Inspiration Nation: 4 Ways to Embrace a Masculine Wedding Design

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

4 Ways to Embrace a Masculine Wedding Design

Now that you’ve devoured the images from her latest inspiration shoot, Hey Gorgeous Events is spilling her secrets to get the look for yourself. She’s breaking it down into four easy tips with design takeaways any bride can use. Just consider this your guide to a wedding that breaks the mold in the very best way.

Get The “Masculine Chic” Look

Think Outside the Box

When incorporating any color palette into your wedding, think of using your favorite shade in nontraditional places. For example, when I knew I wanted to use black in this project, instead of predictably using a black table linen, I incorporated black flatware, black taper candles, and black acrylic place cards into the tablescape. To keep this use of black consistent with the other elements we pulled in the black sketch pattern on that stunning Carol Hannah skirt and black touches in our bride’s smokey eye. This allowed the use of black to really pop and stand out in a unique way while giving the end result a fresh feel. If you’re wanting to use a dominant color in a unique way think beyond bridesmaid dress colors or flowers; a custom chair pad, the vessel that holds your centerpiece, or even infusing a part of your bridal look with an unexpected hue (I love the idea of a colored bridal skirt or a fun pattern!)

Embrace Masculine Elements

I always stress to my brides how important it is to make sure the groom’s interests are considered into the planning process; after all, it’s his day too! And I can tell you there are some really beautiful ways to incorporate otherwise masculine touches. Some of the masculine looks we used here include that rad stationery suite made of acrylic and concrete, sticking to bold typography over whimsical calligraphy, and using black (and very skinny!) taper candles in lieu of white or ivory. We also contrasted feminine and masculine details with our bride’s look which was really striking. Her slicked back, long ponytail and rather dramatic makeup ensured her full and ethereal skirt didn’t come across as too feminine. Try asking your groom which colors and textures he likes and see how you can make them a part of your wedding design (Fun tip; asking your beau about his favorite kinds of furniture will tell you a lot about his favorite design elements!)

Consider Texture and Color As Separate Elements

What I love most about this editorial is how you can look at the photos and forget the entire project was based on a color palette of only three tones; black, gray and white. What gave the project such depth is the use of texture which is always an easy way to add visual interest to your wedding without making it feel too busy. The velvet linen, the lucite dining chairs, the style block florals staggered at different heights, the lines of the tapers which mimicked the lines of the black flatware; all of these details came together to make the vignette as a whole feel larger than life but purposefully curated. When thinking of how texture can play a role in your wedding consider things like table linens, rental choices, the levels your florals sit at (along with what surrounds them like candles and other decor) and even the formation of your tables and where they sit in relation to others. Texture can speak volumes when color can’t.

Never Underestimate the Value of Simplicity

Less is always best. If something ever feels off with a design, I scale back, edit, and remove until I feel satisfied. When there are less things taking up any given space or canvas (and I use the word ‘canvas’ to define a table, vignette, space, person, etc) we allow our eyes and minds to see and really value what’s in front of us. Simplicity allows the opportunity to enjoy and savor the design and what better way to show your guests you love them than providing them with an experience meant to be savored? Sometimes you have to take the long way around to arrive at a simple concept but once you’re there, your wedding will shine!