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Chinese lanterns, or lanterns with navy blue and white stripes, add a whimsical nautical flair.The two colors can also create the milieu on reception tables. Use these hues in your linens whether as a table square, as an accent or as the focal point. Natural linens also add a nautical touch, and natural fiber placemats can add drama at each place setting. Pull your motif—anchors, rope knots, compass roses—into the menu design. While traditional floral centerpieces will always proffer an elegant atmosphere, vases or vessels can be dressed up with blue and white striped grosgrain ribbon, raffia with a hanging brass anchor, or a simple signal flag representative of your last name initial. There are also many alternatives for a nautical creation that will have guests talking. Large glass vases, or a trio of smaller ones, can be filled with a candle anchored by some sand or seaglass and wrapped loosely with nautical rope. A ship’s model also makes for a fun nautical touch, while natural elements such as driftwood and shell balls in alternating sizes can boost the seaside charm. These
eye-catching elements can also be added to the cake or sign-in tables.
Captain & First Mate Whether seated at a sweetheart table or with the bridal party, festoon the chairs of the newlyweds with a nautical touch. “Mr.” and “Mrs.” life rings, anchors with initials, a life ring with “Just Married” hanging in front of the table—they all are fanciful ways to bring a smile to your guests’ faces. Sweets also seem to please, and the wedding cake or wedding cupcakes offer prime opportunities to embrace nautical inspiration. A lighthouse-shaped cake in soft colors is distinctly nautical; however, stripes are also usually a hit. Cupcakes can be funky or elegant when topped with sugary anchors, sailboats, signal flags—or actual toothpick flags can likewise make a sweet impression. B&G
TIE THE KNOT WITH FOUR POINTS Make your special day perfect from start to finish, and give your guests what they need for a great stay. F Four Points by Sheraton Leominster FOURPOINTS.COM/ LEOMINSTERWEDDINGS
GREAT HOTELS. GREAT RATES. G Mandy Puim, Catering Sales Manager Direct: 978-840-5530 Main: 978-534-9000 ext. 2530 © mpuim@fourpointsleom.com ©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Four Points and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit fourpoints.com/leominsterweddings
A frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine,Andrea McHugh writes from Newport, R.I. maineventweddings.com
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BRIDE&GROOM Spring 2012
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