{party palette}: shades of mint + lavender

Well hello there, lovelies! And happy mid-week to you! Just wanted to pop in to share a little color inspiration with you all! I don't think it's any secret that I'm absolutely in smitten with the color mint! And for many reasons. But have you ever considered pairing it with shades of lavender and plum? Well, that makes two of us because this is definitely not a color palette I had ever really imagined.

{credits: bridesmaid bouquet | angela higgins photography, floral idea | lupengrainne | blackberries | weddings by lilly | vintage bottles | dreamy whites.

I just love how these colors come across as soft and airy. But it's also great how you can increase the intensity here and there by adding a pop of deeper color! For instance, what's not to love about those dreamy mint bridesmaid gowns and the way that those beautiful bouquets contrast and pop! So what do you think? Are you seeing the possibilities for this spring inspired palette?

{sponsored post}: apple vacations + destination weddings!

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. That’s why Apple Vacations has selected the resorts that offer everything you’re looking for in a destination wedding -- professional wedding coordinators that take the stress out of planning, a gorgeous setting for your ceremony, whether indoors or barefoot on the beach, and the most romantic honeymoon you could ever imagine!

When properly planned, a Destination Wedding can actually save you a lot of money…but most Brides and Grooms don’t know where to start. That’s where Apple Vacations comes in! Not only will they help you find the perfect destination; Apple Vacations will also take care of your travel arrangements, and will put you in touch with an experienced wedding planner to coordinate the day of your dreams.

Speaking of the perfect destination... please tell me that you've heard of RIU resorts! With a variety of locations to choose in México, Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, Apple Vacations has teamed up with RIU Resorts to offer amazing destination weddings! With three affordable packages to choose from, I can't think of a better place to say I do! Plus can you believe that RIU is offering free wedding packages (only legal fees such as minister, judge and documentation fees are not included) in select RIU Hotels with the booking of five rooms minimum with a three night stay?

Want to know what I love most about Apple Vacations? That would be the fact that Apple Vacations has a team of experienced Destination Wedding Specialists who are devoted to making the planning process for your special day fun and stress-free. Plus, when you book with Apple Vacations, you’ll receive many extras that will make your destination wedding more affordable for you and your guests.

So what are you waiting for? Discover a collection of the most romantic hotels for weddings throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, plus affordable weddings on beautiful beach settings throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Plus with their amazing Group-Ease program, enjoy great promo-code discounts for groups as small as ten guests! Book 10 or more rooms, and get airfare credits on exclusive vacation flights and a free hotel stay! Check out their packages here. 

{giveaway winner announced}: elaborate stitches!

A big thanks goes out to everyone who recently entered the giveaway we hosted for Elaborate Stitches! It was definitely exciting to see all of the entries! So without further ado, today we're excited to announce that the winner of a free veil made by Elaborate Stitches is Christine Vicari. Congrats, Christine! We'll be reaching out to you soon.

{party palette}: shades of pink + glittery gold

Pink and gold has long been a color palette near and dear to my heart. Because what's not love? It's the perfect party palette! Bright and cheery and full of all kinds of feel good vibes, this color palette leaves nothing to be desired. Because let's face it... when glittery gold makes an appearance, all sorts of magical things start to happen. It's like the ultimate party color! Looking for a palette that's uber pretty and celebratory too? Well, look no further, because this fun and fabulous palette is just dying to be explored! 

{credits: gold bodice + pink bouquet | tonya joy photography, xoxo cake | sara and rocky photography | the jenny layne bakery via ruffled blog, place setting | citrusandorange, gold cardigan with pink floral detail | note to self}

I'm personally loving all the florals used here! Sure is feeling pretty over-the-top girly, isn't it? And what isn't to love about this xoxo cake? It's details like these that surely make my heart skip a beat. Pretty, romantic and definitely magical, this darling palette sure makes me want to throw a party!

{wedding wardrobe}: lavender lovelies!

Sweet, romantic and definitely gorgeous, lavender is nothing short of lovely. Want to know why I'm totally crushing on this shade here lately? Well, it doesn't hurt that this color is simply easy on the eyes. The perfect blend of both elegance and fun, lavender is the kind of color that is not overly used in weddings. Which makes it all the more attractive. Am I right? Still searching for the perfect shade? Why not dress your bridesmaids in this pretty palette? Gorgeous, elegant, and all kinds of pretty, I just can't help but love lavender! Want your accessories pop? Why not incorporate some amazing pieces like these into your wedding day wardrobe? I'm picturing some seriously sweet looks! Starting with this lovely lavender dress!

