Holiday Inspirations {Valentine's Day}

February 14th is just around the corner and I, for one, can't wait! While some people think Valentine's Day is cheesy or too commercial, I think it's a great backdrop for celebrations, including weddings. The beauty of this particular holiday is that it can inspire such a wide variety of unique touches ranging from subtle and romantic to bold and fun.

One way to really make a Valentine's Day wedding your own is through your color palette. Red and pink are obvious choices and while both look lovely paired with black and white, you don't have to limit yourself. Try adding warm shades such as gold or beige or cool tones like blue and grey to create a unique look. 

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Set the tone for your big day with Save the Dates that capture your favorite aspects of the holiday.

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For a cohesive look, continue the theme with all of your paper products including invitations, programs, place cards and menus. 

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Depending on where you live, your Valentine's Day nuptials may fall in the middle of frosty February, but don't rule out shorter dresses entirely. There's just something so fitting about the full skirts and flirty details of tea-length dresses like the ones below.

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Plus, a shorter dress will give you the opportunity to show off some amazing shoes! With accents like delicate ruffles, glamorous sparkles or whimsical hearts, there are plenty of options for every Valentine's Day style.

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When it comes to accessorizing, shoes are just the beginning. Clutches and jewelry are a great way to make a statement and carry out your theme without going overboard. This patterned clutch and delicate "Love" necklaces from Etsy would both make lovely additions to your wedding ensemble or perfect gifts for your bridal party. 

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And don't forget about the guys. Coordinating converse or colorful socks are a great idea. You can also add a little of the holiday spirit to their look with love themed pieces like a simple heart boutonniere or "XO" cufflinks.

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Dressing up your venue is just as important as dressing up your wedding party. Florals are often a key element of wedding decor. Choose from seasonal blooms such as Ranunculus, Chrysanthemums or Anemones. Whatever you decide, remember, the vases or vessels you select can make as much of an impact as the flowers themselves. They can take your look from one end of the spectrum to the other. Blue mason jars add an overwhelming sense of romance, especially when paired with white or pink blooms. Milk glass is a great option whether you're going for a classic vibe or something more sleek and modern. Valentine's Day weddings are the perfect time to make decor choices that are a little unconventional. Try arranging flowers on top of beautifully wrapped gift boxes of varying sizes for a unique touch. 

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Details really are essential to creating the right atmosphere on your wedding day. From the stationery to the decor, they make your event standout and your theme come to life. For Valentine's Day, I love the look of lace. It complements just about any color scheme and can be paired easily with elements that are rustic and casual or formal and elegant. Incorporate it into your invitations or wrap your bouquet in it. Add texture to your table with a lace runner or napkins. Or, create a truly romantic mood by covering your votive candles with lace.

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If you're looking to show off the more playful side of Valentine's Day, another great detail is the heart. As you've already seen, hearts can be included in so many aspects of your wedding. I love the idea of featuring hearts in garland or bunting. It can be used to line the aisle at your ceremony or embellish tables at your reception. Drape it across the back of your chairs at the sweetheart table or hang it vertically in rows to create a photo backdrop.

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Once your decor is set, it's time to focus on the celebration. Signature cocktails are the perfect way to get any party started. Try something fruity in pink or red or opt for a decadent chocolate flavor. 

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No Valentine's Day inspired celebration would be complete without a little sugar. Wedding cakes can serve not only as dessert, but as beautifully decorative pieces for your reception. They are as customizable as can be. Whether you're after tall ruffled tiers or even a tower of delicate cupcakes, you're certain to find it.

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And the sweets don't have to end with cake. There are so many other options to consider from cookies to Whoopie Pies to Macarons- all of which can be made in coordinating colors or shaped like a heart to add to the overall look of the day. They can be served to your guests or wrapped as favors to take home.

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No matter what aspect of Valentine's Day you choose to highlight, your wedding is bound to be a beautiful celebration of love.

-Laura