Inspiration Boards | parisian party

Tag Archive for 'inspiration boards'

a “nouveau marie-antoinette” french wedding theme

August 15, 2009

Katasha over at The Wedding Workroom issued a challenge to some of us planners. The challenge was to create an inspiration board around this Jayson Home & Garden baroque sofa.

baroque_sofa

She’s going to post the submissions this week, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak at my entry because I’m sooo happy with how it came out. When I saw the sofa, the first thing I thought was Marie-Antoinette. But rather than use the typical rose, champagne and pastel color-palette that you usually see in a Marie-Antoinette wedding, why not go for an avant-garde, “Nouveau Marie-Antoinette” themed wedding? This theme plays up the more decadent side of Paris, but is still romantic, feminine and tasteful. For instance, as Paris is already known for its’ black wedding dresses, why not take it completely over the top with black French-inspired accessories, gifts, favors - and for that extra touche à la française: black Ladurée macarons and a chocolate croquembouche covered in dark chocolate. “Let them eat cake,” indeed…

(click on image for a closer look)

all photos ©. Top row: Chocolate croquembouche, Marie Antoinette monogrammed brooch, Black mask make-up, Toile Wallpaper, Christian Louboutin “Anemone” shoes, Second row: Lanvin gift box, Baccarat Cristal Room Paris, Black Silk Taffeta Gown Black Licorice Macaron, Third row: Marie-Antoinette necklace, French Chateau, Baroque Sofa, Lace fan, Chandelier Earrings, Fourth row: Moet Quilted Gift Pack, Black lace invitations, Black Lace Plate, Marie-Antoinette Document, Baroque Headboard, Fifth row: Boudoir Paris make-up, Toile Bridesmaids Purse, Chandelier Gift Tag: Bluebirdlane, Venetian Mirror, Galliano for Dior Gown

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A Romantic Picnic and Fete de la Musique in Paris

June 19, 2009

This is going to be a very busy week-end in Paris. Not only is Sunday Father’s Day, it’s also Fête de la Musique- World Music Day, where most of Europe enjoys a day of fun, sun (hopefully) and free live music. The holiday, which actually started here in France in the 80’s, always falls on June 21st, the summer solstice, and is a chance for both professional and amateur entertainers to strut their stuff. On the Fête de la Musique, everyone seems to be in a happy mood (really- even in Paris!!), and there is music literally at every turn. My favorite spots in Paris for Fete de la Musique are Palais Royale (where a lot of opera singers choose to sing because of the acoustics under the arches) and Place Vendôme. This year the added bonus is that it’s also on a week-end, so most people will take advantage and spend the whole day out, wandering the streets, listening to music and picnicking in the park.

Why don’t you celebrate your own Fête de la Musique this weekend, even if you don’t live in a country that “officially” recognizes it ? A flippy sundress and a big floppy hat will help you get into a Parisian mood. Pack up a wheel of stinky cheese, some fruit, a baguette and maybe a bottle of sparkling French Lemonade. Toss it all in a basket, grab your boule set, your ipod and speakers- and you’re ready to go!

picnic-in-paris

Boules set from Amazon.com, Duck and Raspberry Bruchetta, Hat: aufeminin.com , Sparkling French Lemonade,

“Le Déjeuner des canotiers”- Renoir, Dress by Chloe

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A Chanel-inspired Wedding

May 5, 2009

chanel party paris In honor of the 88th anniversary of the world’s introduction to Chanel N°5, I thought it would be fun to put together a Chanel-inspired wedding board. It’s a fun twist on the Paris-themed wedding, and a nice alternative to yet another Tiffany wedding. (Don’t get me wrong- I love Tiffany’s just as much as the next girl, but this trend has been diluted so far down that it’s almost unrecognizable (hint: just because it’s aqua, doesn’t make it Tiffany’s).

A Chanel-inspired wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. There are ways to bring the esprit de Coco into the design of your event, without having to fork over thousands of euros to do it. Think black and white, quilted textures, art deco patterns, grosgrain ribbon and charm bracelets. Coco’s favorite flower was the camellia- use them in your bouquet, your hair, or floating in a bowl for centerpieces. Black wedding dresses have been raising quite a bit of hoopla for the past few seasons. So black accents on a stark-white gown would be trendy and give a nod to Mademoiselle Chanel at the same time.

The essential is to keep it sophisticated, polished and elegantly Parisian. Don’t psych your guests out by wrapping a favor in Chanel ribbon or paper if it’s not the real deal inside the package. This is where the Paris element could come in- a “Paris” charm bracelet in a quilted favor box tied with a black grosgrain bow would get the “Chanel” theme across perfectly- and without any disappointments. A classic, 3-tiered cake with smooth white icing and simple black bands is a much more refined way to say “Chanel” than a fondant replica of a Cambon handbag.

When planning your Chanel-inspired wedding, remember to keep these words, spoken by Coco Chanel herself, in mind (the edit is mine!) : “A girl wedding should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

Dress © Chanel, Black Bow cake © Consumed By Cake, Quilted gift box © Favor Ideas, Dress © Vera Wang, Chanel-inspired Cake by Cake Couture, photo © Pacific Weddings, Camellia bouquet © Bouquet Chic, Invitations “Chanel” © Effigeorgia, Black lace cake © Project Wedding, “Paris” charm bracelet © A Vintage Jewel