}
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What is Shabby Chic?
In the past couple of years the term shabby chic has been used more often as a wedding theme. It is supposed to encompass pieces of vintage accessories and styles while creating a romantic and almost timeless atmosphere. The problem I have seen with brides who say they want this theme for their own wedding day, is that they get carried away with either too many different pieces to include or wander astray from the meaning of true vintage versus old. As with any theme, the wedding planner has to look at the core inspiration the bride and groom have chosen then find a way to tie it together.
Imagine walking into a meeting with the bride at her reception venue and on a table she has placed all of her shabby chic inspired items for the wedding. On this table you see a white wire birdcage, an old pair of heels with lace bows, a crystal candelabra, picture frames, tree branches, vintage wine glasses, tea cups sets and the list goes on. While many of these items may fit somewhere into the wedding theme and are pretty on their own (and some not so much!) two questions need to be asked. First, do they all go together? Second, are they all needed? The answers should be obvious – no and no. However, do not dismiss the meaning behind some of the pieces that you may not use because they could be inspiration for other aspects of the wedding or even for other wedding related events such as the bridal shower.
Shabby chic should in a word, be simply charming. The use of a soft color palette, mismatched antique chairs, and tables topped with fresh flowers and lampshades or candelabras can create a comfortable, eclectic vibe. The interpretation of the theme tends to be taken overboard. Touches of lace on a dessert table over the linens and pieces that are not a set but go together will transform the feel of this wedding. Think back to the bride’s idea of twinkling tree branches she purchased at the craft store and glittery butterflies. Transform the reception from day to night by having antique lounge chairs brought in and staged throughout the venue to create more comfortable seating for guests and to add to the dinner table sets. Guests can lounge on cozy couches and while looking up at twinkling lights intertwined in vines on the terrace overhead.
While considering how to not take away from the brides ideas, pay attention to the colors and patterns in the original items she collected. Find out if any of those accessories have sentimental value to her or the groom and if so, find a way to tie that into the wedding as well. There is no reason guests should walk into this wedding feeling as though they entered a farmhouse auction. Subtle touches of class and elegance are all that is needed to guarantee the new wedded couple and guests see the wedding as shabby chic and not just shabby!
This is a guest post from Christine Bochniak. Christine resides in Galena, IL where she works as an Author Account Manager for Kendall Hunt Publishing. She also works as a wedding coordinator part-time for her own business Rise Events Planning.
photo credit: Shabby Chic Wedding on Etsy
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[…] I have written about how a bride and groom can come up with an out-of-the-box idea or with a concept that has way too many elements. As the wedding planner, you have to find a way to take their vision and create a design that […]