When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s all in the details. And when your guests will be spending a good portion of their time at reception tables during dinner, a beautiful place setting can really elevate their experience. Here are a few popular and easy ways you can dress up your dinner plates/tablescape.
Menu Displays
These personalized menus are an easy way to convey the theme of your reception through intricate details. Gorgeous, hand-detailed stationery will stun your guests with delicate designs that can encapsulate your personal flair, from rustic romance to chic modern minimalism. Plus, guests will love being able to see all the delicious food they can look forward to! Have your menu sit on its own atop the dinner plate or tuck it into a napkin fold. Take your presentation to the next level by sliding the menus into personalized card sleeves.
Dish out the details before you bring out the first course. Unique patterned plates are sure to catch the attention of your guests. Consider a plate with a full pattern or an intricate design around the rim. Not only can these plates add a fun pop of color and texture to your linens or tables (especially if you opt for a more subtle, solid colored tablecloth), but they can also complement the centerpieces and/or your theme.
For such a small — but important — element to your place setting, there are a lot of ways to present a napkin. While many classic settings tend to utilize a rectangular fold, there are many other ways to gather, wrap and tie your linens so that they make a statement on the table. For a slightly less formal look, incorporate a napkin ring, or tie the napkin together with twine or string for a more rustic touch.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
Rudy and Rebecca’s love soared to new heights during their May 2017 wedding. The two pilots wanted to capture their love for flying and traveling on their big day, and with the help of their event planner and stylist Alyson Taylor, their vision took flight. Guests received pilot wings to wear on their lapels, and programs were made to look like passports and airline tickets. A custom watercolor map that detailed the places the couple has lived together was another personal touch.
Incorporating this theme throughout their day, the couple shared an intimate moment flying high above their guests in a multicolored hot air balloon from Blue Ridge Balloon Co. adorned with lush greenery. Additionally, to make their entrance into their reception all the more fun, the newlyweds—sporting aviator sunglasses—danced into the ballroom to the “Top Gun” theme song. We hope you enjoy the fun, personalized details of Rudy and Rebecca’s special day as much as we do!
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
Traditionally, when we think of wedding florals, our first thoughts are often about the bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces. However, more and more couples are hiring floral designers to not only create these customary pieces but also transform their wedding venues with stunning one-of-a-kind arrangements and installments. We’ve compiled a few of the most popular floral trimmings and creations we are seeing couples add to their floral budgets to really take their celebrations to the next level.
Floral Arches
While those Blue Ridge Mountains already provide a stunning natural backdrop, having a custom floral arch under which to say “I do” can really help create a magical ceremony site. Choose bright blooms that match your accent colors or simple white florals with lush greenery for a more classic look. Some couples have even opted to incorporate this trend into their reception areas, allowing their guests to enjoy the grand creation all evening.
Adding flowers to your wedding cake is another popular way to decorate or add color to a more simple yet elegant cake design, and it can make the confection feel more in harmony with a vineyard setting. Choose big blossoms for a romantic look, or add a texture with unique trimmings, such as lavender.
Another trend couples at every venue type are embracing is the concept of “sweetheart chairs.” Make your reception chairs feel more special by adding garland or special arrangements on their backs. Whether you choose simple wooden chairs or a bench, or a cushy loveseat for your first meal as a married couple, the right floral addition can leave your seats feeling like thrones.
The sky is the limit when it comes to this new must-have wedding detail. Perfect for both a tented or indoor reception, these knock-out arrangements are sure to wow guests throughout the entire evening, and your options are limitless. Elevate your head table by adding a gorgeous installment above, or transform your entire reception area by bringing the outdoors in with hanging and draped vines, greenery and florals.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
Are you planning to include your four-legged family member in your wedding celebrations? We have seen couples style their beloved pets in so many unique and adorable ways depending on their roles in the bridal party. Here are a few of our favorites!
Dressed Fur the Occasion
Perfect for a formal affair, a tuxedo or suit will allow your pup to playfully coordinate with the dress code!
Floral collars add an elegant touch and are a great way to tie in your wedding colors. Best of all, they can easily be created DIY style if you prefer to make something yourself. You can even add a matching leash to complete the look.
If your little one isn’t keen on wearing an entire outfit, consider replacing their collar with a bow tie or getting a bow that can be added to their collar. This is an easy way to elevate their look, and they won’t even know the difference!
No matter how you choose to style your pup on your wedding day, having them at your celebration will be a memory you are sure to cherish forever. If you are looking for more wedding pup inspiration, check out our magazine!
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
Samantha and Ted exchanged vows on a late summer day at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. While the couple wanted to create a romantic and elegant event, they also included whimsical touches in their decor. They worked with their event planner, Adam Donovan-Groves, and florist, Blue Ridge Floral Design, to transform The Granary at Pippin Hill so that guests felt like they had stepped into a floral fairytale. Orchids filled the room, with grand table arrangements and even a stunning floral instillation over the head table. The space was completed with live trees bedecked with tiny lanterns.
Along with weaving their fairytale theme throughout the affair, Samantha and Ted incorporated many unique personal touches, including Pippin Hill wine bottles for guests to sign and Samantha and Ted to open on future anniversaries. We hope you enjoy seeing some of their special day!
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
Perfect for an elegant celebration, this classic look pairs well with any season. Whether you want to accent the florals with greenery or choose to have flowers that stand out on their own, this look is timeless.
