Creative Colour – Deep Iris

A delicious moody colour – think of a jewel with a touch of smokiness.

Combine with berry colours and cream

– with lighter and softer shades of violet and avocado green

– with shades of lilac blues and a touch of fresh green

– with chocolate and deep raspberry

– with ivory and touches of black

– with deep sea greens and ivory

– with linen and apple green

– with pearl, to mid to charcoal greys and white with a mere touch of coral orange or saffron yellow

– with pearl grey, sage green and pink

– periwinkles, white violets, irises, wisteria, orchids, white lilies, bluebells, honeysuckle, hyacinths, clematis, spring bulbs, Nigella (‘love in a mist’), pansies, violas, hydrangeas – either fresh or dried

– for the bride’s dress, consider being different and choosing a pearl grey, pale misty lilac, or sage green, intricately detailed with lace, crystals, appliqué, and using parts of that detailing on the iris coloured maids’ dresses. Carry some of that detailing over to your invitations or table settings or favours e.g. try using some lace as a napkin tie or favour box embellishment

– an outdoor wedding under a spreading jacaranda tree in full bloom, white tables and chairs, lanterns strung from tree branches, a garden full of foxgloves and delphiniums, or spring bulbs such as snow drops, crocus, and daffodils, white serving ware and plates, crystal candlesticks, a fountain, an elegant string quartet for the formal part of the day, a pergola woven with white and purple blooms, a cake or cupcakes that are iced to look like little gardens, white or pale linen suits for the men

– large pewter coloured metal containers laden with irises, tulips or orchids, yellow daisies and pale grey leaves, insert paper butterflies on thin wire stems to ‘dance’ amongst the flowers (see the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings for ideas), simple metal chairs, butterfly embroidered iris organza runners over very pale avocado green cloths sequins in amongst the embroidery, for a bolero, on dresses

– for an autumn wedding, use berries and deep red autumn leaves in large arrangements, dark furniture, moody lighting, velvet cloths in different berry shades on the tables, bridesmaids in iris purple with detailing of dark berry colours in shoes, wraps, amethyst jewellery, vintage haircombs, pewter candlesticks with iris candles, sparkling glassware, charcoal grey suits, iris pocket handkerchiefs, berry ties, old mirrors, butterfly shaped fairy lights

– paua shell jewellery, coloured pearls, crystals

– have a monogram designed and use it as a key element – stationery, on your favour boxes, used as a lighting design on the dance floor, as a backdrop behind the bridal table, on napkins, on the cake

Gown from Brides, Invitation from Bespoke Press, ring from Jane Taylor via Brides, Alan Pinkus Slip Shoes