What’s the essence of West Coast elegance? Wine country! Devoted to every nuance of the palate (some might call it obsessed), this wedding-in-a-vineyard brings big aesthetic values to the table.
And so, designing a wine-themed wedding is pure pleasure. Theatrical touches, maybe, but fussy or prissy? Never! Make good use of rambling oak trees, the drama of dusk, a whimsical outdoor lounge and pitchers of fruity sangria, and you’re already there.
Chic Country Colors
Black, white and burgundy are the most classic of wine country palettes. But of course, anything goes: red, cream and apple green, coral and periwinkle … it all depends on your vision.
Bridal Finery
One iconic look for this event is a crisp, white A-line with a halter-top bodice to show off the bride’s toned shoulders, and an elbow length veil that often gets whisked aside for the reception. You might find the groom in preppy navy-and-khaki.
Bridesmaids’ attire flows from your color scheme, but popular choices include black or wine-colored cocktail in cocktail lengths. Show off your maids’ physical fitness with a flirty bit of back!
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Expertly Crafted Atmosphere
Delight your guests with an outdoor lounge equipped with crisp white furniture and a chimenea or outdoor fireplace for a companionable evening.
Be sure to leverage the gorgeous old oaks dotting the grounds: dress them up with lengths of organza; long, sheer ribbons; hanging pomanders; tin or paper lanterns; or flower heads dangling from microfilament.
Apply the same romantic sensibilities to park benches, trellises and arbors. And call on classical urns to stash sparklers, programs, breadsticks or post-ceremony bouquets. Toss a bit of linen over a wine barrel and you have the perfect mini-table for escort cards or your guestbook. A outdoor parquet dance floor lets guests get their waltz on, while your string quartet sweetly calls down the evening stars.
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Fabulous Florals
Speaking of bouquets, wine country florals are often engagingly fashion-forward, while still keeping one foot firmly planted in the most classic of blooms.
So, you’ll often see favorites like burgundy, black magic or cream-colored roses mixed with hypericum berries, or amaranthus and deep red hydrangeas tucked in a gorgeous satin wrap. But you’ll also see whimsical fiddleheads, chic jade roses and leucadendron.
Alternative: giant, cheerful sunflowers lend a distinct Tuscan feel.
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Topping the Tables
Pull up elegant chivari chairs to intimate, square tables topped with bare-branch arrangements, candelabras draped with ivy, or tower vases filled with lemons, artichokes or even corks. Tuck vibrant zinnias or hydrangeas in square glass vases wrapped with shantung silk. Use miniature champagne grapes to adorn centerpieces, pastry trays and the other star of the evening: the cake.
Unforgettable Favors
For wedding favor ideas as elegant as the event, brides often turn to individual bottles of extra-fine olive oil, bottle stoppers or decanters, wine bottles with customized labels (or even a custom vintage!).