Crash course in Wedding Flowers, Part I

I have enclosed a great reference for not only brides, but for anyone who will be working with any type of floral design. The Seasonality Chart gives a quick overview of which flowers grow and bloom in each month; this also is extremely helpful in determing your floral budget. The flowers that are in season will be much more affordable than a flower that is not "in season". Your florist will also be able to suggest alternative flowers that are budget friendly while still adhereing to your theme, but there's more to come on that with Part III of this crash course.



Summer

• Agapanthus


• Alstromeria


• Antherium


• Aster


• Bird of Paradise


• Bouvardia


• Buddleia


• Pixie Spray Carnation


• Sim Carnation


• Christmas Bells


• Cornflowers


• Dahlia


• Delphinium


• Frangipani


• Freesia


• Garden Roses


• Gardenia


• Gerbera


• Giner


• Gladioli


• Gervillea


• Hangers


• Heliconia


• Holly


• Hydragea


• Iris


• Jasmine


• Larkspur


• Lavender


• Leucadendron


• Liatris


• Lisianthus


• Signapore Orchids


• Pansy


• Peony


• Privet Berries


• Proteas


• Queen Anne's Lace


• Designer Coloured Roses


• Mini Roses


• Solidaster


• Stephanotis


• Sunflowers


• Sweet pea


• Tuberose


• Zinnia


• Belladona Lily


• Calla Lily


• Gloriosa Lily


• LA Lily


• Oriental Lily


• Pineapple Lilies


• Tiger Lily


• November Lily
  
• Water Lilies

Autumn

• Antherium
• Alstomeria
• Asters
• Azalea
• Baby's Breath
• Bird of Paradise
• Bruni
• Sim Carnation
• Cosmos
• Delphinium
• Easter Daisy
• Frangipanni
• Garden Roses
• Gardenia
• Gladioli
• Hangers
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Jonquil
• Lavender
• Leuccidendron
• Lisanthus
• Nerine
• Poppies
• Peniculata
• Privet Berries
• Proteas
• Designer Coloured Roses
• Stephanotis
• Stock
• Sweet Pea
• Tropical Orchids
• Tuberrose
• Tulips
• LA Lily, Tiger Lily, November Lily, Water Lilies
• Violets

Winter

• Anemone
• Bird of Paradise
• Bixia Blossom
• Camellia
• Sim Carnation
• Pixie Carnation
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil
• Dahlia
• Daphne
• Delphinium
• Earlicheer
• Erica
• Freesia
• Gerbera
• Heliconia
• Hyacinnth
• Hydrangeas
• Jasmine
• Jonquil
• Kale
• Australia Natives
• Nerinne
• Phaly Orchid
• Tropical Orchids
• Cymbidium Orchids
• Poppy
• Ranuculus
• Rhododendron
• Rosehip
• imported Roses
• Stock
• Sweet Pea
• Tropical Claws
• Tuilip
• Violet
• Wattle
• Gymea Lily
• LA Lily, Oriental Lily, Tiger Lily, November Lily

Spring

• Alstromeria
• Andromata
• Anenome
• Arum Lily
• Azalea
• Baby's Breath
• Blossom
• Blue Bells
• Sim Carnation
• Pixie Carnation
• Calendula
• Camellia
• Cornflowers
• Daffodil
• Delphinium
• Erica
• Forget me not
• Foxgloves
• Freesia
• Gardenia
• Garden Roses
• Godetia
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Love in the Mist
• Misty Blue
• Muscari
• Australian Natives
• Phaly Orchid
• Tropical Orchids
• Peony Rose
• Poppy
• Queen Anne's Lace
• Ranunculus
• Rhodedendron
• Snapdragon
• Stephanotis
• Stock
• Sweet Pea
• Sweet William
• Tulip
• Wall Flower
• Viburnum
• Arum Lily, LA Lily, Lily of the Valley, November Lily, Oriental Lily, Tiger Lily

All Year Round

• Alstroemeria
• Anthurium
• Asiatic Lilies
• Asters
• Calla Lillies Mini/Standard
• Daisy
• Freesia
• Gardenia
• Gerbera
• Gladioli
• Glasshouse Roses
• Hypericum Berries
• Iris
• Larkspur
• Lilium
• Lisianthus
• Longflorum
• Lilies
• Oriental Lilies
• Phalaennopsis
• Orchid
• Protea
• Singapore Orchid
• Snapdragon
• Tulip

Crash course in Wedding Flowers coming this week

I will be doing a segment pertaining to everything wedding flowers this week.

