Wedding trends are constantly changing, but the timeless ones never seem to go out of style. One perfect example? Wedding décor with scalloped details and edges. The semicircular design has long been used as a classic, elegant (and sometimes even whimsical) alternative to a straight edge on paper and fabric across the board, but it's also a staple in the world of weddings. You'll find that scalloped edges and patterns work well on everything from your wedding dress and veil to your stationery suite and the reception's place settings.
While paper goods and fashion may seem like the most obvious places to introduce a scalloped motif, they're far from your only options. You can also work this traditional pattern into your big-day food and drink—including on your wedding cake, as this three-tier confection by Laura Jackson of The Flour Garden goes to show. The pro used the shapely design to elevate an otherwise simple dessert. Light blue spacers between the tiers meant that the gilded scallops appeared to float. If you want to keep your dessert itself entirely simple, consider adding a scalloped touch to the elements surrounding the sweets, either in the form of table linens or on the accessories used in a cake's presentation.
You'll find you can even use a scalloped pattern through the rest of your wedding day. Decorative elements like cocktail hour umbrellas, photo booth signs, and handkerchiefs can all benefit from the addition of this classic pattern. Click through to see how you might incorporate one—or several—scalloped moments in to your big day.
Scalloped Chargers
Many rental companies offer options well beyond the basic white plate. This table setting from Casa de Perrin stacked a trio of plates, the biggest of which showcased a scalloped rim.
Scalloped Wedding Veil
Whether you buy a new veil or have one on loan from a bridesmaids as your "something borrowed," this is one idea to try on. A long veil edged with a thin band of scalloped lace frames your entire look, as this bride went to show.
Scalloped Backdrop
Mallory Joyce hung folded party decorations behind this drink station, creating a scalloped backdrop. The look would work well for your cake table, too.
Scalloped Envelopes
Envelope flaps are traditionally rounded, straight across, or pointed, but that doesn't mean you can't shake things up. This Cheree Berry Paper stationery suite featured a tiny envelope with a scalloped flap that house the reception card, which was a nice addition to the otherwise linear set.
Scalloped Neckline
Start a scallop theme off with your wedding dress. The scalloped lace along the bateau neckline of this Hayley Paige ball gown beautifully framed the bride's face.
Scalloped Signs
These grooms celebrated their love for one another with festive signs inspired by Mexican papel picado banners. Create similar ones for your own photo op or for your guests to use in the reception's photo booth.
Scalloped Desserts
Not only were the edges of these mini tarts fluted, but they also sat atop scalloped paper cards at this wedding's dessert buffet. It's an easy DIY project you could recreate for your own reception.
Scalloped Handkerchief
Prepare for happy tears on your wedding day by carrying a pretty scalloped-edge hankie like this one. There was certainly no ugly crying at this event.
Scalloped Sweets
Izzabee's Confectioneries gave classic s'mores a makeover with scalloped graham cracker cookies. You can elevate your dessert buffet by copying this presentation.
Scalloped Tablecloth
Pair a bright tablecloth with a lace overlay and you'll see a stunning scallop pattern shine through. The blue and white elements came together seamlessly at this reception, but a more tonal color combination would be just as elegant.
Scalloped Flower Girl Dress
Put your flower girl in a sweet cotton lace dress with scalloped tiers, just like this little attendant.
Scalloped Cookies
Send your guests home with memorable sweets, like these cookies by Sogi's Honey Bakeshop, which featured the couple's crest by artist Happy Menocal. The gentle scallop on these sugar cookie made them anything but ordinary.
Scalloped Flats
has sold scalloped flats for years, and this pair, with the soft ribbon detailing along the perimeter, surely looked as good as part of the bride's post-wedding wardrobe as they did with her big-day dress.
Scalloped Umbrella
Add a fun flourish (and some much-needed shade) to your outdoor cocktail hour with scalloped umbrellas. These were rented from Ooh! Events in Charleston.
Scalloped Bridesmaids' Dresses
If a solid dress is too simple for your bridesmaids but a bold print is too much, this group's dresses by Adrianna Papell might be just right. The metallic beading in a scallop pattern felt a little glam, but the chiffon kept it understated.
Scalloped Bouquet Wrap
Hankies—whether "something old" or "something new"—often have ornate edges thanks to a bit of lace or trim. The scalloped detail on this one looked great wrapped around the bride's bouquet.
Scalloped Frosting
This naked cake by Sablée is anything by basic thanks to the piped icing between each layer. The subtle scalloped look was certainly eye-catching.
Scalloped Wedding Dress
What happens when a scalloped pattern, tulle ruffles, and embellishments like beading and embroidery come together? You get something like this beautiful wedding dress by Enaura Bridal.
Scalloped Tablecloth
The custom linen on this whimsical dessert spread had a scalloped front. As it's a bit more involved than a standard tablecloth, consider asking a local seamstress to make one or two for tables that are extra special—like this one or the sweetheart table you'll sit at during dinner. Then you can reuse them after the big day.
Scalloped Program
These toile-patterned paper fans designed by Rebecca Thuss and printed by Julie Holcomb Printers were finished off with satin tails. But it was the curved scalloped edge that caught our eye. They were as practical as they were pretty, as the fans kept guests cool and informed guests about the ceremony.
Scalloped Dessert Display
Honeycomb Collective created this fun scalloped tissue paper backdrop for a reception's dessert display. Take note of the finished product: This would be an easy way to dress up an understated buffet or hide a wall that's not so attractive in your venue.