TOP TIPS

Check out these great tips from stationery designer Debs at Bee Happy Designs then visit the stationery page on this website for more about her work.

Colours

This season sees a move away from the very popular choice of brown as a main tone and more towards stylish metal colours in the shape of dark greys and silvers. Metallic grey will look fabulous for bridemaids dresses, particularly with a bright splash of colour in the form of a sash to liven them up.

Black will still be a popular choice but the on-trend way to utilise it is as an accessory colour rather than a main tone. Choose a lighter shade as your main colour (such as pale dusky pink - another 2010 on-trend colour!) and add black in small amounts. Choose black hair accessories, jewellery and bags to add contrast to pale bridesmaid dresses or add a black sash to all dresses including your own for a stylish on-trend look.

The bright colour of the 2010 wedding season is... orange! Use paler shades for spring, hot shades for summer and gorgeous rusty shades for a fabulous autumnal look. Other on-trend colours are yellow and turquoise. Combine all three colours of the season for a vibrant tropical summery look.

Design Styles

Stripes and small florals will feature a lot this season. Narrow stripes using this seasons bright shades will give you something fun and funky. Alternatively take one colour and use several shades of it for a subtler classy look. Small florals on summer bridesmaids dresses will work beautifully and combine this with the on-trend black accessories look and you'll be onto a winner.

Crystals and diamontes are always a popular bridal choice and this season will be no different. Stick to clear crystals rather than coloured and combine them with the greys and silvers to create a sophisticated palette. Evening dining rooms could look fabulous with a combination of metallic grey table linen, white tablewear and clear sparkly table crystals.