• The first will be the always needed Seasonality Chart. Even I have to refer to this one on a daily basis. The Seasonality Chart is a quick and handy reference to let you know if your favorite flower(s) are in season or not. (Tip: Choosing flowers that are in season will help keep your wedding budget in check)
• The second will be a list of creative wedding flower ideas
• The third will be my interview with Julie Mendehall Schaffer of Jules Design

Read the fine print

In the midst of wedding planning blitz, it can be very easy to just scan and sign a contract. But it's crucial that you actually understand what you're signing and what you and the vendor(s) are agreeing to. Wedding contracts should be as explicit as possible. In addition to the event date, deposit paid, amount due, it should spell out exactly what you're getting for the price or you are subject to receive only four of your five bridal bouquets, a shorter than expected photography session and so forth. Make sure that you are comfortable with all terms stated in the contract including cancellation policies, refunds, etc.

If you decide to retain the services of A Party to Perfection, we request that you provide us with copies of all of your vendor contracts for our review. We want to ensure that you receive all of the agreed upon services contracted and that everyone involved with YOUR wedding knows what is expected of them.

The deal just got sweeter!

I blogged about Adorn in July, the fabulous site that allows you to rent red carpet jewelry for your wedding day, well they are running a fabulous special. If you visit their site and decide to rent red carpet worthy jewelry for your big day, make sure you enter promocode MODERNBRIDES50 at checkout and receive $50 off your rental price!

It's all about the dress, right?!

The designers did a fabulous job this year with the 2010 Runway Shows! I did a couple of posts of my favorites in July, but that didn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the styles of wedding dresses. Here are some often referred to tips when searching for your perfect dress:
1) Schedule your appointment at the bridal boutique on a weekday. The store will be less crowded and your consultant will be able to devote her attention on you and not a number of other brides.

2)Leave the colored undergarments at home. The salon will most likely provide you with a corset and hoop skirt to try on under all of the dresses, but just try to remember to leave the polka dots at home.

3)Leave your posse at home. Definitely bring your BFF and those you trust, but make sure you do not have a group of women who all disagree with EVERY dress you try on.

4)Don't judge the dresses before you try them on. Bring pictures of styles that you do like to show to your consultant. She will be able to find the exact dress or similar styles. She can even gather an idea of what you are looking for or wanting just by listening to you talk amongst your entourage. It helps to try on all different kinds of dresses, and then to decide which shape and style you look and feel best in. So if the salesperson brings you something she says you must try -- try it, even if you detest the way it looks on the hanger. Many a bride has ended up going ga-ga for a wedding gown the salesperson had to persuade her to try on. Be open to ideas.

5)Don't just roll out of bed. Take time to style your hair and apply makeup. I'm not saying that you have to visit the salon and get a makeover, but a little effort will help you feel confident while you try on dresses. Also, practice how you will wear your hair.

6)Do not be alarmed by the size of the dress you end up ordering!! When you're ready to order your wedding dress, the store will take your measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Each manufacturer has its own measurement chart, and this is what the store will use to determine your size. A knowledgeable store will know how a particular designer's gowns are supposed to fit. Ask to see the sizing chart so you can have a better understanding of the way it works. And make sure the correct size gets ordered, using your largest measurement as a guide. One thing to remember: wedding gowns run small, so don't be alarmed should your final size measurement jump up a number or two.

7)Do not buy your dress in a different size assuming you will "lose five pounds". It is always cheaper to have your dress taken in than let out. Buy the size that fits you like a glove today.

8)Be aware of how long it takes to order, make, ship, receive and alter your dress. You should ideally order your dress six months before your wedding date to ensure there are no last minute rushes which equals more money.

9)Make sure you budget for alterations. You will most likely have to have your dress hemmed, taken in at the bust/waist and bustled. These can very easily start at $150.

10)Sleep on it. Even after you think you've found your wedding gown, take a day to be absolutely sure it's the one for you. Since bridal gowns are custom-made, most salons put a no-return policy in their contracts; if you can get any money back, it probably won't be any more than 50 percent of the cost. Be aware that your order is a contract and entitles you to purchase the dress regardless of whether you decide to elope or postpone the wedding.

Coming Soon...Baby Inspiration Board

Yea! My older sister just found out this afternoon that she's having a little girl! Callie Jo, as she will be named, will be the first girl grandchild among eight boys! Naturally, I am thrilled to be planning the baby shower in December. After my sister decides on the decor for our little Callie Jo I will create an inspiration board for the shower. I'll have to share some ideas beforehand, it is just so exciting to finally have a girl in the family!

Winter 2009 Inspiration Board

As I mentioned last week, I'm new at inspiration boards and will only improve. While meeting with clients and listenig to their ideas about their wedding, my mind is already conjuring the emotions I want to convey to my client. It is my job to turn their vision of their wedding into reality. An inspiration board allows me to take all of their ideas and put them into something tangible. I want their senses to be awakened and to actually feel, hear, touch, smell and see their event. Sounds crazy, bu it is true.


