Flowers aren't the easiest wedding detail to DIY - they need to be done just before the big day. Unless your a pro creating a complicated centerpiece can also be a nightmare! But there is a trick that makes arranging them a snap.
Showing posts with label wedding flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding flowers. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Wedding DIY - Fabulous Flowers with Floral Frogs
Flowers aren't the easiest wedding detail to DIY - they need to be done just before the big day. Unless your a pro creating a complicated centerpiece can also be a nightmare! But there is a trick that makes arranging them a snap.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Wedding Hall Entrance Decor
The wedding reception decor will reveal the bride’s personality and set the mood for the evening. As you look through magazines, on-line and meet with various decorators you will see what the hottest and latest trends, colors and style are. Most likely you already have a picture in your mind of how you want the venue to look. Many facilities offer a grand entrance way and this may be where the head table party is set up to greet guests as they arrive. Why not do a little decor in the foyer or entrance then?
I love to see the main entrance or foyer with some accent pieces, linens or flowers before entering the main room. As the guests walk in it will certainly make a great first impression and a small sneak peak of what is to come in the hall. You don’t want to over due this though and should keep it simple and elegant. Perhaps there is a beautiful table in the foyer than just may require a large centerpiece or the entrance doors can be swagged with drapery. It’s when the guest walks in the hall you want the WOW factor.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
5 Easy Cost-Cutting Moves for Your Wedding
A beautiful celebration can be yours for less than you think. Here are some smart budget saving strategies.
The Guest List
Keeping your guest list trim is one of the most important things you can do for your wedding budget. If you are worried that you will offend people by not inviting them, stop now. Of course you wouldn't leave out your nearest and dearest, but think of all those people who would be pleased to be invited but not bothered if they aren't. The best thing to do is to make some rules. That is, first cousins but not second. Spouses and live-in or serious partners (usually 6 months is the rule of thumb) but not dates. Your boss but not the whole office. That being said, don't split up groups - if you invite the whole office, fine - but don't just invite one.
The Dessert Table
Unless you are having a dessert reception, don't go overboard on sweets. Wedding cakes are so spectacular that offering a dessert buffet, a crepes stations, and mini ice cream sundaes is just excessive.
The Flowers
It is no surprise that over the top florals can add up your wedding costs quickly. You don't need to fill every corner of your venue with flowers for a lovely look. Work with your florists to use the freshest, in-season blooms to their advantage, then fill in the rest with budget-friendly candles or greenery. The look will still be beautiful. If you really adore flowers, consider a botanical garden as your venue - a beautiful backdrop is guaranteed.
Cocktail Hour
Don't overload guests with everything from sushi bars to hors d'oeuvres to pasta and carving stations. By keeping it short and sweet, you'll ensure you will need less food. Go for hand passed hors d'oeuvres instead of having stations. Only offer enough food to keep your guests from getting tipsy during your cocktail hour.
The Drinks
Feel free to skip the champagne toast and use the wine you have on the table. Create a bar that you can afford, whether that means only beer, wine and soft drinks; a signature cocktail and wine with dinner; or less-expensive liquors for mixed drinks. Keep it simple. The more variety the more expensive it will be.
The Guest List
Keeping your guest list trim is one of the most important things you can do for your wedding budget. If you are worried that you will offend people by not inviting them, stop now. Of course you wouldn't leave out your nearest and dearest, but think of all those people who would be pleased to be invited but not bothered if they aren't. The best thing to do is to make some rules. That is, first cousins but not second. Spouses and live-in or serious partners (usually 6 months is the rule of thumb) but not dates. Your boss but not the whole office. That being said, don't split up groups - if you invite the whole office, fine - but don't just invite one.
The Dessert Table
Unless you are having a dessert reception, don't go overboard on sweets. Wedding cakes are so spectacular that offering a dessert buffet, a crepes stations, and mini ice cream sundaes is just excessive.
