The Essential Flowers for Your Wedding

There are a number of flowers that are needed for a wedding ceremony. Chief among them, of course, is the bride’s bouquet. For a wedding with attendants, bridesmaid bouquets are also a must. They can be identical or you can mix and match different flowers for each bouquet. As long as you pull in some of the colors from the bridesmaid jewelry and dresses, they will look very pretty. If budget allows, it is always nice to add some crystals or pearls to the center of the bridesmaid and bridal bouquet flowers.  Brides who will have a flower girl will also need a small bouquet or rose petals for tossing. A floral wreath is traditional for a flower girl, but not mandatory.

Next on the list are the flowers for the men in the wedding. You should plan to order boutonierres for the groom, groomsmen, ushers, fathers of the bride and groom, and grandfathers of the bride and groom. While you are at it, be sure to order flowers for the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom as well. Corsages are the traditional ornament for those special ladies. The trend right now favors wrist corsages over the type that pin to a dress. An update to this concept is to have the bride and groom’s mothers carry small posies of flowers and give the corsages only to the grandmothers.

For your ceremony venue you will need flowers for the altar area at the minimum. Jewish brides might choose to use flowers to decorate the chuppah, although it can be dressed entirely with a piece of fabric if you prefer. Flowers for the pews or aisle seats are a nice touch, if budget allows. Always ask the florist to transport the altar arrangements to the reception site so that you can reuse them. Optional flowers for the ceremony would include floral wreaths, garlands, and petals to line the aisle for an outdoor service. They are all lovely, but fine to omit if they are too costly.

The bulk of your floral costs will be in the centerpieces for the reception. You will need at least one per table, so if you had 100 guests sitting at round tables for 10, that would be 10 centerpieces. Considerably smaller floral arrangement can be used to dress up the cocktail hour space. Since the cocktail tables are generally quite small, a vase with just a few blossoms will be enough. Also plan on a small arrangement for the bar. Additional bouquets for the guest book and gift tables, escort card table, restroom, and entryway are beautiful, but not required. A great trick is to order extra empty vases and have the bridesmaid bouquets serve as the decorations for those extra tables.

When is a Wedding Too Extravagant?

A recent article caught my eye about the excesses of weddings in India. Apparently the economic growth in India has inspired newly-wealthy (and probably plenty of old-monies families as well) to throw lavish weddings which are designed to impress their guests beyond all belief. According to the families who host these opulent parties, anything less would cause them to lose face. According to the Indian Food Minister, however, the shocking amount of food that is thrown away at the end of the over-the-top receptions is criminal. In a nation where tens of millions of children suffer from malnutrition, many have come to feel that it is absolutely terrible to waste so much food when so many go hungry.

In the United States, 30 course meals are not so common, but there are certainly plenty of weddings which cost more than most families make in a year. In the current economic climate, some people find such extravagant displays to be distasteful. Perhaps even worse, when brides with less impressive financial means see the photos of the lavish weddings in every bridal magazine and wedding television show, they can come to feel like their wedding will be a flop if they don’t have a custom lighting designer, crystal chandeliers, and personalized wedding favors. All of the extras have become expected, even for weddings where the couple has to go into debt to finance the event.

There is nothing wrong with having the wedding that one wants if it the family can afford it, but there are some things that a couple can do to ensure that their wedding does not cross the line into being an excessive show of wealth. If you are going to spend a lot of money on reception food, work with the caterer to support a local organic farmer. The big issue with extravagance is waste, so make an effort not to let your leftovers become trash. It is often possible to arrange for a homeless shelter or soup kitchen to take uneaten food. Centerpieces of cut flowers can be donated to a hospital or nursing home.

Finally, no one should feel like they have to overspend just to compete. It also pays to be a smart shopper; if you can score good deals on your flowers, bridal jewelry, invitations, and other necessities, you will have more money to splurge on the extras. Remember that in the end, what really makes a wedding memorable is the heart that goes into it, not how much it costs.

Fall Wedding Gown and Bridesmaid Dress Ideas

Fall is a special season with its own unique flavor. Rather than wearing a summery dress, play up the feeling of autumn by selecting a wedding gown which really suits the season. While brides can certainly wear white at any time of the year, warmer tones like cream, ivory, and champagne are very attractive for fall. Women with warm undertones to their skin or blond hair often look wonderful in an ivory gown. If yellowish undertones make your skin look sallow, seek an ivory with a slightly pinkish hue or try a gown in champagne or pale mocha.