I love winter! I can go without the ice storms we occasionally get in Northwest Arkansas, but nontheless, I love winter. I love the sharp cold air,sweaters, the smell of a wood burning fireplace, the smell of scotch tape. I can just walk past a dispenser of scotch tape and am automatically placed in front of my fireplace with a stack of gifts and wrapping paper. Your senses are strong and feed your mind.



I wanted to envision a white wedding which is classically elegant with a little opulence; large white feathers, sleek sweetheart tables, an elegant bride in a stunning dress,and of course my favorite, champagne.

Coming Soon

I love design, cupcakes, crazy color, details, and anything ultra feminine. Hopefully I can pull all of this love into my first inspiration board. There are thousands of wonderful inspiration boards in cyberspace and each one is totally different, but always tickles every creative sensor in me. I will be creating a Fall 2009 and Winter 2009 Inspiration Board with everything that I truly love about weddings! Also, as soon as we find out what gender my sister's second child is on Monday August 23, 2009 you will see a Baby Shower inspiration board as well! So, this is a head's up that I will get better at this over time because it will take me some time!

How could you not be inspired by these beautiful boards? I am looking for a reason to host an event!




All boards are from Style Me Pretty

Head Table vs. Sweetheart Table

So the debate continues on whether today's brides hold up tradition and stick with the Head Table, opt for the romantic Sweetheart table or conjure up an entirely new idea. Many people think of this when they think of a head table:


This image will haunt me for days to come!

The concept of a head table is valid and understood, but there is always the chance that your guests and bridal party will despise it. If you do decide to honor tradition by having a head table at your wedding remember this:

*The significant others of those involved in your bridal party. Your bridal party will have vested many hours with you and your groom on your wedding day and may opt to sit with their children or significant other who have been assigned to sit at a table with people they do not know, awkward.
*You or your new husband may feel uneasy eating in front of all of your guests as they watch your every move.
*You and your guests may not feel as free to mingle with eachother if you are seated at the head table
*Your bridal party may feel confined to the table throughout the reception

If you do decide on a head table, consider inviting the partners of your bridal party to join the new Mr. and Mrs.


This head table is absolutely fabulous! It is intimate, modern and totally goes against the sterotypical head table idea. Photo from Michelejustmarry


This is a gorgeous head table that provides seating on both sides. This would definitely accomodate your bridal party and their significant others.
Photo from Francoise Weeks



The Sweetheart table is much more intimate, romantic, and can be be the focal point of your venue with a lot less effort than the traditional head table. The Sweetheart table allows you and your new spouse the opportunity to briefly rest your feet, take in the moment of the day and even chit chat. Guests may feel more welcome to come and visit with you personally at your table, but hopefully your wonderful wedding coordinator (uh hum) will have a fabulous plan lined up so that yo and your new hubby can grab a bite of the food you so carefully chose!


These sweetheart tables are so perfect, you could enjoy it long after the wedding!





Photos from The Knot



The decision is ultimately left to you and how you wish to carry out the theme and over all feel of your reception. You can throw all of these ideas out of the window and bring in lounge seating, canopies, whatever you can imagine!

Out...

I will be on vacation starting August 11,2009-August 16th,2009. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up on the long list of items I would like to get started on to ensure I am providing the best possible service and inspiration to my clients. Sadly, I will not have internet access so I"ll also be going insane without my laptop, but some fun in the sun with my family will be just what I need!

Enjoy!

De-Coding the Dress Code

If you're anything like my family, everyone calls to discuss what they will be wearing to an event. The tricky part is always in distinguishing what type of event calls for what type of dress. Hopefully this will help put your nerves at ease to make sure you don't show up at a Black Tie event in December wearing Festive Attire!

Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Formal Attire
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
More about formal dresses:


White Tie
A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.


Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates.
Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).

Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).

Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
More about cocktail dresses: Best Little Black Dresses

Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.

Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).


Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual.
Casual generally means anything goes.

Association of Bridal Consultants

I'm finally a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants! I am currently a Novice member and will be upgraded to a Consultant once I complete my certification course;137 hours down and 133 hours to go!

Membership with this Association ensures my clients that I am a professional, uphold reputable work ethics, continue my education and partake in the ABC Professional Development Program to ensure that I provide the very best service to my clients.

Wedding Cost Estimator

Every bride who is planning her dream wedding must take into account her budget. Only the extremely fortunate do you not have to worry about staying within her budget, but the rest of us are super cautious about our wedding budget, especially in today's economy. This Wedding Cost Estimator is super easy and uses your zip code and wedding needs to generate an estimated budget for your wedding. According to the Wedding Report, an average wedding in Northwest Arkansas is over $25,000 so take this short survey and see your bottom line.


Wedding Planning Tools | Elegala.com