This month's wedding theme is shabby chic, a style that originated with Rachel Ashwell back in the 90s, but one that is showing no signs of losing its popularity! Apart from the gorgeous design features, what makes this such an on trend look today?
Well, for one thing, lots of brides are on a pretty tight budget right now, and are turning away from the country hotel or highland castle in favour of the more homely village hall, marquee in the garden or decorated barn. Shabby chic, with its emphasis on vintage and distressed styling, is the perfect match for these rustic settings and lends itself superbly well to folksy, homemade accessories to create a truly individual style.
One of the beauties of the shabby chic style is being able to wave goodbye to the hassle of sourcing perfectly coordinated accessories! Rummage in the attic, hit the charity shops or rifle through the family heirlooms for an eclectic mix of colours, styles and fabrics.
Key elements of this theme are rustic styling, and an antique or distressed finish. Colours tend to be subtle - pale greens, greys, ivory and pinks are typical of the palette.
A good place to start to get an idea of the original Rachel Ashwell themes is with this address book, packed full of her images of gorgeous interiors: chandeliers, faded fabrics, and distressed furniture teamed with flowers - a real source of inspiration and a great way to keep track of your invitations, replies and thank yous for your guests, all in one dedicated book.
When planning your decor, think sparkling garlands draped over vintage candlesticks...
tables strewn with antique style paper confetti...
rustic, distressed furnishings...
and assorted vintage crockery.
Add one of our Teaspoon Trivia favours in the saucers; each table talk teaspoon has a printed icebreaker and you have instant conversation as well as beautiful place settings.
When it comes to styling the buffet, cupcakes are a perfect choice for the vintage themed wedding table; they really complement the theme and there are some fabulous cake designers out there. Here on the Isle of Wight we have a brilliant cakemaker, Paula, at The Vintage Cake Company who produces the most gorgeous creations to suit any wedding colourway.
Our paper doilies add a touch of class too, especially if you can find a vintage cakestand!
We have some lovely table decorations that really fit well with a shabby chic wedding too. How about these little pegs as an unusual placecard holder?
They team well with our English Rose party poppers, especially if a floral theme is running through
and the retro chalk boards make a chic alternative to the traditional placecards - just chalk on the names of your guests and maybe a little message or even a sketch!
Another rustic style of placecard holder is our Zuri design with a distressed, antique feel to the glass...
Indoor or out, tealights are a lovely way to light the venue. Scatter them around the room for a romantic flickering effect, or line the path to the door...
and they look even prettier displayed in these little jars, hanging from branches in the grounds to light the way.
New this month are some fab accessories to add to our shabby chic collection, featuring birds, butterflies and lacy edges. There are favour bags for the table...
and retro style disposable cameras to capture all the wedding memories.
Sweet little laser cut bird shaped placecards to perch on the rim of a wineglass...
or cute wooden birdie pegs to hold placecards or decorate napkins...
A matching guest book completes the range...
The shabby chic style will really appeal to arty-crafty brides who like to create something totally unique. Lots of them go for our plain white linen guest books and photo albums to decorate themselves with rhinestones, beads, ribbons, flowers, feathers or embroidery...
Extra touches around the venue will add to the overall styling; big paper pompoms add homemade chic...
and retro style wedding signs set the scene ...
whilst a string of bunting sets off the room with a countrified simplicity - make your own from assorted fabrics
or use our ready-made triangles of lace-edged cotton.
We just fell in love with these gorgeous birdcages; the wire one especially is just the essence of shabby chic with its distressed finish, isn't it? Choose for one for decoration alone, or for guests to slip in their wedding cards and well wishes.
Of course guest books are a traditional accessory, but how much more inventive is this hanging ribbon? Invite your guests to write their wishes on the butterfly shaped cards and then hang on the white satin ribbon provided; it looks gorgeous threaded among the branches in the venue grounds or the garden.
When it comes to finishing touches, our Wraps, Ribbons and Tags section contains pretty coloured ribbons, vintage style brown paper hanging tags, little wooden tie-on tags and porcelain tags too. We have sweet little favour boxes and bags in pretty delicate colours and fabrics to ensure your table is finished to perfection.
Have you planned a wedding with a shabby chic theme? We would love to feature some real life weddings on the blog! If you have some to-die-for photos from your wedding that you'd like to share, just email me on hello@ohsocherished.co.uk.
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