Go for the Gold—or Silver

Gold-tone wedding setting via Shutterstock

As revealed in a recent weddings study, shiny metallic colors are all the rage these days. Whether you’re going for the gold, silver, or bronze, this color trend has us begging for more blinged-out wedding decor.

We asked Janie Haas of Janie Haas Events, winner of our 2013 award for Best Wedding Coordinator, to introduce us to this wedding palette showstopper. Here’s what she had to say about playing around with heavy metal. 

What “vibe” does adding metallic into your palette create? Formal, sophisticated, modern?
All of these, depending upon how you use it. Gold can be an elegant accent color when used in conjunction with a soft color or cream/ivory tones. When using it with stronger colors like red and purple, it can be very dramatic. The use of matte silver can be elegant, whereas a concentrated use of a shiny silver can lend itself to a modern, edgy look. The shape and style of gold or silver accent pieces need to directly correlate to one’s overall vision. A bride looking for that industrial, modern look will often use more “architectural” metallic pieces, such as a linear, cool-shaped vessel, while the bride looking to create a soft, romantic environment may be drawn to different vessels altogether. For those looking for more of a vintage look, metallic items like silver mercury glass have become increasingly popular.

Using metallic with softer colors like blush tones or ivory can be sophisticated and elegant, while using a more concentrated metallic or crystal accents can make a big statement that changes the entire environment. We’ve used Swarovski crystals hanging from the ceiling over the dance floor, and it was the first thing that people noticed when they entered the room because the whole area sparkled. It definitely was a wow!

How are people using this trendy splash?
We’ve seen pops of metallic in everything from the printed materials (invitations, place cards, table numbers, and menu cards) to table decor, such as silver or gold mercury glass vases, votive candles, and candelabras. You can add it anywhere. There have been all-gold utensils, shimmery bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding dress details, shoes, dance floor squares—or borders, cakes, table linens, chairs, and more! A  pop of silver sparkle can be added to a wedding dress, too, for a fabulous, playful detail that catches one’s eye as the bride walks down the aisle.

Where are some of your favorite places to add metallics accents?
I love the use of a metallic charger plate on the table. It’s like the jewelry that finishes off the place settings. I also love the shimmer of metallic bridesmaids’ gowns because they’re sophisticated and can be both sexy and elegant. Gold ink for a monogram on printed materials, such as a menu card or on a cocktail napkin, can also add to the elegance. Using an antique gold or a matte silver results in a softer, more elegant look, while a shiny, bold metallic reads, “Come party”!

How much is too much?
Less is more. If the metallic is muted, there are ways of “layering” it in an understated and elegant way. I have used a bronze metallic cloth with a stunning silvery/bronze charger plate, and it looked spectacular. The key in this scenario is pairing a muted metallic with one that sparkles. I think that if one is going with shiny/shimmery metallic, it should be the accent in lieu of the prominent color, so it doesn’t begin to look too ornate. While tons of sparkle is fabulous for a party, most of our brides want their weddings to feel soft and romantic, so it’s important to find just the right balance between elegance and fun.

What are some other colors that play well with metallics?
There are so many! Ivory or winter white and gold are gorgeous together, and blush tones like soft peach, soft pink, soft mint green, etc., look fantastic with metallic accents. While I love using softer tones with metallic accents for weddings, the use of stronger color with tons of bling can be equally fabulous. At an Indian wedding, you will often see lots of strong color and jewels combined with lots of gold. The combination of strong colors used in combination with metallic creates a vibrant, sensational environment.

I actually love disco balls! They can take change the entire ambience of a room, adding twinkle and shimmer to the most ordinary venue if used strategically. I also love using chandeliers over either the tables or the dance floor in metallic or crystal because they’re spatially impactful. If a bride is trying to be subtle, I would suggest using gold, silver or bronze simply as an accent—but if bling is your thing, go big!

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