Behind the Design (Design 101): Color Harmonies Pt II - Complementary

Ok, so you thought a Monochromatic Color Scheme was easy (and yah, it is). Once you understand the depth and drama that a range of "tints" and "tones" can create (two terms that can play a part in every color harmony... more on that later) you'll never look at a "______ and White" as a color scheme, wedding colors or party decor the same way again. Great! Then you're ready for another popular color combo concept... Complementary Color.

Again, this is such a simple Color Harmony that can so easily go wrong if you don't understand how color really works . So, here's the basics. Selecting a Complementary Color scheme starts, as most do, with a Color Wheel (see below). Start with one color and look directly across the wheel to find the color which is opposite from it and "Voila!" You have your Complementary Colors. Now, if you look around you've probably seen together before. Think about it, right around the Holiday season. Red and Green are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Historically "Purple and Gold" have been used to depict Royalty. Slide slightly over a little more on the wheel and you have "Plum and Sage"... and so on.
Easy right? Ok, now here's were many people go wrong. Most people only look for those "Two Colors" however, they don't consider the multiple tints and tones they could use to create a more polished or professional look. They simply pick the two colors and use them (the exact colors) together throughout the design. Unfortunately, if not done just right the result is a very flat feel.

Unless the design specifically requires a stark, crisp contrast consider using a slight variation of the colors in lighter and darker shades. This will add more visual interest to designs. Let's look at this great example. Look at the tablescape below. It's the old standard of "Red and Green" however, the "Red" takes the form of a tint of "Pink". Also, take a look at the subtle variation in the shades of Green in the Chair cover and the table overlays.

Did you also notice the different tints of pink in the overlay flowers and place setting too? Notice how the layering of colors adds a richer, more lush feel? Remember, it's the same colors just a little darker and lighter. Hope you enjoyed this portion of Behind the Design/Design 101... more Color Harmonies to come.

Bride's Reception Quesitons: Place Card vs Escort Card

I recently had a consulting session with one of our simply fantastic Brides. She was so excited to chat with me and learn about the many options to choose from for the layout of her up-coming wedding reception. I was later told by her Fiance that "HE" was looking forward to my session with her because I put her mind at ease and she always feels better afterwards. So, what was the big concern? Seating the Guests.

Seating Charts and Place Cards have been a traditional way to direct Guests to where in the reception hall they'll be experiencing the Couple's wedding reception. These "Cards" or Seating Charts can also be helpful to Catering Staff when identifying and serving Guests with specific dinning needs. For example; perhaps a Guest has dietary restrictions or you are having a Plated Dinner where Guests have selected a particular meal like Chicken or Fish.

This topic can be a tricky one for some Brides & Grooms. After all, there's a lot of family members and friends (and of course their personalities) to keep in mind. Who should sit with whom? Should you encourage new family members to meet? Should you sit friends who know each other together? And you know Cousin Pat doesn't get along with Aunt Betty... where should they sit? Then once you've decided which 8 to 10 people will sit at which table, then comes the detail of deciding exactly where they sit and next to who? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Brides can refer to the guidance of their Planner or use other planning aids to assist in the logistics of these tasks. In the past few years many couples have also embraced the options of Escort Cards. While both Place Cards and Escort Cards feature the name of Guests they each have slightly difference purposes and benefits. Which one may work best for you? Compare the differences between the two:

Place Cards: Usually a small card (sometimes held in a decorative holder) with an individual Guest's name placed at the place setting at the Guest's table. Place Cards convey a formal element. Guests often feel as if the Host (Bride and Groom) have thought specifically about them - as if it's like a personal "Welcome, please have a seat".

Escort Cards: This is a little more informal yet still a delightful way to convey a scene of elegance. Cards that identify a Guest's Name and their table are displayed before the Guests enter the reception hall. Guests then find their card and carry it with them to their table. Guests then seat themselves where they feel comfortable at the table. A benefit of Escort Cards will be the reduced step of determining exactly who sits next to whom while still insuring that the right Guests sit together. It also offers another design option for the look of the wedding. Many Brides and Event Designers take advantage of creating an additional focal point out of where the Escort Cards are displayed.

Consider the look, the feeling and style of your wedding when choosing how to seat your Guests.

Behind the Design / Design 101: Color Harmonies - Monochromantic

Greetings to you. Over the last few weekends this blog has been more about updates and Bridal events. And although we are delighted to post such fun and information happenings I feel it's time to share some more creative, constructive and design-worthy knowledge. Today I'm going back to basics, back to my expertise and back to what I love... Art and Design.

So often I speak with Brides who immediately say upon meeting for a Design Consultation "my colors are ______ and white" or "______ & silver". Now, if you have colors, themes, or ideas in mind by all means let us (your Designer or Planner) know. I have to admit when I hear these words, from a design perspective, what the Client is really saying is "I've chosen one color and a neutral". And there's nothing wrong with that. I usually then find myself helping them dig a little deeper to identify"Why?"

