Bold trends in bridesmaids' luncheons
The bridesmaid luncheon is a time for the bride to thank and honor the special women in her wedding party. This luncheon is the perfect opportunity for the bride to bestow her thank you gifts on the bridesmaids for their service. And if they don't already know each other, it is a great time for the the bridesmaids to really get acquainted. The luncheon is held a a week or two before the wedding, preferably after out of towners have arrived.
Black & white with red accents honor bridesmaids at lunch
The bold and the beautiful This past season The Linen House has seen a strong trend in bold, bright jewel-toned colors for all kinds of parties. This is especially true for bridesmaids luncheons. Table linens and floral arrangements are chosen to make a statement. Whether the luncheon colors mimic the wedding colors or not, this soiree is a chance for the bride to experiment with color. At The Linen House we have seen the brides take this credo to heart. Bold, beautiful colors are used for linens, china, florals and invitations too. Because the bridesmaids' luncheon typically has a smaller guest count, budget issues are less of a concern and fun with design takes center stage.
Black and white and red all over Above left is a picture of a bridesmaid luncheon hosted in January. This table puts a contemporary twist on traditional black and white. With a black tablecloth covered with a black and white 'curly q' overlay, the table top almost demands to be set with black china and red napkins. Add deep red sweetheart roses and red chair sashes and you have all the makings of a crisp, clean design. It is not too surprising to learn this bride chose bridesmaid gowns with a black velvet bodice and white taffeta skirt. Each bridesmaid carried a bouquet of red roses. In this case, the bride used the luncheon to hint at things to come.
Migratory butterflies We typically think of a butterfly design as a spring fling. But look at the intense colors on the table at right. The season that comes to mind is autumn rather than spring. The butterfly accents, a favorite of the bride, don't seem incongruous with the chrysanthemums, oranges, reds and purples dressing this table. Add some gold and beaded chair caps for good measure and you have the makings of a really grand time. This luncheon was hosted this past October by the grandmother of the bride. The wine room at Tony's Restaurant was the venue for this get together. The grandmother needed the room because she generously included all the women relatives in this special celebration. And who could blame grandmother for wanting to share after seeing these exuberant colors? Out of town guests and locals alike were delighted with the unexpected but charming design.
Butterflies welcome bridesmaids at Tony's Restaurant
Silver platter service Add silver to any decor and you have instant elegance. That was the case with the plum and silver table featured this past May at a bridesmaid luncheon held at a private residence in The Woodlands. A plum pleated tablecloth was topped with an overlay featuring the art of soutache. Delicate dips and swirls belie the intensity of the color on this spectacular linen. White latticework china was set on silver beaded charger. White linen napkins tied with plum organza napkin ties to match the chair sash added a saucy flavor to the tabletop. The whole look is classic but creates a contemporary flair with the use of such bold color. The centerpiece of white orchids with just a hint of purple earned this table a five star rating.
To recap, bold colors, particularly jewel tones or high contrast combinations such as black and white are the trends we are seeing in the bridesmaid luncheon. This traditional event is now a time for tables and bridesmaids to have fun, be bold and look beautiful.
Plum & silver dress a sophisticated table for bridesmaids
All photos by The Linen House