DIY Ombre

I'm in love with ombre. I love it in home decor, fashion, and weddings. Although I'm still brainstorming ways of incorporating it into our wedding, here are some of my favourite DIY-friendly ideas.

Invitations: I love the idea for watercolour ombre and incorporating it into wedding stationary. Jordan Ferney's 2010 Holiday Cards were the inspiration for Jen & Matt's escort card format. This technique works wonderfully with any colour.

Backdrops: Perfect for photo booths, head tables, and alters, backdrops are very exciting aspect of wedding decor these days. There are many, many creative ways of styling a backdrop, one of them being ribbons or fabric strips arranged by colour gradient. The DIY guide by Katie of Green Wedding Shoes is fantastic and proves this type of backdrop doesn't need to chew up a lot of your decor budget.

Treats: Well-styled food - especially sweets - are one of my favourite elements of event planning (& if you need an example of what I'm referring to, visit Amy Adams' website). Ombre has been creatively introduced to the world of food. Don't you think these meringue parfaits would be lovely for a shower or party?

Napkins: As I mentioned before, napkins are a great way to incorporate a pop of colour or pattern to an otherwise neutral tablescape; alternatively, they can be a playful way of layering colour, pattern, and texture on a vibrant tablescape. I'm a huge fan of dip-dyed items, whether it be tote bags, table clothes, t-shits, or napkins, this is a fun project. Visit Bright Bazaar or Oh Happy Day for a dip-dye technique that could translate to any fabric or visit Kim Seybert's website if you prefer to purchase a set of ombre dyed napkins.

Bridesmaids: Mismatched yet coordinated: that is the style mantra of my bridesmaids. Although not officially "ombre" (my ladies are wearing similar tones in several neutral colours), it's the subtle variation of the same idea that I love; this wedding party (shot by the amazing Jill Thomas) pulls it off perfectly.

Paper Chandelier: Albeit not every bride's style, this paint chip chandelier was just too cool not to include in this rundown. I love the idea of repurposing paint chips: wouldn't it also look amazing with a random connection of colours? Again, this would work well for shower decor or in a baby's room although I think it would be pretty awesome in an office space, as well.

Flowers: I have been ga-ga over this centerpiece since I saw it in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine a while ago. As Martha & co aptly point out this example is in one long, low container; however, it would be equally as beautiful in a cluster of small vases.

Are you on the ombre train? How have you incorporated it into your event design/ fashion/ hair colour/ home?





(photos, clockwise from top left: Oh Happy Day, Katherine Elizabeth Photography for Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks, Jill Thomas, Jenna McKenzie Photography for Hello Gorgeous, and Martha Stewart Weddings).