Your wedding centerpieces don’t have to be a single, traditional centerpiece anymore these days.  Here’s an example of some party flowers we created that we call a “break-a-way” centerpiece.  What exactly does that mean?  Instead of one large centerpiece, we created three pieces, so that at the end of the evening or party, the hostess was able to send her guests home each with flowers to enjoy for days!

The same concept can be done for wedding centerpieces, where you have multiple vases that each guest can take home with them.  It’s a fun reminder of the fun you had at the event!

These photos were kindly captured by Kristy Huston with Kristy Huston Photography.  Kristy’s work is simply amazing, she captures details with a fresh and innovative light.  Check out her website!

Florals you see above include:  ’Milva’ roses, scabiosa pods, fiddlehead ferns, ‘Flame’ miniature calla lilies, amaranthus and mokara orange orchids.

Here’s one of my must have wedding planning tips I share with all of my clients…. follow wedding blogs!  If you are looking for wedding inspiration, or a “pulled together” vision for your wedding decor and wedding decorations, wedding blogs are loaded with the most amazing wedding photos, wedding ideas, and expert wedding help.

From design templates where you can create a customized inspiration board, to hundreds and thousands of photos for you to browse through, there’s nothing like keeping the pulse of what the latest wedding trends are then right here on the internet.  And, a bonus, you’ll discover new bridal vendors, budget-friendly wedding ideas and free give-a-ways for your own wedding!

Here are a few of my favorite blogs to follow, I think you’ll love them too, so add them to your Google reader or RSS:

Green Wedding Shoes

Style Me Pretty

100 Layer Cake

The Inspired Bride

Ruffled

Snippet and Ink

Junebug Weddings

Ritzy Bee

I know we are all “on the go” type people… I’ve added an app on my iphone so I can catch up with any down time during the day.  If I need a little inspiration or want to see what other weeding ideas are becoming more trendy, I’ll check in and see the many talents of my peers!

Do some research and find a few blogs to follow for a little wedding inspiration for your own wedding.  There are budget wedding blogs, DIY wedding blogs, luxury wedding blogs, wedding planing blogs, and much more!

Personally, I have found that brides who follow blogs are much more confident in their overall decor, they have a more personalized wedding experience and their photos to die for!

What’s your favorite wedding blog?  Any suggestions you’d like to share with me?

A few insider tips from wedding flower expert, Audrey Gardemeyer! Today we are teaching brides {and bridesmaids} how to properly hold their bouquet{s} so you look awesome as you walk down the aisle. Check it out and let us know what you think! If you are a wedding vendor, check it out and share with your brides!

Photo By: Allison Stahl Photography

1.  What colors are really available?

There are some gorgeous color trends out there right now, but what you may not be thinking of is how these colors you commit to may not coordinate with your flowers.  You’ve got to see the big picture first.  How will the bridesmaid gowns tie in with your flowers?  Your linens?  And your ultimate vision that you are piecing together?  Instead of making a bunch of separate decisions, think of the grand scheme and how it is all going to come together.

I also see many brides come to me with inspiration photos of flowers which have been edited by a photographer with computer software.  The flowers are tinted with shades which aren’t true to their natural color, and sure, they look cool in photos, but they are totally unrealistic.  That’s fine if you like the look, just be open minded that you are seeing an edited photo.  You’ve got to talk with a professional designer who knows what they are doing and can help you coordinate your flowers with the other pieces of the puzzle you have already selected.  Show them swatches and other items you have chosen to find the best match.  And, keep in mind that saying your color is plum doesn’t cut it.  Bring in a swatch or color chip to show your designer the exact shade you are looking for.

2.  Is your budget realistic?

Unfortunately there is a lot of mis-information out on the market regarding how much you should budget for flowers.  Magazines and wedding shows are partly to blame, but my suggestion is to always talk with a professional who is going to meet your needs to get you accurate pricing for what it is that you are looking for.  Your style might be more expensive based on a number of items.  I always compare it to purchasing a home and getting the upgraded granite, crown moulding and finishes…..  What is it that you are looking for?  It will have a direct effect on how much your flowers are going to cost.  Along with this, you should express any concerns with your budget upfront so that your designer can offer realistic options.