It is no surprise that over the top florals can add up your wedding costs quickly. You don't need to fill every corner of your venue with flowers for a lovely look. Work with your florists to use the freshest, in-season blooms to their advantage, then fill in the rest with budget-friendly candles or greenery. The look will still be beautiful. If you really adore flowers, consider a botanical garden as your venue - a beautiful backdrop is guaranteed.
Cocktail Hour
Don't overload guests with everything from sushi bars to hors d'oeuvres to pasta and carving stations. By keeping it short and sweet, you'll ensure you will need less food. Go for hand passed hors d'oeuvres instead of having stations. Only offer enough food to keep your guests from getting tipsy during your cocktail hour.
The Drinks
Feel free to skip the champagne toast and use the wine you have on the table. Create a bar that you can afford, whether that means only beer, wine and soft drinks; a signature cocktail and wine with dinner; or less-expensive liquors for mixed drinks. Keep it simple. The more variety the more expensive it will be.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Not So White Weddings on the Rise
WHITE weddings will be off-color next year as tying the knot moves from the traditional into the unique.
Wedding experts predict 2014 will see a swing towards color and elaborate personal touches.
"Weddings are becoming the day that shows what people are and who they are, not only as a couple, but individually, so they are really putting a lot of effort, time and money into weddings," Emily Tredrea from Gold Coast bridal boutique A Darling Affair said.
Couples are spending more than ever on elaborate ceremonies and receptions to ensure they have a personal touch.
"What we're finding is that weddings are the one thing people allow themselves to go all out on," she said. "They are spending a lot on their gowns and suits and on styling.
"People really want to create an atmosphere for their guests that's unique to them so they're putting a lot of money into the styling and decorating than they have before, with centerpieces and decorations hanging from the ceiling and altered backdrops."
Flowers will play a big part, with elaborate floral centerpieces and chandeliers making a mark. Industrial-style venues are likely to be popular ahead of conventional reception centers.
The biggest shift, though, will be in wedding fashion.
Brides are ditching traditional white and ivory in favor of floral prints and rainbow hues, while blokes are opting for bold colors rather than basic black.
"People are really stepping out of the box and moving a little bit more towards something unique," bridal wear designer Begitta Stolk said.
She said floral frocks and dresses in pale pastel shades were the most popular.
"I think ultimately brides will move into something a bit more unique to their personality that shows more of who they are, rather than feeling like someone else in a white dress," she said.
Sam Abi from men's wear store Urbbana said maroon would be the must-have shade for wedding suits.
"It's still a manly color. It's rich looking and it doesn't have the casual feel of something like light blue or orange. It's nice and classic," he said.
Mr Abi said men were also being more adventurous with their accessories than before, embracing bow ties, pocket squares and suspenders in bright colors.
Wedding experts predict 2014 will see a swing towards color and elaborate personal touches.
"Weddings are becoming the day that shows what people are and who they are, not only as a couple, but individually, so they are really putting a lot of effort, time and money into weddings," Emily Tredrea from Gold Coast bridal boutique A Darling Affair said.
Couples are spending more than ever on elaborate ceremonies and receptions to ensure they have a personal touch.
"What we're finding is that weddings are the one thing people allow themselves to go all out on," she said. "They are spending a lot on their gowns and suits and on styling.
"People really want to create an atmosphere for their guests that's unique to them so they're putting a lot of money into the styling and decorating than they have before, with centerpieces and decorations hanging from the ceiling and altered backdrops."
Flowers will play a big part, with elaborate floral centerpieces and chandeliers making a mark. Industrial-style venues are likely to be popular ahead of conventional reception centers.
The biggest shift, though, will be in wedding fashion.
"People are really stepping out of the box and moving a little bit more towards something unique," bridal wear designer Begitta Stolk said.
She said floral frocks and dresses in pale pastel shades were the most popular.
"I think ultimately brides will move into something a bit more unique to their personality that shows more of who they are, rather than feeling like someone else in a white dress," she said.
Sam Abi from men's wear store Urbbana said maroon would be the must-have shade for wedding suits.
