Florida Weddings & Wedding Planning Advice

1. Too many styles of wedding bouquets?
2. Not sure which style suits my gown?
3. Not sure which style suits my bridesmaid gowns?
4. Not sure of flower choices and colour schemes?

These questions are the 4 main questions that the Florist is asked by the Bride during the first Bridal Consultation. A bride may not understand a great deal about flowers, but will be aware of the effect they want to achieve to create the atmosphere they want for their wedding.

The role of the Florist is to show you, the bride, a range of designs, discuss which designs will suit your individual style of gown and discuss the flowers and colours that are available when the wedding is to occur. The aim is to design a bouquet that interprets the bride’s wishes and enhances her dress. Full simple gowns are enhanced by large bouquets of flowers with trailing foliage. Slim line fitted gowns can be overpowered by large bouquets and results in neither the dress or bouquet being seen at their best. The bouquet may be a simple posy or arm spray, or you may choose a bold crescent design containing a minimal number of flowers.

Matching the colour of the flowers with the bridal gown is very important and it is also important to either tone in, or contrast the flowers to the colour of the bridesmaid gowns. Another important factor that needs to be considered is the setting for the wedding. This is due to the wide range of wedding venues now available to the bride and her partner. For example, a relaxed country or garden style wedding, a reception house or a beach side wedding. The setting will reflect the atmosphere and personality of the couple getting married.

Lets begin with the range of designs that are available. Bouquets can be simple, a Circular Posy, or very complex, a Shower Bouquet, and the bride’s bouquet does not have to be the same style as the bridesmaid’s bouquet. The link may be bouquet shape, flowers or colours used or a combination of all the above. However, the style of the dresses and the height of the bride and bridesmaids is taken into consideration when advising on the size and style of the bouquet.

Wired Bouquets

Circular Posy Bouquet

Formal

Clearly defined circular bouquet with either an even edge of foliage bordering the flowers or foliage spread evenly through the flowers. A simple and elegant design may only use one variety of rose edged with Camellia leaves.

An example of a formal style is the Biedermeier or Victorian Posy. Flowers are arranged in concentric circles of flowers and colour. The circles do not have to be the same flower or colour. For example, alternating rings of Roses and Sweet Peas

Informal

Posy that is not strictly round (oval) and flowers are placed in a less formal pattern, balance is achieved by equal amounts of flower and foliage colour on either side of the bouquet

Both the informal and formal posy styles go well with the short or slim fitting dresses as they allow the dress to be viewed as well

Teardrop bouquet

• Posy top with a wide trail ending in a point. Classical bouquet that suits most gowns.
• Formal, structured design usually with a mix of small and large blooms at the top of the bouquet gradually forming a point at the bottom with the smaller blooms. For example roses with foliage.

Trailing bouquet

• Formal , less structured bouquet than the teardrop bouquet, the trail is narrower and generally longer
• For example a mix of tiger lilies, fruit and wheat in the body of the design leading down to a trail consisting of a single stem of tiger lilies and wheat.

Crescent Bouquets

• bouquet with two trails attached to form a crescent shape with a central posy section between.
• Can be a ver bold design using a minimal number of flowers , such as cymbidium orchids and fern
• Allows the skirt of the gown to be viewed more than a teardrop or cascade design allows.

Shower Bouquet

• A classical larger style bouquet that is very free flowing and has multiple trails leading from the body of the design.

Looks great with a romantic billowing dress that has a full train and veil

Cascade or Waterfall Bouquet

• Not overly different in shape to the shower bouquet, the difference is how the foliage and flowers are placed into the design.
• All flowers and foliage appear to be cascade forwards with some of the lighter ferns flowing over the top of the flowers

Natural Stem Bouquets

Circular Posy Bouquet (Strauss)

• A hand tied posy of flowers held together by the wrapping of their natural stems with ribbon
• Flowers can be mixed varieties or a single variety.
• Can be either formal or informal (garden wedding) depending on the flowers chosen and the ribbon or bow that completes the design.

Arm Spray

• A selection of usually long stem flowers that rest on the inside of the arm which is completed with a bow at the base of the bouquet.
• Examples of flowers used in this style are Roses, Arum lilies and Tulips.

Popular bouquet in the 1920’s and has become increasingly popular in the 1990’s with the development of the cascading arm spray made from such flowers as arum lilies, asparagus or filigree fern and freesias.

Now, lets consider colour.

