Elegant Details

This bride evokes classic glamour in a strapless A-line satin gown with embroidery and jewels, a pearl tiara, and elbow-length gloves. (The groom's calla lily boutonniere is a perfect complement to the bride's simple bouquet.)

The bride's bouquet is understated. A bundle of oversize "trumpet" calla lilies in a corset-style holder creates a sleek, feminine silhouette that complements the bride's dress.

Bundle the stems of a handful of flowers, then tightly wrap a 2-3/4-inch satin ribbon around the bundle, turning the edges under to create a finished hem. To secure, stick pearl-top corsage pins through the long edges of the ribbon and into the top stem.

 

There's no question where the couple of the day will sit. The back of an antique love seat is embroidered with the couple's monogram. After the wedding, the bride and groom will take home the love seat, which will become an heirloom to treasure for generations.

A low centerpiece ensures that the couple is the focus of the soiree, and prevents guests and photographers from having to maneuver to get a glimpse of the newlyweds. Three rows of ribbon dress the bottoms of the table skirt for a finished look.

 

Silver and cream ribbons layer atop one another and are knotted off-center to make the chair backs fitting for the grand gala. Though it took some sleuthing to find the silvery bamboo ballroom chairs, they're a perfect complement to the room decor.

 

Crafts-store pearls make
elegant staircase swags.

Strands of crafts-store pearls make elegant staircase railing swags, and would look just as graceful adorning a head table, cake table, or buffet station. Evenly spaced satin-ribbon sashes wrap around the banister to suspend the beads and make it easy to adjust their drape. For extra embellishment, clip small floral bouquets onto the rails.