lilies of the field blog

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2011-02-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

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Inspiration - Purple, Fuchsia and Green Wedding Board

2010-06-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a month+ since my last post! What can I say kids but spring is a busy season for me. Not only with business but with our lovely 2 1/2 acre property and although we don't landscape all of it, it still has to be maintained. Boy howdy, all I can say is thank God for Paul (my gardener extraordinar), I'd be lost in a jungle of overgrowth without him. Sometime I'll share some pixs of my lovely garden, until then check out blossomvalleygarden.com (our home).

I haven't done any inspiration boards in a while but I found myself a little under the weather this week. What better way to spend a few hours in bed than to be creative. This loverly board came about when I found the image from the domestikated life of the purple couch. From there I found small details like the green necklace, purple feather fascinator and the rest followed suit. I love everything in these jewel tones because they're so rich and alive - the colors envelope and pop at the same time.

Enjoy,
Cindy

May Flowers

2010-05-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

There are countless list of different flowers, foliages, and organic materials available each month. Some year round (or almost) and some seasonal. I'm going to start doing a series of monthly flowers but, instead of listing everything that's available, I'll list the more seasonal flowers, foliages that I'm finding in the local flower market. Below each, I'll attempt to list some helpful facts, that I hope you brides will enjoy!

Anemone - a poppylike flower of the Ranunculaceae family. Available in red, white, blue, and purple – last week I saw a color I’d not seen before and it was the most delicious iridescent shade of a blueish purple –loved it (see above)

Dogwood Branches-available mainly in white, pale green-available in various lengths

Garden Roses
-limited availability
-available in various colors

Iceland Poppy - limited availability - some red with black centers

Parrot Tulips
-available mainly in white/green, peach/green, pink/green
-weak stems, not great out of water

Peony - available mainly in white, barely blush, pink, medium pinks, deep burgundy, hot coral-often grown on a shrub, not a hothouse flower

Peony Tulips - large tulips up to 4" across are also referred to as double late tulips -limited availability -available mainly in hot pink, cream, coral pink

Ranunculus -limited availability -available in many colors

Sweet Peas -available mainly in white, light pink, hot pink, purple, lavender (see to the right)

Viburnum'Snowball'
-available mainly in bright green, soft pale green, creamy green
-available in various lengths and also as as tall branches
-the younger it is, the bright; tends to fade lighter as it ages

From the Garden Bouquet

2010-04-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

I just love the colors of this fresh spring bouquet, yellow peony tulips, garden roses and orange ranunculus. I purchased these beautiful full yellow peony tulips and picked some bright orange ranunculus for a bit of pop and "Just Joey" garden roses from my garden. I just adore my rose garden all fifty bushes and so now you know what I do in my spare time!

Peony Substitutes

2010-04-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

After my last post on the limited availability on peonies you might be saying to your self – great so now what? The question - what’s a bride to do if she’s just gaga over peonies and getting married at a time when peonies aren't available?

If you love flowers like lush peonies, then you will love the large full look of garden roses. English Garden Roses - many types have that same round cabbage style opening. These roses are generally bigger than hybrid teas and have an incredible look very much like peonies, often with a divine scent to go with them. These roses are gorgeous in bouquets (see photo above) and centerpieces that are overflowing from garden urns. Garden roses do have some limitations however; they are more expensive and fragile than hybrid roses. While trying to get them all to open just right they can shatter (loose all their petals) while some may not open and so your florist will often have to order extras for that reason and they are not available in the winter.

Other great alternatives include:

Fancy Carnations - some carnations look like the center of peonies but they are much smaller in size.

Dahlias - some like the cafe au lait are so large in size that they remind me of peonies

Football Mum – large showy head in white, yellow, lavender, and bronze/coral

Polo' roses - a creamy white large headed rose with an excellent petal count. Sometimes opens into a gorgeous classic cup.

Always remember to consult a floral designer who has specific knowledge about what is available. There are several possibilities but it's important to see what's available in the local wholesale arena. And though these are just a few ideas, the key is to trust your event professional with these decisions.

I hope this is helpful and as always thanks for stopping by!
Cindy

Peonies - The Perfect Wedding Flower

2010-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Peony flowers are one of the most popular wedding flowers and looking at them it’s easy to see why. What a stunning flower - elegant, romantic, fluffy and so lush with all those soft ruffled petals.

Peonies lend themselves well to a vintage vision, an old world look, or a romantic garden wedding. The presumption that they are a perfect wedding flower is evident because they are everywhere – in magazines, on blogs and in many florist portfolios.

Which is why I wasn’t surprised when I had several brides recently ask me about Peonies for their respective late summer, autumn weddings. There’s only one problem with this dreamy flower – availability.

As much as I would like to say that you can get these glorious garden blooms any time of the year, I would be misleading you. Peonies are a herbaceous perennial. Which means they grow and bloom over spring and summer, then die down at the end of the growing season (autumn-winter) to the soil level? They return the next spring from their root-stock.

In other words, there are no peonies in the summer, autumn, or winter that are grown domestically in the States or in a natural environment. In Southern California peonies are considered a spring flower and are only offered May – June. That’s only about 4-6 weeks! Most plants will only flower for a week or two weeks at a time. The only reason why we have cut peonies longer is that growers plant them carefully so that there is a SUCCESSION of continuous blooms. Did you know that?

Please keep this in mind that this is coming from a floral designer based in San Diego. What I say is based on what I've learned and experienced during my life as a wedding floral designer. The information above does not apply to other areas of the world or different parts of the country.

Until next time …

Cindy

In The Pink

2010-04-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Luscious, flirtatious and feminine pink, what a fabulous color for a spring wedding.

flowers by Lilies of the Field

Let's Hear It For The Boys!

