fresh wedding theme: quirky february romance

Welcome to this week's edition of Fresh Wedding Themes! First off, let me say that this would work any time of year--not just February. However, love it or hate it, we've all got Valentine's Day on the brain, so the time seemed right to throw some red tones in the mix.

Red is, by far, the most popular and traditional wedding color, due to the widespread popularity of roses and its connotations of love. Traditionally it's accompanied by its friends black and white--which is gorgeous, don't get us wrong! But for a more modern take, try banishing black entirely. It can be surprisingly challenging! Replace it with shades of grey and silver, or supplement with aubergine, burgundy, and various deep pinks. If you want to really stand out, try doing it without a single red rose. Sound impossible? We're here to help. (Our picks this week are predominantly from Etsy, with the exception of the beautiful Maggie Sottero gown.)

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1. Keep your cake simple for a breath of fresh air--a smooth expanse of white can have just as much impact as a complex pattern. Instead of flowers, adorn the cake with organza poppies and matching ribbons. Burgundy blossom flowers, A Bespoke Touch on Etsy, $50.

2. Virtually any snow-white gown will work beautifully with this versatile theme. We love the feminine shape and classic structure of this one, especially mixed with some funky red accessories. Isadora Marie gown, Maggie Sottero, from $1348.

3. Give your groom a modern, masculine look with a flower-free boutonniere. (Bonus: it'll last forever!) Jancie boutonniere, Rationale on Etsy, $11.50.

4. We still can't get enough of these poms--they're festive, lush-looking, and the perfect way to add pops of brilliant color to your reception space. Mixed Berry Jam poms, PomLove on Etsy, $18.

5. Pewter flats peeking out from beneath your gown with these precious poppy shoe clips add a touch of innocence to your bridal ensemble. Handmade fabric flower shoe clips, JujaCrafts on Etsy, $12.99.

6. Obviously we're biased, but we think these table numbers in cranberry red on crisp white are an understated but elegant way to mark your guests' places. Lila table numbers, Blimpcat on Etsy, $20 for ten.

7. Give your groomsmen a gift they'll keep forever--and coordinate with your colors at the same time. Rocker Red vintage button cufflinks, Really Bad Kitty on Etsy, $17.

8. Flower-less bouquets are becoming all the rage these days--keep yours forever and show off your quirky style with a custom-made brooch bouquet in shades of pink and red. Wedding brooch bouquet in burgundy, The Ritzy Rose on Etsy, $275.

So what do you think? Ready to give black and white the boot? Red is really surprisingly versatile, and by choosing slightly offbeat accompaniments, you can be sure your guests will remember your wedding for years (in a good way!). Happy Valentine's day (or Anna Howard Shaw Day, as the case may be).