Every week Xochitl (pronounced so-cheel), our resident wediquette expert and owner of Always a Bridesmaid Wedding Consulting, answers an etiquette question submitted* by one of our readers. So, (without further ado):

Q: I'm getting married in September of 2008, and want to have an old Hollywood glam theme incorporated in my wedding. I'm going with deep reds, black details, but I would like to have another color to compliment the 2, because those alone, I feel it would look too goth for what I'm shooting for. Any suggestions on color or ideas?--Bethany

A: Here is what I love about your color scheme- nothing captures the elegance of Old Hollywood like black and red- well, except for SILVER (or one of it's iterations! Nothing says the "silver screen" like amazing platinum accents! This doesn't need to mean metallic charger plates or anything like that (not that those things wouldn't work) but it can mean a pale platinum moire silk underlay or seat cushions. It can mean a pale pale grey bengaline napkin or a silk band of ribbon wrapped around the base of your vases (of flowers filled with gorgeous red blooms!) The key to this color scheme not going goth is to SOFTEN your black without minimizing the contrast. Be careful with the elements of black and red that you choose. If you are renting ballroom chairs, go black. If you are using satin chaircovers go SILVER or pale grey. Make it subtly dramatic, sophisticated glamour, not overkill and you will be the most amazing Rita Hayworth bride this side of Sepulveda!--Xochitl of Always a Bridesmaid

*If you've got a question for our expert, submit it by clicking "submit your question" in the right hand column, under "wediquette".