What do Jane Austen novels, Colonial Williamsburg, and Louis XIV furniture have in common? Toile de Jouy, or simply toile, popular in Britain and France in the late 18th century, and in the U.S. during the Colonial Era. Toile patterns depict pastoral scenes and details--a couple enjoying a picnic, ladies in waiting, a bouquet of flowers--and feature a single color on a white or off-white background. The pattern is most commonly found on fabrics, but dishes, wallpaper, and clothing can feature the dainty designs.

For summer weddings, we love classic blue-and-white toiles. Dress up your event with toile tablecloths and runners at your reception, drape toile fabric from an arbor for your ceremony (like this local couple's French-country inspired fete), design toile-themed invitations, or wear a toile-inspired dress (yes, they exist!). Below, see some of our favorite ideas for incorporating pretty toile patterns in to your nuptials.

What do you think of toiles for weddings? Would you dress your big day in the pretty pattern? Share your two cents in the comment section below!

Images: Ceremony arbor // Invitations // Place setting and Flowers // Bride // Flowers and Plate with menu // Cake // Dress // Plate and Dress form // Tables and Cakes // Fans and Wallpaper // Wall of frames // Bride and groom table