Paisley Blue Hues

Paisley Blue Hues

At a time when too much pattern is not enough, paisley is hot. The ornate, feathery design dates back to persia in the 1500s when royalty embellished court garments and crowns with fine detail. Rediscover paisley’s luxurious potential using a ralph lauren wallpaper and make a contemporary statement in smokey blue against bridal white.
Blue continues to be the world’s most favourite colour, so use the crowd pleaser to the hilt. In a white marquee, pedestals decorated with paisley wallpaper are used to put the blue story on show. A bold cluster of cobalt bottles looks sharp and a touch quirky, The gladioli stems add a dignified beauty and the paisley pattern ties it all together.



The sublime colours in the florist’s arrangement are breathtaking against the exquisite paisley patterned box. A striking sheath bouquet of long stemmed white gladioli is skirted with the soft-to-touch frills of silver suede foliage. The subtle charcoal velvet bow adds a truly tactile finish.

"A sapphire statement"

Following the theme, the buttonholes have been made from individual white gladioli blooms with a silver suede leaf. Their stems have been set into tiny paisley wallpaper cones and finished with the thinnest of navy blue bows.



Boxed flowers always have an ultra special feel, but when the boxes match the flowers in beauty, the effect is dizzyingly perfect. Organise lined boxes for the flower deliveries. The benefits are doublefold, the wedding day photos will show the flowers off to their best advantage and the thrill for the bridal party will be memorable.

An alternative to individual guest favours is an inviting jar of self-serve after dinner lollies on the table. The handsome glass and pewter canisters are decorative in themselves and hold mints for a post dinner treat. Cut into circles, the patterned wallpaper decorates the centre of each table, emphasising the theme of the wedding.



The classic paisley pattern lends itself to many thoughtful and interesting uses. Paper has been twirled into cones which are used to hold rose petals to be thrown rather than confetti.

The perfect detail, a letterpress placecard

in a paisley design.



Mid blue fabric has been hung as a backdrop to heighten the blue colour theme in the white marquee space. The generous use of the textile creates a swish, well decorated look and creates a contrasting backdrop for the elegant table setting. In a recent floral turnaround, white gladioli have made a big comeback and it’s easy to see why, they add height and make a classic centrepiece in a simple cylindrical vase.



A cake that really looks too good to cut; if ever there was a centrepiece on the dessert table, this ‘look at me’ delight wins on a number of counts. It’s a stand alone beauty that echoes the decorative theme of the wedding closely and does divine things to tastebuds. The nine-tiered fondant wonder is finished in a pale blue pearlescent wash and detailed with a paisley motif.


"The power of good design"

The Ralph Lauren paisley wallpaper decorated the wedding venue and inspired the artwork for the stationery suite which includes the invitation, menu, placecards and swing tags, all follow the theme.



A delightful picnic food box would be a welcome pick-me-up for the bride and groom after the reception. This idea is perfect for the occasion when ordering room service would be too much after a great dinner and raiding the mini bar would not be good enough. The box is convenient, it can be made to look like an extension of the wedding when wrapped in the themed paper binned when finished.

A Peek at French Chic

A Peek at French Chic

A modern look at 1700's french splendour. A Style revolution!



Almost too pretty to be real, bridesmaid’s posies brim with David Austin roses in marshmallow shades. Marble and gilt are the perfect foil.
The pleasure of a wonderfully set table; all you need is a French window, of course. Fragrance from the garden grown roses fills the room; fine china, crystal glassware and silver cutlery build the chateau-class splendour.
The monogram on the napery and chairs are the key to the sense of occasion and privilege.



The most exquisite seating, the regal monogram was embroidered in turquoise on organza.
The monogram crowns the design of the menu. This symbol of the couple’s union is used over and over and so creates its own decorative momentum. The timeless beauty of letterpress stationery gives the feel of high quality.



