You guys, velvet is BACK. The texture that I was in love with when planning my matric dance dress circa 1995 and that did a disappearing act thereafter has come full circle in the cool stakes. So right about now, I'm in love with velvet as a warm fabric that adds that extra touch of luxe to a celebration. We're not talking full scale velvet, but we are talking velvet ribbons tied around cutlery, menus or bouquets, velvet bowties (how much do we love the bow as a hairpiece below?), even a velvet suit for the daring retro groom. Best of all, I love the colours that velvet comes in, and today I've mixed together a gorgeous dusky rose with a soft blue, as well as a navy - all readily available in this texture. Welcome back, old friend.

Colours: Powder blue, navy & rose

Top row (l-r): Groom's shoes { Lacie Hansen Photography/ Tamara Bolton}: invitation suite { Ceci New York/ Elizabeth Messina }; settee { Gabe Aceves}
Row 2: Velvet bowties { Jen Huang Photography/ Poppies & Posies}; menu with velvet ribbon { Elisa B Photography/ Ribbons and Blue Birds}; navy velvet shoes
Row 3: Bouquet with velvet ribbon { Brosnan Photographic/ Ruby and Bloom/ The Bridal Lounge}; velvet bow hairpiece { Jose Villa/ Boutaugh/ Grey Likes Weddings}; escort cards { Jose Villa}; velvet suit { Jen Huang/ Magnolia Rouge }