Recently we showed you photos from an engagement and portrait session by Mark Davidson Photography, and have bribed you with only a sneak peek into the full table design . . . until now!  So let’s do a little recap.  We’ve asked a team of designers create a seaside tablescape as if they were designing to fit within an overall wedding budget of $50k.  While we certainly wanted to have our designers create something beyond inspirational, we also wanted to make sure the design is practical for you to achieve.  Meet the team:

Lead Designer:  Signature Events
Floral Designer: Embellish
Rentals:  Be Our Guest
Photography: Mark Davidson
Invitations: Papier Gourmet
Cake: Wild Orchid Baking Co.
Tent: Sperry Tents Seacoast
Hair:  Hair that Moves, Samba Salon (Maura and Christi)
Makeup: Joya Beauty

{And in case you haven’t picked up a copy, 6 different designs from the photo shoot — all with a different wedding budget — were featured in the 2011 issue of Seacoast Bride}

So let’s learn more about the design itself from New Hampshire wedding planner, Amy Piper of Signature Events who did not hold back one bit as she lead the design of this seaside wonder with the help of New Hampshire floral designer, Jennifer Schmidt of Embellish.  From white-pebbled place mats to crystal flex chair love, did you ever think this something that you can actually do?!

What was your inspiration behind the design?

My initial inspiration for the “seaside” theme photo shoot was actually when I first set eyes on the white stone place mats! As soon as I saw them, I knew they would be the perfect addition to my tablescape.  The shape of the place mat dictated the use of a 5’ square table instead of using a 5’ round table.  I was looking for the white stone place mats to POP off the table linen and chose the richness of the beautiful blue color of an aquamarine dupioni.  Lime green dupioni napkins completed the look of one of my favorite color combination.

How did you spend your budget?  How did you prioritize your design list?

I wanted to create a more elegant “seaside” theme and chose to splurge on the crystal flex chairs, which added just the flair I was looking for.  I was able to tie into the tablescape color scheme by adding a matching lime green dupioni chair cushion to each chair.

Clear glass wing plates allowed the white stone place mat to be seen from all angles (I also had fun playing with the shape of this plate as there is more than one option of how it can work with the place setting!) and the aqua compote added just the right touch of color to each place setting. The rattan flatware added just a little bit of detail without being too busy for the overall look.

In addition, I wanted to be sure to incorporate a simple, yet elegant place card for each setting. The designer did a wonderful job working with my color and design theme creating not only place cards but also a table name. One area that brides often tend to scrimp on is the table names/numbers.  My advice is to always take your design concept one step further and be sure to include a stationery studio as part of your team.

What were your thoughts surrounding a floral design?

When designing my tablescape, I wanted the florist to design a centerpiece that would incorporate the colors I was already using as well as bring in a coral color. I love creating ambiance with candles and the idea of designing a 4-part centerpiece around a candelabra was the perfect addition to the design aesthetic of the tablescape. The addition of white starfish, seen as if they were tumbling down from the centerpiece completed the look.

Jennifer of Embellish shares with us her thoughts on designing the flowers:

In speaking with Amy, it was clear she was going for a clean contemporary but classic feel. She wanted the design to coordinate with her chosen color palette in typical beach glass shades of turquoise, blue, green and white. With these color choices in linens and china, I felt the best way to make the centerpiece pop was to go with flowers in orange, lime and white. Beautiful green fuji mums were combined with orange lilies and orchids, ‘limelight’ mini hydrangea and baptista pods.  I brought more of the beach in with beautiful white starfish that seemingly tumbled from the arrangement. The lush flowers surrounded a gorgeous candelabra that in this budget range could be rented.

If you had to cut down your budget, what particular items of your design would you take out?

If you had to cut down on your budget, the first thing you could replace is the Crystal Flex chairs. You could then replace them with white chivari chairs. The white chivari chairs would still tie in nicely with the white stone place mats (and even the white starfish) and the overall setting in general. If you still had budget concerns, you could even eliminate the cost of the white stone place mats. China, glassware and flatware are components that can either make or break your tablescape. Depending on your budget there are many different options available.

What do you consider to be the most striking and eye-catching element of your design?

I love not only the color combination, which is fresh and welcoming, but also the use of the crystal flex chairs.

Amy, we love crystal flex too!  Thank you to everyone who was part of this amazing design.  And yes, we will be featuring 5 more design concepts so stay tuned for plenty more!

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