Wedding Colors: Red and Aqua

Bold accents pop against white table linens, chairs, and plates. The inspiration for this table setting -- a beautiful sheet of wrapping paper -- is showcased at the center; we wrapped its edges with cotton ribbon (secured with double-sided tape) to give it a finished look.

Around the napkins, strips of aqua paper emblazoned with red calligraphy form place cards. Millinery birds, reminiscent of the birds on the paper, perch on top (their feet are secured to the paper band with adhesive dots).

In the centerpiece, vibrant red carnations, arranged in a tight dome, float above a porcelain compote tied with a crimson silk dupion bow.

The color scheme is easiest to visualize if you collect objects that inspire you (fabrics and ribbons, beads and buttons) and lay them side by side. Though unconventional, this warm-cool combination is surprisingly elegant.

Set the tone right from the start by greeting guests at the ceremony with aqua and red programs suspended from every seat. Loose pages rest inside the pocket of an oversize blue tag; its damask-style pattern is added with a rubber stamp. The order of events and names of the wedding party are spelled out in two-color type, and red cord loops through the tag's grommet for hanging. Colorful seat cushions underscore the red accents.

Tailor a guest book to your wedding style. Each of these starts with the same blank journal. Clockwise from left: Bookcloth-wrapped covers leave the red spine to peek out. The second book is covered entirely in paper and stamped with a monogram; satin ribbon serves as a bookmark. The third is left uncovered but accented with a felt band and big red button. What do guests use to write their well-wishes? Bright-red pens, of course.

Pen thank-yous on playful papers. We found cute cards in the color scheme, like the blossom card and envelope by Snow and Graham (5) and deckle-edge set from Kate's Paperie (9). Or create pairings: Slip dotty cards from Carrot and Stick Press (1) into aqua envelopes; put oval cards from Paper Source (2) or aqua tags from Paper Presentation (3) into red ones.

Convey the palette outside the envelopes too: Use red calligraphy on blue, and color-coordinated stamps (4); circle stickers -- red by Avery, blue by Paper Source -- seal them (7). Geometric tags from Paper Presentation (8) make fun seating cards.

Dangle seating cards by Carrot and Stick Press (6) from ribbon, and pin to a board with red tacks. Unless noted, envelopes are from Paper Presentation. Calligraphy by Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls and Nancy Howell.

Framed windows allow a look-see into these fanciful paper packets filled with jelly beans. The envelopes are inexpensive and easy to customize; all you need is a craft punch and rubber stamp. Look for narrow ribbons in a variety of patterns to tie the tops; as long as the colors coordinate, they'll go nicely together. Set out the favors on a table for guests to help themselves -- they will form a colorful and inviting display.