Parisian Week Trend: Hidden Surprises

There were beautiful fashions, unique decorating ideas and eye-catching trends at the Salon du Mariage at the Carrousel du Louvre. But there was also something...else. Everything had a little something...extra. Whether it was a layer, a removable train, a stunning hemline or a fun way to present favors, the Salon was like a treasure hunt full of "Hidden Surprises!"

1,2. Big, beautiful ball gowns straight out of a fairy tale were draped in layers of tulle, accented with silk flowers and feathers, shimmering with sparkles. And then the magic continued — those skirts could be removed once the grand entrance was over and the party began!

3. Even traditional gowns had a little bit of flair...and a lot of dare! Gowns were beautifully styled with all the trimmings in the front, but when they were turned around — Wow! The bare, the bling...beautifully daring!

4. The favorite decorating accent? Glass cloches. Small ones were used to top tiny floral arrangements holding place cards. Mixed sizes and shapes were clustered as centerpieces, topping objects that matched the theme (flowers, seashells, etc.). Big ones covered stacked goodies on cake plates. Hidden under glass, the treats were even more enticing!

5. Demure for the ceremony, still beautiful for the party — all it takes is a wrap in an eye-popping color that can be removed later to show the details of the dress.

6. Like the lavish layers of tulle in this skirt aren't enough, there are silken flowers and butterflies hidden among the folds. How secret-garden sweet!

7. The best of both worlds — a dress that's short and stylish in front with a long train in back that still feels "bridal."

How do these trends translate to your wedding? Add little surprises — from invitations to favors — to keep guests delighted throughout your entire celebration!

A little peek-a-boo and a LOT fashion-forward! Our Zoe invitation is held in a clear, plastic wrap accented with bright white flowers.

A beautiful wrap and a lavish ribbon — opening this Lindsey invitation is like unwrapping a gift!  PLUS - you get to select the folder color, inside invitation card, and ribbon color, and personalize to fit the formality with your choice of design, fonts and ink colors.

If the short-long hemline dress caught your eye, you'll LOVE this "Regal Presentation" wedding invitation  from Monique Lhuillier. The short-fold, embossed jacket and two ribbons make a definite fashion statement.

It looks like a cake — but it's really a circle of beautiful, wedge favor boxes!  Display them on a cake plate and hide candies, nuts, a gourmet chocolate or mints inside to complete the surprise treat. They're also available in mocha satin to coordinate with your wedding.

It's a little touch, but it will mean so much — add this tiny memory bouquet frame to your bouquet to keep good thoughts of a loved one close to your heart during the ceremony.

Only you and your groom will know that underneath that elegant exterior is a Wild Thing! Be a little daring and wear an animal print garter under your gorgeous gown for a touch of fun.

Loving the surprise-in-the-back look? Check out our brand new invitations featuring printing on the front AND the back! They're not only stylish, they're a great value — you can print all your reception information on the back, eliminating the need for a separate card. These invitations are coming soon to the website; look for them after the first of the year.

 

Au revoir — until Friday’s Parisian post (which will have you dazzled)!

Comments

[NikkiG]

Nice option to have front and back printing with both sides being stylish - saves on paper waste too with respond / reception cards.

I may have to get that butterfly dress - w2c!

[Aimee]

These ideas are so beautiful! I love the idea of a dress that can go from ceremony to reception with a removable skirt.

[Diane]

Ooh la la! I love the great tips and beautiful designs. I might have to rethink my entire wedding theme after reading this series.
Thanks for the great ideas!

[Deb]

Love the idea of the cloches. With an outside wedding in a nature park being planned, this is just what we need to keep the insects on the flowers, not our goodies!