The type of flower and the colours of the flowers chosen for you bouquet will reflect the atmosphere of the wedding. Matching the colour of the flowers with the bridal gown is very important and it is also important to either tone in, or contrast the flowers to the colour of the bridesmaid gowns. The season and the setting of your wedding will also reflect on your choice and colour of flowers. Lets look at some examples of bouquets for each of the seasons and a few different settings.

Spring wedding in the garden either at home or at a reception venue with a formal luncheon in the garden

• Ivory wedding gown and purple bridesmaid dresses
• Natural stem hand-tied bouquet of spring blooms, roses, lily of the valley and foliage for the bride and her attendants. The bride’s bouquet may use a different tone or colour of roses. eg darker pink or cream. A different option for the bride is an arm spray using the same flowers as the bridesmaid posy.
• Rose buttonhole for the men

Table centre-pieces of roses and lily of the valley in cream pots

Summer wedding with a sea side reception

• White wedding gown and lemon bridesmaids dresses
• Teardrop bouquet for the bride of shells, green Singapore orchids, Camellia leaves and strand of green amaranth. Wired round posy of shells, green Singapore orchids, Camellia leaves and strand of green amaranth for the bridesmaids.
• Orchid buttonhole for the men.
• Table centre-pieces of green Singapore orchids and amaranth displayed in Bamboo bases with shells scattered on the table.

Autumn wedding at a heritage listed reception house

• Ivory wedding gown with terracotta bridesmaid dresses
• Cascade bouquet for the bride of autumn tones (orange, yellow, cream, terracotta, dark red). For example orange tiger lilies, lemon roses, lemon freesias and red peppercorn berries with asparagus fern. Bridesmaids may have a teardrop or posy of the same flowers finished with gold ribbon.
• Peppercorn berries and rose buttonhole for the men
• Table centre-pieces of three small terracotta pots each containing red, yellow or orange roses. Another option is gold candelabras containing a mix of red, yellow and orange roses with lilies and peppercorn berries and fern

Winter wedding at a chalet in the snow

• White wedding gown with a fur trim cloak and mint green bridesmaid dresses
• Trailing bouquet of white tulips and dark green camellia leaves and ivy trail coming out of an imitation fur muff. Bridesmaids bouquets could be a wired round posy of white tulips and dark green camellia leaves
• Tulip buttonhole for the men
• Table centre-pieces of white tulips in chrome containers(pots, goblets, buckets)

The main thing to remember is that your bouquets are a reflection of your personality. an Allow enough time with your florist to discuss all the floral designs required for the day and delivery arrangements. It is also a good idea to take along a picture of you wedding gown, the bridesmaid dresses and a swatch of the material if possible for colour matching purposes

About the Author

Gail Anderson is the managing director of The Sydney School of Floristry.

Coresponding bouquet images for this article can be seen at: http://www.ssof.com.au/florist-articles.htm

A natural hand tied bouquet is very popular.

This type of bouquet is made by holding the flower and foliage stems in one hand and adding the other stems around in a spiral fashion.

The stems are criss crossed at the one point and bound in position with string.

A ribbon bow with long tails completes the bouquet.

One of the advantages is this type of bouquet can be made the day before hand and the flower stems placed in a container of water.

The same type of flowers can be used together such as roses or a variety of different flowers.

If desired, leaves or pieces of foliage such can be placed around the edges.

MATERIALS

Choose suitable materials - you will need flowers with fairly long stems such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, freesias, Singapore orchids and lisianthus.

Suitable foliage such as camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina and leather fern.

If using different coloured flowers make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.

A mixed bouquet looks best using three to four varieties of flowers plus foliage.

METHOD

Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give flowers a long drink.

Remove thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the stems.

It is important to remove thorns as they may prick someone or tear a dress. They can be removed with a rose stripper which can be found at florist suppliers or by running a pair of scissors with the blade open along the stem.

Lay the flowers out on the table.

Start off with the largest flower to form the centre and hold the stem between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20cm (6-8″) from the base of the flower head.

With the right hand add about 4- 6 clusters of foliage evenly around just below the flower heads to help fill in, criss crossing the stems on an angle and turning the bouquet around as you work.

Secure the stems in position by placing the end of a piece of string and winding it around a couple of times. Do not cut the string.

Holding the bouquet in the same way as before with the thumb facing towards you place 5-6 of the same type of flowers evenly around turning the bouquet around clockwise.

Secure all the stems in place with a couple of twists of string in the same place as before. Continue adding flowers in the next round extending these flowers out slightly further.

Check the finished bouquet side on as this is how it will often be seen, specially in the church.

Keep the bouquet a gentle rounded shape across the top like an upside down saucer.

Criss cross all the stems and give the bouquet a quarter turn clockwise after adding a few stems.

