Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Flowers, Baubles & Beads

Floral arrangements have come along way, and now can include feathers, beads, rhinestones and other "bling" that adds texture and color.

Terrie Easley, of Terrie Easley Designs www.easleydesigns.com, shares some of the trends she's seeing:

No matter the circumstances, weddings still are visions that a Bride and Groom have had for years as to what that special day will be like when it becomes a reality. Especially the Bride! It must be her dream day from the beginning to the end with the groom’s favorite part being…”the ultimate honeymoon.” When there is a budget established, it is sometimes altered when an idea is introduced that seems to “just be too good to pass up”.

There are so many new items on the wedding market. The wristlet bands are with beads, crystals, pearls, and rhinestones. The boutonnieres have pewter, or metal holders as does the bouquet holders. New types of ribbons, new arbors and arches made of bamboo or willow are choices of many couples getting married outdoors.

Being in business for 30 some years, I can honestly say that though there are newer trends, the old traditional with just a touch of new ideas is still the choice of most couples when it comes to floral designs. It comes full circle as most things do.

Wendy Balidoy of Spinning W.E.B. Florist, www.spinningwebflorist.com, offers more details:

Well...there are alot of new trends that we are seeing, and of course, everyone wants the most bang for their buck.

Black seems to be BIG.....black rocks lining pathways...black chandeliers suspended above, black vases, black accents in bouquets.... and feathers, lots of feathers! Peacock feathers, which look fantastic with black accents are in demand. White ostrich plumes are also very popular.

Brides are looking for options rather than the "rose", we found that green cymbidiums were in for the past two years...but this year and for next year..its calla lilies!

Large vase rentals are very popular, especially for our destination brides who want "the look" but

do not want the hassle of lugging them home.... These large vases can be a dual purpose expense. They can line the isle to the alter, and be quickly moved to the guest tables during the reception or couple's cocktail hour.

Flowers and Lighting?!

Light it UP!

Floral arrangements add beauty and romance to a wedding and the reception, but what if you want something .... well, something MORE? You light it.

Terrie Easley provides some details:

There is a service that has come up recently that is growing in the industry of weddings and events. The Backdrop and lighting for the reception ballroom is now on the list of “must have”. The backdrop and the colored lighting add an ambiance truly to be remembered. This backdrop is usually behind the headtable or wherever the most attention will be focused. With crystals, mirrors, beads, or even feathers hanging from the draping, it looks glorious with lighting directed from below to illuminate the “bling” even more.

The lighting can be of the wedding color as can the beads or feathers. The ballroom lights can be dimmed to make the lighting even more spectacular when the guests walk in. Day weddings can still use backdrops/draping with the beading, crystals, etc. showing as gloriously behind an elegantly floral decked headtable. Gone are the lattice screens, the potted plants and nothings…the backdrop is here and a growing demand.

Tips for choosing a reception location:

*Begin your search right after you've settled on a head count. Book your reception site 9 to 12 months in advance.

*Seek recommendations from friends, family members and coworkers—anyone whose opinion you trust. And, chat with brides in your area.

*Before making appointments with site managers, request the following over the phone:

• availability on your wedding date
• food and beverage options on premise
• number of guests the venue can accommodate
• parking options
• accessibility for handicapped guests
• number of events the venue will hold simultaneously

*Narrow down your list of sites, based on the phone interviews, and schedule site tours. Bring a notebook and pencil, and write down answers to your questions.

*Tour the entire facility, including bathrooms and kitchens. Note the quality of the lighting, and the availability and positioning of electrical outlets (for your band or DJ).

*Make sure the site's decor and ambience complement the style and colors of your wedding.

*If the site has an in-house caterer, schedule a meeting to discuss menu options and a tasting.

Marriage Quote of the Day!

Robert C. Dodds:

"The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together."

2010 Wedding Trends

Here are some wedding trends for the New Year that we have found: Weddings for next year are all about relaxed glamour.

Wedding dresses have taken a more elegant and sophisticated feel to their designs. Many wedding dress designs feature bodices with origami inspired fluting and pleated details. Retro styles continue with 50’s chic being a key look with shorter fuller skirts, birdcage veils and pill box hats. (think Jackie Kennedy) Also in style are close fit bodice dresses with longer flowing skirts.

