Check out the literal eye candy over at Amy Atlas! Complete with behind the scenes glimpses at the making of three amazing dessert tables. Photography by Andrew McCaul.

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".

This new color scheme of pale blue, sea foam green, and brown really speaks to me. I like that it's so calming and romantic, but not too trendy. The best part about it is the juicy little cactus blooms you get to incorporate into all your floral arrangements. The ones that fade from blue to green? I love those! I found the above images of such arrangements at Fiore Designs. The boutonniere? Succulent!

I was browsing on Jamali Garden today, looking for lovelies to share and I came across this photo of Icelandic poppies in pewter bud vases (the vases are available here). I was so inspired by the color combos in this image, I thought I'd do up a color palette using the soft yellow and pewter with pink and sage accents. It's so delicate, but I think the pewter keeps it modern. Incidentally, Jamali Garden is a great place to find floral arrangement supplies, napkins rings, baskets, lanterns, etc. All very hip.
On a side note, when I created the first version of the Havana about 4 months ago, I used this same pewter and daffodil color combo. In the end, I decided to display it on the website in different more autumnal colors. Someday I'll make it for someone in it's original springtime palette...

As pointed out so astutely by Vanda, COLOURlovers is a magical place to browse for color schemes. Whether you're looking for wedding colors or painting a room, this is a great place to brainstorm. It's kind of like standing in front of the paint-chip display at Home Depot, (one of my favorite places ever), only you can enjoy it in your own home, and for unlimited amounts of time. You can create your own palettes, or you can cruise other people's palettes and look for inspiration. I'm loving the deep red, pink, teal combo. So sultry, so perfect for winter.

I love the idea of choosing a pattern as a theme for a wedding. Carry it thru from invites to menus, to favors to thank you cards. It's a great way to unify your wedding and create an overall look. Vary the size of the pattern on different pieces to keep it interesting. (These patterns are from my upcoming invitation collection). Consider giving the pattern to your cake desinger, for her to paint onto your wedding cake as a border or an overall pattern. Have a rubber stamp made, (very inexpensively) with a part of the pattern. Stamp the edges of your aisle runner, your napkins, or even hankerchiefs for your lady friends.