Secure stems in position with string in the same place as before when necessary.

Continue adding flowers and foliage stems turning the bouquet around clockwise until the bouquet is the desired size.

Place wired leaves such as camellia or ivy or pieces of foliage such as leather fern around the edges having the tips extend out about 5-7.5cm (2-3″) past the edges of the flowers.

Secure all the stems together with string winding it firmly around several times in the same place as before, cut the string and tuck the end in.

Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems so they are about 6-8″(15-20cm) long and all the same level. Spray the bouquet lightly with water.

Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string and tie the ribbon in a shoe lace bow with long tails. Cut the ribbon ends on a slant.

Place the stems in a container of water until just before the wedding.

FOR THE BRIDE ON A BUDGET

Instead of centrepieces the bridesmaids’ bouquets can be placed along the front of the bridal table which can look most effective and will cut down on expenses.

Copyright Fay Chamoun © 2005

About the Author

Fay Chamoun is the principal of Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School offers Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design and floristry for a career or hobby. http://www.floral-art-school.com.au

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

From the rings to the shoes, from the food to the flowers, weddings come at no small cost. It only makes sense that current brides and grooms-to-be are choosing to penny-pinch wherever possible. Wedding flowers often become the first casualty of a budget-minded couple’s matrimonial plans, but there are many tricks of the trade which will allow you to lavish your ceremony with floral bliss and not break the bank. Use these excellent tips to minimize spending and get the biggest bang for your buck!

1. Choose Flowers in Season

This is a critical money-saver. It is also important to keep in mind that flowers look and smell best when they are fresh and in season. This is especially true for roses. But if you have your heart set on a particular flower that holds sentimental value for you, it would be wise to plan your ceremony around the time period it will be in seasonal bloom. Although flowers in season will give you a beautifully scented bouquet, use caution with the flowers you choose to include in any centerpieces at your reception. The fragrances that come from flowers as gardenia, jasmine or freesia can be overwhelming and may not be the best choice for dining tables. Overpowering flowers might also stir up any allergies that your guests may have.

2. Do it yourself

When considering the daunting task of preparing and designing the wedding floral arrangements on your own, take the time to fully consider all of the responsibilities that will come with such a task. Questions that you might want to ask yourself are:

* Am I motivated enough? * Will I have enough time to arrange bouquets/centerpieces before the ceremony? * How much money will I save vs. how much work is involved?

Many women find that, in the interest of saving money, they end up learning a costly lesson. It is important to remember the many challenges involved with coordinating what may be the most important event of your life. You may be able to find a relative or member of the bridal party who would be willing to help you assemble your floral arrangements and bouquets. Think of the fun you would have spending your last days as a bachelorette with your best friends!

If you find yourself industrious enough to go it alone, there are many quick courses in floral design that are available through local community colleges and arts-and-crafts stores such as Michaels.

The internet is a fantastic resource to take advantage of, as well! Web sites such as save-on-crafts.com offer free instructional lessons that will tell you not only which flowers work best in a bouquet, but provide valuable steps designed to help you put your arrangements together successfully. You might also want to check for wedding ceremonies that will be held on the same day as yours. Chances are good that you could share the expense of the ceremony flowers with another couple looking to do the same!

Keep in mind, however, that even if opting for the “budget bridal bouquet”, remember that it is a very key aspect of the wedding and should be an expression of the bride’s personality. Try to keep a sense of balance between the wedding gown, the bridesmaid’s gowns, the ceremony flowers and decorations and the bouquet.

From that point, the other flowers, such as the bridesmaid’s flowers, the flowers at the reception can follow the theme and take on the elements of the bride’s bouquet. Current colors for 2006 are chocolate with pale pink, baby blue or mint green. Colors generally follow the trends of interior designing.

Consult with a florist. This could cost up to $100 in consultation fees, but their wealth of knowledge is sure to add a professional polish to the finished product. If you take into account the fact that florists can generally charge 3 times the price that a wholesaler would and charge additional labor costs for designing and assembling the flowers, you would still be saving money.

Buy your flowers from a wholesaler. Wholesalers sell their flowers much more cheaply than a florist does. If you decide to deal with a floral wholesaler, it is important to know that they use a grading system. When choosing your flowers, make sure that you choose Grade 1 flowers. You can locate many floral wholesalers online. OnlineWholesaleFlowers.com actually offers “Wedding in a Box” packages of varying sizes that come with all the flowers necessary to create the look that you want. Budget-Bride.com has a similar package, which even includes items such as the cake knife and ring pillow!

