Wedding Trends Look Book 2021: Chalet
Inspired by the “glamping” movement and the increased interest in close-to-home destination weddings, luxury and cabin were married in a design titled: Chalet. Both utilitarian purpose and crafted pieces came together in a juxtaposition with a richness of flowing florals and barn wood motifs. With the popularity of farm-inspired weddings, this inspiration evokes an atmosphere that is rustic, yet comfortable and refined — a casual and relaxed afternoon and an evening that is fun and festive. The design is a translation of the desire for local produce and a farm-to-table aesthetic combining a fresh menu, the finest selection of wine and champagne, and time-worn decor elements. The environment brings together a feeling of home with collected embellishments, a backdrop of the raw wood tones in the barn wood siding, and rough-hewn stone, all encased in a rustic lodge.
The details on the reception tables were precise, but not fussy. Square tables wrapped in heavy woven grey tweed linens welcomed guests. Each was surrounded by simple cross-back wooden chairs which brought a rough-hewn finish to the tables. Varied arrangements topped each set of tables. Some featured hobnail glass vases, others with tall glass hurricanes with pillar candles. Flowers flowed from wood boxes, and wood crates featured hydrangea, David Austin English roses, garden roses, and eucalyptus. Hand-crafted touches brought inspiration in the form of hand-painted table numbers.
The organic and earthy feel to the design was continued on the two-tiered cake which features a marble motif with a hand-painted effect and delicate rose blossoms to accent. It sat beautifully on a mirror-topped whiskey barrel creating unexpected depth and dimension to the display.
A graphic touch was added with a “Find Your Seat” board. Created with neat rows of table cards held to twine with miniature clothespins, guests could easily find their table. When placed on a rustic whiskey barrel, the seating chart table became a focal piece to the reception space. Loose greens added to the lush appearance tied with florals that danced around the reception space.
To this palette, light neutrals are added creating layers of interest: yellow and peach garden roses, white lisianthus, and white chrysanthemum.
The reception space was set with a variety of tables including an oversized harvest table for the bridal party featuring simple hand-blown stemware which paired well with the cylindrical glass votive holders and unadorned flatware. Loose, garden-picked floral arrangements accented the center of the guest tables. Rows of floral centerpieces in small mercury glass containers and tall glass vases ran the length of the head table accentuating the long harvest-inspired look.
Above the vibrant reception space were hung Italian lights that cast a warm glow over the entire space, which looked especially festive at night.
Freshly-pressed linen napkins were added to the look to dress up the relaxed and casual vibe. Round place cards were placed atop each napkin. At each setting embossed menus were tucked neatly into the napkin, finishing off the reception tables, at left. The crisp white cotton napkins looked stunning on the gray twill linens.
A rustic menu started with a colorful splash set upon modern black stoneware vessels. Pan-fried gnocchi was paired with buttered seasonal vegetables and green leaves with chardonnay and goat cheese. The wedding dinner continued with macadamia and sourdough crusted Barramundi fillet, celeriac pureé, braised witlof, legumes, fennel, and a Shiraz reduction.
Photography by Rick Liston
Inspiration Courtesy of Giant Invitations
