Posted by Katie Hatch, Style Director

I've been thinking about some of my favorite real weddings that we've ever shown, and many of them have a common trait: They have some element of mixing and matching to them. I don't know if you remember Lily and John's wedding, but it was a classically beautiful backyard affair. Here's a look at the centerpieces, done by Livia Cetti, a former full-time member of the MSW team who now has her own floral business.

 

So, where's the mix-n-match? It's all over the tables in the use of Lily's mother's different china collections.  Each table got its own pattern.

Jen and Ray, another recent favorite, mixed it up using a collection of different fabrics. Below you can see her seating card arrangement. Each card held a swatch of the napkin fabric on that table, an easy visual cue for guests to find their seats.

 

One of my all-time favorite weddings was that of Sophie and Jason, in St-Bertrand-de-Comminges, France.  They walked from the cathedral to the reception center, where guests and friends of the family contributed china and table linens to decorate the hall. What I've always loved is how the room came together so beautifully using all these different pieces from a variety of sources, and how appropriate it seems to involve your friends and family in the wedding day process.

 

Are you doing any mixing and matching at your wedding? Is it something you're doing yourself or with the help of friends and family? Are you integrating any heirlooms or collections into your decor in any way?