For many couples, the first step in planning a design scheme for their wedding starts with choosing colors that will be carried out from the save-the-date notice to the thank-you note. The chosen hues are often the first hint of the wedding’s overall tone: creams and pinks that ring soft and romantic; pumpkin, crimson and eggplant reminiscent of an autumn harvest; lemon and lime for a punchy, perky vibe; black and white with a contrasting shade like fuchsia for a chic, contemporary appeal; bright pink and green for a Lilly Pulitzer-esque preppy, summertime air. The possibilities are seemingly endless, and the applications range from linens and flowers to bridesmaids dresses and cake design. For Marc Tarquinio of GrooveEvents.us, which has offices in Boston, Newport, R.I., and Miami, Fla., discussing the color scheme with a to-be-wed couple is the first step in learning a little more about their aesthetic vision for their once-in-a-lifetime day.
That can be easily accomplished, she noted, by choosing a complementary but contrasting color. Lavender, as she pointed out, can be well synchronized with a light and lovely amber hue. “I try to get as many details as I can. Do we match? Do we contrast? It’s a little bit of both; it’s coordinating,” said Tarquinio. “We see a big shift moving into the subtle tones (creams, for example), and blending with colors. I feel there was a trend toward bold colors before—electric blues and pinks—and now we’re going into soft colors.” Another factor to take into account before choosing the color or colors of the lights is the venue itself. “I always encourage the clients to consider the space they are in,” said Tarquinio. “If you are in a very modern, contemporary space, something bright and funky might work. Something with old world charm and character, like a museum or like the Boston Public Library, I would say use soft lighting like an off-white or amber.”
“We work very closely with couples,” said Tarquinio, “and lighting is probably one of the biggest things that can impact the vibe of the night.” Utilizing stationary up-lighting—that is, most often, lighting strategically placed around the perimeter of a venue casting an upward glow on the walls—is a great place to start. “It’s the biggest impact and biggest bang for your buck,” Tarquinio said. Gayle Gilberto, president and lead event designer at Art of the Event in Wakefield, Mass., agreed. “Up-lights have moved beyond trends; they are pretty much standard now.” However, choosing the up-lighting color might be a little more complex than you think. While the wedding may already have signature colors, be careful not to verge into “too much of a good thing” territory. “Say everything is lavender,” said Gilberto, citing bridesmaids’ dresses, centerpieces and linens or seat covers as examples. “It can get boring very fast. Use your colors to accentuate.”
58 Winter 2013
BRIDE&GROOM
www.bridegroommag.com
artoftheevent.com
Gobo lighting projections add personality to your room.
GrooveEvents.us