Category Archives: Wedding Flowers

Grey: The New Neutral

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Grey is a color that in the past has gotten a bad rap; it is often a color associated with sorrow and mourning. However, today is a new day! Now grey can stand strong against its more popular counterpart: black. This year grey is “the” choice for weddings. Many may not know, but in Native American cultures grey is associated with friendship and is seen as a symbol of security, maturity, and dependability. No matter what grey tone you use this hue can add a cooling yet sophisticate vibe.

Grey comes in a variety of shades and tones that will work perfect for you. If you want your wedding to feel fresh and crisp you should pair it with softer, pastel combinations such as greens, peaches, pinks, lavenders and blues. Grey can also work amazingly with more saturated hues of purple, reds, yellows, and hot pinks. By pairing grey with these bold tones you will create a more modern color palette. The beauty of grey is that you can replace white with light grey or substitute black with dark grey. Whatever tone of grey you choose you are bound to find a shade that is a perfect addition for your wedding color palette.

Below are a few of my favorite color combinations using grey

Grey color combos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When incorporating grey into your wedding flowers, with a little creativity there are some wonderful choices. One of my favorite stems to use to bring out the shade is silver brunia. This berry not only complements most color palettes but also adds a unique texture to any bouquet. My other go-to for grey is any type of eucalyptus. This foliage comes in many varieties such as baby blue, gunnii, or silver dollar eucalyptus. Each offer a great option to add a hint of blueish gray to a flower arrangement. If you are seeking a true grey foliage, stick with the fuzzy textured ’dusty miller.’ Finally, succulents are an awesome choice to add a touch of grey to your flower combo. Choosing any of these suggestions will bring texture, sophistication, and a sense of modernity to your bouquet.

Glam isn’t just for Hollywood

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Hollywood bombards us every day with alluring starlet’s, swank parties, and eye-catching fashion. Women across the country pore over magazines discussing the latest Hollywood trends, wishing just for one day that it could be them, living this glamorous lifestyle. Well, I have news for you….this life, or a piece of this life can be yours. What better day to make your fairytale come true then on your wedding day. The following Hollywood glam ideas will not only wow your guests, but it will allow you to truly shine on your special day.

Luxury Seating

Luxury is often a word associated with Hollywood. To translate this luxury theme it is important to pay attention to your seating. Instead of using the standard banquet chair rent elegant chiavari chairs. These classic chairs most often come in gold, silver, black, or brown. Another option to disguise the run of the mill banquet chair is to use chair covers. Today chair covers come in a variety of fabrics and colors. I suggest using a silk in ivory or white with chair sash knotted in the same tone. Finally, set up lounge seating areas with couches and chairs. Placing these groupings near the dance floor will allow your guests to rest their feet while still feeling like they can partake in the fun of your reception.

Lavishness Linens    

To achieve the Hollywood look it is important not to settle for your venue’s traditional white tablecloth. With your linens you can add style and glam. Today there are hundreds of fabrics and colors to choose from. Layer multiple fabrics, like embroidered organza with chenille or layer tablecloths with lush silks or sheer velvets.

Customized Lighting

Nothing can transform your reception like great lighting. Customized lighting can change the entire look of a space. For the Hollywood look use opulent chandeliers saturated in Swarovski crystals and accent lighting in amber or gold tones. To continue with the theme I suggest using an array of candles. Not only will your reception atmosphere glow, your guests will look even more radiant under this warm light. When it is time for the dance to start, you can create a club like atmosphere with red or blue lighting.

Bountiful Flowers

Beautiful flowers will turn any wedding into something spectacular! With a Hollywood-themed wedding, flowers are not only important, but essential. Nothing gives the feeling of lavishness and glamour than rich, bountiful blooms. To achieve the Hollywood look, I suggest using soft romantic blooms, like peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and ranunculus. Add a touch of the exotic with phalaenopsis or vanda orchids. It is important to minimize the use of filler flowers and greens to achieve the rich Hollywood theme. Finally, use a variety of centerpieces in various sizes to create tablescapes that will not only transform your reception but leave a lasting impression.

