Inspirational Flower Decor Ideas for Reception by Rachel Clingen

Although Style & the Bride is based in London in the UK, it is without a doubt an international wedding blog.

I am so excited today to bring you an exclusive interview with Canadian Rachel A. Clingen, an exceptional wedding, and event decor and designer, who founded her company in 1992. She is the Principal Designer in the husband and wife team of Rachel and David Clingen.

When I first saw some of the images of wedding receptions Rachel has planned, I was literally overwhelmed with her creativity. ‘I find inspiration from watching trends in fashion, interior design, and the bridal markets,’ explains Rachel. ‘I love all things pretty. As styles change, our minds are always adjusting to what we are attracted to. I love the colour, texture and will always be creating. Our brides enjoy a fun and creative design process. Whilst some brides might want us to recreate something they have seen, others are willing to allow us to try something new.

With regards to colors, Rachel says she is drawn to soft classic tones such as pinks, creams, champagnes.

Her favorite season is fall (autumn). ‘Here in Canada, and specifically in Ontario, we have lovely fall days. The intense heat of summer is gone, and we are left with the warm glow of the fall sun. It is also much easier to work in, especially for outdoor weddings.’

I am sure you will agree with me that Rachel is one talented lady!

When I saw this unbelievably stunning Carolina Herrera polka dot dress, it got me thinking about polka dots in general and how unbelievably charming they are. I have done a post on black polka dots before, but this post is about polka dots in all different colors. I think they are such fun, and perfect for those of you who don’t want your wedding to be too serious an affair.

Polka Dot Wedding Ideas:

Here are some Polka Dot Wedding Gowns and Dresses.

For me, it is a way of dressing that draws influence from hippy styles that developed in the middle to the late 1960s. When I think of women in the public eye who epitomized boho style in the early 2000s, I immediately think of supermodel Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. With their flowing dresses, rock n’ roll’ beachy hair, and laid back approach, they were undoubtedly were the Queens of boho style

It was only natural that the boho style would become a big trend in the world of weddings and for many years, it was very fashionable. Although the trend has waned in recent years, thanks to the boho vibe that featured in Spring/Summer 2015 collections such as Chloé, (where Claire Waight-Keller, their Creative Director, sent models down the catwalk in pretty lace dresses, and flowing fabrics), I think it is set to be big in bridal once again.

So, how do you know if a boho style wedding dress is right for you? Well, I think would you know long before you get engaged. After all, if you wear hippy style clothes all year round, love Glastonbury, and adored Kate Moss’s and Sienna Miller’s boho style in the early 2000s. then a boho style wedding dress is a MUST for you.

I think boho style bridal dresses work best at beach and country weddings, rather than at a city wedding (although there is no reason why you can’t wear a boho style wedding dress) for one. I LOVE (if practical) the idea of boho brides kicking off their wedding shoes or sandals after the ceremony and running barefoot through fields with their new husband. Before I get completely carried away, here are my top 10 boho style wedding dresses. 

Enjoy!

1. Daughters of Simone, available at Hearts A Flutter

2) ‘Anette’ dress by Minna

3. ‘Lynch’ top, ‘Brisseau’ skirt and ‘Dumas’ flower crown, Laure de Sagazan, available at The Mews of Notting Hill

4. Oscar de la Renta

This ‘Willow’ dress by Dana Bolton has an ethereal quality to it. The design is inspired by a 70’s boho, rock chic look. Photograph by Kirsten Mavric.

6) ‘Colette’ by Grace Loves Lace

7)’Pettine Versailles’ by Charlie Brear

8) ‘Heidi’ dress, ‘Love Marley’ collection, Watters

9) ‘Alana’ ‘Boho Chic’ collection, YolanCris

10) ‘Avery’ dress Rime Arodaky, available at The Mews of Notting Hill