Paper Parade

Ideas & Inspiration

Paper Parade

From playful centerpieces to patterned backdrops and chandeliers, creative new uses for paper are grabbing the spotlight. Using punchy colors and whimsical decor ideas (paper flowers, anyone?), a team of local planners, invitation designers and florists sets the papered stage for one bright, banner-day bash.

Fortune teller (above)
Spread the love with Izzy Girl’s “cootie catcher” favors ($4 each), designed to help guests go home with kisses galore. Printed with translations for “kiss” in Spanish (“beso”), Italian (“bacio”) and French (“bisou”) on the exterior, guests pick a number, then open their catcher to reveal which wedding attendee (flower girl, bartender, etc.) is worthy of a peck. Styled by True Colors Events.

Toot Your Own Horn (above)
Nothing says party like a little confetti and a lot of noise: Bellingham-based designer Kerri Efendi’s paper horns—stamped with Blow Your Hearts Out—are attached with clothespins to vellum confetti envelopes ($4 each per 100 complete set). The light, colorful fluff of pineapple cotton candy ($3 each) from Lisa Dupar Catering will spur more childlike delight as the guests’ take-home treat. Additional styling by True Colors Events.

On Display (above)
Led by Ballard-based wedding-planning business True Colors Events, a team of vendors crafts the picture-perfect backdrop for a playful dessert display with this cheery yellow, laser-cut paper chandelier vibrantly offset against bright blue and aqua chevron stripes.

Wave the Flag (above)
Custom-monogrammed dessert flags on lollipop sticks ($1.50 each), also by Janet Maples of Green Lake–based Izzy Girl, lend festive flair to a colorful display of fondant-covered chocolate and vanilla Frost doughnuts ($4 each).

Paper Posies (above)
Vibrant pops of golden yellow cardstock flowers ($15 for three) with dried Craspedia “Billy Ball” centers by Lola Event Floral & Design sit pretty in ceramic white vases embellished with twisted indigo-blue- and yellow-hued paper vase wraps ($325 per 5 to 7 piece set) by SoDo-based Cashmere Floral Design.

Light the Way (above)
Add dimension to décor with a custom work of art. Seattle paper artist Celeste Cooning designed and hand-cut this paper chandelier ($360) to incorporate scallop patterns and her signature leaflet motifs. When external or LED lights are directed toward the cutouts, the intricate, sculptural patterns cast dynamic shadows.

Spin the Wheel (above)
Simple paper items such as this circus-inspired polka dot paper charger and candy-striped paper runner add an element of playfulness to this table setting. Pinwheel favors ($10 each) double as place cards, while tripling as the perfect prop for photo ops. All designed by Ballard-based Crinoline & Tweed.

Highly Favored (above)
Top left: Pay tribute to love stories past and present. These keepsake booklet favors, made by Snohomish-based Paper Moxie from metallic white paper with custom-cut Lucite covers, open accordion style to reveal a collection of heartfelt quotations and funny, endearing words from family members ($10 each). Top right: Custom striped letterpress matchbooks (starting at $5 each), printed on 100 percent cotton paper by Pike Place Market Hill Climb’s Pike Street Press with the phrase The Spark That Lasts, combine fun and function; strike a match to light farewell sparklers. Additional styling by True Colors Events.

Hanging Up (above)
PS Stores’ hanging tissue paper poms ($2 each) add punch to any white backdrop, while a handmade paper circle garland ($7 per 7 feet of garland) by North Seattle–based Lola Event Floral & Design strung along chair backs adds charisma and can pull double-duty as a place saver for the bride and groom.

Come Fly with Me (above)
Celebrate a shared love for travel with a simple yet crafty-chic folded paper airplane centerpiece or place card table display, $50, by Queen Anne–based Blue Elephant Weddings. 

Pattern Play (above)
Lush mini-poms by PS Stores add joyous bursts of color to a bold, graphic canvas backdrop hand-painted in cadmium yellow by Sugarcomb Event Design ($550), while a coordinating place card grants flair to a classic white place setting. With this statement-worthy screen panel, the options are endless: Use as cake table décor or place card table topper.

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