Sheer fabrics like organza and chiffon really are not appropriate for autumn. They are just too light and summery. Better choices for fall wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses include silk shantung, dupioni, mikado, taffeta, lace, and satin. For a late autumn ceremony (say around Thanksgiving), velvet is another excellent choice. If you like the fluid drape of chiffon, substitute a heavy silk crepe instead. You will get beautiful movement in a seasonally appropriate weight.

Heavier laces such as Alencon or Venise are more fall-ish than lightweight Chantilly lace. The richness of a beautiful lace is a gorgeous addition to an autumn bridal gown. Lace isn’t only for brides. There are also some marvelous lace bridesmaid dresses available. A chocolate brown lace over a mocha colored lining would be absolutely stunning for the attendants. The bride could give them bridesmaid jewelry gifts made from mocha colored Swarovski crystals to complement the dresses. Another fun idea is to give fall bridesmaid gifts made from leaf shaped crystals for a great autumnal touch.

Of course if there is one thing fall is famous for, it is the rich colors. Definitely shop for bridesmaid dresses in deep or warm hues. Jewel tones are very popular right now, and classic fall shades like brown, russet, cinnamon, and cranberry are always lovely. The bride might even wish to add an embellishment to her gown in an autumn hue or surprise everyone by wearing a great pair of shoes in her favorite rich fall color. Everyone is sure to look absolutely beautiful in their perfect fall wedding attire.

Top Advice for Planning a Wedding Around a Holiday

The first tip is to give careful thought to the timing of your holiday wedding to ensure maximum attendance among your guests. If you want to plan your wedding to coincide with a fun theme like St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween, it would naturally be appealing to host the event on the actual date. That said, if St. Patrick’s Day happens to fall on a Wednesday, how many of your friends and family will be able to come to your wedding to admire your green bouquet and crystal shamrock bridesmaid jewelry gifts? In some instances, it might make more sense to have your wedding on the weekend that is closest to your favorite holiday to make sure that all of the important people will be able to join you.

Some holidays are considered sacred. You would not plan a wedding on Christmas Day or Easter if you want anyone to be in attendance (nor would you be allowed to have a wedding on those dates in a church). But having a Christmas theme wedding in mid-December would be absolutely delightful. You can decorate it in gorgeous shades of red and green, using sumptuous fabrics like velvet or tartan with gold threads. Your bridesmaids can wear velvet dresses with burgundy crystal bridesmaid jewelry gifts and carry bouquets with holly sprigs in them. As long as you schedule your wedding so that it does not interfere with the family holiday plans of your guests, they will be thrilled to attend your holiday season nuptials.

Long holiday weekends like Labor Day and Memorial Day are very popular for weddings. Since most people have an extra day off work, it makes travel much easier for the invited guests, and attendance tends to be quite good. Additionally, these are not weekends that are typically very family-oriented, so most people will not mind leaving town to go to your wedding. The main consideration for these long weekends is that due to their popularity, all of the best venues and vendors are likely to book up early. Add several months to your lead time when planning for a very competitive date. Also be sure to send out a save the date notice at least six months in advance so that your guests do not make other plans for the long weekend. Something else to think about when planning a wedding around a holiday is how much of the holiday’s theme you wish to incorporate into your decorations. When planning a holiday wedding, these are the personal choices that every couple gets to make for themselves.

Easy Ways to Make Your Wedding More Eco-Friendly

One: Use Less Paper. Think about how much paper is used in a traditional wedding: save the date cards, invitations, response cards, double envelopes, bridal shower and rehearsal dinner invitations, programs, menus, escort cards, table numbers, gift wrap…the list goes on and on! It is actually pretty easy to reduce the amount of paper you use for your eco-friendly wedding. Skip the response cards, save the dates, and double envelopes. Write the reception menu on a chalkboard, bistro style. Wrap the bridesmaid jewelry gifts in pretty scarves instead of wrapping paper (plus the scarves will be nice bonus gifts in addition to the bridesmaid jewelry!). And for the essentials like the wedding invitations, opt for recycled paper or an alternative fiber paper like hemp or bamboo.

Two: Think Beyond Cut Flowers. Every wedding needs beautiful decorations. That does not mean that you necessarily need to buy hundreds or even thousands of cut flowers that will be thrown away at the end of the reception. For the centerpieces, consider potted flowering seasonal plants that can be planted in the ground after your wedding. Little pots of herbs displayed in groups in the middle of the table could be not only eco-friendly centerpieces, but can also be taken home as the wedding favors. Grow them yourself from organic seeds to save money. If you do opt for cut flowers, choose organic locally grown blossoms whenever possible.