"It's still a manly color. It's rich looking and it doesn't have the casual feel of something like light blue or orange. It's nice and classic," he said.
Mr Abi said men were also being more adventurous with their accessories than before, embracing bow ties, pocket squares and suspenders in bright colors.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
8 Wedding Trends That Are Still Going Strong
2013 weddings were full of amazing trends, from metallic details to family-style tables to Gatsby glamor. We're getting excited to see what the next year will hold, so we asked wedding professionals from all around the country to predict which ideas will be even more popular in 2014. Check out the growing requests that they're receiving from brides!
1. Camp-style weddings: Weddings at summer camps are popping up more and more because there is ample space to accommodate overnight guests but also multiple venues (all conveniently located on one property) to host different pre- and post-wedding celebrations." Rider Strong of Boy Meets World fame recently got hitched in a camp-style wedding, and so did Matthew McConaughey.
2. The English garden look: Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler photography is seeing a switch to more "locally grown wildflower bouquets" than traditional florist bouquets. Some brides are even including bouquet-making as a wedding weekend event!
3. Custom Wedding Invitations: Whether it is tweeking the colors so they match your fabulous scheme or getting a custom monogram designed specially for you - having the artist involved helps you make your special day even more special.
4. Shabby-chic seating: Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals is receiving a lot of inquiries for mix-and-match furniture. She thinks "mixing couches, upholstered chairs and pews for the ceremony seating" will be a huge upcoming trend!
5. Non-floral centerpieces: Tabletops are becoming a pure reflection of the couple and not always being covered in florals. I see a table filled with amazing candlesticks and a romantic glow or geometric shapes and pops of color.
6. Bold-is-better lipstick: Danika Lamb of Artistry By Danika thinks brides in 2014 are going to continue "showcasing more ‘pops’ of color on their lips. Adding a bold lip that is still feminine and pretty is a fun change from the typical ‘bridal’ look."
7. Dramatic, short veils: Many makeup artists are getting a lot more requests these days for "voluminous bubble veils with a lot of height!" They’ll be sure to make more appearances in 2014 weddings.
8. Patterned robes for primping: Many are seeing more attention being paid to the "getting ready" outfits that bridal parties are wearing to be photographed pre-wedding. They’re predicting to "see more bridal parties in matching patterns in the coming year."
1. Camp-style weddings: Weddings at summer camps are popping up more and more because there is ample space to accommodate overnight guests but also multiple venues (all conveniently located on one property) to host different pre- and post-wedding celebrations." Rider Strong of Boy Meets World fame recently got hitched in a camp-style wedding, and so did Matthew McConaughey.
2. The English garden look: Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler photography is seeing a switch to more "locally grown wildflower bouquets" than traditional florist bouquets. Some brides are even including bouquet-making as a wedding weekend event!
3. Custom Wedding Invitations: Whether it is tweeking the colors so they match your fabulous scheme or getting a custom monogram designed specially for you - having the artist involved helps you make your special day even more special.
4. Shabby-chic seating: Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals is receiving a lot of inquiries for mix-and-match furniture. She thinks "mixing couches, upholstered chairs and pews for the ceremony seating" will be a huge upcoming trend!
5. Non-floral centerpieces: Tabletops are becoming a pure reflection of the couple and not always being covered in florals. I see a table filled with amazing candlesticks and a romantic glow or geometric shapes and pops of color.
6. Bold-is-better lipstick: Danika Lamb of Artistry By Danika thinks brides in 2014 are going to continue "showcasing more ‘pops’ of color on their lips. Adding a bold lip that is still feminine and pretty is a fun change from the typical ‘bridal’ look."
7. Dramatic, short veils: Many makeup artists are getting a lot more requests these days for "voluminous bubble veils with a lot of height!" They’ll be sure to make more appearances in 2014 weddings.
8. Patterned robes for primping: Many are seeing more attention being paid to the "getting ready" outfits that bridal parties are wearing to be photographed pre-wedding. They’re predicting to "see more bridal parties in matching patterns in the coming year."