{1. lavender dress | modcloth 2. rose studs | modcloth 3. heels | steve madden 4. bowtie | ties 5. crystal earrings | erickson beamon 6. crystal necklace | shopbop 7. cocktail ring | linens n things 8. bracelet | zales 9. necktie | ties}

And I think it's safe to say that my feelings for this sweet shade are only growing. Personally, I'm really loving the looks of this gorgeous dress with this swarovski crystal necklace! Need coordinating earrings? What's not to love about these lovelies? Need a standout accessory? Why not try this cocktail ring on for size? So what do you think? I don't know about you, but I find myself falling deeper in love with this lovely little shade.

{Shop the Color}

{sponsored post + giveaway}: elaborate stitches

Looking for a gorgeous wedding veil to complete your wedding day attire? Well, have you taken a peek at the veils over at Elaborate Stitches? With a collection of custom made wedding veils sure to impress, Elaborate Stitches wants to work with you to create the veil of your dreams. With a variety of styles to choose from: Bubble, Blusher, Elbow, Fingertip, Waterfall Fingertip, Chapel, and Cathedral length... You're sure to find a style you love. 

Dreaming of a custom look? Well, look no further because Elaborate Stitches loves to create custom veils for brides. Want to add a little personality to your veil? Why not enhance your veil with the perfect embellishment of pearls, lace, beads, embroidery and Swarovski crystals to add the perfect touch of elegance. 

Want a chance to win the wedding veil of your dreams? Well, consider it your lucky day because Elaborate Stitches is giving away a lovely veil to one lucky reader here on the Perfect Palette. See details below.

Want to know what I love about Elaborate Stitches? That would surely be the fact that each veil is cut by hand and sewn with love to ensure that each veil will last for generations. Plus since we all know that purchasing wedding items over the internet can be a bit intimidating, Elaborate Stitches feels that it's important for a bride to see and feel the tulle before making a purchase. That's why they provide complementary tulle samples to match your wedding gown. The sample brochure includes Ivory, Beige, White, Diamond White, Silk White, and Pale Pink tulle. 

{The Prize}: Wedding veil of your choice! Choose from any of the following styles and tulle colors... 

{Styles}: Bubble, Elbow, Fingertip, Waterfall Fingertip, Chapel, and Cathedral length. {Tulle colors}: Ivory, Beige, White, Diamond White, Silk White, and Pale Pink tulle.

To enter, simply ''Like'' us on Facebook! ''Like'' Elaborate Stitches on Facebook here and ''like'' The Perfect Palette on Facebook here. Once you've liked us, be sure to come back to this post and let us know you've done so. 

For a second entry, please share this giveaway on Pinterest! Don't forget to include your email address so that we can get a hold of you should you be chosen the winner!

Giveaway ends Friday, January 25th so don't miss your chance to win!

{shades of spring}: coral, peach, gold and ivory

After a chilly weekend, I have to admit that I'm starting to dream of warmer weather. And with Spring just around the corner, I just can't help but think of all the pretty Spring shades! Behold – gorgeous shades of peach, touches of coral and glittery gold! I'm pretty much in love with this beauty. Here I love how the lighter peachy hues are contrasted by the metallic golden shades. Oh, and who could go without mentioning this amazing cake?

{credits: pretty bride | audrey michel photography via glamour and grace, gorgeous cake and peach florals by heather waraksa photography, chanel heels by the nichols}

I don't know about you, but sparkly gold has absolutely captured my heart here lately. Mix in peachy hues and touches of whimsy and what do you have? Only one of the prettiest palettes I've ever seen. So here you are, ladies! Just a little sunshine for your Monday morning! So what do you think? Are you passionate for peach? Crushing on coral? Or maybe a little ga-ga for gold?

{sponsored post}: for her and for him

You’ve been dreaming of planning your wedding since before you were even engaged – and now that it’s time to choose the perfect bridesmaid dresses to match your theme and color palette, you’re not quite sure where to look. Well, have you taken a peek at the oh-so-gorgeous collection over at For Her and For Him? Please tell me that you have! Not only will this shop solve every single one of your bridesmaid dress dilemmas, but your besties are just going to love these dresses.