Three: Serve Organic or Local Food. Wouldn’t your guests enjoy a wonderful meal made from wholesome fresh ingredients grown without the use of pesticides? And wouldn’t they prefer a flavorful piece of free-range chicken that is not full of hormones or antibiotics? Food that is raised or grown with care is both better for the environment and tastier. Local produce and meat are also good options, even if they are not organic. At least you will be supporting local farmers and reducing the amount of fuel used to transport the food from the farm to your reception table. Consider working with local farmers to produce something special like farmhouse cheddar or goat’s milk soap for the wedding favors.

Four:  Plan a Green Honeymoon. For couples who want a relaxing honeymoon with a reduced impact on the planet, a trip to an eco-lodge is just the thing. They are located in naturally beautiful spots around the globe, and are retreats which focus on conservation and appreciation for the local culture. At the same time, the amenities at many eco-lodges are top-notch, so don’t feel like you will be roughing it as you lounge in solar powered splendor. Isn’t it wonderful when you can green up your wedding without sacrificing a thing?

Elegant Fall Wedding Colors: Grape and Magenta

Rich colors are always beautiful for an autumn wedding. But that does not mean that the only option are traditional fall colors like orange and red. For something unexpected, consider the elegant fall wedding colors grape and magenta.

One of the great things about grape and magenta is that it will be very easy to find flowers in your signature hues. You can use roses, orchids, gladiolus, calla lilies, orchids, stocks, lisianthus, carnations, tinted seeded eucalyptus, alstromeria, and dahlias. With so many varieties, you will definitely be able to work with your florist to create the perfect bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements. An equal mix of the two colors will look magnificent. If you wish to make your centerpieces more formal, display them in silver footed bowls or tall tapered vases.

Grape and magenta are gorgeous colors for the bridesmaid dresses. Cocktail style party dresses are a very hot trend for bridesmaids right now, and there are some fantastic ones available in deep purple. Some of the most chic are those which have a bit of a mid-century inspiration, such as a portrait neckline or cap sleeves, done in satin or dupioni. Classic pearl bridesmaid jewelry will suit these elegant silhouetted. If you like dresses with more of a modern twist, opt for a chic one shoulder dress in grape or magenta. Just steer clear of summery fabrics like chiffon and organza. Dramatic crystal bridesmaid jewelry made with amethyst colored crystals would be fantastic with modern dresses.

A unique idea for your wedding reception is to hire a lighting specialist to use your signature colors to dress the venue. A magenta colorwash would be gorgeous cast on one wall of the reception site. It is a high energy color, so consider using it during the dancing part of the evening. Another possibility is to drape the reception ceiling with white fabric (so pretty for a tented wedding) and cast the light onto the ceiling for a subtle glow. What a wonderful way to infuse your wedding with your special hues.

Creative Table Name Ideas for Autumn Weddings

Numbering the reception tables at a wedding with numerals is certainly effective, but it is not very interesting. The table names are an easy and fun way to add a splash of character to your wedding reception with a minimum of effort or expense. Check out these creative table name ideas for autumn weddings.

The stunning fall foliage is one of the most distinctive things about autumn. Many brides love it so much that they plan a fall leaf theme wedding, right down to Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry shaped like autumn leaves. A very pretty way to identify the tables at a fall reception would be with different varieties of colorful leaves from various trees. On each table, place a large image of a leaf that has turned to its fall hue, along with the names. The corresponding image can be printed on the escort cards for the guests. Sample names include sugar maple, yellow birch, red oak, aspen, beech, linden, and pin cherry. The autumn leaf table names would be wonderful whether you are having a leaf theme for your wedding or not, especially if your reception will take place in a region known for its beautiful foliage.

If you are getting married close to Halloween, it would be neat to name the reception tables after features of that holiday. Guests will have fun sitting at tables named things like jack o’lantern, trick or treat, apple bob, candy corn, and costumes. You could even tie the wedding favors in with the table names, and give the guests at each table different favors based on the theme of the table name. It would be a really fun touch that will set your wedding apart.

