Unique Wedding Style - All Things Rainbow

Rainbows symbolize good fortune, happiness, and hope. So it's no surprise that the ROY G BIV palette has become an increasingly popular way to add a bright, festive touch to weddings. But pulling off a stylish (not cheesy) event that reflects the color spectrum can be tricky—we suggest keeping it casual, crafty, and playful (and avoiding tie-dye at all costs).

Create a multicolored effect by dressing your bridesmaids in every shade of ROY G BIV!

For a more subtle approach, put your bridesmaids in neutral-colored dresses (think black, cream, gray), and have them each accessorize with a different color of the rainbow. These 'maids wore heels in saturated tones and each carried a parasol in a matching hue. (The bride's cascade bouquet incorporated all of the colors.)

The groomsmen can each wear a tie in a different color (and matching sunglasses if it's sunny out).

For a simple ceremony setup, hang paper lanterns in all the colors of the rainbow from a tree above the ceremony area.

Embrace the playful, kitschy atmosphere inherent to a rainbow wedding by floating a colorful balloon arch over the entrance to your reception venue. (Traveling from the ceremony by bike is optional.)

An old fashioned soda bar will add some retro appeal to the cocktail hour spread—arrange the bottles by color and serve them with festive striped straws.

Another great example of a stylish (and restrained) rainbow tablescape: Silver chairs paired with white linens and vases keep the overall effect streamlined—and make the colors really pop.

A humble buttercream-frosted cake that reveals brightly colored layers once you slice into it is a must.

Cupcakes frosted and arranged in ROY G BIV order will enliven the dessert table...as will an eye-catching array of macarons.

A final take-home treat: Place candy inside plain cardboard gift boxes wrapped with a rainbow-colored lineup of knotted yarn.