaid Dress Colour Palettes for 2024

Wedding Playbook — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:01:26 +0000

Curious about what colours are currently trending for bridesmaid outfits? Here we’re sharing which bright, neutral and pastel palettes will be topping the best dressed lists this year, along with plenty of well-styled wedding parties to share with yours for inspiration. And while they say fashion trends circle back, we can confirm peach taffeta circa 1986 remains where it belongs (shoved in a box at the back of the closet). Let’s get stuck into these stunning looks!

Thanks to our story sponsor AW Bridal for supporting the content we love to write to help you plan the wedding you want!

Their curated online shop lets you explore their beautiful and affordable range of bridesmaid dresses by colour, silhouette, fabric and details. Running extended sizes, they also offer a free customisation service for their gowns. Not sure which colour to go with or want to check your fabric choice? For a nominal fee you can order swatches to feel totally confident in your chosen looks. Shipping to USA, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany and Italy.

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Earthy Neutrals

Photography: Lauren Apel Photography via Shiraz Garden | Peyton Byford | Tayler Ashley via Junebug Weddings | Kylie Morgan Photography | Abby Rose Photography

Neutral hues are getting a rich earthy twist in 2024! Softer shades like sand, oatmeal and taupe make way for rust, ochre, sienna and chocolate this year. This autumnal palette is perfect for modern boho weddings and mix and match bridal party looks, so you can have fun styling your maids in these warm and understated colours.

Whether they remind you of a desert sunset at the height of summer or deciduous trees in the fall, earthy tones can be worn any time of year. Flattering on everyone, these chic neutrals are especially helpful for online shopping with a long distance gang!

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Loul, Lally, Stretto and Renee from AW Bridal

Popping Pinks

Photography: Abby Jiu via Washingtonian | Cassie Loree Photography via Brides of North Texas | Ashley Monogue Photography via Willow Lane Co | Abby Jiu via Martha Stewart Weddings | BrittRenePhoto via Green Wedding Shoes

Viva Magenta was Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2023 and what a happy burst of colour it is! A tropical favourite, this fuschia-red blend will be a standout accent for spring and summer weddings, working beautifully as a colour pop balanced with softer pink hues.

For a sweet candy fix, pair with white and blush or go full Malibu Barbie with contrasting coral and flamingo pink. And if you want to warm up your winter wedding, adding a dash of drama with this crimson shade for your bridesmaid dresses will do the trick!

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Mae, Enyo, Peitha and Mary from AW Bridal

Blue Hues

Photography: Danielle Bennink via The Knot | Lissa Ryan Photography via Washingtonian | Carmen Santorelli via Style Me Pretty | Cari Pilgrim Photography via Paper and Fig | Jenna Marie Weddings via The Knot

Bridesbabes in blue are still high on the colour hit list this year. With so many tranquil shades to choose from, blue is a firm favourite, from the merest hint of tint in icy tones to deeper hues of sapphire and cerulean.

The colour of calm stands alone or pairs beautifully with tangerine for summer celebrations and red and burgundy for winter weddings. Ramp up the saturation for statement looks for your wedding party or keep it ethereal in pretty pastel!

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Ellison, Morza, Kora and Flossie from AW Bridal

Shades of Green

Photography: Elsa Campbell Photography via And For Love | Nate Shepard Photo via Little White Dress | Lou Lou Memphis via Ivory Tribe | Kristie Carrick Photography via Hello May | Button Up Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Olive, forest and sage green are the clear winners for weddings this year. And as this natural colour palette represents new beginnings, it’s a meaningful choice for your bridesmaid dresses.

But how do you choose between these beautiful tones? Soothing sage green is a stunning pick for the warmer months, versatile olive green plays well with neutrals all year round and cool toned forest green is a darker hue you’ll spot most at winter weddings. Whether you style your crew in slinky silks or crushed velvets, matching your chosen shade to the foliage of your floral arrangements will ground your look.

