Cultural Colours

Often the coming together of two people signifies the merge of different cultures, religions or traditions. It is from these weddings that we can take inspiration in not only their relationships but in the colourful displays of their ethnicity. In searching for the perfect colourful table settings I have drawn upon the following inspiration:

India

{Image: Jim Kennedy Photographers}

The vibrant colours of Indian culture really do pop! I love the use of gold accents  which bring a regal feel to the setting. Warm and cool colours also work brilliantly side by side here as they are equally vivid shades. 

Arabian Nights

{Image: Barnaby Draper Photography}

{Images: Cathy Crawley of Beautiful Moments Photography}

Think Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Balmy nights, dusty skies and etched metals. We love the incorporation of lanterns and coloured glass. Imagine the light they would cast amongst a low lit reception venue. 

Mexico

{Image: Sarah Yates}

{Images: Aaron Delesie Photography}

Mexico brings an added quirkiness evident in the skulls above. Not your usual wedding decor, skulls are emerging as a popular trend in fashion, jewellery and home decor. We will look at how to incorporate them in to the world of weddings in their very own blog post later on. And as for the donkey, how cute!

So how do I incorporate this in to my own wedding? 

Now we will go through some of the basic ways to incorporate prints or bold colours in to a table setting. Firstly, don't be afraid to use multiple prints. The two Indian inspired prints we've used here are very different, with one taking on a more Moroccan look. This setting was recently featured on Polka Dot Bride who are also getting their bright colours on :)

Don't mind a crafty look? Simply layer sheets of coloured tissue paper for a colour blocking effect under the dinnerware. Here I've used fuchsia sheets that have a slight wrinkle in them. 

Also, if your makeshift table runner has tassels or decorative corners don't be afraid to show them off on top of the table (these little details often go unseen hanging underneath). 

We all love a bit of bunting but if you're stuck for ways to hang it why not lay it flat down the centre of your table? We've used our birdie bunting to frame this place setting. 

Foreign influences can be incorporated in many quirky ways. Our Russian Babushka doll tags are feminine, pink and perfectly contrast the strong reds of our indian backdrop. Here we have also mis-matched our plates to add more depth to the colour scheme. 

Another nifty trick we've discovered is to invest in napkins with different patterns on each side. This way your can alternate the pattern on every second table to keep your look fresh. 

Contrasting colours can also make your setting stand out from the crowd. When working with reds keep deep purples in mind as a strong accent colour. 

More of a hight tea kinda girl? Floral tea sets make a daring partnership with patterned place settings. Most vintage tea sets will also have some gold embossing which works perfectly with the gold we see in most Indian and Moroccan decor.

{Images: Katrina Louise}

Patterns can also take a retro twist with trust paisley and whimsical florals to fall back on. These prints feature the same colours found in our cultural influences yet may have a more authentic place in your wedding. 

Last but not least, if you're not one to clash prints keep your other decor simple with clean whites and contemporary lines.
All of the tableware used in these examples can be hired from us. Let us know your favourite overseas destination and we can create a look that will transport you there. To get started view our full board of cultural inspiration on Lover.ly. 

Xx