Wedding Color Scheme: Navy Blue

If you haven't yet heard, one of the big wedding colors for 2013 is navy blue (Pantone is calling it "monaco blue"), which means I should probably go into the business of reading crystal balls, as navy was my color before it was cool...see?

So if you're looking to stay on-trend (like me) with your wedding colors, you might want to use this deep shade of blue. But then the question remains, as it does anytime you pick your predominant color: how do you know what your accent colors should be? Well, like a good wedding planner, I've got you covered...with plenty of options!

• Navy & Coral: What's not to love about this? I love how the coral brightens everything up. Perfect for spring & summer!

Photo Credit: Wedding Paper Divas

• Navy & Blush: Blush pink is one of my newest favorite accent colors. It's just beautiful! It's light so it brings a look together without overpowering. And flowers in blush are effortlessly elegant.

Photo Credit: Port Gamble Weddings

• Navy & Purple: With these two colors being so close on the color spectrum, they seemlessly blend together to create a gorgeous indigo tone. I suggest using all shades of purple, from lavender to eggplant alongside the deep blue. I love these colors together!

Photo Credit: Indy Getting Hitched

• Navy & Mint: With mint being such a big color in fashion, this color duo makes perfect sense! Honestly, although I'm biased, any shade of green goes perfectly with navy, but this is, by far, my favorite!

Photo Credit: Raymond Lee Jewelers

• Navy & Red: Red & blue may automatically conjure a view of the American flag, and you probably aren't looking for a patriotic color scheme. But simply deepening the shade of red and carefully blending the two shades creates a sophisticated fall or winter pallete, while a brighter shade of red allows for a nautical, summer look!

Photo Credit: OuterInner

Photo Credit: Groom Sold Separately

If you are looking for more color inspiration, check out Style Me Pretty, where you can search photos by color. And if you'd like assistance with your color scheme or anything for your wedding, email me. I'd love to help!

Which color duo is your favorite and which ones could you do without? Comment below and tell me!

Tradition: Yes, No, or Maybe?

As with any life event, weddings come with long-held traditions attached. But with the rise of couples wanting their big day to stand out among all the rest, some traditions are either going to the wayside or altered to fit the bride and groom. So I've compiled a list of the most common wedding traditions you should keep, modify and forget.

• The receiving line? Skip it! Immediately following the ceremony, spend more time getting great shots with your photographer and opt for an elaborate exit instead. Have a designated member of your bridal party distribute bubbles, sparklers or sprinkles for your guests to use as the new Mr. & Mrs. exit the ceremony space (this also makes for a fabulous photo op!) Later, at the reception, be sure that the two of you visit each table to personally thank your guests for coming! 
• Assigned ceremony seating? Skip it! There's no need for the bride & groom's families to sit on opposite sides of the room. A wedding symbolizes both families coming together, so why separate them? Just display a sign like the one below where the guests will see it as they enter, and if you're having ushers, make sure they know as well!

Find this at PurplePeonyCouture's shop on Etsy.

• Something new, old, borrowed & blue? Keep it! In the months prior to the wedding, looking for these four items is actually a lot of fun! And for the ones you're not sure of, ask friends and family for ideas. You might be surprised at their suggestions! Think outside the box when it comes to your choices. Instead of the typical blue garter, try something unique like this bride, who had her wedding date stitched in blue thread into her wedding gown!

Image Credit: Brooke G Images

• White dress? Skip it...maybe. If you've been reading all the latest issues of bridal magazines, then you've seen the stunning new gowns in a range of gorgeous colors! It's true that this trend may not be suitable for every bride. And there's nothing wrong with wearing a white or ivory gown! But if you're wanting to make a fashion statement at your wedding, look at some of these breathtaking blush, black and champagne options!

Image Credit: Vera Wang

Image Credit: Vera Wang

Image Credit: JLM Couture

Image Credit: Kenneth Pool

• Wedding cake dessert? Skip it! With all the new dessert selections for weddings, why stick with the original? Or if you just can't bear to do without it, serve it alongside one or multiple other selections. What's your favorite sweet treat? Cookies, pie, candy or the ultra-trendy cupcakes? All fabulous choices! And look how adorable!

                                                                                                         Source: eatliveshop.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

                                                                                                     Source: theinspiredroom.net via Morgan on Pinterest

• Garter and bouquet toss? Keep it! A wedding reception just isn't the same without this age-old tradition and generally, people really do love it! If you plan on preserving your bridal bouquet, make sure to ask your florist for a small toss bouquet just for this purpose or even re-use your flower girl's arrangement! For the garter toss, I recently came across this fun idea that the guys will love!

 Source: adaytorememberca.com via Meaghan Shelton on Pinterest

Are there any other traditional wedding practices you'd like to keep, modify or forget? Let me know in the comments below!

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Happy Planning!

Meaghan xoxo