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A wedding reception on a southern plantation pulls together old and new elements for
a complete design.
By Becky Harris
The Ford Plantation just outside Savannah, Ga., is a natural setting for a wedding reception that embodies traditional charm. But when a couple desired a modern approach in combination with the traditional elements, Event Lab was challenged to produce the perfect marriage of these two themes in the design and decor under a 60-by-90-foot tent.
The bridal party table received the modern treatment. The 20-foot head table featured five custom-cut 48-inch-square glass surfaces supported by lighted Plexiglas® boxes for the base. Clear acrylic chiavari chairs, purple square chargers, chunky glass candlesticks and monochromatic displays of purple flowers completed the tablescape.
In contrast, the guest tables were treated to a romantic look with a custom gold and ivory damask linen that accommodated the extra-wide rectangular tables. Ivory hemstitch napkins, gold charger plates, gold chiavari chairs and calligraphied menu cards were at each place setting. Mercury glass candlesticks with glittered pillar candles every eight feet of table length enhanced the vintage feel. Flowers were individual bouquets inside mercury glass vases for each guest.
Lighting design pulled the traditional and contemporary elements together. A romantic wash of soft purple glowed across the ceiling draping and surrounding walls of the tent. Pin lighting was used on all of the tables for added effect, and cocktail tables in the dance area were lit from below. The fabric petals of the linens that draped these tables added depth and dimension.
Farm tables for the escort card table, bridesmaids bouquets and a cheese display popped against the white carpet and dance floor. White laser-cut Fome-Cor® Board offered a lacey backdrop to the stage. Finally, painted double bars with bookshelves for back bars completed the marriage of
old southern charm with sleek, modern lines.