Their fabulous online boutique has seriously revolutionized bridesmaid dress shopping by adding options like “Colored to Perfection”, where you can choose bridesmaid dresses in up to 41 colors!



But, the fun isn't over yet my loves... At For Her and For Him you can also “Shop by Theme” and choose the dresses that best reflect your wedding style or theme. From classic to modern, and everything in between, their new collection has something for everyone. 

It just doesn’t get much better than this, my friends. Plus they've recently released over 60 new bridesmaid dresses including a new vintage collection, and a gorgeous two-tone collection. I'm loving that they now have options like dresses with sleeves, multi-wear dresses and even lace dresses.

So what are you waiting for? Hustle on over to For Her and For Him to start searching for the perfect dresses for your special day! Oh, and be sure to head over soon! Because from now until January 31st they're actually offering Free Custom Size service! By asking for 10 detailed measurements, they guarantee their customers a perfect fit no matter what the size may be. Plus in celebration of the new year, they're also offering free FedEX shipping. So don't wait! Hurry on over to what all the fuss is about!

{springtime picnic}: shades of green, hints yellow and ivory

Good morning loves, and happy Wednesday to you. Just popping in to share a little inspiration. Still looking for a palette that speaks to you? Well, have you considered a palette of greens? I'm not sure what it is, but I've become quite the green lover here lately. Today's palette is all about capturing the idea of a quaint Springtime picnic. It's charming, it's enchanting and it's definitely the sort of setting perfect for saying ''I do.'' Full of whimsy and character, this is one of the palettes that I find myself drawn to here lately.

{credits: girl with leaf | heather roth fine art photography via style me pretty, centerpiece via martha stewart weddings, pretty picnic, wool blankets}

Shades of green really have a way of looking lovely. Add in touches of ivory and soft yellows and beautiful things really do start happening. I love the idea of simple centerpieces like this one. Plus who doesn't love the idea of a picnic reception? It just goes to show that not all weddings have to be big and elaborate. You really can have a simple wedding and still have it come together beautifully. So tell me, what do you think about the idea of keeping things simple?

{sponsored post}: jos a. bank + paradisus sweepstakes

Now that we're officially into Winter, I often catch myself dreaming of a tropical getaway. Of course looking at these gorgeous images of Paradisus Resorts surely doesn't help! And while I love winter for all of the festive gatherings, there’s just something so romantic about the idea of escaping the cold with the one you love. 

Luckily, Jos. A. Bank and Paradisus are bringing this beautiful fantasy of mine to life for one lucky engaged couple, and I can’t wait to find out who wins! Yep, that's right! Get excited because Jos. A. Bank and Paradisus are teaming up to host an amazing sweepstakes, and the lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a 4-night/5-day all-inclusive honeymoon at a luxurious Paradisus resort of their choice! And as if anything could top a free honeymoon, can you believe that Jos. A. Bank is throwing in up to six free tuxedo rentals for the winning groom and groomsmen? To enter, just click here to register! The winner will be chosen randomly around January 31st, so be sure to check your email around February 1st to see if you have been selected. *Official sweepstakes details here.

Want to know more about Jos. A Bank and how they can take care of all your tuxedo rental needs? Be sure to hop over to their new website! Brides, you'll love that you can browse styles, register your event, and even monitor the status of your groomsmen’s orders with just a click of a button. Your groomsmen will automatically receive emails reminding them to get measured and to place their orders, and you'll even get emails updating you when a groomsmen is measured or has picked up his tux. No more pestering your groom’s guys to order their tuxedos, or calling the store to see if they’ve been in yet…Jos. A. Bank will handle that for you! 

So with some of the work already done, you can focus on the important part – like selecting the perfect style to compliment your dress and your bridesmaids dresses. So whether you want your groom and his groomsmen to look dashing and traditional, or modern and sleek, Jos. A. Bank offers a variety of tuxedos to ensure that your groom and his guys look their best. And with more than 385 tie styles and 175 fullback vests, matching your girls’ dresses is never a problem. I'm telling you, Jos. A Bank makes the process so simple. And what's not to love about that? 

