MY VALENTINE TO THE BRIDE

In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I am offering any bride who books with me from now until the end of February the opportunity to get full service assistance for the price of "day of". Whether you have begun your planning or are hoping to get that bling for Valentine's Day, I will help you to make your day perfect- from start to finish. What a great way to get the security of knowing your wedding will be flawless and save money too.
And, for the bride whose wedding is close and who is beginning to wonder how to make it all come together, I will cut $1000 off of my "day of" services just for you! No matter what stage your planning, you will find me completely accessible. No limit to phone calls or emails, meetings with all your vendors, all the final details and whatever else may come up. There is no better value than working with Wendy's Affairs of Heart. So, contact me today and let's get started planning your ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

MILITARY BRIDES II

Once again, Bridal Reflections is doing a special shopping day for military brides. It is this Monday, January 31 at the Fifth Avenue salon from 11am to 5pm.

Anyone that is eligible can call 212-764-3040 (the address is 260 Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th) to set up an appointment.It is for military brides or the fiancés of those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. They will receive a gown from a beautiful selection at no cost.
What a wonderful and generous way for a bridal salon to honor those who are honoring and serving our country. Make sure to call and set up your appointment before it is too late.

FAVORITE THANK YOU'S

Still recovering from my car accident on Monday, it is hard for me to see and to sit at the computer for a long time. My posts have not been as consistent this week. But, I don't want to let down my wonderful readers, so I thought I would mention some of my favorite vendors and let you in on what they have to say about me. Thanks to everyone who understands my commitment to my clients, appreciates my passion for what I do and is willing to tell other brides why I am a good choice.
One of the fine people that I love to recommend is Ron Soliman. What a great eye he has behind the camera. We worked with one difficult bride and Ron never lost his sense of humor. He had this to say:

"Wendy is very helpful and very informative. The last wedding I did with her, she kept me on the loop of what's going on. I will definitely recommend Wendy to all my brides."



When it comes to the music for your wedding, Rennaissance Orchestra is one great choice! They really know how to get the party started and keep it going to the last song! They were so kind to say:


"There are so many components and moving parts that go into making a great event. You need someone to help you put those parts together and guide you through what can be a stressful time. Most importantly you need an advocate that knows your vision and can see it thru. Let Wendy's Affairs of the Heart be your guide!"

I recently did an interview with Kim Bensing of Heirloom Occasions. I just love Kim's designs and her approach to her business.

"Work with Wendy and work with someone who cares. She really understands your wedding and every single detail you care about. Wendy is able to spend all of her time and energy getting to know you, and your fiance, making your day sentimental, and meaningful. You couldn't choose a kinder planner."

Finally, one of my long time friends and a most talented designer, Petah Bashano of Alvin's Flowers. Petah and I have done many events together. He is always inspiring! This is what he thinks of me:

"Wendy's background is not just writing a time line, going to a few meetings and checking contracts. I think brides loose sight as to who is a real planner and who just became a planner because they planned their own wedding and took an online course. Wendy knows bridal fit and fashion, she worked in a bridal salon for years, she worked in event production, then in catering, all the while gaining a lifetime of experience. She knows all that happens behind the scenes because she has worked there. This gives her TRUE insight as a planner. Something you don't get from a certificate. She knows what to expect of a vendor and which are the correct vendors for you. So your day is - perfect. The one thing I love about Wendy is she gives so much of herself to each event. To Wendy it's not just a job, it's a true love affair with her work. Bride's can feel at ease knowing Wendy is on the job."

I enjoy working with all the people that I have been associated with. Part of what makes this job so interesting is the talented and wonderful people that help make a couple's wedding so perfect. I could not do what I do without the help of all of these people and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.

WILL THE REAL VENDOR PLEASE STAND UP

In this ever growing industry known as “the wedding industry”, there are, among us, thieves, liars and “wannabes” It isn’t easy or obvious to know who they are- even to those of us who know what to look for. How then, I ask, is the bride supposed to discern what is truth and what is fiction, fairy tale or out and out wrong information? Perhaps, I can shed a little light on this subject, though I am by no means an expert.

