Silver, white and red?

Q: My wedding colours are silver and white. I’m thinking of adding dark red to prevent the dullness (red rose petals / red table centre flowers). Is this a good idea? Also, what colour will be best for my bridesmaids dresses? Red, silver or silver and red?

A: We have called in the help of our own decor – and styling experts, Johnny Hammann and Marilize de Clercq.

Johnny’s advice on the table decorations and flowers: Red would be a great addition to the silver and white. It is going to be opulent and dramatic, definitely not dull. Actually I would leave out the white completely as red and white together can easily look like Valentine’s Day. Try to go for a deeper cream or stone colour for your base colour and then add silver via stationery and vases. Be careful of bunched up rose posies, they can easily look cheap which in fact they aren’t. Rather go for loose opulent classic mixed arrangements with silky dark red open roses in between.

Marilize’s advice on the bridesmaids dresses: I wouldn’t go with red. The contrast is too harsh and takes away that elegant visual effect you want at a wedding. However, if you are quiet keen on red, I would bring in subtle elements of red for example: Stylish red shoes for the bridesmaids, rose corsage or delicate red trimmings on the dresses. Be careful what shade of red you use. It all depends on your wedding’s theme/concept. I would also advise to use more than one shade of red; this will add depth to the overall palette and definitely add a stylish touch. For the dresses: Go for shades of silver such as crisp grey or charcoal (depending on your bridesmaids’ skin-tone) and use patterns as well as monotones.