Gilt look photo frames have been lined with silk. The letterpressed name tags sit waiting to be secured, a thoughtfully themed guest favour.
The turquoise colour used as an accent on the table has been favoured in the decoration of palatial buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. Embroidered on napkins, the watery shade adds an extra dash of class.



A cake fit for a queen; the three tier vanilla sponge is layered with strawberry liqueur mousse. Intricately decorated with French inspired sugared swagging and topped in cream David Austin roses, the cake is truly divine.



The ornate monogram developed from the bride and groom’s first name initials embellishes every item of stationery: beautifully letterpressed in a duck egg blue.

Heaven Scent

Heaven Scent
Herbs are the freshest twist in in a posy; these ancient plants plucked from densely planted cottage gardens are household favourites.



"A perfume more engaging than floral"

The bride’s bouquet compliments the table’s centerpiece; it’s finished delightfully with a lavender and white striped ribbon. The bouquet sits on a French side table with mercury glass candle sticks.



Unpretentious, endearing and captitivating with a perfume more engaging than floral, their lush greenery and interesting leaf shapes layer together beautifully, all different, all strong; a unique wedding design that can follow through to food and drinks.



Bunches of lavender repel certain insects

The centerpiece on the pea green cloth is the definition of freshness. The deliciously fragrant posy sits on a white china cake stand; it combines mint, basil, rosemary, sage, oregano and dill with lavender and soft white lissianthus blooms. Silvered mercury glass tea light holders add the glow.



White Americana chairs decorated with a fresh, handmade rosemary wreath, adorned with juniper berries, hand calligraphed seating card and lavender satin ribbon.

Herbs can be bought from local produce

markets or greengrocers

Simplicity can be breathtaking, here white on white is pristine, each napkin is secured with a fragrant handmade rosemary ring. Form a fresh sprig of rosemary into a ring and secure it with a quarter of a length of 24 gauge florist wire.



The herbs used in the centrepiece are all hardy and can be easily grown in the smallest city gardens or on balconies in pots. Consider potting herbs over the months prior to your wedding for an economical and individual theme. In the years to come when you cook with the herbs, memories of your big day will come flooding back.

"Scents do that to you, they unlock memories"

in the most unexpected way.

When herbs are in bloom, they develop their pretty side; Consider using these flowers as a bonus in centrepieces and bouquets.



It follows that the wedding cake must fit the theme. This most delightful triple layer pistachio sponge cake with custard cream frosting is sprinkled with pistachio and lavender praline. Looks amazing, tastes wonderful.



Classic white favour boxes are trimmed with striped ribbon and sealed with silver labels embossed with a wreath motif.

Fill the boxes with chocolates or after

dinner mints



We have reduced the price of our archived 2007 magazines. You can download 2007 Issue 1 to Issue 4 (instant access) for $1.95 each or purchase the printed magazines Issue 1 and 4 only (2 and 3 are sold out) for $4.95 each plus postage (Australia Only). Click here for more information.



The menu and invitation are written in an elegant font laser printed onto a self striped card.

Fitting Furniture

Great news, Whiteport, who are known for their gorgeous homewares, have just released a beautiful range of furniture. Classic French styling coupled with understated fabrics make a very versatile range. The best part? Whiteport sport a wedding registry so you can really go wild imagining the possibilities.


Avignon Linen Collection ottoman AUD$525.95.


Avignon Linen Collection armchair AUD$495 and 3 seater sofa AUD$1,495.

And if you do have a minute, have a look in the latest issue of Australia's great Real Living magazine - there is a fantastic story about Jennifer from Whiteport, with sticky-beak pics of her lovely home.

Posted by Jane Cameron

The Chair with Flair
Tiffany chairs are one of the worlds most popular chairs for special occasions and are now, thanks to Bride & Groom, available for hire in Western Australia. Made from durable polycarbonate material the Tiffany chair, also known as a Chivairi's in SA, is perfect for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. The Tiffany chair will be available to hire from mid-August in both black and white with detachable cushion. Call Tilopa Keech on 0414 716 746 or visit www.brideandgroomstore.com.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison