7 Modern Wedding Details to Update Your Classic Bridal Style
We get it. Your vibe is modern & minimal. You’ll choose a chic little LBD over a fancy party dress any day. Fresh cut stems in glass over an over the top floral arrangement. A refreshing summer cocktail on ice over champagne flutes.
But you’re also (ever so slightly) a romantic at heart and have always dreamed of a wedding, complete with traditions and touches family events are known for at that fabulous heritage property in your hometown, surrounded by family & friends who were there along the way. Oh yeah- and your Mom has pretty much had a date on lock for the place ever since she met your Fiance - in a Bride Wars you-can-get-married-anywhere-as-long-as-it’s-the-Plaza kind of way.
So how can you create a wedding with a nod to all the traditions of your family heritage and hometown, without losing yourself (and your modern day style) in the process?
We recently took part in a beautiful old-world styled shoot where modern elements were beautifully married with traditional flair and the result was beyond dreamy! It provided us with countless inspiration that we're excited to share with you! Buckle up, here are 7 modern personal touches to add style and sophistication to a classic wedding!
1. Invitation Suite
Traditional hand calligraphy pops on an unexpected black and green traditional invitation suite while the delicate leaf print accent works perfectly with the corresponding purple belly band. We love how this suite isn't overtly masculine or feminine and incorporated the wedding colour scheme.
Your Invitation suite is one of the first elements of your wedding that your guests will see, and they will likely keep it on display somewhere in their home leading up to the date. This is the perfect way to make a bold first impression, showing off your personal style while holding on to some traditional wedding elements.
2. Flowers
Roses and peonies are two of the most popular selections for wedding flowers, and for good reason! They're available in a wide range of colours, have a sweet smell, and look downright beautiful! While some brides may think "why mess with a good thing?" you might be thinking "how can I make this better?"
The on-trend details of anemones and greens pop against the classic roses and peonies in this floral arrangement. It's the perfect unexpected addition to the light and airy bouquet and easily translates to the rest of the wedding's aesthetic.
Were there babies breath growing outside your childhood home, or does the smell of lavender remind you of a close relative? The memory of your wedding flowers will live much longer than the flowers themselves so put some extra thought into how to put your own spin on them and make them unique to you!
3. Drink with Signature Cocktails
Maybe you want to honor the location of your wedding, or the birthplace of you or your groom. A great way to do this is with a signature drink popular in the region of your choosing! Write the drink menu "chalkboard style" on a vintage platter for a "back home" feel for your guests to enjoy.
If you're just looking for a signature cocktail to serve at your wedding that’s as timeless as your love, we recently learned that the mint julep has actually been around longer than the straw! How’s that for a declaration of your love for one another?
4. Tablescape
Keeping with the greenery theme from the floral arrangement, this tablescape has hand-painted leaves for placecards, which we love! This modern take on the place setting is innovative and unexpected - almost casual. It shows a relaxed side of the bride that is planning on having a great time at her wedding.
The calligraphy and leaf accent from the invitation suite is carried to the tablescape, and continues on to the chair decor. A sweet "dear" and "darling" plaque on the back of each chair has a sense of comfort and small-town charm.
5. Bride Style
The bride wore a classic ballgown silhouette with clean modern lines. The sabrina neckline is reminiscent of something Audrey Hepburn would have worn years ago, but with a twist: the back of the gown was open and featured adorable bows! Her glam up-do and natural makeup was a perfect match for the dress, and she looked like she walked straight out of an episode of Mad Men!
The accessories complete the minimalist look. A modern flutter cut bridal veil with skinny millinery ribbon trim picks up on the clean lines of the wedding dress. A sleek hair ribbon is softened with classic pearl beading and embroidery while halo setting soft blue crystal tennis bracelet and simple filigree opal crystal drops add effortless elegance without overdone bling.
6. First Look
There are so many reasons why you may or may not want to have a first look for your wedding. At the end of the day, there is no wrong answer, and it is ultimately up to each couple to decide.
If you are thinking about breaking tradition and doing a “first look” for your wedding, this vintage car would be a great backdrop! Don’t forget to have a few printed in black-and-and white for a truly vintage look. Not sure if a “first look” is for you? Click here to find out how to get the best of both options.
7. Favours
Favours are another great way to tell your personal story, and consumable ones are a perfect way to ensure they are enjoyed by all! Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture, and you won't have to worry about them getting forgotten or tossed away over time.
Skip the traditional fruitcake! Working with your baker to create a favorite childhood treat like these mini pies is a great way to offer something familiar to your family and share a bit of your heritage with your friends.
No need to leave out the groom! We love these mini bourbon flasks with customized labels keep a personalized feel and you can use whatever alcohol represents you and your partner best! Your guests will remember your wedding the next time they have a drink, regardless if it's the next day ("hair of the dog", anyone?) or the next month. Better yet, they might share it with you the next time you stop by for a visit!
It’s so important to incorporate your personal style into your wedding. Not only do you want your big day to be representative of who you are for your guests, but you want to feel comfortable and sentimental throughout the day when you're reminded of each little carefully thought-out detail. When you look back on the day for years to come, it will be those little elements that set your wedding apart from the rest that you will enjoy the most.
A huge thank you to Jess Upton of Uptown Events & Travel for giving us the opportunity to collaborate on this beautiful styled shoot! Check out the full feature on Burnett's Boards.
We'd love to hear from you so feel free to hit us up on our Instagram DM's or send us an email to atelier@laurajayne.com for advice on how to accessorize your wedding dress.
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Creative Team:
Photography: Angela Lally Photography | Coordination and Design: Uptown Events | Venue, Catering and Bartending: Green Pastures | Floral Design: The Heirloom Table | Gown: Melange Bridal | Grooms Suit: J. Hilburn | Accessories: Laura Jayne | Hair and Makeup: Eleve Cosmetics | Stationary and Calligraphy: Jesilyn Kay Calligraphy | illustrations: Kathy Phan | Rentals: Bee Lavish | Linen: Premiere Events | Vintage Bently: Transportation Consultants | Favors: Tiny Pies | Cake Design: Feathers & Frosting | Videography: Agave Creative | Model: Emily and Ryan