Today marks the beginning of a fun new series on Polka Dot Bride. I love a good cocktail and having a signature cocktail at your wedding is becoming more common. So in a bit of a twist, I’m going to be devouring each cocktail virtually and creating a wedding around it.

First up is Martini!

60ml Tanqueray Gin
5ml Dry Vermouth
Olive OR Lemon Zest

MIXOLOGY:
Fill a cocktail/martini glass with ice and coat ice and glass with Vermouth. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Tanqueray Gin. Stir until the shaker starts frosting up on the outside. Tip out the ice and the vermouth from the cocktail glass, making sure you get a miniscule coating of vermouth in the glass. Garnish with a speared pimiento olive or a lemon zest.

Recipe and photo from Cocktails.com.au

Gown by Manuel Mota for Pronovias from Brides, Skyline from Pop Art UK, B Bridesmaid from The Dessy Group, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Martini from cocktails.com.au, photo by Christian Oth Studio, Dean Martin photo from Hilly Junction, succulents from Martha Stewart, invitation from Bella Figura, chandelier from Horchow

Martinis are a drink associated with elegance and refinement. The base consists of dry vermouth and gin garnished with an olive or in the case of a Gibson with a cocktail onion. More recently martinis are anything served in a martini glass and can consist of vodka, and other base spirits, and fruit, chocolate, or liqueurs to add zesty flavours.
How do we picture a ‘Martini Wedding’? The words refinement, understated elegance, luxury and sophistication. Picture a simple colour scheme of white, black and touches of muted green. If choosing the black and white colour scheme, think black glass ware, silver cutlery, white and green orchids, white lilies, muted green succulents.

A bridal gown leaning more to red carpet than princess, smooth simple lines with dramatic black or silver touches. High fashion leaning towards haute couture. The cake could be a simple white confection with elegant touches of black, the bridesmaids could be in green with a black band in their hair or at their waist, embellished with a vintage jewel.

Your love of vintage things could come into play here – but keep it simple and be careful not to edge over into the ‘shabby chic’ style of vintage! Everything should look expensive, even if it isn’t! Think city venues- warehouses overlooking a city skyline. Floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the steely grey of a river or lake. Polished cement floors and shining mirrors.

For martini with a twist, consider pearl grey and charcoal grey with a touch of hot pink or tangerine – especially if you are basing the theme around one of the more modern pomegranate or citrus flavoured martinis.

The décor however, should remain understated with pewter, silver, luxurious fabrics such as silks, flowers simple and sculptural with just touches of the hot pink or tangerine accent colour. Think pearl grey tablecloths with darker grey napkins, pewter accessories, with hot pink and tangerine orchids, grey leaves, black pearls, bridesmaids in soft feminine grey dresses with a touch of colour in their bouquets.
Be inspired by the many ‘martinis’ that have been created and use the look and flavour as a starting point for your wedding!