White Wedding Décor Ideas

The traditional white wedding isn’t what it used to be. Here, three takes on a perennial classic.

Gold & White

The gorgeous décor from Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's wedding is a perfect fit for a cold-weather wedding. After the ceremony and cocktails, the glittering assembly of guests was escorted into a white-on-white tent dreamed up by event designer Preston Bailey. 

preston bailey ivanka trump wedding


The Flowers: Long tables were set for a fairytale feast. Preston worked with Ivanka to design three different tablescapes, each with a scented garden of all-white flowers: lilies of the valley, hydrangeas, orchids, ranunculus, roses and gardenias. The first tablescape featured white ceramic topiaries filled with lush bouquets of roses and hydrangeas. For the second, Preston built small ponds with floating gardenia blossoms, and for the third, he created towering custom-made crystal candelabras, topped with masses of blooms and white pillar candles.

preston bailey ivanka trump wedding


The Tent: Preston used endless yards of ethereal white fabric in the dinner tent. “It was important to choose the right white, not too bright and not too dull. This white tent was a seven on a scale of one to ten.” White weddings lend themselves to playing with light projections, so throughout the evening, the lighting changed every half hour, to keep the momentum building. The white dance floor had its own projection—the bride and groom’s monogram.

preston bailey ivanka trump wedding

The Tables: The flowers weren’t the only focal point on Ivanka’s tables. Crystal candlesticks lent the room glitter and glow. Instead of plain linens, Preston created depth by designing a special white-on-white box pattern that felt clean and modern. “When you are doing all white, you need to create textures and layers to make it exciting,” he advises. The settings had gold-accented crystal chargers, goblets and place cards. Topping each setting: baby roses and a white linen napkin embroidered in gold.

preston bailey ivanka trump wedding

Planner’s Tip: “You have to be careful with an all-white wedding not to make it boring,” says Preston. “Our high and low arrangements gave the room motion. Be sure your tables aren’t all the same.”


Photography: John Labbe

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