July's Ruby - Inspiration for Your Birthstone Wedding

I am a huge fan of red. It’s bold, daring and it’s got such depth but ruby red is not necessarily a colour that would spring to mind when you’re considering your wedding palette despite being seen as the colour of love. However, I’m hoping this feature, inspired by July’s birthstone, Ruby, might just change all that and you’ll see just how fabulous luscious reds really are for weddings…

Ruby red is certainly an eye-catching colour and it’s absolutely ideal for autumn and winter weddings, especially when combined with other colours. I love it with crisp whites, soft greys and even natural browns and creams. Obviously, red looks amazing with greens and golds and to my mind; ruby red should be the pop of colour, used within a wider colour palette to draw attention to specific elements or to bring depth and richness. I don’t advocate using red and nothing but red right throughout your wedding!

Images: Top Row Left via The Wedding Scoop | Top Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Second Row Left via Wedding Chicks | Second Row Right - Ruby Rebel Earrings by Glitzy Secrets | Third Row Left via Bride Link | Third Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Fourth Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Bottom Row Left via Chic Vintage Brides | Bottom Row Right via Brocade Designs

So, let’s start with gowns as there are some stunning red dresses available for brides and bridesmaids. Do choose a shade that works with your skin tone or that of your bridesmaids so you all look as amazing as possible. If you like the idea of a coloured gown but don’t feel quite right about wearing it for your ceremony, how about changing for your reception?

Of course, if you want to keep to a classic coloured gown, then you can bring in ruby gem tones with your accessories. Think beautiful red shoes, perhaps a coloured belt or sash and of course, ruby wedding earrings. Ruby Rebel and Ruby Rocks are the perfect earrings for brides and maids whilst Glitzy Secrets’ Fifties Siren Hair Comb is a super sweet hair comb that suits everyone. I also have a soft spot for red nails and red lips and both look great against snowy white gowns.

You’ll be simply spoiled for choice when you’re deciding which flowers to use for your ruby red wedding. Obviously classic roses are a great option but don’t forget dahlias, ranunculus, tulips, berries and even the often-overlooked carnation. Use lots of shades and tones to bring real depth to your flowers and depending on your overall look, you can also bring in pinks, whites and foliage too for more visual interest. Your florist will be able to help you bring your scheme to life so whether you’re going for super luxe or a lighter touch, your ruby wedding will look exquisite.

Images: Top Row Left via Colin Cowie Weddings | Top Row Right via The Wedding Chicks | Second Row Left via Style Me Pretty | Second Row Right via Carmen Weddings | Third Row Left via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Third Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Fourth Row Left via Refinery 29 | Fourth Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Fifth Row Right via Every Last Detail | Bottom Row Left - Fifties Siren Hair Comb by Glitzy Secrets | Bottom Row Right via Burnett's Boards

For this wedding theme, could there be a more perfect cake than a Red Velvet confection? Serve mini cakes or impressive slices to your guests in lieu of dessert for an indulgent post-dinner treat and how about red signature cocktails or delicious fruit mixes? You could also create a petal heart backdrop for your cake table (use tissue paper petals if you prefer to DIY) or hang lengths of red ribbon for an unmissable decorative touch.

Add more spots of colour to your wedding with flashes of red in your stationery, on your table tops and even with your transport – an iconic red double decker bus would be a great way to ferry guests from ceremony to reception and when they arrive, a few red velvet armchairs will certainly help everyone relax and enjoy themselves.

Have you fallen in love with the thought of a ruby red wedding? I do hope so!