Classic Elegance

Written by Emma Hla
I have written this next edit with my very best girl in mind… My beautiful, classically elegant Maid of Honour.

Now I probably shouldn’t be imagining her wedding for two reasons…

Firstly her gorgeous boy is yet to pop the question (although I have a secret wager on the whens and wheres!) and secondly… It’s not my wedding to plan is it?

But I just can’t help myself…

Since we were two young things this girl of mine has always been my perfect image of a Classic Elegant Bride.

This wedding style is all about top hats and tails, crystal and champagne, candlelit dining, simplistic palettes and timeless tradition…

So Ladies and Gentleman… Shall we?

light vs. dark

There was always going to be a twist… I’m not a huge fan of tradition so you may find me going off at various points, interpreting this style in my own ‘Coco’ way…

Classic Elegance demands a simple palette but who said that simple should be an all white affair? There is nothing more effortlessly elegant than a black and white colour scheme and it is this that forms the basis of my Classic Elegance wedding style mood boards…

My light vs. dark…

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style category - The Vibe.

Top Row Left: Image via We are the Mastersons. Top Row Right: Image via The Nichols. Second Row Left: Image via Nicole Franzen. Second Row Right: Image via Lavender Calligraphy. Third Row Left: Image via Missy McLamb. Third Row Right: Image via Art Deco Architecture. Bottom Row Left: Image via Josh GruetzmacherBottom Row Right: Image via Pinterest

To soften the palette, throw in beautiful golden features such as mirrors reflecting candlelight or chairs with a gilded touch. Florals should be warm with a hint of blush tones, silvery blue silks will look striking against blue-black suits and the curve of calligraphy scripts will add a romantic touch to your stationary suite.

Are you in love with the Classic Elegance style yet…?

I’m a little smitten I must admit.

blushing bride

If I was smitten before, I’m going to be head over heels after this… The Bridal Fashion. It’s dreamy.

There is something so poised about a Classic Elegance Bride – almost Ballerina-esque.

I’m going to keep my words to a minimum here and let the images below tell the story… But think classic silk gowns, full organza skirts, timeless pieces of jewellery, bejewelled shoes… and Vera.

Oh Vera.

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style category - Bridal Fashion.

Top Row Left: Image via Paige Hiller Photography. Top Row Right: Image via Brosnan Photographic. Second Row Left: Image via KT Merry Photography. Second Row Right: Image via Woman’s InSite. Third Row Left: Image via Brett Heidebrecht. Third Row Right: Image via Modern Life Portraits. Bottom Row Left: Image via The Lane. Bottom Row Right: Image via Jessica Janae Photography.

fair maids

Continuing with my light vs. dark how about your best girls in black…?

I had long held onto my own visions of Bridesmaids in black but getting married in August, in a garden, with a rustic/vintage twist soon put a stop to that.

But oh gosh… look.

It’s the ultimate in Bridesmaid chic – lace and tulle work very well with darker hues. However, if you prefer a softer look then champagnes, dove greys and blush nudes in chiffons and organza are perfect for this wedding style.

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style Category - Bridesmaids.

Top Row Left: Image via Clary Fine Art Photography. Top Row Right: Image via: Pinterest. Second Row Left: Image via Pinterest. Second Row Right: Image via Galaxie Andrews and Ventola Photography . Bottom Row Left: Image via See Creatures. Bottom Row Right: Image via Claudia Rose Carter.

Locks should be simple yet polished… A knot worn to the side is a chic up-do option, or if your girls want to wear their hair long why not sweep back a few loose tendrils in a luxurious black velvet ribbon.

I’d like to be the girl in the black tulle sweetheart gown. It’s a bit magical isn’t it.

But then again, the beauties in the floor-length dove grey dresses are breathtaking.

the gentleman

The boys are back.

Yes… I’m talking Groom’s fashion for this Classic Elegance wedding style.

Now whilst top hats and tails are traditional and certainly a classic look I want to turn up the heat a little and talk about the Tux.

Our American friends have been donning this look for years and I think the images below show that they may just be onto something…

The look – Black suits against crisp white cotton shirts and silk waistcoats, dress buttons and pocket watches nodding to tradition, whilst black patent shoes, velvet bow ties and subtle checks add a modern luxe edge…

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style Category - The Groom.Top Row Left: Image via KT Merry Photography. Top Row Left: Image via Man of the World. Second Row Left: Image via Samm Blake. Second Row Right: Image via Jennifer Stuart Photography. Third Row: Image via Brosnan Photographic. Fourth Row Left: Image via Arden Kurumsal. Fourth Row Right: Image via Erich McVey. Bottom Row Left: Image via A Gentleman’s Life. Bottom Row Right: Image via Emily Delamater.

Oh… and who can say no to a man in uniform. The ultimate classic attire.

dine

I’ve touched upon the dining experience in the majority of Coco Style edits so far – Bohemian Beats, Coastal Cool and Modern Vintage – mostly because I feel this is such an important element to any wedding. From a casual picnic affair to a formal sit-down dinner, this is where your guests start to relax into the festivities of the wedding day so the trimmings and attention to detail really do set the tone for your day.

I had a delicious time putting together my ideas for Classic Elegance – Think glittering candelabras and mercury tea lights, sweetly scented florals in creams and blushes with lashings of foliage, crystal wine glasses trimmed in gold and overflowing with champagne, classic treats served such as Macarons but in unexpected hues and gorgeous cakes in white, dressed with intricate iced details…

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style Category - Dine.

Top Row Left: Image via Full Spectrum Photography. Top Row Right: Image via Ariel Renae. Second Row Left: Image via Brosnan Photographic. Second Row Right: Image via One to Wed. Third Row Left: Image via Anneli Marinovich. Third Row Right: Image via Dust Jacket Attic. Bottom Row Left: Image via McCune Photography. Bottom Row Right: Image via Megan Clouse.

make an entrance

Or indeed an exit…

Let’s talk cars. Classic cars.

The finishing touch to any Classic Elegance wedding is the Bridal car.

How about a traditional Rolls Royce Silver Cloud or maybe a Baby Bentley…? Or do you fancy yourself as a 007 with his Bond Girl in tow…? Then why not speed away in your very own classic sports car…

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style Category - Classic Cars.

Top Row Left: Image via Mademoiselle Fiona. Top Row Left: Image via Millie & Belle. Second Row: Image via Lisa Devlin. Bottom Row: Image via Ed Peers.

So are you a Classic Elegance Bride…?

Will your man be wearing a Tux or indeed his uniform…?

Only one more Coco Style Category to introduce… Which is your favourite so far…?

I’ll leave you with this beautiful image of a handsomely attired Groom quite literally sweeping his bride off her feet…

Coco Wedding Venues - Classic Elegance - Wedding Style Category - Bride & Groom.

Image via Claudia Rose Carter.

Dedicated to Miss A.

Lots of love…

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