3.  Is what you are asking for available?

Let’s face it, we are dealing with Mother Nature, plants and flowers are dependent on weather, worldwide trade and availability.  Are you looking for red roses the week or two after Valentine’s Day?  This is when supply is very limited.  Are you wanting peonies in September? Chances are, not going to happen. Unfortunately there are letdowns, and you need to be working with someone who is smart enough not to promise you something you can’t have.

4.  Can your designer do the job?

Don’t just meet with four florists to meet with them.  Narrow down your search by finding the right people to match your needs.  Do you like their work?  Will they deliver?  Does their work look good, clean and professional?  Most importantly, do you feel comfortable with them and can you trust that they will do what you are asking them to do?

5.  Do your flowers fit your personality and theme?

Ultimately, you want your decor to tie all together.  Whether you are having a Spring wedding tented-event or a Fall inspired candlelit reception, your personality, style and wedding day decor should be easily recognizeable and YOU!

Bridal Bouquet Created By:  Botanica Floral Designs

Photo By: The Memory Journalists

Mono-chromatic that is!  Monochromatic is a color term used to describe the use of all one color in varying shades.

Monochromatic wedding bouquets make such an impact and splash of color against any wedding gown.  They add drama and say FUN to any bridal ensemble.  The hot trend of having bright shoes to match your flowers ties right in with this look.

Worried about what your bridesmaid’s might carry then?  Another hot trend is to have them carry white flowers while you carry bright colors.  If your wedding color palette is only of a few colors, this is the way to go.  Your bridesmaid’s will still get contrast with carrying a white bouquet against their dresses, and your bouquet won’t get lost by being the same hue as your dress.

This monochromatic  Scarlet red bouquet is made of red gladiolus, ‘Black Magic’ roses, and red celosia.  Accents of red Guinea rooster feathers tie in the black embellishments on the handle.

With prom and wedding season in full gear, today we are going to teach you how to pin on a boutonniere so that it won’t fall off and you’ll never see a pin.  Take a look at the video and let me know what you think.  It was our first, I’d love to hear some feedback!

Have you checked in yet?  Well, the Doctor is in, Dr. Bride that is!  Do you have a wedding day dilemma, or is something just eating at you and you don’t know how to handle it?  Make sure you attend this complimentary session with Dr. Bride herself!

Helping brides for over a decade long, Dr. Bride, Kristina Smith has heard it all!  From wedding dress dilemmas to future Mother-In-Law problems, she’ll be here to help you and solve your problems.  Below is an invitation to the event. Please be sure to r.s.v.p. so the Doctor will be ready for your check in!

You can read more about Dr. Bride and the advice and help she offers on her website: www.askdrbride.com

Photo Courtesy of:  Alison Stahl Photography

Good friend and colleague, Aimee Wendell with 2Chic Events + Design recently came to me asking the question, “What is the benefit for you as a wedding vendor working with a wedding planner?”  Here’s my response…

I think that much too often these days the concept of hiring a wedding planner to help plan the biggest day of your life is overlooked.  Because we have instilled that D-I-Y is a good idea, more and more brides are taking on a task they just can’t handle.  I have worked many weddings with wedding planners, as well as weddings where the bride or a friend helps plan their wedding.  The results just aren’t the same.  Here are some of the specific reasons I, as a vendor, prefer to work with wedding planners:

•   The client’s overall look and decor is better designed.  A wedding planner is going to help their client make the right choices when it comes to linen options, china, draping and other key elements to making their wedding spectacular.  Specifically when it comes to flowers, I know that when I work with a wedding planner my flowers are going to be featured and complimented by the linen choices, “fitting in” with the grand scheme of things.

•   Better communication.  In the beginning stages if a bride has hired a “full-service” experience, the wedding planner is able to guide their client into editing and fine-tuning what exactly they are looking for prior to our initial consultation.  This helps direct the bride and start thinking of ideas prior to our meeting, as well as addresses budget and what is realistic for what they are looking for.