Let’s start with the vendor web site. Building the site is easy. You get a domain name, you put photos, credentials, prices, packages, etc on the site for those who come to it for information. But, where does that information come from? You may be shocked to find that some of it is stolen- word for word or photo by photo from someone else’s experience, credentials or photos. Have you ever wondered why many reputable photographers use a watermark or other system on their site so that you can’t copy and paste it anywhere you want? Have you gone in search of a planner only to find strangely similar wording, packages, or even spelling errors on more than one site. Here are just a few “victims” of these impostors that permeate the industry. There are many, many more.

“this lady feels mine are so good..NOT only does she copy wording pretty much full circle, but she made the same mistakes I did. “ Samantha Goldberg- celebrity wedding planner

“I’ve had people steal text and source code from my site as well. They think somehow it will magically get them to the top of the Google search results.” Kenneth Stillman- videographer

“…and there have been a multitude of people, coordinators and companies we have seen recently and over the years who have mimicked & duplicated our designs, and called them their own. But don’t be fooled. If you market yourself as a company that creates custom items, it’s not really custom if you steal the creativity and look of another company’s work. It may look similar but the quality is far different. Shame on you for marketing under false pretenses.” Stella Campese- Campanelli- Owner, For The Modern Bride: invitations and accessories

Then there are the “thrill seekers”. Everyone gets caught up in the process when they are planning their own wedding. No doubt about it, planning a wedding is fun and exciting. But, for some, planning their own wedding or being in a friend’s wedding, somehow makes them feel they are now experts and should become “wedding planners”. THIS IS A DIRTY JOB! It requires years of experience, trial and error and know- how. You don’t just wake up one day and decide that you can plan weddings. And, taking an on line or community college course doesn’t make it magically happen either. 

If photography is your hobby, that is wonderful. Take candid photos for friends’ weddings. But, leave the taking of someone’s “once in a lifetime” to the professionals. Just because you can focus and click, doesn’t make you a photographer. I love to cook, but I would never dream of touting myself as a caterer. Neither, does a banquet manager have the right to tell you not to hire a planner because they have one “on site”. These people don’t care what happens before the wedding, at the hotel or after dinner is served. Another area that brides get taken is florists. Some claim to be designers. Some claim to be planners. Some buy from a local wholesaler or the grocery store and claim to be- FLORISTS. This is the kind of thinking that is hurting the industry as a whole. Qualified, experienced vendors are not hard to find, in any price range. The old adage “You get what you pay for” couldn’t ring more true than here. Will you shortchange yourself, put the most expensive and important day of your life at risk, by price shopping and inexperience? Brides- stay off the message boards for recommendations and cheap alternatives to the real thing. In the end, you may be sorry. There are reputable agencies and resources for you to find out whether a vendor is legit. And, use your own good judgment. Meet them, talk to them. Decide for yourself if they are a fit.

“Reality” TV is not reality. These are scripted shows using real people. And, for most of the “experts” on these shows, the thrill of their 15 minutes of fame and the almighty dollar is the catalyst for their appearance. Some even finance the production for personal gain. Have you ever seen how they behave to other vendors? Have you wondered at the end of a show “who did those flowers” or “where was that wedding”. It is easy to get caught up in the glamor and the celebrity of these weddings. But, it is not real life. It is TV. When you go in search of vendors for your wedding, ask the questions- “will you be there on my wedding day?”, ” how long do you stay at my wedding?”, “what can I expect from you after my wedding?”, “do you have a contract?”. Ask about what the venue provides. Ask the florist if they provide pick up of rented vases. Ask the photographer how many people will be shooting the wedding and when you can expect to see you photos after the wedding. Ask the planner if it is they that will be at your wedding or an assistant, how long they stay at the wedding and what is included in the “package”. Ask your vendors for references and research their experience with other vendors they say they have worked with.  Find out from other professionals, and not just other brides, what their opinion is of someone you are considering hiring.  And, don’t believe everything you see on TV.