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Dorsey, Maggie, Dey and Finna from AW Bridal

Modern Monochrome

Photography: Through The Glass Paris via MODwedding | IVASH Studio via Brides | Chris and Ruth Photography via Brides | Hayley Dolson Photo via Junebug Weddings | Jordan Voth

Some trends are timeless, and black and white will always be a classic! This high contrast look is an elegant choice for black tie weddings, especially when paired with minimalist blooms. Simple and sleek, it gives your bridesmaids plenty of opportunity to play with different silhouettes.

If you want your celebration to be an explosion of colour, black and white can be the perfect foil for putting your creative styling on show. Black adds moody drama to jewel toned weddings, while fresh white effortlessly complements any light and bright palette. If you’re mixing and matching bridesmaid dress styles, this is one time to ensure the shade is the same for a totally cohesive look!

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Nana, Adrienne, Lorraine and Merbok from AW Bridal

Photography: Darby Mitchell | Hannah Leigh

Outdoor Festival Bohemian Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:07:59 +0000

Want to know what we love most about this bohemian wedding inspiration? It’s not just the neutral, white and gold palette, the whimsical styling and festival vibe, but that it’s jam-packed with cool outdoor wedding ideas. There’s no shortage of amazing details from the moment this free-spirited couple step up to their dreamy ceremony setting to say their vows.

With a full weekend of festivities planned, comfy lounge spaces and lavish grazing platters are the perfect way to kick back at a cocktail style wedding reception. A vinyl DJ, vintage caravan bar, Kombi transport and outdoor cinema bring retro charm, while a crackling fire pit, swathes of fairy lights and a fire twirling performance add their own magic to the party atmosphere. A glamping tent kitted out with a queen bed to tumble into at the end of the night means there’s nowhere else you need to be!

Choose any or all of these ideas for your own celebration and it’ll be a wedding experience your guests will be talking about for a long time!

The Stationery

A boho wedding stationery suite on white deckle edge cotton paper features a fine line foliage motif and modern vintage serif font paired with flowing script. The suite consists of a wedding invitation, a card providing “The Details” on the reception, gifts and attire, a “Kindly Respond By” RSVP card, an escort card with the guest name and table number, and a dinner menu.

The Ceremony

This outdoor boho wedding ceremony consists of woven jute rugs for the aisle and two pillars of white circles in varying sizes adorned with macrame, feathers and flowers for the arbour. The setting is framed by bamboo folding chairs for guests and large white vases decorated with fringed macrame wraps that are filled with neutral dried floral arrangements accented with stems of white tulips, stocks, cotton and ruscus.

The Signage

A white fabric wedding welcome sign features the same fine line foliage illustration as the stationery suite and the William Shakespeare quote, “When I first saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew.” A cluster of bamboo lanterns and a woven basket of jute fans sits atop a macrame rug alongside the welcome sign.

The Fashion

Elora wears a white two piece lace boho wedding dress with a long sleeved cropped bodice and tiered maxi skirt. Her hair is worn in a romantic half up half down style with loose waves and a cascading fresh floral hairpiece.

Azriel wears an untucked white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and collar unbuttoned, light grey chinos and brown boots for a casual wedding day look.

The Bar

After the ceremony, guests are served drinks from a white vintage caravan bar and miniature row boat filled with beer on ice. This setting is styled with white and neutral floral arrangements to match the rest of the boho wedding decor.

The Entertainment

A DJ sets a laid-back party atmosphere with the retro sounds of vinyl records. Two neutral geometric fabric panels feature on the front of his white timber DJ station, which is topped with an amber glass table lamp with bare Edison bulb.

The Lounge Spaces

The outdoor cocktail style wedding reception features a number of eclectic seating areas for guests. Here, white bean bags encircle a natural round jute rug. A small white round wooden coffee table and rustic white stacked crates complete the setting, which are decorated with macrame runners, a pillar candle in a clear glass hurricane lantern and small vases of white and neutral flowers, feathers and foliage.

