With the arrival of the warmer weather, it’s time to dust off the sandals, pop the champagne and shift our focus onto outdoor summer weddings.
We’re embracing the sunshine and what better way to celebrate than with bold and bright coloured tones.
Here at The Maharani Diaries, we are all about colour and pushing the style boundaries. Some of our favourite hues include vibrant reds, pinks and sparkly golds and truth be told we can’t imagine an Indian wedding without these colours and more! The beauty of South Asian weddings is that you aren’t limited with ideas. It’s time to experiment with diverse colour combinations. Variety is the spice of life after all.
All this talk of summer days prompted us to think about ways in which to liven up your wedding celebration.
Most recently, we have discussed in some detail about the growing trend of couples infusing more personality into their wedding décor. We don’t know about you, but we are totally on board with this and it begins with the flowers.
Our theme for today is whimsical chic. We are drawing inspiration from summer florals to create a fun, contemporary yet elegant design concept which features a medley of oranges, pinks, reds, green and golds.
So often you see or hear wedding stylists talking about the must have colours for your wedding day. We’re here to break free from the mould and embrace the colours of the season.
It may sound cliché, but South Asian weddings in the summer months are nothing without multi-coloured centrepieces and kitsch décor accents. Just imagine impressing your guests the minute they enter your outdoor wedding reception with cute as rajasthani umbrellas cascading down the trees! They won’t be able to rub the smile off their faces.
To add to the ambience, a welcome fountain or cart full of chilled rosé or champagne could be the perfect ‘ice-breaker’ for the out of town guests who have travelled a distance. Rosé is the most happening drink of the season. Not only is it refreshing, but it also pairs so well with appetisers. Serve it on its own or in a signature cocktail.
Speaking of appetisers.. Rainbow dhokla squares anyone? Wow, we really need to figure out the recipe for this!
Floral displays can include an array of soft, muted and bright, happy tones combined with beautiful textures for that added whimsical touch. “Natures neutral,” Greenery will also compliment the overall theme. Soak up the surrounding beauty with luscious greenery and keep the arrangements organic with citrus fruits.
If you’re a fan of giant love letters, why not hang them from the ceremony canopy/backdrop for a unique twist? We’re literally in love with the idea. Attached to the floral canopy, the ‘love’ sign is oh so classy and glamorous. You could really pack a punch with the design by colour mixing and matching with cheerful florals like sunflowers, carnations or peonies.
Aside from colourful umbrellas, rajasthani dolls and florals, there are multiple ways to add charm to your décor. We’re thinking streamers, bells, tassels and festive buntings made from old patchwork or saree material. Team it up with an assortment of textures of handcrafted Indian-inspired glassware and candles and linen for a stunning layered look. Let your creativity unfold.
For your wedding day look, drop the red lehenga or saree and opt for something subtle like pastels teamed with fuchsia pink and featuring intricate zari embroidery or Swarovski embellishments. Go bold on the jewellery with epic gold chandballi earrings, haar and maang tikka. Groom wise, anything blue is in. Blue suits of any shade really! As for the bridal party, mismatched is truly the way to go.
The idea is to have fun with this concept. Let your personality shine at your summer wedding.
Bride image via Pinterest // Rajasthani umbrellas image via Devika Narain // Drinks fountain via BRIDES // Tablescape photography by Jose Villa via Green Wedding Shoes // Rainbow dhokla image via Vidyas Cooking // Love sign photography by Elizabeth Lloyd via Style Me Pretty
How will you style your summer wedding? Let us know in the comments below.