There are so many fun ways that you can use pattern to make your wedding more festive. Rather than safe (and potentially boring) solids, why not introduce a cheery pattern to your wedding attire and décor? These are some suggestions on how to perk up your wedding with polka dots.

Let's start with the bridal gown, because that is where it all begins. An all white wedding dress need not mean a solid white fabric. For a summer wedding, a gorgeous look would be a white-on-white polka dot fabric with the dots embroidered on a sheer organza fabric. Small dots would have the classic Swiss dot effect, and larger dots would be more whimsical; either would still have a nice subtlety, thanks to the all white color palette. These embroidered polka dot fabrics would be a wonderful choice for a strapless gown in the 1950s party dress silhouettes that are so popular right now.

Another fun idea for polka dots is to select dotted bridesmaid dresses. For a classic nautically inspired effect, a white or ivory dot on a navy dress is crisp and fresh; perfect for a seaside wedding. The timeless look of pearl bridesmaid jewelry would complete the look beautifully. If your style is more retro, choose a red fabric with medium sized white dots, which have a touch of whimsy. A great cut for this dress would be a strapless style with a red fabric belt. Chunky pearl bridesmaid jewelry adds the right style to this bridesmaid ensemble.

Polka dots can be used in many ways throughout the wedding decorations. They would be wonderful for tablecloths to dress up a plain space. The color combination that you select will help to create the feeling that you want. Black and white polka dotted tablecloths are both chic and vintage, especially when paired with pink flowers in the centerpieces. For a cheerful spring wedding reception, a pale yellow and white polka dot fabric would be a great way to perk up the tables. Fresh green, yellow, and white flowers in white vintage hobnail vases and pitchers will bring it all together. Or go for a very stylish color palette of pink and brown. The polka dots will help make this sophisticated color pair more upbeat and relaxed.

When you have a great wedding design going, naturally you will want to extend it to your wedding cake. Polka dots are fabulous for a cake, and in fact if you want only one polka dot detail, this could be the place to introduce it. Small white on white Swiss dots are a classic style for a wedding cake. They look simply sweet with "pearl" borders along each tier. If ultra girly is your goal, top the cake with a large frosting bow with streamers that cascade down the tiers of the Swiss dot cake. A light flavor like lemon would be perfect for this confection.

You can also go bold and funky with a polka dot wedding cake. Use large dots in a variety of sizes and colors in a flat fondant. Ask your baker to scatter the dots randomly over a smooth fondant cake with round tiers. The look will be eye-popping, very mod and hip. One of the best color combinations for this effect is turquoise, lime, and mocha on a white cake.

There are many more wonderful ways to make your wedding cheery with polka dots. From the invitations to the ribbons on the bouquets, you can have fun using either a little or a lot of this upbeat pattern. One thing is for certain: a polka dot design wedding is one which is going to be very happy and a lot of fun for everyone.