{pantone palette}: camellia rose 17-1930

Good morning and happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Today my love affair with pink is continuing with a bright and fun color palette that’s all about pink pretty details. This is basically as girly as it gets, ladies. And while I'm more inclined to play up the pink for events like bridal showers or bachelorette parties, I have to admit that I can't help but swoon a little when I see a pretty pink wedding done right. Perfect for Spring or Summer, Pantone's Camellia Rose is really quite lovely. Wouldn't you agree?

{top row}: peony bouquet by pat’s floral design, photographed by joey + jessica via style me pretty}, pink heels | brides, cake by three little black bird cakes {bottom row}: popsicle, calligraphy by love, jenna, macarons}

Personally, I'm absolutely smitten with this gorgeous bouquet of blooms and these amazing pink heels! Oh, and what about this gorgeous hand painted wedding cake? Rosebuds just have a way of making everything look sweeter, I think. Le sigh. It's just all so dreamy! Add in a bit of glittery calligraphy and a plate full of macarons and guess what you have? A stage set for perfection, that's what! So tell me... in what ways do you like to use pink? Would you consider using pink in your wedding? Or maybe something simpler like your everyday wardrobe, perhaps?

{giveaway winner announced}: invitations by dawn!

Just wanted to take a second to pop in and say thank you to all who entered the most recent giveaway we hosted for our friends over at Invitations by Dawn! It was so exciting to see all of the entries! Unfortunately, only one can win so without further ado, the lucky winner of the $100 credit goes to the lovely Amanda Duffey! Congrats, Amanda! We'll be getting in touch with you soon to coordinate your prizes.

{romantic blues}: shades of blue + silver

Shades of blue make the perfect palette for Winter. Because what's not to love about a palette that is as light and airy as this one? I love how these colors seem to dance across the page. To me they have a way of appearing almost as if they were part of a dream, really. Soft, sultry and surely gorgeous, these are the sort of colors that calm my soul. I'm imagining a Winter wedding full of thoughtful and charming details.

{credits: newlyweds | byron bridal blog, ruffle cake | sharon wee creations, florals | esther sun photography, blue chiffon | alicia swedenborg photography.

Shades of blue and hints of gray really make a sweet palette. Wouldn't you agree? I appreciate how subtle it feels, but most of all I adore the way these images make me feel. Calm and at peace! So tell me... what sort of colors have a calming effect for you?

{sponsored post +giveaway}: invitations by dawn!

You're getting married! And what an exciting time it is! I don't know about you, but when it came to planning... one of the things I most looked forward to was definitely the time when I got to start designing our wedding invitations! Looking for wedding stationery that will communicate your wedding style, color palette and your overall theme?

From save the dates to invitations that wow, Invitations by Dawn has a collection that is sure to make you go weak in the knees! With creative layouts and an array of beautiful color choices, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for in this creative collection. Believe me, ladies... it's definitely pin-worthy! Oh, and speaking of pinning...

Want a chance to win a $100 credit to Invitations by Dawn? Well, consider it your lucky day because they're actually giving a certificate away to one lucky reader here on the Perfect Palette! Choose from digitally printed and thermographed invitations! See official rules below.

Want to know what I love most about Invitations by Dawn? That would be the fact that they have quality invitations and at affordable prices too. You don’t have to give up quality to get a premium product. Plus they've been printing invitations for over 30 years, guys! And with new products being added weekly, it's no wonder they're always on trend and constantly finding new ways to reinvent the wedding invitation. I'm also loving their fabulous water color inspired wedding invitations which I've featured here today!

{The Prize}: $100 Credit to Invitations by Dawn!

To enter, simply ''pin'' the image above on Pinterest! Once you've pinned, hop on over to Invitations by Dawn to find what you think you might select if you're chosen the winner! Once you've found a favorite, please come back to this post and leave us a comment.

In your comment, please let us know that you've pinned and don't forget to leave us a description of the items you like most! (please include your email address).

Giveaway ends Friday, January 11th so don't miss your chance to win!

{feathers + frost}: shades of ginger, peach, brown + gray

Warm palettes like this one are simply perfect for Winter. Because it's on chilly days like this that I just want to snuggle up with the one I love and escape the frosty weather. I adore this palette for many reasons, but mostly I love it because it just puts me in a cozy mood. Makes me want to go put my comfy slippers on, pour a hot cup of tea and perhaps bake some cookies while I'm at it. Maybe sit by a crackling fire and wrap up in my fuzziest blanket? Isn't it funny how colors can have that effect?

