When thinking through the design details for a wedding, it is really tempting to only focus on the elements that you see. Perhaps there are even a few nods to thinking through taste and sound but often that’s as far as a design goes.. A design that creates a full experience encompasses all of the five senses: taste, sight, touch, sound, and smell. Let’s take a quick stroll through each sensation and share a few examples of ways to incorporate these elements into any design.
Sight - What guests see when they arrive at any event is most often their first impression of the day. It sets the tone for everything else. I think of this as the foundation of any design. Flowers, Linens, Location, Ceremony Backdrop, and the list goes on and on. Complementing each of the items that are seen creates the landscape for everything else.
Taste - Next I try to focus on building the element that the majority of guests are probably looking forward to the most: food and drink! The flavors for any wedding should match the rest of the senses. Are the sights that the guests see leading them to expect a five course dinner or a more casual but vibrant food truck experience? And don’t forget the alcohol! Creating a specialty cocktail to capture your favorite drink flavors or a champagne tower continues to set the scene. Oh and the desserts! Cake, pie, ice cream, alcoholic icees, and macarons are just some of the ideas to hit the guests’ sweet tooth.
Touch - Layering in different textures, fabrics, and patterns as part of the tablescape creates not only an eye-catching design but also brings the touch sensation into play. When continuing to design the tablescape, taking the silverware, plates, and glassware into account is also key as they are the high-touch areas of any event.
Sound - Sound at a wedding can be both good and bad. It’s a good thing when the DJ or Band are creating the perfect dinner music and then amping it up for the party atmosphere later. Sound can be bad when there’s too much interference with the officiant’s microphone or the neighbor’s dog barks incessantly. Paying attention to all the noises that can occur during wedding day allows for alternative plans to be made to hide the bad ones and amplify the good ones.
Smell - The most tricky of the sensations is smell. Having a signature scent for your wedding is one of the most under-rated elements but proceed carefully. The florals and foods will create scents on their own so we don’t want them competing and causing some funky mixed smells. Adding certain scents in places where the food won’t be is key so we are definitely avoiding any scented candles on the reception tables.
Cheers, Whitney
Thanks to all our awesome vendors!
Photography: Becca Rizzo Photography
Planning: Whitney with C&D Events
Livestream: Triangle Video Productions
Getting Ready Location: Renaissance Raleigh
Venue: Mia Francesca
Cake: Edible Art
Hair Stylist: Brooke Newton // @brookenewton_hair
Bridesmaids' Pajamas: TANA Clothing Shop // @tanaclothingshop
Bridesmaids' Earrings: Clay Dogwood Studs (via Etsy)
Dogwood Wrapping Paper: The Illustrated Life
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Reliable Jewelry
Bride Earrings: Rait London
Groom Cologne: Bleu de Chanel
Bride & Church Perfume: Jo Malone London, English Pear & Freesia
Transportation: Lifestyle Limo + North Hills Transportation
Ceremony Location: Sacred Heart Cathedral
Flowers: Bushel + Peck Designs
Stationery: Bride
Monogram: Shuler Studio
Hymn Print: Vintage Showcase (via Etsy)
Sandalwood Hand Fans: The Knot
Bridal Gown: Coastal Knot Bridal
Bridal Veil: Lamnhi Bridals (via Etsy)
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Mother of the Bride Dress: Jay Godfrey NYC
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxedos: Mens Wearhouse
Rentals: CE Rental + ThemeWorks
Pianist: Key Elegance
Piano: Ruggero Piano
DJ: Bunn DJ Co
Monogrammed Linen Napkins: Madras and Khaki’s at Flipperz
Guest Book & Watercolor Prints: Artifact Uprising
Cake Knife & Server: Charleston Engravers
Cigars: Angus Barn
Second Look Dress: Amanda Uprichard
Second Look Earrings: Coras Den