New Wedding Trend: Glamour

While the Midwest seems to be a few years behind NYC when it comes to trends, weddingbee.com and other popular wedding sources are citing that “shabby chic” weddings are on the way out, “glamour” is in.

Thanks to a famous royal couple across the pond, glamour and dramatic statements are becoming all the rage.  Although few weddings will reach the magnitude of Will and Kate’s, it will be more evident in the little luxuries.  Modest upgrades will contribute to the allure of the overall wedding.

Here’s some ideas you can incorporate:

Smaller, more intimate.  Having fewer guests (less than 100) will create a more intimate setting and allow you to visit with more.  It will also allow for higher quality food, better entertainment and more decor. 

Family is focus.  Cozy, warm and inviting…a familylike atmosphere.  Think Tuscan tables with low, lush centerpieces/tablescapes and a very cool “Wish Tree” as the guest book.  No more wedding party on display with a one-sided head table, now wedding party members get to sit together and with their dates. 

Experience is everything.  Place emphasis on the comfort of the guests and making them feel more special and as part of the wedding.  A photo booth, a video of well-wishes for the newlyweds and personalized favors are just a few ideas. 

More drama.  Drama can be subtle, such as in the embellishments of the wedding gown with rosettes on the skirt or on the invitation by means of ribbon and crystals.  Rhinestone pins add flair to the bouquets and heirloom broaches add drama along with family to the collection. 

Spring Wedding At Franklin Park Conservatory

Chelsea’s wedding last week was gorgeous!  Cream and champagne roses with a hint of red in the ceremony and on the cake looked fabulous in the Palm House!

Centerpiece

Cake

Bridal Path and Gazebo

Bridal Bouquet

My Best Advice, Part Two

The Day Of…

Keeping Mothers Happy – A thoughtful gesture to include the Mothers in a special way at the ceremony is to present them with a single flower; the Bride presents the Groom’s Mother while the Groom present’s the Bride’s Mother with a single flower, say, a rose.  Another great offering is to give a flower arrangement, such as an altar arrangement to each of the Mothers at the end of the day.

Pamper Yourself — Let the day of your wedding be an enjoyable time with your family and friends. Don’t plan every second with something that has to get done — even if it’s hair, nail and makeup appointments. Plan some down time, power nap, or relax with a cool beverage.

Your Guests – Your wedding day is all about you and your new husband, but keep in mind you are the hosts and you need to accommodate your guests.  Having a few designated “host/hostesses” is a great idea to manage any last minute requests by your guests to make them feel welcome.

Delegate – Remember, the rule is: “This is your day,   you need to enjoy it!”  So when friends and family start inquiring if there is anything they can do, say, “YES!”

Nourishment – Have light, healthy snacks available while everyone is getting ready for the wedding (and don’t forget about the guys). This will keep everyone happy and content.

Wrist Corsages – All the movement and bumping wrist corsages endure on an active wrist makes for a fragile item.  Attaching the wrist corsage to the wrist of the opposite hand you write with (or dominant hand) is best.  Or, opt for a pin-on corsage and have the ladies wearing corsages master the “side hug.”  Another tip:  Your corsages and boutonnieres have been out of water the longest, making them more fragile, so keep them in the refrigerator and don’t have them pinned on until absolutely necessary.

Carrying Your Bouquet – Chances are you’ll be a little tense when walking down the isle.  RELAX!  Take a deep breath and let your arms rest at your hips.  Most dresses are designed for you to showcase the bouquet at this area; otherwise, you’ll hide the beautiful design of your dress (with your bouquet), which is why you purchased it in the first place.   Allow your bouquet to compliment your dress and become a part of the entire look, not over-shine your dress.

Eat During the Reception – Sure, there is a lot going on and Aunts and Uncles to see.  However, don’t forget to eat!  You and your new husband need to enjoy all the elements of your wedding, especially the food.  Bon Appetite!

Wedding Goodbyes – Your guests may not be the night owl you are and may want to leave before you.  If you want a grand farewell, plan that into your day so that everyone will be there to see you off.

It’s Your Wedding – You can honor old traditions and create new ones.  This is YOUR day, enjoy it and make it memorable!

 

 

My Best Advice, Part One

So I am often asked for tips and advice from the over 100 brides we design for each year (yes, a shameless plug) so I compiled a short list of them!

~Enjoy!

Before Your Big Day…..