If you are getting married in the spring/summer time, visit the farmer’s market and talk with the flowers vendors. Find out if they grow the flowers that you are looking for and don’t be shy to ask if they have ever done weddings. Always be sure to ask them what they do with the flowers that they don’t sell. You might be able to grab large amounts of them for a steal!

Tip: Try using masses of one flower to showcase the flower’s individual beauty.

3. Use a school

Most high schools and colleges have horticulture classes that specialize in caring for and arranging flowers and plants. For a small fee, you could hire these aspiring florists who would be thrilled to work on your arrangements. The teachers of such a course will act as your safety net and, as an added bonus to you, will have extensive experience and oversee your project.

4. Have a Garden Wedding

Consider having the ceremony and/or the reception in a beautiful garden! Do you know someone that has a beautiful backyard and would be honored to host a wedding there? There will be no need for arrangements if you are already surrounded by lush greenery and blossoming flowers. Be prepared, though! Depending on the regional climate (or the time of year you hold your wedding), you may want to make use of either awnings, patios or sophisticated white open-air tents in case Mother Nature decides to become a wedding guest!

5. Cut down on attendants

By choosing fewer attendants, you will not have to provide as many bouquets and boutonnieres. Since small ceremonies are currently in vogue, it will be a natural progression to balance out the ceremony with a more intimate wedding party. Many couples favor a secluded setting with soft, glowing candles or lights to provide a devastatingly romantic theme. These more intimate, family oriented gatherings are also advantageous because they help the bride and groom to stay within their budget.

It is also very elegant to have your bridesmaid carry a single flower tied with a piece of satin ribbon. Choose a flower that matches one of those in the bride’s bouquet, or that signifies a special meaning to you.

6. Avoid having your wedding on or near a holiday

Flowers are generally in high demand around Valentines Day, Mother’s day, proms, graduations and other special holidays. Because of this, prices rise dramatically and certain flowers are often impossible to find. As if this isn’t enough bad news, florists tend to be extremely busy during holidays while they desperately try to keep up with their increased business. Will they be left with enough time to put the desired attention into your flowers?

You can take great advantage of this if planning your wedding around the Christmas holidays. It is a safe bet that most venues, either indoor or out, will be festively decorated before you arrive!

7. Use alternate centerpieces

It is not necessary to adorn every table with a high-priced floral centerpiece. Candles are beautiful and provide an amazing ambience! Try submerging an orchid (or flower of choice) in a glass container filled with water and float a candle on top. Also attractive is placing river rocks at the bottom of a glass container, adding water and floating a flower on top. Try using orchids, roses, peonies, camellias or gerberas.

A dramatic and stunning effect can be created with an inexpensive, rectangular mirror (much like the ones designed to hang on a bedroom door). Place the mirror reflective-side-up and let it run the length of the table, placing tealight candles at even intervals down the center. Sprinkle colored glitter or flower petals across the surface. The result is not only attractive, but sets the tone for your reception.

Tip: Search the internet and magazines for great ideas on alternative centerpieces.

8. Rent outdoor plants or small trees for an indoor garden effect

Decorate with greenery. Many nurseries will let you rent plants for your wedding and it is much cheaper than buying them. This will allow you to fill the room with greenery and make flowers more or less unnecessary. Use trees to fill up large spaces, and ivy garland to gracefully drape across the tops of doorways.

9. Let Your Flowers Do Double Duty

If your ceremony and reception are in two separate places (or even two separate rooms), let the floral arrangements that decorate the ceremony do double duty by using them to also decorate the reception! Find out if your florist is able to transport and setup the flowers at your reception after the ceremony is finished. There is usually sufficient time between the two, and you can save an incredible amount of time and money by “recycling” your beautiful, fresh flowers!

10. Forget the corsages

Corsages are not as trendy with modern weddings as they once were. 21st century Moms are trendy and don’t always want a flower pinned on them. Ask first.

You have waited your entire life to reach this day, and it should be as beautiful as you always imagined it would be. A ceremony without the soft, delicate beauty and fragrance of flowers would be like having a cake without icing. Although paying the traditional retail price for wedding flowers can cost you a bundle in materials and fees, utilizing these great cost saving tips will keep the floral arrangements from becoming one of the most expensive items on your budget checklist.

About the Author

Jacquie Cattanach is a new bride and founder of Buy-N-Send-Flowers-Online.com which offers advise, opinions and helpful hints on buying and sending flowers from tropical flowers to funeral flowers worldwide
Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

When it comes to wedding flowers and decorations, the key to pulling off a look that works really lies in the planning. Since there are no rules when it comes to wedding flowers, it really is all about what the couple, well mainly the bride, wants and can afford. Decorating options are limited only by the imagination and even the most outrageous floral images can be made to fit practically any budget, if you’re willing to research the many options and ideas that are out there.

