These pieces prove that "smart splurge" is no oxymoron: They'll shine at your wedding and again on date nights or a Tuesday just because.
Cathy Waterman earrings (twistonline.com). H. Stern "Orion" necklace (hstern.net). Bounkit earrings (bounkit.com). Suzanne Felsen necklace (323-653-5400). Paolo Costagli "Very PC" bracelet (paolocostagli.com). Becky Kelso earrings (beckykelso.com). Phillips Frankel earrings (from Fragments, 212-334-9588). Elva Fields earrings (elvafields.com). Suzanne Felsen necklace (323-653-5400). Dana Rebecca Designs "Jaclyn Leigh" ring (danarebeccadesigns.com).
Dress tables in rich, glamorous fabrics and play up the contrast: light and dark, smooth and textured, tinted and crystal clear. Just like the best outfits, a chic tablescape is all about layering. A velvet runner and linen napkins add depth to an amethyst tablecloth. Lighter lilacs are introduced in the petals of poppies, ranunculus, sweetpeas, and hellebores. And peridot and aquamarine accents pop from vases, plates, and place cards.
Upholstery velvet and silk taffeta from Mood Fabrics (moodfabrics.com). Felix Pouli napkin (felixpouli.com). Theresienthal "Josephine" tumblers as vases (TableArt, 323-653-8278). Missoni by Richard Ginori "Margherita" plates (bloomingdales.com). All flowers by Saipua (saipua.com).
Work in a vivid tone where loved ones least expect it, like on a guest-book cover. Velvet is nostalgic -- bringing to mind the lining of Mom's jewelry box or a cherished childhood dress -- and very now. It also feels great to the touch, so use it on something partygoers will get their hands on. Embossed with an intricate frame pattern, Velvet Raptor's guest book (velvetraptor.com) is like an heirloom in training.
Put these on your wish list, then break a few out on the big day -- a pair of aqua flutes make for a cool Champagne toast.
Tracy Glover "Starburst" (barneys.com). Nasonmoretti "Soliflor Bibo" (nasonmoretti.com). Joe Cariati "Angelic" (joecariati.com). Kosta Boda "Vision" (kostaboda.us). Moser "Bar" double old-fashioned (michaelcfina.com). John Pomp "Drop" vase (shophorne.com). Nasonmoretti Champagne flute (nasonmoretti.com).
Neutral gowns can handle a shot of color, and clutches, shoes, and shawls wear gem tones well. Dorothy had her ruby slippers -- you'll have your peridot peep-toes. Fabulous footwear is a must. Up the ante by coordinating your handbag and wrap, too. Stick to one or two shades (pick aquamarine alone or pair it with amethyst, for example), and seek out pieces that jibe.
From top left: Something Bleu "Threshold" slingbacks (bhldn.com). Bottega Veneta "Knot Intrecciato" bag (net-a-porter.com). Enzo Angiolini "Martini" pumps (at select Nordstroms). Tiffany & Co. "Holly" clutch (tiffany.com). Middle shelf: Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose for Payless "Nathalie" pumps (unforgettablemoments.com). Kotur "Margo" purse (Josephs, 901-767-1609). Coye Nokes "Mia" heels (coyenokes.com). Moyna clutch FGFR 7124 (moynabags.com). Bottom shelf: Nancy Gonzalez clutch (neimanmarcus.com). L.K. Bennett "Bolton" heels (312-374-0859). On stool: The Pashmina Store wrap (thepashminastore.com).
For fashion-obsessed brides, this one-shoulder mini with a skirt of oversize organza petals is a surefire hit. It's a lot of dress, so keep the accessories simple.
White by Vera Wang dress (davidsbridal.com) with Mokuba New York 38mm silk-satin ribbon as sash, #30000, color 53 (212-869-8900). Bounkit earrings (bounkit.com).
This almost weightless silk-chiffon wrap dress relies on a fluttery neckline and delicate sash to quietly highlight curves. Pair the soft aqua with a pale-green clutch.
Joanna August "Dara" dress (at select Bella Bridesmaid stores). Becky Kelso necklace (beckykelso.com). Melissa Joy Manning peridot and larimar rings (both melissajoymanning.com). Sasha Handbags clutch (Century 21, 888-221-2551).
A prim bow in back makes this silk-faille shift look especially elegant from behind. Finish the thought with dangly earrings that bring in another hue.
Coren Moore "Peyton" dress (corenmoore.com). Bounkit earrings (bounkit.com).
With a ruched bodice and dropped flare point, this floor-length taffeta mermaid gown compliments every figure. To make an even bigger statement, wear it with a necklace in the same shade.
Watters Maids gown #9614 (watters.com). Gabrielle Sanchez necklace in prehnite (ABC Home, 212-473-3000). Paolo Costagli "Very PC" bangle (paolocostagli.com).
Get the guys in on your color scheme with tasteful ties. When it's time to choose a style, these are good rules to go by: If you want an array of hues, keep the shape and texture consistent, and vice versa. And to ensure you end up with the exact tone you want, do the shopping yourself -- though trying to describe "peridot" to the groomsmen would be fun.
From left: Eton of Sweden (212-758-3866). Tie Crafters (tiecrafters.com). Alexander Olch "The Sophomore" (olch.com). Charvet silk and knit ties (both bergdorfgoodman.com). Sovereign Beck "Carlyle Bow" (sovereignbeck.com). Divine Domestication boy's tie (divinedomestication.etsy.com).
Modeled after woven-leather designer handbags, this velvet pillow supports your wedding rings in style. If you can sew a straight line, you can make it yourself, or outsource this little project to Mom or Grandma. Tiffany & Co. men's platinum band and Jean Schlumberger sixteen-stone ring (both tiffany.com).
Blackberry cocoa sorbet is light and refreshing, no matter when you serve it. Cool off your crowd after outdoor vows with mini scoops presented in tiny cones or Chinese soup spoons. Or dish it out for dessert alongside shortbread cookies flavored with green tea, for a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy berries.
How to Make Blackberry-Cocoa Sorbet and Green Tea Cookies
Gear up for an effervescent evening with a cocktail of pureed star fruit, sparkling wine, and elderflower liqueur. Perch slices of the tropical treat on the rim.
Say thanks with parcels of purple-and-green Persian pistachios. Buy them in bulk (Aladdin Nuthouse, aladdinnuts.com), pour them into plastic bags, wrap with textured cloth and a wide band of ribbon, and add our clip-art tag
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