Spectalular Wedding Flowers

Flowers are an important part of the wedding ceremony and reception. There is just something about the reception centerpieces and ceremony arrangements which can turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. Varieties are selected for many reasons such as for the church, for the couple and bridal party as well as to decorate the reception location - such as wedding flower arrangements. This is why choosing the perfect flowers for the wedding is extremely important. There are a few different considerations which will make this process go smoothly, and which will allow you to find the best local florists for your wedding.

Choose the Right Color Scheme

Wedding flowers come in a wide array of different colors. From subtle pastels to vibrant pinks and reds, one can choose almost any type of color with regard to their floral arrangements. As well, both silk wedding flowers and fresh varieties are popular. With that said, it is important to choose a color scheme - bold or neutral for example - which is right for the bouquet or wedding flower arrangement. If one wishes to have a contemporary floral theme blend in nicely with everything else, choosing pastel floral grassy varieties and herbs might be the best. On the other hand, if the couple wishes to have their wedding flowers be something of a focal point at the ceremony or reception, then perhaps vibrant and bright colors would be the best choice. It is important that the couple selects the right color scheme for their wedding.

Volume

It is also important to decide how many floral arrangements they would like at the ceremony and reception locations as well as how big the bouquets should be. This too will depend on a few different factors. Things such as desired price range, floral focal points and personal preference will all determine the volume which should be ordered and should be discussed with your wedding planner and florist

Wedding Flower Types

Those who are purchasing for the big day should also consider various types that they can add to their bouquets and arrangements. This is an especially important aspect for those individuals who wish to have a particular type of flower in their ensembles. Including one special type of flower might just make all the difference in the world to the future bride and groom.

Flower Price Range

One should also be aware of the fact that wedding flowers are by no means inexpensive. However, it is possible to choose items which are more tuned to an individual’s budget than others may be. It is important to have a specific price range in mind when it comes to ordering flowers for weddings as this will help to determine how many can be ordered, where they will be situated, how big each of them will be and what types the arrangements and bouquets will be comprised of as a whole. For example, one who is on a strict floral budget may not wish to order roses in their bouquets and arrangements as this will increase the price of the flowers greatly. Keep in mind that silk wedding flowers are often less expensive, depending on where you source them.

Wedding flowers are a wonderful addition to any type of wedding. From casual to elegant, floral themes and design do so much to add to a setting and make the day even that much more special. It is important to choose an arrangement with items such as color scheme, variety and price range in mind. This will help to ensure that the proper items are chosen for the special occasion.

Summer's Hottest Unconventional Wedding Reception

OK, so we know it isn't summer, yet, but for you brides in planning-mode, this is a great idea!

You want a romantic, memorable wedding reception, but everyplace in town is booked! Are you sure?

Some say you need over a year to plan a good wedding and reception. I say you can do it in less than three months. When planning your reception, first figure out your goals. Seriously! Is it to get lots of gifts? Spend time with relatives you'll never see? Show off your dancing skills? Write it down & make sure your groom contributes to the list!

Once your list is complete, you may realize that a formal reception is unnecessary. Or, you'll see that the standard just won't do!

This summer's hottest unconventional wedding reception is a "Memory-Filled" Picnic Lunch.

Objective:
Allow guests to relax, eat, greet the bride and groom, and get to know the "other" side.

Challenges:
All the reception halls are booked that day, or out of your price range.
Budget is between $500-$1000 for 100 people.
Your sisters have all done this before--you want your wedding to be memorable.
Your mother-in-law-to-be really wants to help.

Solution:
Serve lunch, family-style in picnic baskets at the park.

Find a local park (or even the yard of the church). It should be close to the ceremony and provide ample parking. Check with the city or county to get any permits to use the park for a large party. There may be a fee, but it will be a small fraction of the cost of a reception hall. Parks with shade, pavilions, tables and restrooms are a must!

If tables are not available at the park, see if you can rent them from a local church. Depending on the "age-ility" of your guests, you may not need tables for everyone!

Check your big box stores in the Summer Section (items should be marked down by mid-June). Look for the makings of a picnic. You do not need 100 of the same thing. Just find matching items for each table or picnic basket.

Coming to our next post...all the essential details to make this reception happen, including shopping lists, and pricing! Check back tomorrow!

The Wedding "Cocktail" Hour

There are many terms related to weddings that people who are not wrapped up in planning a wedding may not be familiar with. If you're newly engaged and are afraid to ask what certain things mean at the risk of sounding foolish, don't worry.

After the wedding ceremony is often the cocktail hour. The cocktail hour traditionally occurs between the ceremony and reception. It allows the bride and groom to get some photo time in while allowing the guests to mingle and catch up with friends and family they may not have seen in a while.

For the cocktail hour, beverages and hors d'oeuvres are served. The drinks can be alcoholic or non, and can be served from a host bar, or simply include two or three cocktail choices that are butler passed (champagne, a signature cocktail, etc). Hor d'oeuvres can be served at mini food stations or also butler passed.

Seating at a cocktail is a little less formal than the dinner portion of your reception. It can include a mix of bistro tables that people can stand at, a few tables with seats for some of your older guests, and even some stylish lounge areas created out of banquettes and other furniture either rented or provided by the venue.

The music can be as subtle and elegant as a string quartet or it can set the tone for a crazy fun party with music provided by a club deejay.

The cocktail hour is a fun portion of the wedding, and it can and should be completely flexible. Don't be afraid to make yours work to fit your vision!

Unsure how much of each beverage to purchase for your guest list? Use this handy calculator to help you assess your needs. http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/drinks/party_calculator.asp

Cultural Hall Reception

If you are working with a small budget, decide what you can eliminate. There are no rules. There doesn't always have to be a meal, there doesn't have to be dancing. You don't really even need a lot of flowers. You can have it in a cultural hall or at your home. Keep it simple. Sometimes by limiting your guest list to family and friends, you really can have the reception of your dreams.