This year has also seen the return of the ball gown with dresses having large and very full skirts. Other hot trends include oversized details such as big bows and corsages and plenty of asymmetric layering.

The 2009 wedding trends continue with an emphasis on dream weddings on a budget as the global recession continues. Low key venues will be the location of the choice including private gardens and so called backyard weddings. The emphasis really is on having a low budget but glamorous and understated wedding.

Wedding favors will be homemade and simple creations for expressing thanks and love.

Bridesmaids will finally come to relish the 2010 wedding trends as finally they get to choose their own outfits. The trend will be for mismatched bridesmaids dresses, who will get to choose their own dresses and accessories according to a color chosen by the bride.

2010 may also see many couples choosing short engagements and thus ending the traditional long engagement period. (think Kardashian) Elopements and destination weddings, and spur of the moment nuptials planned in double quick time, will also be the name of the game of 2010.!

Bridal Show Experiences...

Here is a letter we received regarding the Expo in Hawaii in July 2009:

I just attended your wedding expo last weekend - there were eight of us that flew in to attend the expo to prepare for my daughter's wedding in May 2010.

It was such a wonderful event, I asked a vendor for a contact address so I could email and tell you how much we appreciated the expo. What fantastic vendors, so generous with their time and expertise. We came away with brochures and business cards and so many marvelous ideas and options.

We spent several hours there. We particularly liked the models in wedding dresses that circled during the expo. It was so helpful to be able to see each dress up close and touch the fabrics and ask the models to turn, etc. You just can't do that with a runway show. Also, the models were wonderfully patient with us. This actually helped us determine the designer and style for my daughter's wedding dress.

The sample wedding table settings and wedding decoration vendors were also very helpful in planning a theme for the wedding - again wonderful displays and very professional vendors. Even though we do not reside locally, we made contacts we'll be using for the wedding here at our location.

Again, thank you so much for a wonderful event. I just had to write and say I think everyone did an amazing job!

An appreciative mom,
Daria

A fun Wedding Favor idea!

A Candy Bar

For an extra sweet favor, treat your guests to a slew of different kinds of colorful candies on their way out.

To make your own candy bar, simply choose candies in your theme. Look online for special colored candies. Then place them in large vases and hurricanes of different shapes and sizes.

Remember to go all out with the candy -- you don't want to have a wimpy-looking candy bar!

Lynnwood Wedding Expo

Plan to join us for the Lynnwood Wedding Expo: September 26th and 27th
@ the Lynnwood Convention Center. 10-5 Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday!

Informal fashion show modeling daily:
Models will be roaming the floor of the Expo modeling the latest fashions from Davids Bridal, Proms and Promises, Private Label Brides Outlet, and Lorraine Layman. Don't forget the Men: Men's Wearhouse and Tux Shop!

Look for a coupon in the Sunday Everett Herald! and on http://www.bridesclub.com

Over 75 booths to look at, sample, and provide information for your wedding planning!

Lobby Booths at the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

Here are some companies you will see in the lobby at the Tacoma Wedding Expo on September 12 and 13th.

Lobby hours begin at 9:30...1/2 hour before main floor opens:

J & J Photography http://www.jenandjody.com

Wine and Roses Country Estate http://www.wineandrosescountryestate.com/

Leu Jam Productions http://www.leujam.com

Celebrity Cake Studios http://www.celebritycakestudio.com

Events With Integrity http://www.ewihome.com

Studio 6 http://www.studio6now.com

Men's Wearhouse http://www.menswearhouse.com

Carlson Wagonlit Travel http://www.travelcenter4u.com

Weddings With Joy http://www.weddingswithjoy.com

Fun Idea for your Reception

Fun Idea for your Reception

~ Assign someone to snap pictures of guests as they arrive at the reception using an instant camera.

~After the wedding, sign each photo, add your wedding date, and include a short word of thanks to each guest for having attended.

~Mail the photos to the guests along with your thank-you cards as an extra special memento.