Sumptuous, deep, rich and with a hint of luxury, Merlot is such a wonderful colour and the inspiration behind today's Merlot wedding ideas. As usual for me inspiration hides around many corners and my reawakening to the beauty of Merlot happened during the preparation for the Wedding Magazine Awards held at the Savoy on 10th October.

An evening of glamour and sophistication, I opted for a 1930′s ensemble and headed to the ladies at the Vintage Hair Lounge to create my look. A stunning side 30s glam up do and my flawless makeup was finished off with the Bésame Classic Color Lipstick in Merlot. The lipstick itself is so sumptuous and you feel like a vintage glamazon with its deep red tones - and this is the essence behind today's wedding inspiration board.

Bride: Bouquet by Academy Florists image by Lani Elias via Magnolia Rouge | Bouquet: Heavenly BloomsBlog | Glasses: PopSugar | Bridesmaids: Sarah McKenzie via Style Me Pretty | Table Flowers: Sara Gray Photography via The Sweetest Occasion | Merlot poached grapes: Southern Weddings | Stationery: Jupiter and Juno |

Adding gold to this rich colour palette deepens the sense of luxury and glamour to this palette. Think textured gold decorations, vintage style glasses with gold trip and gold accents within the bridal and bridesmaid accessories.

To keep the palette from becoming flat, don't stick to one colour of Merlot, instead think of it as a wine swirling around a glass, with bright and dark tones as it hits the light.

If you would like some help with your wedding theme, send me an email info@frenchweddingstyle with Inspire Me in the subject line.