We’re not going to lie, today’s color is not for everyone. Now, don’t get us wrong, we think red is just fabulous, but many of its shades can be difficult to pair with other colors and it’s a color that can veer towards tacky really fast. That being said, we love a good challenge and have managed to put together 5 palettes featuring cherry red – a particularly tricky shade to work with – that we think you’re going to love. These palettes aren’t for faint of heart, but  sometimes you just need to go big or go home!

Normally, a red, white and black color scheme would have us running as fast as possible in the other direction, but somehow the addition of pink and golden yellow – as random as it may seem – elevates this palette to a level of modern sophistication that we’re really digging.

This color scheme just screams fun, fun, fun! We dare you to use it for your wedding day and not have a great time.

While this palette is full of traditional fall colors – red, yellow, and orange – it is anything, but a traditional autumnal palette; in fact, this unconventional palette would be just as perfect, if not more so, for a spring or summer wedding.

This palette is for all you rustic wedding loving couples out there. It’s probably the most low-key of the palettes featured today, but the red still packs quite a punch paired against the neutral tones.

This rich, dark color palette is all kinds gorgeous and just might make you consider having a fall or winter wedding.

Photo one: greenweddingshoes.com; Photo two: jesihaackweddingsblog.com; Photo three: evermine.com; Photo four: whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com; Photo five: 100layercake.com

Marble details have such a pretty and romantic look. The effect is reminiscent of watercolor motifs and painterly prints. Marbling is a great way to introduce color in a soft and effortless way. You can work this trend into all aspects of the wedding decor, especially on tiered cakes and aisle runners.

A soft pink wedding cake with a deeper pink running through it, is a delicate choice.

Elevate balloons from children’s party fare to a modern decoration. This also makes for a fun DIY project that can transform your venue space on a budget.

Using marbled paper as the background for the menu or escort cards is a little detail that has a big impact.

For the minimalist bride, a grey and white marbled cake is the ideal addition.

Aisle runners are such a lovely way to brighten up your ceremony space. Especially, this stunning marbled runner that adds just the right amount of decoration.

Family-style dinners are particularly gorgeous on wooden tables. Table runners can create enough of a centerpiece to accompany the look. A painted runner produces a similar effect to that of marbling, but with more detail.

Putting all of the marbled effects aside, is there anything better than the real thing? Serving canapés on marble slates is the ultimate in sophistication.

Chairs can always benefit from a makeover and sheer panels with a rainbow of colors can update your chair backs.

Painted eggs are always a welcome addition (even when it’s not Easter), especially when they have a marble and gold combination.

Carry on the theme with marbled wrapping paper for favors or bridesmaid gifts!

For a dessert with a difference or an edible favor, mini meringues are the way to go.

Photo one: cleanplatepictures.com; Photo two: mattandjulieweddings.com; Photo three: yrphoto.com; Photo four: carol-hannah.com; Photo five: minted.com; Photo six: withloveandembers.com; Photo seven: samuellippke.com; Photo eight: weddingchicks.com; Photo nine: stylemepretty.com; Photo ten: minted.com; Photo eleven: thisisyourkingdom.co.uk

With the bride’s family living in Russia and unable to attend their nuptials, Sonya and Jonathan decided early on to keep things simple and small for their wedding day. And while their original guest list ended up more than quadrupling in size during the planning process, the couple still managed to keep their Texas ceremony and celebration at Chapel Dulcinea intimate, with just 30 guests – including the bride’s mother and sister, all the way from Russia – and a wonderful “family get-together” vibe.

Special thanks to Kat Bevel for sharing their gorgeous photos with us today!

Sonya, 26 & Jonathan, 22

Austin, TX

Wedding Date: April 3, 2014

Number of Guests: 30

Wedding Cost: $6,500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Chapel Dulcinea

Wedding Reception Location: Chapel Dulcinea

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Because my entire family lives in Russia and none of them were going to make it, I wanted to elope. But then we decided that we want to share this day at least with Jonathan’s immediate family and our close friends. As we were planning, it turned out that my mama and one of my sisters were able to come and be there as we said our vows.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The guest list kept growing and our original number of 20 ordered invitations just weren’t enough. Also, as we were planning cake and champagne, we did not know how many people would toast and eat with us on the actual day.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

For us, it was more difficult to keep it from growing. Even though we love everybody from our family, school, church, work etc., we did want to elope in the first place. Our original list of 6 turned into 16, and by the day of the wedding we had 30 guests. One of the decisions we made that helped keep the list small was to have the wedding in Austin instead of Dallas where we live. And also the fact that it was on a Thursday kept a crowd of a hundred people from driving over.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

After everything was said and done, the closest and the dearest people to us were there. Everyone else was happy for us from a distance, sending tons of sweet-sweet texts our way.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Well, other that the best man forgetting our rings in his car… It was just beautiful. We kept the ceremony short. The best man played “What Makes A Man” by City and Colour, as my little sister walked me down the aisle. Everything went like a dream. It couldn’t have been any better.