Sparkling Details

The cliché saying “it’s all in the details” is definitely true for a Hollywood-themed wedding. Hollywood does not do anything half way and neither should you. I believe it is all in the layering of the details. For example, carry metallic shimmer throughout your event by incorporating mercury glass vases, napkin rings, chargers and framed photos. Combine these items with sparkling crystals from chandeliers, candle sticks, and beaded strands. Continue layering with accents of feathers in your bouquets and centerpieces. Finally add reflective element with mirrors strategically placed throughout your reception. By layering these elements throughout your wedding you will create a magical Hollywood event that no one will soon forget.

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Find all the links for the photos here

Be a Budget Savvy Bride without Sacrificing

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Planning a wedding is nothing but overwhelming. Decisions upon decisions bombard your once normal days. Try to juggle the details while sticking to a budget can seem like an impossible feat. However, with these few budget savvy tips you can maintain your overall look and feel without busting your buck.

  •  Bridesmaid’s dresses: Instead of choosing a bridesmaids dress from a wedding boutique, look for deals at your favorite retail stores such as Banana Republic, The Limited, or The Gap
  •  Votives: Nothing sets the tone of your reception then candle light. Saturate your reception with inexpensive votives.
  •  Garden Flowers: Raid your or families garden’s for flowers. Many florist will work your own grown flowers….just remember you will still need to pay for their services and floral supplies.
  •  Submerged Floral: Create a striking arrangement with as little as three flowers by submerging your favorite bloom, such as, orchids or calla lilies in vases with a floating candle.
  •  Vases and Jars: Instead of purchasing or renting vases create an eclectic look by gathering a mix of vases, jars, and glasses that you or loved ones may own.
  •  Colored Water: Bring color to your tables by floating a candle in a vase filled with colored water. Add a submerged flower for an extra touch.
  •  Rose Petals: Don’t scatter, but, create “petal piles” around candlescapes, which, gives you color for little cost. You can also fill rose petals in a hurricane vase with a candle or submerge in a vase filled with water and a floating candle.
  •  Hydrangeas: Although hydrangeas are considered one of the more expensive flowers, they cover a large area. Fill a vase with one to tree hydrangeas to create a lovely, simple centerpiece.
  •  Baby’s Breath: Don’t knock the baby’s breath… (Although I have been known to too) Packed tightly in arrangements or bouquets baby’s breath can mimic snow, perfect for a winter wedding.
  •  Bridesmaid’s Bouquets: Create modern, inexpensive bridesmaid’s bouquets by using a few stems of one flower such as peonies or hydrangeas.
  •  Paper Lanterns: Paper lanterns make an enormous visual impact whether they are lit or unlit. They are super budget friendly and tie the whole reception room together.

Not Your Typical Grocery Store Flowers

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Passing through the aisles in the grocery store, it is easy to walk by the prepackaged, cellophane wrapped bunches of flowers.  However, it’s time to STOP! With a little creativity you can take these common flowers and use them to make something truly special! Below are 10 easy ideas using prepackage bunches of flowers that will transform your party or event.

 1. Dessert

Add color and texture to any dessert by decorating your sweet treats with blooms of flowers. Use flowers such as chamomile, daisies, violets, or pom poms either directly on your dessert or on the serving tray.

2. Candles

Take old garden pots and fill it with wet floral foam. Add a candle to the middle and fill around the edges with flowers. Try using different size pots to add interest to your table.

3. Pressed Flowers

When flowers begin to fade, don’t throw them away; press them in an old book for future projects. After they are dried frame the pressed flowers to enjoy them for years to come.

4. Tin Cans

For a simple grouping of flowers, turn used soup or coffee cans into vases for very little money. Spray paint the cans or cover them in fabric or paper to create cohesiveness among the containers.

5. Jars and Wine Bottles

Place single blooms of flowers into individual milk jars, wine bottles, or mason jars. I recommend varying the heights of your containers to add interest.

6.Place Cards

With a Sharpie write each guest’s name on greenery leafs and use them as place cards for your table.

7. Rose Petal Bubbly

Add a little extra special to your party cocktails by floating rose petals in the bubbly. (Don’t worry roses are edible!) Roses come in numerous shades, which allow you to coordinate the petals with your cocktail.