Friday, October 4, 2013
Winter Wedding Trends for 2013
Ornaments and snowflakes are standard winter wedding themes, but don't
feel bound to them. Here, seven fresh ways to plan your winter wedding.
Low, lush arrangements made up of elegant white and ivory flowers mixed with pops of color, like bright-red amaryllis, and lots of wintry textured accents, like lamb's ears and thistle, are hugely popular this season.
Gold is big for table design, so this season wedding designers are finding formal wintry ways to deck out the tables in the pretty metal hue, like this table with a gold charger, menu card and flatware.
Floral designers and wedding planners are bringing the outside in when it comes to decorating the reception space.
Think: lots of candles and big branchy arrangements adorned with glowing votives and fresh flowers.
Consider your holiday food favorites and translate them to your reception.
Try cannoli wrapped in gold paper and served during the cocktail hour, or even warm, fresh-from-the-oven favorites like baked Brie drizzled with compote.
Illusion necklines and embellished necklines and skirts (like on this sparkly Reem Acra dress) were all over the bridal fashion runways in October.
Winter is the perfect time to showcase this demure look.
Beautiful calligraphy mixed with modern fonts like this one will reign this season. The best part: You can dress it up (with embellished belly bands and laser-cut elements) or down depending on how formal you want to go.
Bold and beautiful cake designs are big for winter -- like this red-rose-bedecked white wedding cake. Also big? Flavors and frostings that call on the season, like blackberry buttercream or blood orange filling.
So what trends are you looking forward to using in your wedding this winter?
Winter Wedding Bouquets
Low, lush arrangements made up of elegant white and ivory flowers mixed with pops of color, like bright-red amaryllis, and lots of wintry textured accents, like lamb's ears and thistle, are hugely popular this season.
Winter Wedding Reception Tables
Gold is big for table design, so this season wedding designers are finding formal wintry ways to deck out the tables in the pretty metal hue, like this table with a gold charger, menu card and flatware.
Winter Wedding Receptions
Floral designers and wedding planners are bringing the outside in when it comes to decorating the reception space.
Think: lots of candles and big branchy arrangements adorned with glowing votives and fresh flowers.
Winter wedding Food
Consider your holiday food favorites and translate them to your reception.
Try cannoli wrapped in gold paper and served during the cocktail hour, or even warm, fresh-from-the-oven favorites like baked Brie drizzled with compote.
Winter wedding Dresses
Illusion necklines and embellished necklines and skirts (like on this sparkly Reem Acra dress) were all over the bridal fashion runways in October.
Winter is the perfect time to showcase this demure look.
Winter wedding Invitations
Beautiful calligraphy mixed with modern fonts like this one will reign this season. The best part: You can dress it up (with embellished belly bands and laser-cut elements) or down depending on how formal you want to go.
Winter wedding Cakes
Bold and beautiful cake designs are big for winter -- like this red-rose-bedecked white wedding cake. Also big? Flavors and frostings that call on the season, like blackberry buttercream or blood orange filling.
So what trends are you looking forward to using in your wedding this winter?
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Your Wedding: How to Plan and What Does it Mean?
This new series called, Your Wedding: How to Plan and What Does it Mean? will be a series of articles giving you a 'quick reference' to keep handy - what happens first, who is invited to what, and who pays? Follow my blog to have easy access to all of them as they appear.
1. Is working within my budget feasible?
Before you schedule appointments with potential florists (search Photo of the Day and Pinterest for ideas), get a feel for their prices first. You don’t want to fall in love with the perfect floral arrangements for your wedding just to find out they won’t be able to work within your budget. After that, nothing will live up to what you’ve seen, and you will end up overspending on flowers for your big day. Open the lines of communication and tell the florist what your plans are (how many bridal party attendants you’ll have, the number of guests and/or tables, and what you have in mind for the décor), which should help them give you a solid "yes" or "no." Book with caution if you get a "maybe"—find someone with a similar style whose stellar services you can afford.