Sadly, I could go on about this subject forever. Every day I see or hear something that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I cringe at some of the nonsense that goes on and how many people with no integrity are spoiling the industry- and particular, targeted vendors besides. Let’s face it, there is only so much business to go around. Leave it to those who really know what they are doing. Hire people that you can trust, that have been doing it fairly and above board. Your wedding is too important to waste time and money, or worse, have it ruined by an amateur. This is not to say that someone starting out is not qualified. Everyone has to start somewhere. But, be careful. Taste the food, talk to someone who has worked with that person. See the photographs they have taken and the finished product. Know who you are hiring. Remember, the internet is a good place to start. But, real communication with a real person is essential for the success of such an important day. And, if this is something you “like” to do or do as a hobby- don’t quit your day job.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS BOUTIQUE

Today I told you about Beautiful Blooms. I mentioned that Donna had a boutique for the continued pleasure of her special clients and to give the neighborhood in Northern Liberties a charming place to shop for special little things and gorgeous fresh flowers.
The shop, like the studio is a vision of what Donna prides herself on- artistic design. It's bright and cheerful and full of lovely things, like this little gold cube full of fresh flowers.

Donna conducts workshops from time to time, sharing her vast knowledge of floral arranging and other design topics.

Beautiful Blooms Boutique is open every day-
Monday through Thursday 10AM- 6PM
Friday 10AM- 8PM
Saturday 10AM- 6PM
Sunday 11AM- 4PM.



And, don't forget that Valentine's Day is coming. Stop by to select a special gift for that special person in your life.

ONE BEAUTIFUL BLOOM

Last week, I did several posts about choosing a florist and what to look for. I decided that I should contact one of my favorites and ask her to help you in making one of the biggest decisions in the planning process. The way the venue looks and the flowers that you carry are so important. That's why I called on Donna of Beautiful Blooms to help. This incredible piece is only one of the many exquisite arrangements I have seen Donna create over the years. Donna and her talented staff have been published time and time again and are part of the Philadelphia Flower Show every year. Their work is top- notch and always impeccable. Donna also has a boutique of such pretty things, so that after your big day, you can continue to keep her lovely creations around your new home. Beautiful Blooms will not only fashion your flowers to make your wedding dreams come true. Donna's team can transform the room into a magical vision of beauty for your guests to enjoy. They can take care of all of your decor- start to finish.
From the ceremony to the reception, your wedding will dazzle your guests and give you lasting memories of a perfect wedding.














Here, in Donna's own words are the answers to some of the things I thought my readers would like to know about Beautiful Blooms...
BA: How did you get started?

Donna: I was working in the Fashion Industry and on my way to London for a business trip a friend asked me if I wanted to take a Floral Design class with her. I grew up in London so I went over a few days ahead of my work schedule just to spend time with friends. I immediately loved the class and during my next business trip I took another class. Then I took workshops in NYC and in August 2002 I had help from a friend to establish a website and voila Beautiful Blooms was born.

BA: What is your inspiration?

Donna: I felt the industry at the time was lacking “Fashionable” Florals and I knew that I could create amazing looks with my background in color, texture and Fashion. The company started in my home and has now grown to 6 full time staff in our studio and 2 in our Floral Boutique.

BA: What do you want brides to know about you?

Donna: We offer unique and beautiful designs by using the best quality flowers and our “art” eye. The designs we create are designed not just thrown together. We have a whole team of professionals that help make every wedding a unique experience.

BA: Tell me about your business philosophy

Donna: Every wedding is custom designed. We are not a cookie cutter business and I pride myself on the amazing weddings we produce. I hire talented qualified individuals that take pride in their work just like I do. We become a part of the family and want to make our clients thrilled beyond belief.

BA: Tell me a little about your product

Donna: Our floral designs and event designs are always elegant and tasteful whether they are modern, woodsy or traditional. Quality in product and designs. We are know for our fine sense of style and aesthetic.