8. Napkins

Add an extra pop of color to your table by tucking cut flowers into your guests folded napkins. To keep the blooms from wilting, wrap floral tape around the cut stem. To fold the napkin, lay it on a flat surface, and fold in half widthwise so the folded edge is near you. Fold the top layer back down halfway. Turn the napkin over, and fold the edges into the center. Finish by folding the napkin in half.

9. Votives

Use candle votives (minus the candle) and place singular stems in each. Groupings work great on party tables or place one on a bathroom vanity or kitchen counter.

10. Submerged

Fill water to the top of your miscellaneous vases and submerged single stems or bunches of the same flower. A trick to keep the buoyant flowers in place is to use a floating candle; which also adds ambient lighting.

11. Ice Cubes

Freeze edible flowers with water in ice-cube tray, then adding the colorful cubes to signature cocktails.

Lovely Orange

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I love bright colors – the way they can take an ordinary floral arrangement and make it pop. One of the best colors to add that special touch is orange. This warm, vibrant shade gives a fun yet cozy vibe to any wedding. Often people can be intimidated by this alternative color; however, orange can transform your event depending on the colors you pair it with. By combining orange with warm, earthy tones such as brown and gold you can achieve a rustic, laid back feel. Often used during the fall season. However, a more modern color scheme can be achieved by pairing orange with blue, purple, or green, which leads to a fun, exciting ambiance.

Whatever direction you choose to go with there are endless orange options for your wedding or event. From light apricot to bright tangerine flower choices abound. Some of my favorite orange flowers are dahlias, tulips, roses, orchids, and calla lilies. In centerpieces I even have utilized orange fruit either whole or sliced to add a unique touch.

Below is an inspiration board to show you just how effective orange can be for your event. This color is truly unique in its ability to add a bright, cheery feel while at the same time adding warmth and coziness

All links for photos can be found here.

Finding Inspiration in Color Blocking

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As a florist it is my job to continually try to come up with new, fresh ideas. I look for inspirations everywhere – nature, home décor, magazines, internet, TV….the list good go on and on. Recently I was given the opportunity to create a table display along with Leah at Envision Wedding Studio for the wedding show at Grand Falls Casino Resort.

Leah and I were given free rein to come up with a unique, eye-catching table. We began brainstorming ideas, looking through bridal magazines for color inspirations. It was important to come up with a color scheme that was unique and had not been used in the past. Bold hues were our immediate direction. As the ideas started flowing we soon created a color palate of deep raspberries, burgundies, pinks, gold, and bright orange tones.

As I sought out to create the bouquet for the centerpiece, I remembered reading a fashion article about the infusion of color blocking in the spring lines of 2012. This trend can be spotted everywhere. From dresses to skirts, to shoes and bags fashionistas can’t get enough of this look. I knew the marriage between our bold color palate and the color blocking style would be perfect for the event.

In the bouquet I used deep purple and raspberry carnations (I know the dreaded “C” word) however, packed tightly in a bouquet these often ridiculed flowers work great! Along with the carnations, deep pink hydrangeas, fuchsia orchids, pink stock, burgundy roses, and orange spray roses were arranged in a color blocking pattern to make a packed round bouquet. The result was a modern, eye-catching bouquet. Paired with a fuchsia linen, gold chargers, burgundy napkins, and clear and gold votive candles, the table came together beautifully. By drawing inspiration from fashion, we were able to create a memorable, stunning display.

Peonies at their best

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With my last post describing the wonderful peony, I wanted to share one of my favorite weddings I have done this season. Molly and Joe’s wedding combined my favorite three flowers – peonies, hydrangeas, and ranunculus. Kelli Hunt was able to capture the beauty of the designs through her spectacular photography creating lasting memories of a truly special day!

Peonies!

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The month of June brings the arrival of the long awaited warm weather summer months and with that one of my favorite times of the year – Peony season! Unfortunately, these big, beautiful, fragrant flowers have a relatively short season so it’s important to appreciate them while they are in bloom.