2. Are my favorite flowers currently in season?
If you’re enamored with the full, lush look of peonies (but are planning November nuptials), then be prepared to pay top dollar for choosing blooms that are out of season. If you don't ask about availability, florists will still use your favorite flowers, but it could cost you. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your vision completely: Try finding in-season flora with a similar look or using pricier flowers sparingly. It’s always more cost-effective to be flexible with your flower selections.
3. How long have you been doing weddings?
Although someone might be a top-tier florist, it doesn't necessarily mean they are skilled at creating wedding bouquets and centerpieces (which require different techniques than other types of floral arrangements). Experience is also a huge factor: Someone who has been cranking out the same designs for 20 years may not be the best fit for the unique wedding style that you want, while a visionary up-and-comer may share your design sense, but they might not have the notches on their
belt to be able to execute their designs in a professional and timely manner. The key is to select a vendor who strikes a balance and can satisfy your particular needs.
4. What is your style (modern, classic, natural or glam)?
Close your eyes and imagine the décor of your fantasy reception (all costs aside). What do you see? An enchanted forest with trees covered in twinkly lights? Tall, all-white centerpieces with a classic look and feel? Or perhaps romantic blooms spilling out of rhinestone-encrusted containers? While florists don’t have to stick to their own personal style, their work will shine if it’s closer to what they’re used to creating.
5. Can we see a portfolio of photographs from previous weddings you have worked on?
Floral arrangements from past clients will give you a sense of how the florist's style has evolved over time (if at all), and show what their specialities are. Pay close attention to the florist’s feedback when you show them photos or collages you’ve brought with you—this input can be equally important. Is the style familiar to them? Is this something they have created before? Do they seem to be comfortable with what you are asking for?
6. Do you take more than 1 wedding per day? How many weddings or events do you have the same week as our wedding?
If a florist says they book four to six events per weekend and have their staff install for them, ask how many lead designers they have on staff. You don’t want a florist who spreads themselves too thin, which can lead to errors. If you want something unique and if you need a little more hand-holding during the design process, don’t book someone who already has their hands full and won’t give you the attention you are seeking.
7. Will you make samples for me to see, and work with me to adjust them as needed?
No matter how impressive a florist’s photos are, you must see a mock-up to determine if they can truly bring your vision to life. Most floral designers will include a mock-up if you meet a certain minimum, while others will only do one at an additional cost…if you’re the type of bride who needs to see it beforehand so you know you love it, then be sure your florist includes a prototype as part of their package. This gives you both the chance to make any necessary adjustments long before the big day and find out how they will impact your budget.
8. Do you advise on linens, upgraded chairs and table settings?
We recommend hiring someone who takes an interest in the overall look of your décor (linens, chairs, tableware and lighting)—not just your flowers. Some designers will handle upgraded linens and rentals as part of their bid (which usually means they are marking them up), others will choose extras but have the coordinator handle the bids, and some won’t even take part in this process at all. You need to know what their role will be.
9. How do you charge: flat fee or per item? Is there a delivery charge?
Clarify how their pricing works before you sign on the dotted line. Find out exactly what the package includes and what costs extra (e.g. is that gorgeous vase yours to keep, or will you be slapped with a hefty bill if a guest takes it home). Make sure to find out if there is a delivery fee, an on-site transaction fee or any other places additional charges may occur. Your estimate should reflect all costs associated with the entire completion of your wedding.
10. Do you have liability insurance? What is the refund/cancellation process? When is payment due?
These days, venues aren't taking any risks: Many require liability insurance policies by all vendors, including your florist. There are other factors that could affect payment, such as changing your wedding date or canceling the florist for another one. Also look into their payment plan, which includes a deposit and subsequent payments.
10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Florist
Before you schedule appointments with potential florists (search Photo of the Day and Pinterest for ideas), get a feel for their prices first. You don’t want to fall in love with the perfect floral arrangements for your wedding just to find out they won’t be able to work within your budget. After that, nothing will live up to what you’ve seen, and you will end up overspending on flowers for your big day. Open the lines of communication and tell the florist what your plans are (how many bridal party attendants you’ll have, the number of guests and/or tables, and what you have in mind for the décor), which should help them give you a solid "yes" or "no." Book with caution if you get a "maybe"—find someone with a similar style whose stellar services you can afford.