While we often associate this look with Spring celebrations, this soft color palette can easily work with varying colors of bridesmaid dresses and wedding colors in any season. Blush and white florals have become a staple neutral option for tasteful celebrations in our wine country.
While a bolder option, these florals can really take your event’s aesthetic to the next level. Colorful blooms are a great way to incorporate the look and feel of a season or an overall theme into your wedding decor, and are sure to stand out at your celebration.
No matter which color scheme you choose for your wedding flowers, they are sure to add a special touch to your decor and overall ambiance. Bouquets, greenery and decorative arrangements of blooms are a fun way for couples to express their personal style and tastes, so don’t be afraid to choose the look that speaks to you! You can find more floral inspiration and local floral designers in the latest issue of our magazine.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
On a gorgeous day in September, Lucy and Nick celebrated their love before family and friends at Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard. The couple made it their own by weaving in beautiful personal and local touches, including naming their signature cocktail after their golden retriever, Finn, and adding Carpe Donuts into their guests’ welcome bags. We hope you enjoy seeing a few of the touching moments from Lucy and Nick’s special day below!
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
We are loving the “wedding weekend” trend, with couples making the most out of their celebration destinations with fun itineraries, curated events, detailed rehearsal dinners, fabulous brunches and more. Incorporating other fetes alongside the wedding day is a great way to alleviate the pressure to see all family and friends in one day, and allows couples to be creative with different themes and activities.
Jessica and Ted embraced this trend and planned an exquisite September rehearsal dinner with Kate Phillips Events and Tourterelle Floral Design before their nuptials at a different beautiful Charlottesville venue the next day. Their Mediterranean-inspired theme paired beautifully with dining al fresco in Jefferson’s Virginia.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
From signs and name cards, to bespoke save the dates and wedding invitations, calligraphy is an enduring wedding trend that continues to captivate brides and grooms and their guests. And luckily, Charlottesville is home to some gifted calligraphers, like Jen Maton of local If So Inklined. So, if you are interested in a wedding DIY project, or perhaps want to learn how to add an extra touch to your thank you notes, check out these tips from Maton for getting started in the beautiful craft:
Take a deep breathe and relax. A glass of wine helps with that!
Remember that when you press down on the pen, you will create thick lines and when you lift up you will create thin lines. Another way to put it is: the upstroke = thin and the downstroke = thick.
Use only high quality tools and materials. A little extra money spent, goes a lot further. Cheap pens will result in frustration. The upcoming class teaches what different tools you can use to achieve modern brush lettering and where to buy them.
Practice makes perfect! Practice sheets are the key to success.
Have fun! The upcoming class is structured to teach you brush lettering in a low key ( stress free way ).
If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful art form, Maton is teaching a Modern Brush Pen Calligraphy class at local wedding venue Early Mountain Vineyards, this Sunday, February 24, from 1–3pm. Tickets can be purchased for the event here. You can also see Maton featured in Charlottesville Wine & Country Weddings, Volume 2.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Charlottesville Wine & Country Living, a semi-annual magazine of Life & Style in Jefferson’s Virginia, and Charlottesville Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in Jefferson’s Virginia, are accompanied by the Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA, a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginia artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire to locally made foods, award-winning Monticello AVA wines as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
At Ivy Publications, we’re inspired by the belief that by utilizing technology, working efficiently and attending to quality, we create publications that honor the reader and build a real connection with our local businesses. This belief has led to prosperous and long-standing relationships with our clients, who entrust us with their advertising and have enjoyed great success utilizing our niche publications to effectively reach their target markets since 1998.
Welcoming guests with a gorgeous gift bag is a gesture that will start your destination wedding weekend beautifully. Charlottesville artisans offer an array of wonderful local products to delight your guests and wedding party, and we have curated a unique selection for our new Wine & Country Welcome & Favor Bag Collection.
This collection includes a thoughtfully hand-picked assemblage of handsome bags ready to fill with an assortment of the finest local artisan-made gifts our area has to offer. Each bag we offer was carefully selected for its enduring beauty and practicality, ensuring your gift recipients can continue to enjoy the bags for a long time to come—whether for trips to the market or vineyard outings. From cinched pouches and burlap totes to classic French market baskets, our line offers many beautiful options.
(Below: “Thank You For Being My Bridesmaid” gift set in the Petite French Market Basket)
When choosing the contents for your gift bags, you may select one of our themed luxury gift collections, or you can assemble your own bag from our selection of goods and wares. Click here to learn more about some of the artisans and products we carry. We also carry award-winning wines from our region’s finest boutique wineries, which can make a thoughtful addition to your gift. Once your product selection is completed, we will help you personalize your gift with a luxurious French ribbon bow and a Wine & Country card, made by a local artist exclusively for our shop.
(Below: Sample assortment of items in the Petite Linen Gift Bag)
To browse the full Wine & Country Welcome Bag Collection, visit the new Wine & Country Shop, opening October 10 at 4416 Ivy Commons in Charlottesville. Visit during shop hours (10am–6pm, Wednesday–Saturday) or email Shop@CharlottesvilleWineandCountry.com to make an appointment.
(Below: Sample assortment of items in the Charlottesville Loves Tote)
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Charlottesville Wine & Country Living, a semi-annual magazine of Life & Style in Jefferson’s Virginia, and Charlottesville Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in Jefferson’s Virginia, are accompanied by the Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA, a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginia artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire to locally made foods, award-winning Monticello AVA wines as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