Situated beneath a large tipi is a rattan lounge setting on a seagrass rug surrounded by fringed fabric stools, tasseled pillows and floor cushions in neutral tones. A matching rattan coffee table is topped with white bamboo tealight holders and fresh blooms in white vases. Potted plants in wicker baskets add lush greenery to this cool space.

The Bouquet

The bride carries a beautiful white monochromatic wedding bouquet which features ranunculus, roses, fern, silver dollar eucalyptus, ruscus, ming fern, leatherleaf fern, mini gypsophila and neutral rice flower accents tied with champagne ribbon.

The Dining Experience

A naked tipi wrapped in fairy lights and sprays of boho florals is set for picnic style grazing. Beneath a beaded and fringed chandelier sits layered rugs, scattered cushions in neutral and white textures and a low table set for eight. This is topped with a macrame runner and clusters of white vessels displaying fresh posies.

The place settings feature gold cutlery, a natural woven placemat topped with white plateware and neutral napkins tied with cord and feathers. A generous antipasto platter placed in the centre of the table is ready for the happy couple and their crew!

The Dessert Display

For the boho wedding dessert display, a bamboo frame is dressed with an open weave macrame garland and wild neutral and white floral arrangements top right and bottom left. The variety of desserts offers something for everyone, with cakes, donuts, cake pops and macarons presented on a matching bamboo bar decorated with a macrame table runner, white bamboo tealight holders and neutral fabric bunting.

The Wedding Cake

A two tiered wedding cake sits on a clear glass cake plate. The top tier features smooth white buttercream with a trail of gold leaf, while the bottom tier features textured gold buttercream. The cake is decorated with artful sprays of white dried silver dollar eucalyptus, ruscus, scabiosa pods and skeleton leaves, blush dried rice flower and fresh white roses, tulips and ranunculus.

A second single tier white buttercream wedding cake features bold chevron texture, dried orange slices, whole pear, blueberries and assorted feathers.

The Glamping Tent

A bronze, neutral and white balloon installation frames the entrance to the couple’s glamping tent, styled with layered bohemian rugs, throw pillows, a queen bed, camp chairs, fabric garlands, wooden furnishings and wicker decor.

The Dance Floor

This loved-up couple shares their first dance on a timber dance floor beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights and in front of a large tipi styled with eclectic lounge seating.

The Magic Makers

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Bright Mid-Century Summer Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 01:59:45 +0000

The refreshing palette of this summer wedding inspiration can be best described as when the sun meets the water, combining vintage blues, orange hues and flashes of red.

A signature of mid-century style, sunbursts feature throughout this vibrant wedding concept. The motif makes its debut on the stationery suite, wows as the wedding ceremony backdrop and marks each place setting at the reception.

As for the happy couple, they deliver a modern take on retro with their wedding day style. The groom accessorises his textured grey suit with a bold paisley print tie and floral pocket square, while the bride wears two sleek silhouettes and a 50’s inspired birdcage veil with oversized bow.

After vows and celebratory cocktails, it’s time to dine! The wedding reception tables are laden first with contrasting linens, then gold beaded chargers and cutlery, embossed glass tumblers, vibrant bud vases and tonal tapered candles. The seasonally driven menu is also full of colour – its presentation as much a work of art as the decor.

The wedding cake continues the mid-century theme with its powder blue tier, cascading blooms and golden rays. Once cut, it reveals a deliciously light sponge cake layered with fresh strawberries and cream – a dessert synonymous with summer.

Check out the complete collection of bright mid-century summer wedding ideas!

