Dark Red and Purple Weddings fit for a Queen

There is a reason why kings and queens over the ages have enveloped themselves in rich, dark reds and majestic purples - it is a colour combination that just oozes opulence, warmth and a celebration of life. So I think if you're planning a late Autumn or Winter wedding, it is a theme worth pondering.

Just look at the sheer exuberance captured in the wedding below. And in keeping with that wealth of colour, the gowns themselves have been made with an abundance of gorgeous satins for the bridesmaids, froths of tulle for the pretty little flower girl and a bonanza of embroidered silk for the bride. Fittingly too, the bride has continued the theme of magnificence with the wedding accessories - purple or cream veils for the bridesmaids and long satin gloves - with a dark red and purple wedding like this, the energy and enthusiasm is irrepressible!

With many thanks to Hanssie Trainor for allowing me to use this fabulous image of what clearly was a phenomenal wedding.

So I think for a dark red and purple wedding you'd have to go for the more extravagant end of the spectrum when you're choosing your bridesmaids dresses, with full skirts, frills and bows in keeping with the vivaciousness of the red and purple. I've suggested above, from left, After Six 6705 in Aubergine, Alfred Sung D545 in Rosewood, Bridesmaid Style 9010 in African Violet, Alfred Sung D667 in Barcelona, and Alfred Sung D639 in Grape. But of course, the joy of the Dessy bridesmaids dresses is that they are available in a multitude of colours and styles, so the permutations are endless!

I love this shot above - beautifully arranged - with the regal, purple satin bridesmaids dresses offset by the wide, red sashes and deepest red bouquets. The cheeky, casual shoes of the groom and his ushers are all the more striking against the red carpet and the purple and cream rose petals strewn artfully in front of the bridal party; and the bride eclipses them all in her stunning gown and beautiful smile - wonderful. With many thanks to Project Wedding (now WeddingWire) for the great photo immediately above and of the bride and bridesmaids red and purple wedding flowers and table decorations above right.

I saw this Wedding Feast laid out by Blush Rose Events and I thought it just summed up perfectly the joy and creativity of a red and purple wedding - look at the fairy tale beauty of those dark red roses and the drama of the purple sea holly, enriched by the Guernsey-yellow of the cupcakes, the delicate pink of the 'Love Potion' and the gold leaf on the vintage china.



And when you see how Blush Rose have combined all those elements into the bride's exquisite bouquet, you just know that this bride's dreams will come true.

Additional thanks to Ismary Lieo via Pinterest for the gorgeous feature image of the dark red and purple bridesmaids posies at the top of this piece.