In the world of wedding design, there is safety in the ‘light and airy.’ And with Pantone announcing ‘Cloud Dancer’ as the 2026 Color of the Year, it seems the industry is predicting a return to pristine, safe whites, creams, and soft pastels.
But I want to challenge that.
While the trends might be pointing toward white, our clients are telling a different story. We are seeing a craving for rich depth. Couples are looking for designs that feel grounded, layered, intimate, and saturated with personality—not just airy and open. So, in a season predicted to be full of Cloud Dancer, we decided to embrace the shadows and prove that darkness can be just as romantic as light.
Enter: Chocolate Brown Velvet.
Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a recent design at a Design Showcase, showing you just how we took a digital concept and orchestrated it into a tangible, texture-rich dining experience.
The Concept: Warmth and Texture
We started with a color palette that felt like a timeless Renaissance painting: deep espresso, burgundy, dusty rose, dove gray, and pops of mustard yellow.
Every great design starts with a feeling. For this table, the goal wasn’t just “pretty”; it was “enveloping.” We wanted guests to sit down and immediately feel the warmth of the space.
The secret to pulling off dark colors without the room feeling gloomy? Texture and layers.
By swapping standard linens for heavy, chocolate brown velvet, the table instantly felt luxurious and tactile. We contrasted that softness with the sleek lines of modern metal table lamps and Art Deco-inspired, gold-rimmed chargers. The result is a look that feels both Old World and yet, distinctly modern.
Living Decor: The “Dutch Masters” Approach
As an Austin wedding planner and designer, my job is to look at the table as a composition. For this look, we moved away from the traditional “centerpiece in a vase” approach and embraced a style reminiscent of a Dutch Masters still life.
- The Lighting: We skipped traditional votives for sleek, metal table lamps. To add height and dimension, we paired them with antique brass candlestick holders featuring shimmering, dove-colored tapers. This combination provides a direct, warm pool of light that highlights the food and conversation, creating an instant sense of authenticity and intimacy.
- The Main Vase: This anchoring piece was a vintage treasure sourced specifically for this tablescape. I knew the moment I saw it that it had to be the center of the table. It was the perfect blend of cherishing the old and embracing the new, which is exactly the ethos this table was built upon.
- The Florals: We used mustard yellow and white roses, deep burgundy mums, and dusty antique carnations to bridge the gap between late summer and deep autumn.
- The Fruit: This is my favorite detail. We scattered dried sliced blood orange slices, dark pears, dates, golden berries, and grapes across the length of the table. This adds an organic, “feast-like” quality that feels abundant and European. It breaks up the formality and invites guests to touch and interact with the design.
Bespoke Graphic Design
One of the unique elements of the Olive & Eden experience is our bespoke in-house graphic design. Your paper goods are the very first tactile experience your guests have at the table, and they should tell the same story as your flowers.
For this setting, we designed a tall, slender menu that echoed the geometric patterns of the chargers. We kept the typography elegant and airy to balance the visual weight of the velvet tablecloth.
Crucially, we printed on a thick, watercolor-style paper. It felt luxurious to the touch and added an additional layer of texture that guests inevitably notice. It’s these thoughtful intersections—where paper meets textile—that elevate a wedding from simply “decorated” to effortlessly designed.
Creating Space for Intimacy
The true power of a moody palette is that it naturally draws people in. While light colors expand a room, dark colors embrace it. They encourage guests to lean closer, linger longer over good food and drink, and savor the conversation. This is the joy of wedding design.
At Olive & Eden, we believe your wedding should be a reflection of the atmosphere you want to create. Whether that is bright and spring-like or deep and moody, we are here to orchestrate every detail.
Are you dreaming of a wedding that feels distinct, textured, and artful? We are currently booking for the 2026-2027 season and would love to help you build your own moodboard and see the magic truly come alive.
The Creative Team:
Planning & Design: @oliveandedenweddings
Venue: @twostreamsoneheartranch (Texas Hill Country)
Floral Sourcing: @austinflowerco | Curation & Styling: @oliveandedenweddings
Rentals: @noma_eventsatx
