Top Tips for Designing a Small Wedding
By: Claudia Hanlin
Freshly Set is an e-commerce service offering brides the opportunity to rent designer tabletop pieces for their small wedding or party. “I created an opulent lakeside dinner, evoking a glamorous party that I imagined at a villa overlooking Lake Como. I love the combination of pinks and burgundy, and the Penny Morrison linen evoked the handmade, informal and cheeky look I was going for. An added bonus was the complex color combinations that challenged me and I think in the end worked really well! I wanted it to feel slightly homespun, complete with tarnished silver containers and (slightly) kitschy candle shades.”
Claudia’s Tips!
• Throw out your pre-conceived design ideas that you might have for a big party. It’s the perfect opportunity to make it personal, not cookie cutter!
• Think home entertaining: time to break out the fine linens, antique silver and heirloom china. Don’t have enough? No problem. Mix and match to make it super personal.
• Individualize! Use place cards, hand write menu cards, leave a personal note at each place setting. Toast every guest!
• Don’t skimp on flowers. This is not the time for a DIY project. Hire your dream designer and get a few lush centerpieces.
• Make it comfortable. If it’s outside, make sure you have cozy blankets available or pashminas, pillows and a few fire pits.
• Don’t forget pacing. You might not have a planner, maitre d’ or band leader to keep the party going. Have someone watch the clock and keep the timing and pacing lively. We like having a little surprise or “moment” every half hour or so. (This could be a toast, cake cutting, tequila shots, first dance or sparklers). Make it fun!