Most commonly peonies come in shades of pink, white and cream. However, on a rare occasion they may be found in a rich red. Whatever the shade, the wonderful thing about peonies is they are so versatile. These large “fluffy” flowers work wonderful in a variety of bouquets and are extremely popular during the summer wedding season months. Combining peonies with flowers such as roses, stock, hydrangeas, and calla lilies, creates a truly breathtaking bride’s bouquet. If you want something to brighten up the kitchen countertop or lonely windowsill, design a charming look by using a glass container such as a wine or milk bottle with a single cut peony. As you can see, the options are truly endless for peonies!

When purchasing fresh cut peonies, select peonies that have big, colorful buds. If he buds are too tight they might not open. The care for peonies is similar to many flowers. It is important to remove most of the leaves of the peony and cut about 1 inch off the stem at an angle to make certain they will drink properly. Peonies tend to be a thirsty flower so make sure you keep an eye on the water level and re-cut the stems every few days to ensure the longest life possible for this stunning blossom. Finally, the last step, and the most important, is for you enjoy the beauty and fragrance this spectacular flower.

And I’m not the only one celebrating the beauty of peonies this time of year. I found a charming photo shoot put together by Ritzybee and Open Air Photography for The Bride’s Cafe. Enjoy!

 

More 2011 Wedding Trends

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As promised, I just had to share more of the fun new trends in wedding flowers in 2011 including unique textures, muted color palettes and creative embellishment.

Unique Textures
Pairing soft, romantic blooms with textural elements will give any bouquet an unexpected twist. In 2011, natural stems such as pods, succulents, and herbs are emerging as a fast growing trend. These organic stems bring dimension and interest to any bouquet. Pairing these elements with grasses, birch bark, and moss can also create a soft, ethereal vibe for your decor.

Below is a perfect example which I found at signatureweddings.asia which was photographed by Meg Baisden.

Muted Color Palettes
Another emerging trend for 2011 is tones that are more neutral. Brides are opting for earthy shades and blush hues for their color schemes. Pairing taupes or grays with contrasting soft pinks and mauves will reflect this year’s style. Another concept is using a single color in multiple shades to create a truly unique look. Whatever your color palette, remember this year it is about keeping it simple.

Here is a sneak peek of a perfect example of a simple, yet elegant muted color palette from The Sweetest Occasion, which you have take a look at their whole Pretty + Understated Wedding Luxury post.

Creative Embellishments
To complete the 2011 wedding trends it is important to remember it is all about the details. This year, brides are opting to add embellishments such as buttons and vintage broaches to their bouquets to give it an extra creative element. Wrapping the floral stems in satin is always a timeless choice, but, using a piece from your mother’s wedding gown can add a personal touch. The use of embellishments will give your bouquet an extra finishing touch, creating a lasting memory for your big day.  Below is a perfect example of this when a recent bride of mine chose to incorporate feathers, crystals and pearls into her bridal bouquet.  How fun is that!

2011 Wedding Trends

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I can’t believe it is already May and in my world, that means the busy wedding season is right around the corner.  And this year, I am very excited about the flower trends for the 2011 wedding season. Among the exciting styles this year are vintage charms and soft, romantic blooms.

Vintage Charm
The classic vintage look has arrived this season in full force. The vintage style can range from whimsical arrangements created in old watering cans to a more elegant look showed off in a mercury apothecary jar. Whatever the container, this nostalgic look can be achieved by incorporating romantic blooms such as, hydrangea, peonies, roses, lisianthus, or ranunculus. Adding a touch of dusty miller or seeded eucalyptus will add the finishing vintage touch to any bouquet. When choosing your vintage color palate remember it is all about washed out colors that look aged. While there are many options to achieve this stylish nostalgic look the use of soft pastels with undertones of gray are perfect for this design.

Picture from: http://www.lifetimemoms.com

Soft, Romantic Blooms
Nothing could accompany the vintage look better then the use of soft, romantic blooms such as peonies or hydrangeas. Along with these trend setting stems lisianthus, ranunculus, and roses will also be among the list of popular flowers used this wedding season. These gentle blooms are timeless and classic, which will give your event a romantic and opulent look.

Make sure to check back next week when I talk about more 2011 wedding trends for flowers including the use of unique textures, muted color palettes, and creative embellishments.