BA: What should a bride look for in a Beautiful Blooms Design ?

Donna: It’s all about the details from the perfect flower in your bouquet to the perfect napkin flower accent. We love what we do and it shows. Our designs are tailored and neat always.

BA: Why should a bride choose your company?

Donna: Because we care about our product. It is not just our business but our life. We want to shine and make our clients beyond happy and we have the team to make it happen.

BA: Describe one of your favorite weddings.

Donna: We did an enchanted modern garden wedding in NY and the client just said run with it. She said we love your style and we don’t want to put any boundaries on you. We did just that and the creativity of the team just ran wild and the client was THRILLED!

BA: Anything else you would like to talk about…

Donna: There are a lot of companies out there but we stand behind our product and we offer our clients and experience and fine customer service. We are here for them all the time throughout the process. We may not be the cheapest Floral Design company on the block but you get what you pay for.

When you trust in Beautiful Blooms to make your wedding dreams come true, you have wisely invested in your most special day. Donna's vision and commitment to every event she does is exceptional. Thank you, Donna, for giving me this time and for sharing some of your lovely creations with me and my readers. To see more of Beautiful Blooms in action or to read more about Donna and her work, visit Beautiful Blooms and Beautiful Blooms blog.

AN OCCASION FOR HEIRLOOMS

From time to time, I like to sit down with a vendor I enjoy referring to clients and find out how and why they came to do what they do and what inspires them. Kim Bensing, who creates amazing and unique wedding stationary is just one of those vendors. Kim, of Heirloom Occasions, gets to the heart of the bride's vision and weaves a story for the couple to present to their guests. These are not the run of the mill invitations, by any means. And, Kim is not any ordinary designer. She is an artist, who creates a
picture of your wedding, a lasting memory for every guest. This beautiful storybook, on the left, is called Sea of Love and was created for Ileana and Tomas, who met on a cruise ship. Listen, as Ileana share her experience with Kim. It will be clear why Kim is such a personal favorite of mine and why, if you are looking for something totally unique for your invitations, you should look no further.

















Inner Beauty

I asked Kim to tell me a little about herself and Heirloom Occasions. Here is what she had to say:

















Love Tree

BA: How did you get started?

Kim: I began designing for private clients while I was an ART DIRECTOR for an agency in Bethlehem. I set up a web site and the business started flooding in from all around the country.

BA: What is your inspiration?

Kim: The Griffin and Sabine Love Trilogy. A fabulous series of 3 books that every romantic should read.

BA:What do you want brides to know about you?

Kim: That unlike other invitation designers, I will conceptualize with you to capture the true essence of you and your fiancé and why you are uniting. Then translate that into a beautiful design.

BA: Tell me about your business philosophy.

Kim: I enjoy working with clients who desire to design event ART that is interesting and thought provoking. I believe that is the core of a marriage and I incorporate well-thought-out concepts into all of my work.

BA: Tell me a little about your product:

Kim: Conceptual Event Art Packages in the form of invitations, programs, custom monograms, placecards, etc.

BA: What should a bride look for in an invitation company ?

Kim: She should always look for someone who understands her ideals. Someone who, through an interview, discover the love behind the upcoming marriage or event. And then choose your designer wisely. Try not to be scared off by the unrealistic fear of a high price tag. Instead, explore creative options with your designer, because, with their experience, they may have ideas you have never considered, and inexpensive ways of achieving them.

BA: Why should a bride choose your company?

Kim: Because I offer a highly conceptual experience for a fraction of the cost of the few other designer options available at this level.

BA: Describe one of your favorite weddings.

Kim: Intertwined, the wedding of Marisa and Corey. The wedding was this summer and I was honored to be chosen to design the invitation book and placecards. Interestingly my 2 daughters were asked to take part as flower girls, so that always makes it more special. But the setting was the gorgeous Brandywine Manor House and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. Sunflowers were the main attraction and the entire wedding book invitation, poetically described the couple, as a pair of sunflowers rising out of the earth,

Discovering their inner beauty and not being blinded by their outer beauty. You can read about it on my blog called INNER BEAUTY.

BA: Anything else you would like to talk about…

Kim: Enjoy every moment of your planning and share your unique story with your friends and family so that your marriage, and wedding day, will forever live in their minds as a wonderful memory.

If you would like more information about Kim and Heirloom Occasions, Contact her and let her know you found her here. She will be happy to discuss your wedding story and create an Heirloom just for you.

Metamorphosis

FAMILY VALUES AND WEDDINGS

Today, Paul Pannone was so kind as to include me in his eWedNews story on the decline of the middle class and it's impact on weddings- and marriage. Of course, the present economic times are only a part of this decline and the decline of polite behavior and family values. I am pleased to have been a part of this article. And, thanks to Paul for keeping us abreast of the trends and the pitfalls of this business.

By Paul Pannone

Readers responding to an eWedNews story regarding the decline of the middle class and the impact on wedding planning conclude the behavior that once governed the process for staging an average wedding has been cut down to reality. No longer are selfish wedding planners and vendors able to up-sell brides with a set budget to include the trappings of “reality weddings” that were depicted on television, simply because they weren’t real.

Planner Wendy Hartigan told eWedNews, “Those are some grim statistics. It is sad that all of the niceties of life have gone by the wayside, only to be replaced by rude, slovenly and ignorant behavior from the very people that should be holding a higher standard. I see it at weddings, when guests have no idea how to dress, act or eat in polite company. I see in the way people dress for church, the theater and dinner out. As for the wedding industry, it seems those with money don't necessarily have taste. And, the focus is not, it seems, on the life they are beginning, but the party, the dress, the opulence. I have done many "middle class" weddings that were just beautiful. A discerning couple doesn't have to have a 6 figure budget to produce a smashing wedding. Those marriages may last longer than the ones that are built on the party theme and not the life journey. Sadly, marriage, as many things in life nowadays, is disposable. Perhaps, if we got back to basics, life could return to a more manageable and meaningful time.”

Hartigan has been following eWN reporting and concludes the changes that have taken place were just cause for her to step up her game and reexamine her own business score. Positive moves by Hartigan are being watched, as she implements ways to separate herself from the rest. In doing so, she plans to to offer her clients even greater value for their dollar.

Growing concern for the middle class continues to be heard and is showing up in survey results, confirming suspicions that date back decades. Wedding expert, Sheryl Davies, responded, “The middle class is being pummeled, as the necessities of life- heating their homes, fueling their vehicles and paying their increasing water bills eat up the budget. There is little left for luxury items and it takes longer today to save for a wedding. Credit has been pulled back. The days of borrowing for a wedding are diminishing as it is harder to secure cold, hard cash.

As for the values of society- I agree Wendy- there is no benchmark for behavior today- calls it protocol, etiquette or good taste- it has been tossed out the window and I often wonder if divorce and extended family are the primary reasons. Family values are not consistent and children are not being taught "good graces." The adult members are too busy with their own lives to teach the children well. And, no money doesn't give you good taste, never has, never will. You either have it or you don't.

I have always believed that you can do something very tasteful no matter what the wedding budget. Brides are more into the party than the commitment that they are making to the rest of their lives. It is a shame that their rose colored glassed.”

Discussions with Davies and other wedding professionals have been tracking what they’ve called the dumbing down of standards. But seeing the idea solidified in the recent survey results hits closer to home. In some parts of the world the results of the recent University of Virginia study has always been a way of life. Wedding travel expert, Jacqueline Johnson, weighed in saying, ”Lifestyle changes, generational, technology, all contribute to the changing face of today's marketplace. Weddings like all other categories will see shifts in behavior and spending. Wealth was always controlled by a small group - and this is worldwide: However, the business of weddings always had a social and class status attached to it. You always had to impress the family, the neighbors and at times the co-workers. Hence the cost of weddings skyrocketed - it is an emotional event.

THE DRESS

The first thing that a bride does after she says “yes” is go shopping. But, before you go, here are some tips about buying your wedding gown. As someone who has run salons, I have seen it all.

Make an appointment. Bridal shops prefer knowing you are coming. This ensures you will get the one on one, special treatment you deserve.

Dress the part. You are the bride. Do your hair, make up your face. Wear something that you would wear out to dinner. If you feel good- and beautiful, you will be better able to see the “picture” more clearly. And, wear good undergarments. It is hard to see how your gown will look if you aren’t “supported” under it.

This is not a sporting event! Go shopping with your mom or a trusted friend. Don’t take your bridal party, your extended family and the neighbors. The more opinions you take, the harder it will be to focus on what is important- YOU. Besides, it makes for a chaotic situation in the salon and detracts from others’ shopping experience.

It’s your wedding! Everyone has an opinion, but this is your wedding- your dress. If you love it, if you want it, then go with your heart. Don’t let anyone convince you that you should buy their favorite.

When you find it- STOP SHOPPING. If you find “the one”, then stop. The more you shop, the more confused you will be. Wedding gowns are all beautiful. It is hard to choose. But, if you feel right in a dress ( even if you don’t cry) then that is your dress.

Not Ready to Wear. Wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses are not sized the way that ready to wear is sized. So, when you are told you need a dress in a size larger than you wear, don’t panic. Taking a dress in is easier and less expensive than letting it out. Remember that a sample may fit you, but it has been tried on and stretched. No one is looking at the tag inside your dress! You want to look great and be able to breathe. Every bride is determined to lose weight. But, you may not get to where you want to be. So, be smart.

Don’t base a decision on a photo. You may not look the same in a dress as the model in the bridal magazine. Be open to looking at styles that flatter your figure. Not everyone can wear a sheath. Not everyone should wear strapless. And, you may find that the dress of your dreams is way over your budget. Don’t try on that dress if you can’t afford it. Try on similar styles in your price range. A broken heart isn’t the way to go.

Silhouettes and Necklines: Here is a brief explanation of the different styles of gowns. There are also many different fabrics to choose from.

Source- Bride’s Magazine

A-line/Princess

Slim-fitting with vertical seams from shoulders to hem. Best for: All body types.

Ballgown

Full skirt with a fitted bodice and waist. Best for: Pear shapes, full figures, and tall, slim builds.

Basque

Dips below the natural waistline and forms a “V”. Best for: Pear shapes.

Dropped

Dips below the natural waistline and sits on the hips. Best for: Hourglass figures.

Empire

Small, scooped bodice and high waistline with a slender skirt. Best for: Figures with thick waists.

Mermaid

Fitted to the knee, then flared. Best for: Slim, tall builds.

Bateau

Follows the curve of the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder. Also called “Sabrina.”

Halter

Wraps around the neck; generally leaves arms and back bare.

Off-the-Shoulder

Fits just below the shoulders with long or short sleeves.

One-Shoulder

An asymmetrical neckline where one shoulder is covered and the other is bare.

Portrait

Slightly scooped with extra material framing the neckline.

Scoop

A deep U-shaped neckline.

Square

Straps and straight neckline create a square shape.

Strapless

Neckline goes straight across the body just above the bust.

Sweetheart

Heart-shaped neckline.

T-Shirt or Jewel

A round neckline resembling that of a T-shirt.

V-Neck

Drops from shoulders to collarbone in a “V”.

Things you need to know- and ask:

Gowns take 6-9 months to get. Yes, this is true. Beading and fabrics may come from overseas. Your dress is a custom order. Don’t wait too long.
If you do, you may limit your choices.

Most shops DO NOT include alterations in the price of the dress. Ask the shop what their alteration policies are.

If you buy a dress with a lace or beaded hem.make sure to ask about a “hollow to hem” measurement. This will involve a custom measurement cost on the dress, but it will save you hundreds of alteration dollars and, perhaps, preserve the beauty of the hem of your gown.

When ordering bridesmaid dresses, allow 4- 6 months. Even if your bridesmaids are scattered and can’t be measured in the store, ORDER THEM ALL FROM THE SAME STORE. An out of town bridesmaid can be measured in her town and call in her measurements to the store. This advice does two things- it ensures that your dresses will all be delivered on time and be the same color. Different dye lots are slightly different in color.

DON’T BUY A DRESS ON LINE. This is a very unwise thing to do. Not only don’t you know if the dress will look right, but you may not get the dress you order. You also have no recourse if there is something wrong. Finally, you may find it hard to have it altered.

If you have other questions or need help with your dress shopping, drop me a line. I am happy to help. And the best advice I can offer…

ENJOY THE PROCESS! This is one of the most important purchases of your wedding. It should be fun and stress- free.

A FAIRY TALE BRIDE

Every little girl loves fairy tales. Romantic Threads lets you have your very own fairy tale wedding with these beautiful, custom and one of a kind gowns. David Tutera's Alice In Wonderland bride wore one last night on My Fair Wedding. These magical dresses are unique and bring the romantic and exquisite past to life again.















Dresses here are for you brides who dare to be different. If you don't want to look like any other bride, if you are getting married in a castle or if you just want to make a statement on your wedding day, Romantic Threads has a dress for you. This is an on line store. So, you have to have trust in what you doing. This is not for the bride who can't decide how she wants to look or who has to see the dress before she buys it. I am NOT a proponent of buying a wedding gown on line! But, these are so incredible and Belinda will make you a perfect dress. So, if you have vision, want something really unique and want to stand out on your wedding day, visit Romantic Threads beautiful website and see all the ways you can be a Princess Bride.

THE FLORIST PART 2

After meeting with five different florists for one of my brides, I feel like I could start a side business. But, I learned a thing or two about flowers that I really want to pass along.


















Seasonal Flowers:
Spring- anemone, bird or paradise, cosmos, camellias, dahlias, daffodils, freesia, lisianthus, peonies, hydrangea, ranunculus, tulips
Summer- amaranthus, delphinium, cosmos, dahlias, freesia, foxglove, gerberas, hydrangea, lilacs, shastas, sunflowers, salvia, stargazer lilies,
Autumn- acacia, allium, amaranthus, adonis blue, chrysanthemums, cockscomb
Certain flowers, such as roses and orchids, are available all year. However, some varieties are more expensive or harder to get in certain seasons. So, before you set your heart on something, make sure it is possible.





























TIPS FOR CHOOSING FLOWERS:
1. Research your "dream" flowers and make sure that you don't want peonies for a December wedding. Certain flowers are only available seasonally- or they are VERY expensive!!! So, if you have a budget, find a flower that will work in the season you are getting married.

2. Ask to see the flowers you want to use- and ask them to do a sample for you of the type of bouquet you want. You may find you hate what you saw in a picture or it isn't what you want after all. Maybe the varieties you like don't go well together. You may find that the shape needs to be different or the array of colors isn't compatible.

3. Back to the picture- what you see in print doesn't always happen in nature. Flowers vary in color, as shades of blond or brunettes vary on your heads. The same bunch of ranunculus may have several shades of the same color. And, a rose isn't just a rose. Have your florist show you the different varieties of colors they are using in your flowers.

4. Be flexible! If you have a closed mind or a set in stone vision, you may be disappointed. Keep in mind that nature is unpredictable and florists are only human!

5. Check your facts. Some florists will tell you they can't get a certain flower and others will tell you it is no problem. Make sure the flowers you want are available by calling a few wholesalers or looking on line! Also, check the durability of the flowers you are using. Some flowers, like gardenias, are extremely fragile. Others don't hold up when not in water. Some wilt quickly in the heat and humidity. You don't want your bouquet to be drooping before you walk down the aisle.
Your flowers are a very important part of your day. Be careful, be informed and be realistic. Then, have a great time finding the perfect look for your special day! I would be glad to answer questions about your flowers or florists in the area! Write to me!!