Of course fall is harvest time, and the bounty of autumn has inspired many a bride and groom. A wonderful idea for any fall reception is to name the tables after the special flavors of the season. You could even let your Thanksgiving favorites inspire you, especially for a November wedding. Who wouldn’t love to sit at a table named pumpkin pie or chestnut stuffing? Other ideas include apple crisp, mashed potatoes, roast turkey, root vegetables, hot apple cider, and butternut squash. For fun, you could include your favorite recipe that matches the food on the table name card. This would be even better if you have a lot of great cooks in your family and can attribute the recipe accordingly. Recipes named “Aunt Susie’s cranberry sauce” or “Nana’s sweet potato pie” are sure to be enjoyed by all.

Gorgeous Fall Wedding Cakes

The design of your wedding cake should complement the overall style of your wedding. The rustic style is very popular for fall weddings. If you see yourself getting married in a barn wearing handcrafted bridal jewelry and carrying a casual bouquet of fall flowers, your cake should be equally rustic and full of country charm. A beautiful idea is a cake decorated with sunflowers. The cake itself would be lovely frosted in a cream colored buttercream frosting applied with a rough texture. Tie dark brown raffia around the base of each tier, and accent with several miniature sunflowers placed in clusters on each layer.

Another lovely idea for a fall wedding cake is a falling leaf theme. It can be done in a variety of ways, from an elegant monochromatic design to a colorful flurry of leaves to a minimalist metallic leaf pattern. Choose the style that best suits your wedding colors and theme. For instance, for a formal ballroom wedding, it would be very autumn chic to have a tall cake decorated with gilded gold leaves. Brides who prefer a more playful cake can opt for lots of different colors and shapes of sugar leaves scattered all over the cake in a random pattern. Real preserved leaves can be strewn about the cake table to continue the theme. A single color leaf made to resemble fiery red sugar maple leaves would be absolutely beautiful for any style of autumn wedding.

Your wedding cake can also be an opportunity to indulge your whimsical side. A very playful idea is to decorate the sides of the cake layers with flat cut out silhouettes made to look like your favorite forest animals. It would be just delightful to see a collection of woodland creatures like squirrels, foxes, and deer around the cake tiers. If you like, forest foliage and acorn shapes can also be added to the cake. Do it all in soft woodsy shades of pine green, mushroom, and brick red. This type of cake would be a natural choice for the bride who enjoys unique things which are handcrafted especially for her, such as one-of-a-kind letterpress invitations and custom bridal jewelry.

With nature being such a popular autumn theme, another fantastic option for a fall wedding cake is one made to look like tree bark. There are several approaches to this concept. The first is to frost a cake with dark chocolate icing that has been dragged with a tool to look like the bark of a tree. Decorate it with foresty accents, such as marzipan mushrooms and fern leaves made of gum paste. Another very cool tree inspired cake design is to frost the cake with a white chocolate ganache. When dusted with cocoa powder, it will look like the bark of a white birch tree. What a unique take on the white wedding cake!

Rude Things That Brides Do By Accident

While the majority of brides do their best to be pleasant and polite, there are times when even a well-meaning bride does something rude. It is often accidental, but that doesn’t make it any less offensive to those people affected by the behavior. Learn about these rude things that brides do, so you can make sure to avoid these mistakes at your own wedding.

Money is often tight when planing a wedding, and one typical mistake is to put the comfort of the bride and groom above the comfort of the wedding guests. Common money-saving measures like cash bars are often seen as very rude by the guests who discover they are expected to pay for their own refreshments. This is doubly true when the couple decides to spend less on their guests so they could spend more on something for themselves like a designer wedding gown or a stretch limo. Whether you have a lot of money to spend or just a little, make your guests the top priority in your wedding budget. The same goes for your bridal party, by the way; it’s no fair skipping the bridesmaid jewelry gifts to afford a more expensive veil.

One thing that is sure to drive your guests crazy is a big gap between the wedding ceremony and the reception.  It is often a result of an early afternoon church ceremony followed by an evening reception or the couple wanting extra time for photography. While the bride and groom surely to not intend to be rude, expecting your guests to hang around for a couple of hours with nothing to do really is quite inconsiderate. If you need extra time for photography, take some pictures before the ceremony. And if your church only performs 1pm ceremonies, plan an afternoon reception that can follow, rather than scheduling an evening party that won’t start for hours.

Something else that is a common faux pas is putting bridal registry information on the wedding invitations. Brides are often talked into it by the store that set up the registry, touting it as a “convenience” for the wedding guests. Unfortunately, many guests are more likely to see it as an attempt at a gift grab than something done to make their lives easier. Avoid this perception by leaving bridal registry information off of the wedding invitations. People who are interested in shopping from a registry will ask you where you are registered. You can be sure that a bride who is thoughtful and considerate is always noticed and appreciated.