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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
4
How to Watercolor
Your Wedding
Trending on dresses, cakes and invitations,
watercolor-inspired details add a romantic,
ethereal look to your day
By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features
Watercolors and weddings: Could there be
a more perfect match?
This vintage medium, whether printed on
dresses or hand-painted on cakes, gives
traditional wedding elements a fresh, lively
feel. Here’s how to incorporate the trend
into your day.
DRESSES: WASH AND WEAR
After several seasons of wedding gowns
in soft pastels that cheerfully ignored the
directive that brides must walk down
the aisle in white, watercolor-themed
dresses are the latest rule-breaker. Fashion
designers are having a Monet moment and
painting everything from delicate florals
to wide brush strokes on silhouettes like
sheaths and ball gowns.
While couture designs often feature hand-
painted details, brides on a more modest
budget can get in on the color-wash craze
by wearing a dress fabricated with a silk-
screened print.
For whom is a watercolor-inspired gown
intended? The look works for a bride
who has an edge and isn’t afraid to use
color. She’s confident and wants to make
a statement but in a soft, romantic way.
While many of the dresses are fitting for
a garden or afternoon affair, others are
black-tie ready.
CAKES: PICTURE THIS
From fabric to fondant, the watercolor
trend is giving an artful edge to wedding
cakes, too. Bakers are treating each frosted
tier of a cake to a different watercolor hue,
or painting pretty wildflowers or stained
glass panes on fondant. Brides’ favorite
shades? Pink and green with a pop of gold.
The theme works with different wedding
vibes. People associate watercolor cakes
with the boho-chic trend that is going
strong right now, but you could create
a romantic look, as well, with watercolor
flowers.
To stay on budget, artwork should be
kept simple: Order a cake painted in a
watercolor wash and add fresh flowers or
metallic accents. Once you get into hand-
painted designs and flowers, the cost goes
up, since that requires more skill and time.
Or DIY the cake: use a stencil kit that
allows you to
create your own
edible watercolor
work of art.
BODACIOUS RIVERSIDE