{Bright Idea Thursday} Plaid-Checkers-Gingham-Stripes

What is the difference between plaid, gingham and checkered? 

And what is a Tartan?

Well, we must refer to Wikipedia on this one : )

•  Plaid (pattern) is also used as a synonym for tartan or, in the USA, any checked cloth pattern.


•  Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarn.^[1] The name originates from an adjective in the Malay language, ging-gang, meaning striped.^[2]


•  A check is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth.


•  Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours.


•  Pin stripes are a pattern of very thin stripes running in parallel found in cloth.

I love the idea of combing stripes with checkers, but you have to make sure not to go overboard with all the patterns. Plus you should stick with a color scheme: Black and white is very popular. Also navy or green are good choices. Make sure if you choose one color, that you keep it monochromatic (Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue) or if you choose two colors, that they go well together.

I've put together a few collages of different ideas and styles. You could go for a retro look, classic, or preppy depending on which style fits you the best.

Choosing your style invitations is a very important decision since it sets the stage for your wedding. If you going for a formal event consider this nice plaid design. Or if you are planning a whimsical informal event check out this wonderful company Tear Drop Weddings.

What should you wear for your rehearsal dinner? These are a few fun ideas:

Flounced Gingham Dress - Anthropologie

Gingham pleated skirt

Euro style gingham dress

This must have gingham print dress features the ultimate giant bow, and pouffy tiered layers.

Nouveau Cloudscape Headband - Anthropologie

Studded Scarf - Anthropologie

Now the fun part choosing your wedding details!

Make a Checkers Cake

Checkered inside cake for a surprise WOW factor! 

 Use striped ribbon for a preppy or more classic style event.

Modern table design

Whimiscal pattern cake

Beautiful bridal bouquets of white anemones

Striped chair decor 

Gingham linen napkins

How should you style the men?

 Alfani RED Dress Shirt, Fitted Black White Check Reg. $45.00

Will Chalker Lubiam's Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collection 

Gingham and checkers 

Whimsical checker tie 

Formal striped black and white tie 

Black & White Stripe Tie

For an informal wedding during the daytime consider:

Laura Plouzek's Etsy shop of bow ties that are smartly re-purposed from unloved clothing. Ties feature adjustable bands and are freestyle (self-tying), allowing the anything-but-ordinary-man to impress with his bow tying skills.  

This preppy bow tie is light grass green with thin white stripes. 

Or choose a two toned striped tie with a plaid shirt:

Checkered and striped

 Maybe you fancy navy?

The Knot Georgia Fall/Winter 2011 magazine

Formal evening wedding try a Vita Di Lusso Bespoke Blue Navy Pinstripe 

Informal daytime wedding Hugo Boss checked dress shirt light pastel blue 

Laura Plouzek's Etsy shop 

Navy plaid bowtie

Polo's navy blue check mens dress shirt 

J.CREW gingham 

Now off to your honeymoon and relax in the sun!

For the Timeless: Black and White Mens Swim Trunks 
The most important rule of summer fashion: don't get complicated. And the simplest way to swim is in black and white — checkers, stripes, polka dots, solids, whatever.

For the ladies: a striped one piece swim suit from Old Navy

But how could I resist this adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!!

Having your pet as the ring bearer is a fun idea, but not for everyone. You must have a well trained dog for this task. This shirt collar features a double rounded corner and closes at the front with a snap button.The ribbon bow tie is attached to a fully adjustable elastic band. Wear over the pet's neck and hide it underneath the collar fold just as the humans do : ) This collar is meant for the pet fashionistas. Black Checkered Ribbon Bow Tie White Shirt Collar by furkidscloset.