From do-it-yourself arrangements to using silk floral arrangements that can even be rented for the occasion, planning your wedding flowers can be a lot of fun. Involving your bridal party will help generate ideas you might not have thought about and besides, helping the bride is one of their responsibilities so why not? But forget about the groom, though. The most he’ll probably care about is that you stick within the amount that has been budgeted.

You want to give yourself plenty of time so begin planning the wedding flowers at least 6 to 12 months prior to the wedding date. The flowers are one of those things you’ll want to consider while you are choosing the wedding attire because most brides want the floral arrangements to complement the overall color scheme and theme of the wedding. Bridal magazines are full of pictures of bouquets so that’s a good place to go for ideas. Also think about the types of flowers that will be in season at the time of your wedding. Choosing flowers that are readily available is one way to keep costs under control.

Besides boutonnires and bouquets for the wedding party, you can also make flowers and decorations part of the wedding ceremony and reception. Pew bows, arrangements for the altar, head table, cake table and gift table, as well as centerpieces for all the guest tables should be considered. These will definitely add to your costs, but they’re also areas where you can really get creative.

If cost-control is an issue, why not have the bridal bouquets do double-duty as head table decorations or perhaps the gift or cake table? Once the formal photographs are over, no one will be carrying their bouquets around anyway. Or why not use less expensive balloons or candles as centerpieces? Pew bows are very easy to make, even for ‘craft-challenged’ brides. Another idea is to add more ‘filler’ to your floral arrangements by using more greenery, baby’s breath and tulle.

As you can see, it really is all in the planning. Once you’ve got the wedding flowers and decorations figured out, you just need to find a florist capable of turning your thoughts into reality. It’s important to select a florist early on because there’s a limit to how much even the best florist can handcraft. Go over the contract with a fine-toothed comb before signing to make sure the number and type of arrangements, including the flowers being used, are clearly specified along with delivery details. Record the deposit amount and delineate the payment schedule.

Finally! James Calvin has released A Simple, Step-By-Step Guide To Throwing The Most Unforgettable, Wedding - And How You Can Literally Save Thousands In The Making Of YOUR Wedding! Go to http://www.WeddingSavings4U.com NOW.
Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

Bridal bouquets are the most popular accessories for brides to walk down the aisle. But what if you want to be a bit different? Here are 5 alternative ideas that will work for both brides and bridesmaids:

1) Wrist Corsage

This is a small arrangement of flowers that is secured to the wrist. Roses, orchids and other small-headed flowers work best.

The great thing about a wrist corsage is that both of your hands are free - ideal if you’re going to be hugging lots of guests.

Bianca Jagger looked very chic having chosen a wrist corsage instead of a bouquet when she married Mick Jagger.

2) Pomander

A pomander (also called a kissing ball) is a round ball shape of flowers that has a delicate ribbon handle. This is easy to carry as the ribbon just slips over the wrist. Roses are the most popular choice for pomanders but you could also use gerberas or carnations.

Pomanders are often carried by bridesmaids and flowergirls, but can look spectacular for the bride herself.

3) Hair Decoration

Hair decorations can be both elegant and stylish. You can choose one large flower such as a lily to form the focal point of your arrangement. This type of arrangement is worn on the side of the head.

Alternatively you could go for a circular ‘halo’ arrangement, such as Audrey Hepburn wore at her wedding. She had a halo arrangement of white roses that was worn on top of the head.

In addition to flowers, you can incorporate beads, jewels and feathers into your hair decoration. Have a quick chat with your florist and you could come up with a unique design that suits your personality and complements your bridegroom’s boutonniere.

4) Prayer Book

Another choice instead of holding a bridal bouquet is to hold a prayer book or bible. Some brides like to decorate the prayer book with a small arrangement of flowers and/or ribbons.

You could use a cherished bible that was given to you as gift, or you could buy a new one as a symbol of your new life and how you plan to lead it.

5) Lantern or Candle Holder

These are great for church weddings, especially if it is an evening ceremony. Candles are very romantic and will add to the ceremony. Use non-drip candles and a lantern design that fully encloses the naked flame to reduce the risk of an accident.

The base of the lantern or candleholder can be decorated with a small arrangement of flowers to match the colors of your wedding theme.

About the Author

Paul Ajao is co-founder of wedding florists Pure Botanics. For great ideas on creating beautiful bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres for your wedding, check out his website at http://www.wedding-flowers-guide.com
Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography