Flowers are a unique asset and essential element for any wedding. They set the tone; be it simple or extravagant. Flowers add color, beauty and provide a lovely scent.
The cost can become one of the major expenses in the wedding budget. However; it is possible to create your vision without breaking the bank! This requires a little bit of patience and some practice.
Once you have decided on the colors you wish to use and the season the wedding will take place in, you can decide on what type of flowers to use. The typical wedding flower is the rose, they are a hearty flower and can be used in any season. Roses come in all different sizes and colors. They are also very fragrant. Cala lilies, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies among other varieties are also very popular at the moment.
You will need to decide what type of bouquet you wish to carry. Will it be a simple one of long stemmed cala lilies or roses or will it be one of the popular hand tied versions. A great source of inspiration are the bridal magazines; they publish hundreds of pictures of wedding bouquets. Find one that you love and want to create for your own special day. Colors can be changed although not all flowers come in all colors but there will be an acceptable alternative.
For the novice floral designer using silk flowers is always the best way to start. The local craft store will offer a version of the flowers in your choice bouquet. In addition to purchasing the flowers you will need: small wire cutters, green floral tape and ribbon if you will be using it in or around the bouquet.
The first step is to have a large flat surface working area. Use the picture of the bouquet that you have chosen for inspiration. Cut the stems of each flower to about ten inches in length, cut them on an angle to begin with (this is most important when working with fresh flowers, it allows the cut flowers to continue to "drink" water). Start placing the flowers together by following the picture, you begin with the center flower and surround it as in the photo. Wrap each additional flower to the center with the floral tape. It is not necessary to wrap the stems all the way down, just a one to two inch portion in the middle of the stem base. Continue to add flowers until you get the desired look. This may take some practice and by using the silk flowers you can take it apart as often as needed.
It is always best to work with the theory less is more. Try not to pack the bouquet so full or tightly that you can't tell what flowers you have. Simple is always better!
When you have the desired look you complete the bouquet by adding a ribbon to the stems, this provides a finished look to your creation. Finally, snip the base of all of the stems so that they are all the same length. You will need to be careful not to have any exposed wire at the base of the bouquet as you do not want to snag your gown.
It is quite possible you will find a new passion in floral design. Persistence is the key and you will be amazed at what you can do and the money you can save!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Elegant Reception Decorations on a Recession Budget
Your wedding should be the way you have always dreamed it would be; right down to the reception decorations. The fact that we are in a recession may scare you, but it is possible to have the look you want on the budget you have.
First, you should find your inspiration from elements of the wedding that you have already decided on. It may be a color, favorite song or a theme. Find your personal passion and make it part of your special day.
Should you decide that a color will be the focal point of your decorating theme, you might choose paper napkins in several shade of your choice color and simply tuck them inside a stemmed water glass (much like tissue paper in a gift bag) and set them at each place setting. You can vary the hues at each table or use a different one for an entire table. This adds a sea of color to the room. Finish the center of the table with a tall pillar candle wrapped with a wide band of ribbon, surrounded with greenery such as plumosus or boxwood which is available at most bulk shopping stores. You can also request an order of greens from your local grocery with a floral department. The order should be placed two to three weeks prior to the wedding so they will be able to have this item available for you.
If you choose a season for your inspiration , use items that represent it, in Fall; hollowed out pumpkins with fresh fall flowers such as mums will provide a splash of color and the lovely scent of flowers. Spring could offer silver pails banded with bright ribbon and filled with lilacs or blue bonnets. Surround these centerpieces with tea lights and you have the perfect table setting. For further table pop add printed napkins that you have made yourself simply by cutting squares from beautiful fabric with scrapbooking scissors or pinking shears to finish the edges. Easy and Lovely!
For timeless elegance; go with candlelight, a variety of sizes works well. Place the assorted candles on a 12 x 12 mirrored tile (available at your home improvement store). Sprinkle confetti, flower petals, colored candy kisses or greenery around the candles and you have a very simple and elegant table decoration.
If the room you will be having your reception in needs help; consider purchasing inexpensive black flat sheets and covering the walls or any particular eyesore in the room. For walls you might also place strands of white lights behind the sheets for an elegant ambiance. However; you must check with the venue before using your staple gun, they may have strict rules on what you can and can't do.
Provide elements that you and your fiance love and incorporate them into your special day. If you love sailing, use glass vases with blue tinted water and sea shells surrounded by candlelight for the table centerpieces. If he is a big football fan incorporate the team colors in your decorations. It's all up to you! Your wedding is exactly that, YOURS!
First, you should find your inspiration from elements of the wedding that you have already decided on. It may be a color, favorite song or a theme. Find your personal passion and make it part of your special day.
Should you decide that a color will be the focal point of your decorating theme, you might choose paper napkins in several shade of your choice color and simply tuck them inside a stemmed water glass (much like tissue paper in a gift bag) and set them at each place setting. You can vary the hues at each table or use a different one for an entire table. This adds a sea of color to the room. Finish the center of the table with a tall pillar candle wrapped with a wide band of ribbon, surrounded with greenery such as plumosus or boxwood which is available at most bulk shopping stores. You can also request an order of greens from your local grocery with a floral department. The order should be placed two to three weeks prior to the wedding so they will be able to have this item available for you.
If you choose a season for your inspiration , use items that represent it, in Fall; hollowed out pumpkins with fresh fall flowers such as mums will provide a splash of color and the lovely scent of flowers. Spring could offer silver pails banded with bright ribbon and filled with lilacs or blue bonnets. Surround these centerpieces with tea lights and you have the perfect table setting. For further table pop add printed napkins that you have made yourself simply by cutting squares from beautiful fabric with scrapbooking scissors or pinking shears to finish the edges. Easy and Lovely!
For timeless elegance; go with candlelight, a variety of sizes works well. Place the assorted candles on a 12 x 12 mirrored tile (available at your home improvement store). Sprinkle confetti, flower petals, colored candy kisses or greenery around the candles and you have a very simple and elegant table decoration.
If the room you will be having your reception in needs help; consider purchasing inexpensive black flat sheets and covering the walls or any particular eyesore in the room. For walls you might also place strands of white lights behind the sheets for an elegant ambiance. However; you must check with the venue before using your staple gun, they may have strict rules on what you can and can't do.
Provide elements that you and your fiance love and incorporate them into your special day. If you love sailing, use glass vases with blue tinted water and sea shells surrounded by candlelight for the table centerpieces. If he is a big football fan incorporate the team colors in your decorations. It's all up to you! Your wedding is exactly that, YOURS!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)