The Magic Makers

Photography: Match Made Photography | Venue & Catering: Sandstone Point Hotel | Planning & Styling: Forever A Moment Events | Stationery: Sunny Roots Creative Co. (Design) & Paper Lust Co (Printing) | Flowers: Rosewood Flower Studio | Decor Hire: Ever After Weddings & Events, The Hour Glass House & Adorn Event Hire | Ceremony Furniture: Willow Wood Hire | Reception Seating: Brandition | Linen: Simmons Linen Hire | Cake: Cake by Susanne | Wedding Dress: Sentani Bridal and Evening Wear (Ceremony) & Oh Hello Bride (Reception) | Accessories: Jasmine Jones New York Accessories | Hair & Makeup: Lauren Cooper Makeup | Menswear: Wil Valor | Models: Zoya Santilli & Joseph Pattison

Ready to create your own wedding vision? Our Wedding Vision Builder is the best way to do it! This step-by-step guide is filled with questions for you and your love to answer together to create a picture of the wedding you really want. It will help you set your priorities, discover your dream venue, reveal your wedding style and gather all your ideas in one place so you’re ready to share with your family, friends and suppliers. Get your digital download for $5!

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Intimate Modern Wedding Inspiration in Rust, Stone and Black

Wedding Playbook — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 22:27:56 +0000

Intimate weddings don’t need to be small on details! This modern wedding inspiration shows just how beautiful a party of 12 can be. Prepare to fall in love with this romantic ceremony, followed by signature cocktails at a spectacular bar (we’ll take a Lime & Lychee, please) and an atmospheric private dining experience.

We’re loving the relaxed elegance of Paris’ wedding dress paired with a magnificent emerald engagement ring and hand painted jacket perfect for those newlywed portraits. Eduard is also suavely suited in navy with a feathered boutonniere to match.

Rust, stone and burnt orange hues feature throughout their wedding styling, from the stationery suite to the velvet lounge setting, candlelit reception table and wild sprays of dried florals. Anchored by black and white, this earthy palette brings warmth to metallics to create a chic celebration accented with bohemian textures. A delectable duo of couture cakes decorated with chocolate tree bark concludes this night to remember!

Ready to create your own wedding vision?

Our Wedding Vision Builder is the best way to do it! This step-by-step guide is filled with questions for you and your love to answer together to create a picture of the wedding you really want. It will help you set your priorities, discover your dream venue, reveal your wedding style and gather all your ideas in one place so you’re ready to share with your family, friends and suppliers. Get your digital download for $5 (USD).

Buy your Wedding Vision Builder for $5 (USD)

Watch this love story unfold!

The Magic Makers

Buy your Wedding Vision Builder ($5)

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Romantic Riverside Boho Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:00:39 +0000

Here’s some boho wedding inspiration to brighten your day in a riverside setting that’s a relaxed party lover’s dream! A romantic outdoor ceremony flows into a tipi reception with a bountiful grazing table. Warm tones feature throughout, starting with the stunning peach and coral stationery suite and three-tiered cake with its marbled texture and deckle edge. Latte, tangerine and sunshine yellow blooms pop against textured foliage and wicker details. We love the crystal accents in real life couple Nick and Freya’s wedding day accessories, including the embellished jean jacket announcing the bride’s new wifey status! Thanks to the talented crew for sharing this one with us.

Ready to create your own wedding vision?

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Let’s take a closer look at the beautiful story behind this vibrant bohemian mood board.

The Magic Makers

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Industrial Chic Wedding Inspiration in Berry Hues

Wedding Playbook — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:00:19 +0000

With three smoking bridal looks, ceremony decor that can transform any backdrop and a dreamy reception setting, this industrial chic wedding inspiration in berry, burgundy and blush is the epitome of effortless style!

Ready to create your own wedding vision?

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Invitations

A gold wax seal and flowing calligraphy on torn edge stationery, delivered in a rich burgundy envelope – what a way to wow your wedding guests when they collect the mail!

Ceremony

An architectural detail like this exposed brick facade becomes a warm-toned ceremony backdrop with just the right adornments! A wire frame anchors the wild florals, where wheat and pampas grass meet roses and dahlias. Sculptural brass candleholders flank the ceremony space, ready to cast their romantic glow as the light dims.

The bride’s couture wedding gown features flowing streams of sequins, floral applique and a plunging back. A high chignon and subtle pearl earrings are the perfect pairing, while studded heels are just as well matched as wedged sneakers – no need to sacrifice comfort or style!

