Inspired by Classic Movies ... “One of our bridal couples recently came to us wanting something stylish and elegant, but uniquely customized to them,” says Candice Benson of The Finishing Touch, Wedding and Event Planning. “This bride loved the feel of classic movies from the 30’ and 40’s, so we created an Old Hollywood ‘Glitz & Glamour’ motif for the wedding, in black, white, and red.“

Guests were greeted at the hotel by a seating card display with two white manzanita trees, accented with hanging red crystals.

“Our Event Design division created seating cards, accenting them with hanging black and white beaded fringe and red crystals. The seating card table was decorated with rose petals and also photos of classic Hollywood couples in white feather-trimmed frames.

“The photographer created a gorgeous guestbook with their engagement photos. We also decorated the table with engagement and baby photos, again in white feather-trimmed frames.

“We used square tables in the hotel’s elegant ballroom to make a unique impact,” says Candice, who is active in the Association of Bridal Consultants, where she serves as director for the North Jersey branch and also as co-director of the London branch.

Priscilla Leto, event consultant for the Finishing Touch, led the design as the team draped the tables in custom floor-length linens of crushed garnet, a deep shimmery burgundy. Black napkins were pocket folded to hold the crystal-accented menus they created. “For a special touch, each napkin was accented with a white orchid.”

Romance & Drama ... For still more Old Hollywood glamour, they named the tables after romantic period movies, including “An Affair to Remember” and “Casablanca.”

“To add drama to the room, but at the same time help the couple stay within their budget, we worked with the florist to create centerpieces with two different heights.”

Tall centerpieces used trumpet vases with a strand of red crystals set up on LED light bases. The vases were topped with floral arrangements of white hydrangea and deep red roses and were accented with white ostrich feather and draping strands of clear crystals.

“We set the vases up on square bevel-edged mirrors that we sprinkled with red rose petals. The tables were also decorated with crystal cut votive holders and table lamps with black-beaded shades.”

They also created low centerpieces, which had black glass cubes filled with white hydrangea and deep red roses, accented with tufts of black ostrich feather plumes. “The low centerpieces were also set atop square mirrors, with groups of black damask print pillar candles.”

To complete the look, they used black chivari ballroom chairs with deep burgundy cushions, and then had the room uplit in a warm red tone. A gobo of the wedding couple’s monogram also shined on the dance floor, and their custom cake featured a black damask print with a red rose and crystal monogram topper.

“At the end of the evening, guests were treated to a sweet buffet of red and black candies, with custom takeaway boxes created by our design division.

“I love how weddings bring out so much happiness,” says Candice. “I feel honored to share this special moment in their lives.”

The Finishing Touch, Wedding and Event Planning
973.525.5884, 646.522.8899, www.thefinishingtouchevents.com