Most people don't think of Color as a science. Sure they recall the colors of the rainbow, the acronym "Roy G. Biv" from science class or the image of the Colorwheel but "Color Theory" is an actual artistic discipline based in both science and psychology. "But Janel", you say, "I really like Purple and Silver" or "Blue and White". And if that's what you want you will definitely have it but as we move forward with your Event or Floral Design I also want us to consider the psychology of design and look at the "Purple" as being presented well with the silver (a variation in the gray family) which is a neutral.

Sometimes Brides confess they chose the "Color" because it's one of their favorites and the neutral because they just want it to "Match". Ok, now being afraid of "mis-matching" or only trying to "match" colors with a neutral is one of the big mistakes I see. Carrying swatches around and trying to make sure every flower, linen, and accessory matches that color exactly can often result in a flat look and limited color spectrum (even if you use satin or shimmer materials). Remember, the slightest variation in color can make subtle yet alluring impact.

So, here's the trick to creating a rich, compelling color using "_______ and a neutral" or only one color with no neutral (a personal favorite). The key is not to worry about "Matching a Color", the key is to "Match Hues, Tints & Tones". I pull out my colorwheel and happily share with the eager Bride one of the simplest and most effective color harmonies... Monochromatic. Simply put, you select a signal color and then add white to make it lighter (this is known as tint) and/or add black to it to make the color darker (a darker shade or tone of the same color). It is the exact same color, just different versions of it. Be careful not to use a different or similar colors to your design (this is something different that I'll touch on another time) but the same color in different tints and tones along with a neutral. This will create a single color used with a range of depth, brightness and an unforgettable feel.

Questions about color theroy? Want to learn more about the science of color? More posts to come!

We were featured in 'The Knot' Magazine!

The Knot magazine, for many Brides, is the "go to" national publication for all things weddings. From ideas, to advise, to etiquette, to local resources... The Knot is recognized as the largest wedding network (magazine and website) in the world. With that said, it is an incredible honor (and a bit of a surprise) to discover that we at Vivid Expressions was recently featured in an article for the magazine's special Virginia Beach section. We were #6 in an article entitled "10 ways to have a stylish wedding in Virginia Beach". Needless to say... we're oh so thrilled!

"And the Bride Wore..." Exhibit

My two worlds are converge this evening as wedding industry design comes to my old college (The School of Arts & Letters at Norfolk State University). Ah, memories of my old school days... if those walls could talk (I'd have to gag them) LOL.


Be sure hear the Uber talented Kim Wadsworth and others speak at the "And the Bride Wore..." exhibit tonight at the Wise Gallery on the campus of Norfolk State University at 7pm. A retrospective of Grown Fashion, society and history.

Botancial Brides!! Norfolf Botanical Garden Open House

If you are interested in sharing your vows in all the splendor of nature be sure to consider the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. As one of our favorite Bridal Event Venues, this amazing location offers a variety of simple breathtaking outdoor gardens and indoor facilities for Bridal Portraits, Wedding Ceremonies and Event Reception. During this coming Sunday, March 20th, 2011 the Norfolk Botanical Gardens will be holding it's 3rd Annual Bridal Open House. Free to Brides, this Open House event will take place at Baker Hall & Rose Hall at the Botanical Gardens from 11am - 3pm. Experience the bliss and beautiful of this enchanting venue, meet many of their Preferred Vendors and participate in a chance to win wonderful prizes.

For more information contact the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Weddings & Events Office at 757.441.5830 or visit http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/ .

Be sure to visit the Vivid Expressions display during the event!

Etiquette Quiz: Plated Dinner

Are you ready? It's Quiz time!! Take a quick quiz on event dining etiquette.

Imagine you are attending (or you've chosen to offer guests) an event or wedding with a "Plated dinner". How will your Waiter/Server know when you have finished each course and are ready for the plate to be removed?

A.) When all the food has been eaten from that course

B.) When their utensils are placed horizontally (at 3 o'clock) on the plate

C.) When their utensils are placed crossing each other on the plate

D.) When the guest covers the plate with their napkin

E.) When the Waiter/Server asks if they are finished and for permission to remove the plate

Dinning Trends:
Although, Brides & Grooms still choose to offer guests a Buffet Dinner Reception there is just something so sophisticated about a Plated Dinner. A popular option for many Brides and Grooms (and Party Hosts) are Food Stations (on-the-spot food service of specialty menu items) and Passed Food Service (appetizers being passed by Servers in a Cocktail atmosphere) along with a Plated Dinner. Consider speaking with your Planner, Caterer or Catering Manager about incorporating these options into your reception.

Now, on to that Waiter or Server wondering if you are done with that course. The answer is "B". When you are done with a particular course simply place the utensils horizontally along the side of the plate at the "3 o'clock" position of the plate. You Waiter will probably still ask if you are finished but this should be the signal to them that you are done with this course or coffee and/or dessert. How'd you do? Have fun with the delicious process of planning your reception... Bon Appetite!