{credits: feather image | sibodesigns, frosted leaves | indulgy, kissing cookies | mary ruffle, wool blanket | ethanollie.

Shades of ginger, peach, brown and hints of gray really make a perfect palette. Wouldn't you agree? I appreciate the simplicity, but most of all I love the way these images make me feel. Warm and cozy days are simply the best! I can see this palette working for both Fall and Winter! So tell me... what are you favorite ways to get cozy? And what do you think about this pretty palette?

{wedding wardrobe}: emerald green gala

I think it's safe to say that I'm pretty obsessed with all things green! That's why when Pantone announced that this gorgeous green hue would be the color of the year for 2013, I was over the moon excited! Emerald really is an amazing color! Need to amp up your wedding day wardrobe? Why not add a little sparkle? Magical, vibrant and all kinds of pretty, I can't wait to see the ways emerald will be used this year for weddings! Want your accessories to pop? Why not wear emeralds, swarovski crystals or even glitter? I'm absolutely in love with these glittery green flats...

{1. emerald party dress | modcloth 2. green studs | dillards 3. bow heels | milanoo 4. bowtie | ties 5. emerald drop earrings | baublebar 6. statement necklace | baublebar 7. emerald ring | jared 8. sparkle flats | heels 9. green tie | ties}

And I think it's safe to say that my feelings for this sparkly shade are only growing. Personally, I'm really loving the looks of these sparkly tear drop earrings! Need a necklace that shimmers? What's not to love about this fab find? Need a standout accessory? Why not try this emerald ring on for size? So what do you think? I don't know about you, but I find myself falling deeper in love with this year's color of the year!

{Shop the Color}

empire state building + preston bailey valentine's day wedding contest, "love is in the air"

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate your love and shout it from the rooftops! That's why I'm so excited to share with you this lovely little contest! You see, every Valentine’s Day The Empire State Building partners with a famous wedding planner to create a dream wedding for 3 lucky couples. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, it is! And this year Preston Bailey has been chosen as the planner who will be making dreams come true! Want a chance to win? Of course you do! See the official details below!

{Prize}: Three lucky couples will celebrate their special day with a customized wedding or vow renewal ceremony held at the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day 2013. Preston Bailey will create a customized motif for each couple's ceremony.

{Contest Dates}: Contest will run from December 4th 2012 – January 14th, 2013.

{Official Rules}: We want to hear your love stories! To enter, simply submit your videos via their official Facebook page here. Tell us why you'd love to be chosen as one of three lucky couples who will marry at the Empire State Building with Preston Bailey as their wedding designer.

{Eligibility}: All videos must be submitted by January 14, 2013. Both the Entrant and his/her bride or groom must be legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and 18 years of age or older. Terms and conditions.

So what are you waiting for? Hustle on over to see what the fuss is all about. Winners will be chosen on or around January 18th, 2013. Enter here today!

{party palette}: grayed jade, hints of green + silver

Happy new year, friends! Since I'm currently in a 'new year, new outlook' state of mind, I thought it might be fun to kick off 2013 with a new series. These palettes will be simple and sweet - just enough to introduce you to a color palette and hopefully inspire you a bit too. What's new in the world of color? Well, as you might recall Pantone recently came out with their top 10 colors for spring 2013! (you can read all about it here if you missed it). And one of the standout colors for me was definitely Grayed Jade. Soft, subtle and oh, so romantic this gem of a hue had me at hello.

{credits: gorgeous dress | befashionably, tea cup votives | georgia pond, pine cone place setting | hgtv, bouquet | melissa hayes photography, floral design by fleur inc via style me pretty.

Pair grayed jade with muted teals, soft greens and subtle metallics and you'll have a party-ready palette!  Easy on the eyes, this palette would be gorgeous at your upcoming wedding or even a winter inspired dinner party. I absolutely love how this chiffon fabric contrasts with these frosted pine cones. Oh, and what's not to love about these tea cup votives? Such a pretty palette if you ask me! So tell me what you think? Are you in like, love or lust with this lovely little palette?