•   Organized experience.  Let’s face it, leading up to the wedding, it is chaotic for a bride, especially if you are the only one handling details.  As a vendor, it can be frustrating trying to get the delivery times, and other essential pieces of information from an unorganized client.  Things also run as planned and on time with a coordinator.  Parents don’t run behind schedule, brides are on time, and there is a much better organized show.  Especially with a dual-location set-up, an expected timeline is essential in making our delivery and service run smoothly.

Most brides think that they are saving on cost by not hiring a wedding planner, but in actuality, they save on cost and quality when they do hire one.  Your wedding planner is going to know the best quality vendors and who has the best price point.  The homework is already done.  Think of the time and effort you will save by not having to do the research yourself!  I know with my business that I am much more likely to extend discounts and incentives to clients working with planners because I know that the process is going to be much smoother and well-orchestrated. If you are considering hiring a planner to help with the biggest day of your life, I strongly suggest doing so.  In the end it will save time, money and stress!

What’s your thoughts as a bride?  As another wedding professional?

If you haven’t already R.S.V.P.’d, make sure you do, this event is going to rock!  Sacramento’s best cake designers in a competition that is Marie Antoinette themed!  And the best part?  You, as a bride are going to judge it!  Yes, you will judge these cakes based on appearance and taste!  What better way to celebrate a Sunday!  And, if you are looking for a cake artist, what better place to see all at once!  Here’s the invitation and information so you can check it all out yourself!

Sunday, February 21st

Antiquite Maison Privee

2114 P Street, Sacramento, CA

Admission $10 at the door

R.S.V.P. to wish_bridal@yahoo.com

Or call: 916.969.9721

See you there!

I meet with many brides each year to provide them with a complimentary consultation where we can better see what their floral needs are and also provide them with accurate pricing to reflect the look that they desire.

I will be honest in that I cringe when I hear a bride is just price shopping, they’ve met with four florists, and they are “waiting to make a decision.”  Not that researching pricing is bad, no, I think it is something that absolutely should be done.  As most brides don’t know how much flowers cost, this is understandable, but there is a difference between shopping for price and finding the perfect match when deciding on a floral designer.

Here’s a few reasons why you shouldn’t shop solely on price:  And, this can be applied to hiring a wedding planner, photographer, caterer, or other wedding vendor:

1.  There is no way to compare two florists’ bids.  Even if you show two florists a photo, they may both interpret what you are looking for in a different manner.  One may make your centerpieces larger than the other, one may use more stems of flowers, one florist may include the rental cost of vases and vessels, while the other does not.  There’s just no way to compare apples to apples.

2.  What are you really getting?  Are you settling for a lower price point and having the quality of work compensated?  Will the flowers be less than premium quality?  Will your delivery and set-up be included, or will this be tacked on after a contract is signed?  Are there additional fees for rentals?  Before deciding or signing a contract, you need to know the details.

3.  What kind of experience, or added benefits are you getting?  Has the designer been working in the industry for many years, do they have any credentials or is this just a hobby they do every now and then.  Having experience and a portfolio to back this up is essential.  You need to see their work, and ask many questions to see if they are a good match for you.

4.  Are they going to devout the time to you and your needs?  Will they be prompt in returning emails and phone messages, or do they have other priorities.  Sure, designers are busy, but making time for you is essential in having a stress-free bride.

My advice:

1.  Qualify florists before meeting in person.  Browse their websites, designs and read their backgrounds as well as their philosophy.  Make sure they are a good match for you first.  After reviewing their portfolio, you may find that you don’t even like their work.  You don’t want to waste your precious time nor theirs if you don’t get excited when looking at their website.

2.  Follow-up after receiving an estimate.  Chances are, you may have forgotten what you discussed.  If the estimate is out of your price range, suggestions can be made as to other options.  Many changes and additions or deletions are made before a contract is signed with clients.

3.  Most importantly, during your consultation did you have a connection with the designer?  Did you feel that they could make your vision come to reality, or did you have hesitations and didn’t feel very confident after meeting with them?

Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, you want to make sure you hire the perfect vendors to make your day spectacular!