Cassie and S ean THE WEDDING LIBRARY
WEDDING DESIGN G OT HA M HA L L JUNE 28, 2014
Cassie and S ean WEDDING DESIGN
CONCEPT PA P E R Y S T E P A N D R E P E AT WELCOME BAGS PE R S ONA L F LOW E R S CEREMONY M E Z Z A N I N E C O C K TA I L H O U R DINNER RECEPTION E S C O R T C A R D TA B L E CAKE LOUNGE
Concept
is wedding is glamorous, filled with “Old Hollywood” glitz and Great Gatsby abundance. ere’s a touch of roaring ‘20’s excess and sophistication but there’s also contemporary fun and restraint that makes the evening modern and the wedding elegant. Gotham Hall makes a large and grand statement – while some décor elements will be quiet and subtle, there are big gestures that befit the large space. e core colors in this wedding are platinum, gold and white. We begin the evening with the arrival at the ceremony – here we use a subtle palette of silver, white and shades of blush. Cocktail hour on the mezzanine relies heavily on platinum and gold to “light up” the darker space. When guests return to the ballroom, the room is sparkling with metallics, whites and low-hanging crystal chandeliers. Neutral greige, cream and tan furniture create a calming palette on which to build our spectacular design.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(E)
(D)
(F)
Although we have the wonderfully graphic invitation motif (A) to use for color and pattern at the wedding, I would like to introduce the motif of a crescent moon and stars (B). is delicate ‘20s inspired motif can find a home in the cake design, menus and place cards, a twinkling projection of stars on Gotham’s ceiling, and even in the “step and repeat”. For the large ballroom at Gotham it’s important that, while we make sure every detail is perfect, we also focus on large design elements that create impact. “Big” gestures include the lit dance floor, the starry ceiling, multiple crystal chandeliers, multitudes of candles, large lit “Dance” letters (C), large cake, glittery step-and-repeat and lush lounge area. Dinner tables glisten with tall silver vases, mercury glass votive candles, sparkling glassware, lush white floral arrangements and creamy silver-leafed chargers. As the evening progresses, the backlit, white dance floor glows, the music energizes guests, and the pure white dinner lighting turns to the dark night sky – complete with twinkling stars (D). is is where the party goes into high gear – the night progresses with waiters coming to the dance floor with magnums of champagne (E) with “fountain” sparklers, for the bridal toasts. At the end of the evening confetti canons explode from the four corners of the dance floor (F). ese “Gatsby” gestures ensure that this will be remembered as a most unique and extraordinary wedding.
Papery î ˘e paper suite is bold and glamorous; the silver and gold graphic elements set the tone of the reception design. Subtle reminders of the bold metallic ikat invitation and room design permeate the printed materials. Here’s the perfect opportunity to introduce a motif of moon and stars: these can re-occur, along with the silver and gold, in paper straws/stirrers (A,C), monogrammed cocktail napkins (B), tray liners, match boxes, escort cards, the step-and-repeat, table numbers, bar signage, favor bags and coordinating menu cards.
(B)
(A)
(C)
(C)
Step and Repeat (A)
(B)
is is a moment where guests can be playful and where they have an experience within the wedding – so the backdrop and the activity (A) should be fabulous and fun. Let’s discuss mylar confetti, a fringe backdrop (B) with glittery hanging stars and moons (C).
Welcome Bags
Here’s another chance to set the tone for the party to come. I suggest something simple and bold – how about 2 silver/gold straws (A), 2 Pop Pommery champagnes (B), Advil in a mylar bag (C) and a test tube of confetti or glitter (D)? All in a metallic silver satchel with a gold sun/moon motif and C&S monogram.
(A)
(C)
(D)
(B)
(E)
(A)
Personal Flowers (C)
(B)
(D)
Striking, elegant and long, the champagne/gold glittery dresses set the tone for the party (A). Bridesmaid bouquets contain shades of white and light pink peonies – all tied with golden ribbons (B). e two Maids of Honor get a stronger, ombre version of the bridesmaids’ bouquets, with more blushes, bronzes, coral, lilacs and white. For the bride, a larger, white peony bouquet (C), tied with thick white, platinum and gold ribbon. Groomsmen sport small white flowered buttonholes; possibly orchids, stephanotis, roses. e groom has an enhanced version of the boutonniere (D).
Ceremony
Guests arrive by double-decker bus from the Palace. ey are greeted by waiters standing in a row with white gloves and silver trays of champagne (complete with personalized cocktail napkins and festive swizzle stick). Blocking the main entrance to the ceremony space is a festive silver and gold fringe backdrop, which doubles as our step-and repeat. Guests are ushered into the main space from the North entrance between the teller walls. e white light-up dance floor (against the far wall) is the ceremony site and remains unlit. Behind it is a simple pipe and drape concealing the bandstand. A low-hanging crystal chandelier hangs over the altar. Linen-upholstered oval-backed Louis chairs provide seating for guests. Ceremony floral décor consists of two large floral-bedecked “trees” on either side of the ceremony, on the altar – (later to be moved to flank the band). Elegant mirrored bars are set on either side of the ceremony entrance, decorated with candles but not stocked.
(A) (F)
(B)
Cocktail Hour (D)
(C)
(E)
î ˘e Mezzanine cocktail hour is simple and impactful. A multitude of candles (battery) line the steps (A). Glamorous metallic linens (E), clear lucite chairs (B) and small table arrangements set the tone. Stations, bars (C) and guests fill the space. If needed, draping disguises the ballroom from guests as the change from cocktails to dinner occurs below.
Dinner Reception
Guests enter the ballroom from the same entrance as for the ceremony (side). To the le and right are two bars and two lounge areas with high boys and creamy (A), upholstered, French-style lounge furniture (B). In the center of the room is the large, light-up dance floor – lit white for dinner (C). Surrounding and paralleling the dance floor are three banquet tables for bridal party, Russo family and Sweeney family. Around the room are 60” round tables, all with our gorgeous Louis linen-upholstered chairs. Above our heads are small clusters of crystal chandeliers, perhaps interspersed with floral “balls” or hanging candles (D). e tables are laid with silver/gold ikat metallic linens (E). Creamy silver-backed chargers, an ornate show plate, silver cutlery and classic crystal set the table (F). A glitter napkin with silver star napkin treatment and menu card complete the look. A mixture of mercury glass votives, and floating candles in tall glass containers provide tabletop glimmer (G). Finally, tall silver trumpet vases (H) hold mounds of baby’s breath (I). Smaller arrangements of baby’s breath, white roses, white peonies, white sweet peas (singular arrangements) surround the base of the tall arrangements and are interspersed on the banquet tables in varying sizes of small mercury vases. Table numbers in mirror frames fit the look.
(A)
(B)
(A)
(G)
(C)
(H)
(E)
(D)
(F)
(I)
Escort Card Table
A large, round, mirrored table set (B,C) with escort cards greets guests as they enter the dining room. Alternatively, large 8 foot, ornate mirrors (A) with seating assignments calligraphed in white welcome guests and direct them to their table.
(B)
(A)
(C)
(A)
(B)
Cake
(C)
(D)
A tall and impressive statement piece (B), the cake has a pattern taken straight from the invitation (A). î ˘e golden glittery moon rests on top of the cake (C) with silvery stars cascading down the sides of the cake (D).
Lounge
Adjacent to the bars, at the “back” of the ballroom, are two comfortable seating areas with linen upholstered lounge furniture (A,B,C,D). Some high boys also add interest to the area and give guests an area to “retreat” to from the dancing.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Cassie and S ean G OT HA M HA L L JUNE 28, 2014