The Classic Wedding defined
Photography by Kayla Potter
Want to know the single most important element to hosting a classic wedding? LOVE, REAL LOVE!! TRUE LOVE. You know that kind of love that makes you swoon, makes your heart melt and makes you forget about everything else. Yeah, that kind of love! It really truly is the one and only reason why your having a wedding in the first place! LOVE, plan and simple that’s it!!
But if you are like me and you want all sorts of pretty to go along with that love - let’s get down defining what a CLASSICALLY ELEGANT wedding really is.
SIMPLICITY, GRACE, REFINEMENT AND ELEGANCE traditionally had defined what classic wedding is all about. Think vintage Grace Kelly elegance, or Kate + Will and Harry and Megan. It’s all in the details. An all white + green colour palette, simple + sophisticated formal attire with wedding flowers that feel luxurious no matter the budget.
Here at Sue Gallo Designs, our weddings + wedding florals are known for their classic wedding style. As a wedding fresh floral + event design firm, we assist our couples with designing the classic wedding to creating the gorgeous wedding flowers that bring this vision to life. Over the years a “Classic Wedding” has taken on many meanings. Classic weddings are rooted in tradition, simplicity and built around etiquette.
THE LOOK OF THE CLASSIC COUPLE
The classic couple is simple, sophisticated and refined. Details are essential and carefully chosen. Paying close attention to both their individual looks but also their look together as a whole.
Traditionally white satin, silk or charmeuse gowns have been the main element for a classic couple to consider. With ivories, eggshell and creamy hues appearing in modern couples choice for attire. With lace, tulle and chiffon adding a romantic and timeless look to the traditional A line or ballroom gowns + suits classic couples desire.
Black tie has always been considered classic. While the colour of the tuxedo varies depending upon the time of day and formality of the wedding. For those choosing to wear traditional tuxedos, they should elevate their partner’s look while still be ravishing on their own.
Beauty is simple, understated and natural.
photography by Jenn Kavanagh
THE CLASSIC WEDDING STATIONERY
Traditionally, black engraved calligraphy on white cotton paper was invitation of the day. But classic encapsulates so much more today. The key foundation for wedding stationery is clean, elegant and simplistic with luxurious papers, pretty liners, gorgeous authentic calligraphy or letterpress + engraving, waxed seals, and silk ribbons.
A list of classic wedding stationery should include
photography by Kayla Potter
The invitiation + reply
Individual Menu
Individual Placecards
THE WEDDING CAKE
Traditionally early American wedding cakes, where fruit cakes topped with marzipan and icing. The updated classic wedding cake is simple in design in butter cream or fondant with delicate sugar flowers, or an elegant silk ribbon. Placed upon a perfectly coordinated cake plate and topped with the classic cake topper.
photography by Cloud Nine Photography | Cake by The Dessert Room
THE CLASSIC WEDDING FLOWERS
The most classic colour palette for the classic wedding florals has always been considered white and green. For generations white roses, hydrangea, stephanoitis and orchids were the go to flowers when designing a truly classical wedding. Now, classic florals include many more varieties, with the most popular being ranunculus, anemone, garden + vintage roses and spring peony and layers of textured foliage.
The bouquet must be delicate, even petite in design. With complimenting smaller scaled bridesmaids bouquets and boutonnieres.
photography by Jenn Kavanagh
This list of classic wedding flowers include
bouquets
boutonnieres
corsages
flower girl basket with petals
two altar arrangements
aisle florals
low but full centerpieces along with tall towering arrangements or any combination of the two for your reception flowers.
THE CLASSIC WEDDING VENUE
Traditionally the classic wedding ceremony took place in a church, with the reception being held at the families home, church hall or an event space near by. As weddings have evolved, so have the spaces in which we now consider classic wedding venues. Country Clubs, galleries, hotel ballrooms, gardens, barns, resturants and unique event spaces are now the choice of modern couples.
When designing a classically elegant wedding, and being really successful at bringing it to life, really comes down to a few key elements. Choose to make the wedding your own, intentionally take the simplicity, refinement and elegance that reflects who you are as a couple to tell your story of love. Carefully, and thoughtfully choose a neutral white colour palette, choose modest details and elements. Let your ceremony take centre stage and find the love, grace and elegance that the traditional classic wedding has build over the centuries. And remember .. the single most important element of your day - the real reason why you are planning this wedding - is the LOVE you share and the LOVE that binds you together!
photography by Elizabeth in Love