What were the highlights of the reception?

We were just so excited to finally be together after the entire day of not seeing each other. We hugged our friends, toasted, cut the cake, danced to “I Wanna Be Yours” by Arctic Monkeys, laughed, and simply enjoyed the couple of hours that we had worked so hard on for the last few months.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I loved being able to hug and to talk to every single one of our guests. It was one big family get together, and I’m happy everything turned out the way it did.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Don’t worry about not inviting your second cousin’s boyfriend’s sister. This day is about you. People who matter will never hold a grudge, but rather be happy for you! Plus, you can do more on your budget, if you choose an intimate wedding.

Vendors:

Photography: Kat Bevel Photography 

Beautiful Flowers: Verbena Floral

Cake: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Geometric and mosaic wedding cakes take inspiration from architecture, art movements and graphic forms. These stunning cakes go beyond the traditional tiered white cake and into a bold treat that will wow your guests!

Incorporate two trends by having an ombre filled hexagon effect that replicates the ocean in a subtle way.

You can also use your color palette in a tiered cake that has a flowing laser-cut design.

If you’re a fan of the white cake, a little update with metallic shapes can make all the difference.

Different sized shapes in a variety of colors will create a graphic piece that will wow your guests.

You can go back in time with an Art Deco inspired cake with soft grey and black highlights.

Who would have thought that pink and yellow triangles could have such a pretty look?. Especially with the addition of fresh flowers.

The bronze tier of this cake has a tiled pattern with delicate engravings, which is such a great contrast to the blue flowers.

Replicating the look of Mediterranean tiles and architecture will bring the islands straight to your venue. Even better if you’re having a destination wedding!

If you’re planning to make your own cake or give a shop bought one a makeover, 3D geometric cake toppers with lashings of caramel is all you need.

How stunning is this sea blue cake? Intricate and precise patterns work very well with cascading flowers and metallic touches.

These retro blocks mimic the shape of the cake and that glitter is the perfect finishing touch.

Photo one: emilywren.com; Photo two: greenweddingshoes.com; Photo three: laurenalissephotography.com; Photo four: ruffledblog.com; Photo five: clairekempcakestudio.co.uk; Photo six: colincowieweddings.com; Photo seven: mysweetandsaucy.com; Photo eight: brancoprata.com; Photo nine: weddingchicks.com; Photo ten: pinterest.com; Photo eleven: pinterest.com

Thankfully, today’s pregnant brides don’t have to frantically search maternity shops for bland white gowns that conceal their baby bump. Instead, brides are wearing gowns that embrace their pregnant status.

Here are 5 ways that you can dress your baby bump in style!

1. Minimalist Structure 

A streamlined silhouette is a great option as it will fit in all of the right places and as the garment construction isn’t too complicated you can get it easily adjusted. This style of dress also works well if you bought the dress before you got pregnant; a seamstress can adapt it to your changing shape. The simplicity of the cut makes it easy to transform with accessories, such as a birdcage veil and textured cropped jacket.

2. Curve Hugging 

A fitted dress that molds to the shape of your body isn’t anything to be scared of. Usually the fabric in these styles of dresses are quite forgiving and have that all-important stretch!

3. Flowing Dress with Jacket 

A soft, flowing dress in a Grecian style is very flattering as it will nip you in at the waist and add definition to your silhouette. By adding a jacket it gives some structure and edge to the look and will also balance out some of the volume in the dress.

4. Mermaid Line 

A mermaid style wedding dress will add some proportion to your silhouette and your guests eyes will not only be drawn to your bump but also to your hemline.

5. Empire Line 

Empire line dresses are a staple in maternity wear for a reason. They define your waist and as the fabric flows out it is a comfortable option that doesn’t restrict your stomach. The great thing about opting for an empire line wedding dress is that you can find them anywhere, and not necessarily in a bridal boutique. Check vintage stores for some beautiful loose dresses that might only need a quick nip and tuck.

Photo one: apracticalwedding.com; Photo two: paperlilyphotgraphy.com; Photo three: pinterest.com; Photo four: nancyaidee.com; Photo five: 100layercakelet.com