Hindu Wedding Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: CUSTOM EVENT GROUP (3), In His Grace Photography, Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey (2), Jessica's Country Flowers, Simply Unique Invitations, Dollface Studio, ABC Dragoo

Created for a client, this inspiration board was designed for an out of doors ceremony with a color palette of rich and vibrant shades of magenta and fuschia, along with soft, subtle shades of pink, and natural greens. The coordinating invitation will be placed inside of a green silk box and secured closed with a fabulous fuschia ribbon and rhinestone closure.

Fall Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Jessica's Country Flowers, Adeline and Grace Photography, THE WEDDING PLANNER, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, Chelsea Nicole, Chelsea Nicole Photography, Love Life Images

Romantic Soft Pink Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Corbin Gurkin, Corbin Gurkin Photography, Carla Ten Eyck, Karen Wise, Kristin Vining Photography (3), Twin Lens, Raya Carlisle Photography, Ariel Yve

Spring Lavender and White Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

Credits: Michael Oppenheim Photography, Suthi Picotte (3), Robert and Kathleen, Jubilee Events (2), Simply Unique Invitations, Rochelle Mort, Blooms by Martha Andrews

How to Create the Perfect Balance When Incorporating 2 Cultures Into 1 Incredible Wedding Invitation Design

Recently, I was asked by a luxury bridal magazine to answer some common questions from their readers wanting to incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom invitation suite. I thought it would be helpful to share here as well!

1. What are some of the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom wedding invitation suite?

The use of colors, patterns, and textures is the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their wedding invitations. All of these elements combined in the right way can invoke a mood or feeling that will instantly resonate with your guests. The invitation suite is the perfect opportunity to debut your theme and set the tone for the entire event.

2. What are a few things to know or keep in mind when striving to do so?

First, try to keep the design concept as simple as possible. It's very easy to become overwhelmed from trying to incorporate too many themes or ideas from two different cultures into one design. Second, even if you are very familiar with your own background or culture, it's also very important to spend a lot of time extensively researching both cultures prior to coming up with a design concept. Start by compiling a list of your most favorite traditions, rituals, national icons, and color schemes from each culture. Then, select the top 1 or 2 from each culture that are most important to each of you, and that can easily be incorporated into the invitation design.

3. Can you give some examples of memorable invitations you’ have created for couples in this regard?

I created a custom design for a couple wanting to combine Southwestern and Irish cultures into their theme. Both sides of the bride and grooms families were very concerned about 2 completely different cultures and traditions coming together in 1 breath-taking invitation suite. We found the perfect Southwestern style brooch that had the perfect colors to match the Irish inspired plaid ribbon. Although the bride had originally wanted to use her family crest, the final design ended up being more perfect in the end. It was most important to her to make sure that we included the Irish Wedding Blessing somewhere on the invitation. In the end it really was the perfect blending of 2 completely different cultures represented in the way that the bride and groom had originally intended. They were amazed that such a simple-looking invitation suite could capture so many aspects of both cultures without becoming too complicated in appearance.

4. What are some great ways to incorporate such heritage and traditions subtly?

For example, use a family crest as the main design element that can be the theme weaved throughout the entire ensemble. Even the most subtle design element, such as a traditional wedding prayer watermarked onto the background, can be another thread used in the weaving process.

5. What are some great ideas, inspirations and tips for couples combining dual backgrounds and wishing to represent both sides of the family in their invitation ensemble?

Remember that coming up with a design is a process and a journey. It's important to keep an open mind when starting out on the journey. Many times, the invitation design that you end up with in the end is the one that has culminated over time. You may begin the process with doubts or apprehensions. However, with some thoughtful planning and honesty about what is most important to each of you, it will come together perfectly in the end. Sometimes you will need to compromise and sacrifice certain design elements representative of your culture in order to have the perfect invitation suite in the end. Have patience!

Look for the invitation design mentioned above, in the next issue of "Weddings by Ritz Carlton Magazine!"

Fabulous Navy ~ The New Black!

Without a doubt, navy blue is the hottest color trend for weddings right now. More and more brides are requesting navy for their wedding theme. However, I have encountered two common concerns from brides and thought I would try to address them by creating an inspiration board that shows just how stunning it can be.

The first common concern?... "I want to do a navy and white wedding but how do I do it without it being too nautical?" As you can see from the inspiration board above, a navy and white can be very sophisticated and traditional without giving a nautical feel. The second most common concern?... "I want my bridesmaids dresses to be navy, but will it look good with my grooms men's black tuxes?" YES! Want to take it to the next level? ...navy bridesmaids dresses, and the guys in navy tuxes! HOT!!

Navy can be paired with anything from apple green, soft pink, blue, or lavender, to vibrant yellow or gold, blue, fuchsia, and even orange. Navy attire with any of these will make for an amazing ambiance, not to mention incredible photographs that will last a lifetime!

Adorable Couture Cupcake Wrappers!

Who doesn't love cupcakes?! We came across these adorable and chic textile-inspired cupcake wrappers recently and because of their unique qualities, we just had to share them with you! Designer & Founder, Carrie Middlemiss of Bella Cupcake Couture followed her passion when creating her exclusive line of couture cupcake wrappers.

According to Carrie, she wanted to design something fashionable for the bottom portion of the cupcakes and has always said, "Why should the frosting have all the limelight?"

Each wrapper is sized perfectly to hide the crinkly, translucent paper in which they are baked. Once inside, each cupcake becomes an adorable and trendy eye catching design that will add sophistication and elegance to any occasion.

Each wrapper is made of recycled paper and is printed with soy inks, adding the additional benefit of a "green" cupcake! Carrie envisions her wrappers at weddings, bridal and baby showers, and as birthday gifts, or even a little treat for yourself!


All images copyright Bella Cupcake Couture.