2. Are my favorite flowers currently in season?
If you’re enamored with the full, lush look of peonies (but are planning November nuptials), then be prepared to pay top dollar for choosing blooms that are out of season. If you don't ask about availability, florists will still use your favorite flowers, but it could cost you. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your vision completely: Try finding in-season flora with a similar look or using pricier flowers sparingly. It’s always more cost-effective to be flexible with your flower selections.
3. How long have you been doing weddings?
Although someone might be a top-tier florist, it doesn't necessarily mean they are skilled at creating wedding bouquets and centerpieces (which require different techniques than other types of floral arrangements). Experience is also a huge factor: Someone who has been cranking out the same designs for 20 years may not be the best fit for the unique wedding style that you want, while a visionary up-and-comer may share your design sense, but they might not have the notches on their
belt to be able to execute their designs in a professional and timely manner. The key is to select a vendor who strikes a balance and can satisfy your particular needs.
4. What is your style (modern, classic, natural or glam)?
Close your eyes and imagine the décor of your fantasy reception (all costs aside). What do you see? An enchanted forest with trees covered in twinkly lights? Tall, all-white centerpieces with a classic look and feel? Or perhaps romantic blooms spilling out of rhinestone-encrusted containers? While florists don’t have to stick to their own personal style, their work will shine if it’s closer to what they’re used to creating.
5. Can we see a portfolio of photographs from previous weddings you have worked on?
Floral arrangements from past clients will give you a sense of how the florist's style has evolved over time (if at all), and show what their specialities are. Pay close attention to the florist’s feedback when you show them photos or collages you’ve brought with you—this input can be equally important. Is the style familiar to them? Is this something they have created before? Do they seem to be comfortable with what you are asking for?
6. Do you take more than 1 wedding per day? How many weddings or events do you have the same week as our wedding?
If a florist says they book four to six events per weekend and have their staff install for them, ask how many lead designers they have on staff. You don’t want a florist who spreads themselves too thin, which can lead to errors. If you want something unique and if you need a little more hand-holding during the design process, don’t book someone who already has their hands full and won’t give you the attention you are seeking.
7. Will you make samples for me to see, and work with me to adjust them as needed?
No matter how impressive a florist’s photos are, you must see a mock-up to determine if they can truly bring your vision to life. Most floral designers will include a mock-up if you meet a certain minimum, while others will only do one at an additional cost…if you’re the type of bride who needs to see it beforehand so you know you love it, then be sure your florist includes a prototype as part of their package. This gives you both the chance to make any necessary adjustments long before the big day and find out how they will impact your budget.
8. Do you advise on linens, upgraded chairs and table settings?
We recommend hiring someone who takes an interest in the overall look of your décor (linens, chairs, tableware and lighting)—not just your flowers. Some designers will handle upgraded linens and rentals as part of their bid (which usually means they are marking them up), others will choose extras but have the coordinator handle the bids, and some won’t even take part in this process at all. You need to know what their role will be.
9. How do you charge: flat fee or per item? Is there a delivery charge?
Clarify how their pricing works before you sign on the dotted line. Find out exactly what the package includes and what costs extra (e.g. is that gorgeous vase yours to keep, or will you be slapped with a hefty bill if a guest takes it home). Make sure to find out if there is a delivery fee, an on-site transaction fee or any other places additional charges may occur. Your estimate should reflect all costs associated with the entire completion of your wedding.
10. Do you have liability insurance? What is the refund/cancellation process? When is payment due?
These days, venues aren't taking any risks: Many require liability insurance policies by all vendors, including your florist. There are other factors that could affect payment, such as changing your wedding date or canceling the florist for another one. Also look into their payment plan, which includes a deposit and subsequent payments.
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