Create a Wedding Board – Not sure it’s all going to flow together?  Here’s an easy fix—paste pictures of your linens, flowers, dresses, favors, tuxes, wedding cake, rings, shoes, invitations, venue(s), etc. on a large piece of poster board.  This will allow you to see the “big picture” and make sure it all coordinates together and, if not, paste a new picture up there, and ask friends for their input as well.

Dress Duty – Your wedding bouquet is meant to compliment your dress, not compete.  The style of your dress will ultimately dictate your flower styling.  Be certain to show your florist a picture of your dress so that the size, shape and style work with the dress and not against it.

Know What’s Going On – Are there other events taking place before or after you at your venue/church?  You need to know, and so do your vendors.  Ask your contact at the church and/or venue so you plan what time to arrive and when to have your vendors arrive.

Church and Reception Exceptions – You want to toss petals as you and your new husband leave—better make sure the venue allows it!  Now more than ever, churches and halls are excluding messy clean-up items such as bird seed or rose petals that may stain the carpets.    Some churches also require that the flowers, such as altar arrangements are left at the church.  Be in the know– ask!

Photographer – Make certain he/she knows when to arrive and the order you want pictures taken in, as well  as the progression of the ceremony so he/she can capture the all the special moments.  Also, discuss the specific pictures that you would like to have taken ahead of time.

Wedding Consultant – You can better your overall experience by retaining the services of a seasoned professional.  Consider hiring a consultant to ensure all the “i’s” are dotted and “t’s” are crossed.

The Weather – If you are dreaming of an outdoor wedding, have a back-up plan in case it’s too hot, too cold or it rains.  Your guests will thank you.

Next Week….Tips for your wedding day!

Color Trends for 2012

Pantone, the leading expert on color, just released their 2012 color picks!  There is a trend towards bright, more vibrant colors and these fashion-forward hues are showing up in bride’s color pallets!

Two emerging colors I have been asked about most by brides are turquoise and purple (but not necessarily together).  Both are bold and alive and work well with neutrals or accented by other vibrant colors. 

According to Flower Factor the top flower trends for weddings are:

• Bouquets will focus on texture while designed in a more relaxed style than the tight, compact bouquets popular in the past. Floral elements such a fern curls, echiveria and craspedia will offer diversity combined with more traditional blooms.
• Interest in the boutonnières for the gentlemen will continue to grow, making selections of unique designs of unusual materials popular. Emphasis on the men’s flowers will equal that of the choices for the ladies in the wedding party.
• Good lighting creates drama, introduces color and provides atmosphere. More and more focus will be placed on lighting in events and florals, professionally created, will add form, color and focal emphasis for the perfect look. Props such as chandeliers, shades and lamps are often added to further emphasize the lighting effects. Your florist will be able to help coordinate the right floral choices with your lighting needs.
• Lounge areas became very popular in 2011 and will continue to play a major role in 2012. Even smaller events will include areas for guests to visit with each other away from the formal table seating in a more casual setting. Rented furniture creates the space providing a unique and spontaneous look and casual arrangements of flowers add the finishing touch.
• Table sizes and shapes vary within the same event. Long banquet tables and rounds may be combined, as might ovals and squares. Table surfaces will be mixed as well. Linen covered for some and natural surfaces such as wood, glass or acrylic for others combined together in the same venue. Different style centerpieces are created for each table shape giving the overall look of the room a unique and exciting ambiance.

The Rules of Budgeting!

Rather you believe it or not, your budget is not the enemy.  Your budget is your friend, guiding you and helping you make choices.  The sky is truly the limit when it comes to weddings…do you go with the strapless rhinestone  gown from Amsale or a more cost effective yet similar gown from David’s Bridal?  Fillet or New York Strip?  Orchids or roses?  A string quartet or the Village People cover band?

While I don’t know a lot about how much steaks cost, I do have a vast knowledge of flowers.  Below is everything you need to know to set your floral budget!

BUDGET RULE:   The average bride in Columbus spends between 8-10% of her overall budget on flowers.  Example:  If your budget is $20,000 (the average in Columbus) then most likely you are going to spend between $1600-$2000 on the flowers.

RULES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN:  While the above is an excellent guideline and proves true in many cases, if you have 12 bridesmaids or 50 guest tables and want flowers for all, the above 8-10% rule may not be enough.  In contrast, if you have one bridesmaid and require no floral centerpieces then the 8-10% may give you a budget larger than necessary.  Or if you have a medium sized party (3-4 bridesmaids, equal number of groomsmen and about 15 guest tables) and want everyone to carry peonies and your centerpieces to be all peonies, you may need to increase your budget allotment, too.

HOW TO CREATE A FLORAL BUDGET:  The below is a sample of the average costs brides incur; individual results may vary.

