Cherry Blossom Weddings

Pink and white really rule the scene when it comes to cherry blossoms. Often, these hues are paired with chocolate brown, or a fresh spring green.

Or, sometimes you'll see them placed on a crisp background of black and white. Less often, you'll see interpretations in classically-Asian red and white.

First, we saw the cherry blossom take hold in high fashion, textiles and interior design. Since then, it's exploded across the scene, showing up everywhere from tableware to sneakers and from waste baskets to tank tops.

Of course, it translates gorgeously to weddings. Tall, willowy centerpieces of bloom-studded branches (sometimes twined with sparkle lights) give any wedding more than a dash of trans-Atlantic flair.

Round out the look with rich brocade book coverings in pink or white, delicate patterned stationery, and tight wreaths of pastel peonies. Stamp white paper fans with your custom monogram and weave a pink satin ribbon through the ribs.

Summer bride? Grace your bridesmaids with pastel parasols covered in a cherry blossom print.

Sprinkle the tables with a snowstorm of petals in feminine hues of pink and white, so they're as snowy as the grass below the cherry trees in spring. Rose petals are fine -- they're a close cousin of the cherry.

Serve a bright signature drink strong on cherry pucker, with a pink sugared rim.

A few more ideas: choose a traditional bloom for your centerpieces, but twist cherry blossoms (silk or real) around the inside of the vase or bowl.

Think "right feel," not "literal translation": hand your flower girls some adorable kissing balls covered in pink marabou feathers to carry down the aisle.

Wreaths of pink hydrangea or peonies look amazing when placed at the base of tall cherry blossom arrangements.

Name your tables for beloved types of cherry trees: Yoshino Cherry, Weeping Cherry. Or place a short haiku evocative of spring at every table, and name the table for an important word in the poem (bamboo, willow).

my spring is just this:
a single bamboo shoot
a willow branch.
— Issa

The butterfly perfumes
Its wings in the scent
Of the orchid.
— Basho

Setting out disposable cameras for those impromptu pics? Spice up some beautiful cherry blossom cameras by gluing on a few strategic rhinestones.

As for centerpieces: the real cherry blossom branches are hard to come by, and ultra-fragile. Don't sweat it — any florist can wire you up a gorgeous silk alternative for much, much less.

Need a favor filler idea for your beautiful boxes? Try cherry-cream filled white chocolate truffles.

Shop now for cherry blossom wedding favors!