The groom’s smart casual look is all about earthy neutrals, with a light linen jacket and tan chinos worn with a crisp white shirt, perfect for a summer ceremony.

Reception

A well styled table is truly a work of art, and this is no exception! Every carefully considered detail is added layer upon layer, selected for its shape, texture and complimentary tone. Black bentwood chairs pair with soft linens, ceramic plateware nestles between beaded chargers and fringed napkins topped with natural agate slices featuring elegant script. Flickering candlelight plays off pleated glass and gold accents, while figs and plums sprouting from brass tubs filled with eclectic blooms bring a bountiful vibe to this warm and inviting wedding setting!

The ethereal blush skirt, appliqued bodice and tulle shoulder ties of the bride’s reception gown are enhanced with a delicate headpiece and teardrop earrings to complete this romantic style.

With the formalities over, sleek and chic is the memo for the after party! A beaded lace top with keyhole back detail and tailored white pant means all your dance moves are on the table.

The Magic Makers

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Wildly Romantic Barn Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 23:49:15 +0000

Taking its cue from the barn setting at a beautiful country estate, this woodland wedding inspiration is a heart stealer! Moody and muted, we love the organic ceremony styling with blush and burgundy florals amid sculptural foliage sprouting from the ground to frame the vows. A natural stone crown for the bride and wine coloured jacket for the groom add a regal touch!

Chic modern details flirt with rustic romance at the reception in the pairing of black plateware, gold cutlery and gilded minimalist stationery with brass candlesticks, crystal glassware and a flowing fabric table runner. Shades of red, tangerine and apricot feature in the untamed arrangements, with gourmet cheeses and fruits ready for a lush feast.

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Take a closer look at these stunning details!

The Magic Makers

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Natural Boho Beach Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:00:06 +0000

Drawing inspiration from its wild coastal setting, this textural boho wedding inspiration flows from secluded beach ceremony to laid back reception. Styled in chic neutrals, it’s a masterclass in transforming spaces with sculptural florals and statement furniture pieces. You might even be convinced to step out in two wedding dresses after seeing the divine looks we have in store!

The Ceremony

The earthy hues of sheltering cliffs are reflected in the natural pillars which frame this seaside ceremony space. Artfully created with dried palm fronds and dotted with white orchids for a touch of luxe, the natural vibes continue with bamboo chairs for guests to line the aisle.

The Reception

Layered raw materials, cane furniture, soft weave fabrics and carved wooden candleholders combine to bring a relaxed and intimate feel to this lounge and dining setting. We love the gold cutlery paired with woven placemats and linen napkins, as well as the end-of-table arrangement which connects each styled space with its blush, pink and burgundy blooms.

The Magic Makers

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Violet Sunset Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Playbook — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 22:32:59 +0000

We’re loving the tropical sunset palette and modern bohemian vibe of this gorgeous wedding inspiration! Neutral pampas grass and dried palm fronds pair with raspberry pink roses, peach dahlias, dusty rose orchids and tangerine amaranthus for a sculptural ceremony arbour.

Its striking circular shape carries through to ombre purple menus presented on sleek grey plateware in a lush garden setting for the reception. A table runner of draped fabric, gold candlesticks and exotic blooms finishes with a caramel drip wedding cake topped with figs, grapes and floral accents.

Ready to create your own wedding vision?

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Here’s a closer look at all of these beautiful details!

The Team

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Romantic European Inspired Wedding Ideas

Wedding Playbook — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 20:00:48 +0000

Old world romance is captured in dreamy hues, antique details and statement gowns within the walls of a European-inspired wedding venue.

A vintage sweetheart table hosts footed vases overflowing with blush and burgundy florals, trailing ivy and fresh clusters of grapes, cherries and blackberries. Blooming sugar flowers in wine, lilac and champagne tones cascade down a tiered fondant cake for dessert.

Three brides step out in fairytale wedding dresses featuring intricate floral embroidery, translucent tulle and showstopping detail. With flowing veils and sparkling headpieces for their hair, sultry eyes and nude lips complete their enchanting looks.

The Team

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