• Bridal Bouquet~ average size is 10″ round~ With classic flowers, such as roses, freesia, hydrangeas in single variety collections or up to three varieties the average cost is $75-200.  With more premium flowers, such as peonies, orchids, callas or a collection of several different varieties the average is $150-300.
• Bridesmaid Bouquets~average size is 6″ round~With a single variety or a focal and an accent, such as roses accented by waxflower, the average is $25-50.  With multiple varieties the average is $40-80.  EXCEPTION:  For an ultra sleek modern look, your bridesmaids can carry a single full size calla for a little as $10 per bridesmaid.  This is a great way to boost a budget!
• Corsages~Moms have told me over the years they want it petite and we have listened!  Keeping with this fact, a classic miniature rose corsage, rather pin on or wrist, costs about $15-20.  The average overall for corsages is $15-35.
• Boutonnieres~Overall average is $10-20, but single rose boutonnieres can cost as little as $6.  I suggest creating something more special for the groom and a step down for the rest of the gentlemen.  He should also match the bride in some fashion, even if it is simply an incorporation of the wedding color in the ribbon down the stem of the boutonniere.
• Altar Arrangements~Ahh, the tricky one.  I have designed altar arrangements as inexpensively as $50 but they are shorter and not as full as what one may expect an altar arrangement to be.  A “plump” altar arrangement, reaching about three-feet in height and about two feet wide will cost $150+ depending on the types of flowers.  The more varieties, the more it will cost.  The taller you want it, generally the more it will cost.  Full size open cut callas are a great way to break this rule.  They are tall and have a great impact with even just a few in a tall slender vase.  And don’t forget, you probably want two of them!
• Pew/Chair decorations~Traditional handmade bows cost $10+.  Flowers can cost anywhere from $10-50 per piece.  For example, a single hydrangea with a pretty bow tied to it could be as little as $10, while a pomander ball or wreath could reach $50 or more.  Rule Breaking Idea:  repurpose these flowers at the reception!
• Centerpieces~ Tall centerpieces that tower over your guests heads typically begin at $100 and go up.  Short centerpieces with a single variety, such as hydrangeas or roses, average $30-60.  Short centerpieces with multiple varieties average $50-100.  The Rule on centerpieces with flowers submerged:  The only flower that will sink is an orchid (Dendrobium or Cymbidium work best).  Other flowers can be submerged, but they will want to float by design.

BUDGET SAVING RULES:  Below is a list of ideas you can do to stretch your floral budget as far as possible!

• Use flowers that are in season.  Tulips can be obtained any time of the year, but you will pay as much as triple in the summer or fall than you would in the spring.
• Utilize flowers available year-round.  Roses, hydrangeas, fugis, lilies, freesia, callas, gerberas, stock, lisianthus, snap dragons, solidago, statice, waxflower, delphinium and orchids are great choices no matter what the season.  Plus, you don’t have to worry about a bad crop and the flower not being available when it should; they are available all the time from somewhere in the world.
• Provide your own vases/containers. Be sure to take them into your florist ahead of time for a trial-run to make sure they are the appropriate size.
• Provide your own “extras” such as ribbon or candles.  Rhinestone belts on bouquets and circumfrancing centerpiece vases are quite stunning and can be purchased via the internet yourself, saving money with the florist.
• Contract your own linens, even lighting if you can.  Most venues will charge you a “middle man” fee for doing this for you.
• Repurpose flowers!  Pew/chair flowers can become centerpieces or escort table decor while altar arrangements can greet your guests as they enter for dinner or adorn your Tuscan-style head table.  Your bouquets also can be instant head-table or Tuscan table decor.  Incorporate candles or rose petals between the bouquets for added ambience!

Now, calculate!  And be sure to give your budget to your florist and be upfront about how much you can invest in flowers.  Your florist will appreciate the honesty and you’ll appreciate not getting sticker shock from the proposal! 

Columbus Bride: The Show

The weather helped to bring record attendance this year to the largest bridal show in Columbus!  We were proud to be a vendor at the show and met many wonderful brides-to-be.  Check out pictures below of some of our fabulous florals and our booth!

Roses, trick dianthus, Bells of Ireland, buplerum

Roses and rannuculus

Roses and orchids

Our Booth

Orchids in sand

Hydranges, mini hydraneas, gerberas, fugis, buplerum

Horestail rush, kale, amaranthus (my favorite one!)

Gerberas

Best of the Knot 2011 Winner!

Bells of Ireland, hydrangeas, callas, amaranthus and buplerum