2010-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

The bride and her choice of flowers have traditionally been the focus for florist/floral designers and that still holds true today. After all we women just seem to be more interested in the flowers then our guys do, although some of this may be changing. The grooms of today are getting more involved in the wedding planning process than ever before. Go grooms! So today I thought we’d focus on the boys for a bit!

You know what I love about today’s boutonnieres? The possibilities are endless! And while your classic traditional rose, calla lily, or orchid boutonniere will never go out of style, there are many other styles that can showcase any personality.

While the boutonniere should incorporate some of the same floral elements as the bride’s bouquet, it should also work with the style of the suit. It should be just the right size (not to small, and for goosh’s sake, not too big!) and it needs to complement the overall color palette of the wedding. Quite a lot of thought needs to go into this tiny little adornment.

Below are some great examples to show off to your groom and then ask him if he has any opinions about his boutonniere – you just might be surprised!

Here are some updated classics, after all your classic groom’s red rose boutonniere doesn’t have to be his dad’s Boutonnière.

Enjoy,
Cindy

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

photo from Martha Stewart

Spring Is In The Air

2010-03-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

A change of pace in this posting. Maybe it the beautiful spring weather were having here in San Diego, or maybe it's the fact that I feel things closing in around me (literally!) but my monthly newsletter from Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro could not have come at a better time!

The article I'm posting from her is full of great organizing tips that can be done in 10 minutes per day. No matter how busy we all are surely we have 10 minutes a day to make our lives more manageable! I've chosen the 10 extra emails a day for 10 days-

What Can You Do in 10 Minutes for 10 Days?

by Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro

I like to send out 10 tips on many things. After recently filming my new 7-week “Simplify Your Life” DVD series (available April 1), I realized you really can simplify your life in 10 Minutes for 10 Days! Here's some examples of topics I cover in the new DVD series.

1. Delete 10 extra email a day for 10 days. Result? If you have 99 email now, in 10 days you will have cleared your In-box!

2. Put away 10 papers a day for 10 days. Result? In 10 days you will have filed or recycled 100 papers from your desk!

3. Donate 10 items a day 10 days from your closet, drawers, and closet shelves. Result? In 10 days you will have 100 belts, socks, earrings, sweaters, jackets, slacks, jeans to donate – and a lot more breathing room.

4. Weed out 10 items a day for 10 days from your kitchen. Result? You will have recycled pots, pans, canned goods, mismatched mugs and dishes and helped a Homeless Shelter with 100 useful things!

5. Recycle 10 magazines, catalogs, and newspapers a day for 10 days. Result? You’ll speed read and catch up on your reading and clear paper clutter you’ve been meaning to get to.

6. Clear 10 items a day for 10 days from your flat surfaces. Result? Coffeetables, kitchen counters, desktops, and end tables will make your home look clutterfree.

7. Choose 10 books to giveaway for 10 days. Result? You will have cleared your bookcases and put 100 great books back into circulation.

8. Organize 1 drawer for 10 minutes a day for 10 days. Result? Ten dresser and desk drawers are cleaned out.

9. Clean up one area of the garage for 10 minutes a day for 10 days. Result? It depends on your garage, but it definitely should be cleaner.

10. Read one book for 10 minutes a day for 10 days. Result? You can cover 100 pages and finish up a book you’ve wanted to read.

Focus on one of the 10 topics above for 10 days. Then sequence another one right after it. You’ll be amazed at how little time it takes. You can get 10 projects done in 100 days!

For more great tips from Marcia click on link: http://www.organizingpro.com/articles.html

Happy organizing,

Cindy

Aisle Style

2010-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Today’s brides are always looking for great ideas to personalize a wedding ceremony. It’s clear that the two key areas for décor are the stage or altar area and the aisle. Aisles draw the eye towards the couple and create a foreground for the most important promise you will make. Today’s brides are using all kinds of creative ways to keep the foreground creative and indicative of the event as a whole. The latest trend that is literally sweeping down aisles across the country is petal patterns.

Rose petals have also been a part of traditional aisle décor but these ideas are anything but traditional. Weddings are large events with unified themes and the aisle can be the beginning of that creation with creative use of design in rose petals as well as in creating architectural features and drawing the eye towards the landscape. Paisley, diamond and even monogram patterns are all popular options. A swirly, paisley pattern is more fun and playful, while a diamond pattern is more geometric and modern.

Who knew something so simple and traditional could be so new!

posted by Cindy

Wedding Flowers 101

2010-03-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Get started planning your wedding day floral scheme with this introduction to flowers.

Overview:

Aside from the occasion get-well arrangement you buy, chances are you’re a novice when it comes to flowers. However, now you are a bride–to–be planning your dream wedding, and suddenly you must make decisions on bouquets, boutonnieres, reception centerpieces and ceremony arrangements. Overwhelming? We know! Fortunately, we are here to guide you through this process so you can enjoy planning your wedding flowers without wilting from the stress. Read through these useful tips and if you have any questions not answered here, ask us.

Discover Your Style

Close your eyes and envision the perfect look to your wedding. Will it be formal or casual? Elaborate or simple? Bold or neutral colors? Are you a traditionalist in favor of roses or lilies, or do you favor a more contemporary floral theme incorporating grasses, fruits and herbs? Your wedding flowers are more than eye candy; they set the ambiance for the entire event. Knowing your wedding style is a start in the right direction, because you’ll want to choose blossoms that match the formality of your wedding day. Get tons of wedding flower ideas from bridal magizines or seach the internet for hundreds of pictures of wedding flowers..

Pick Your Palette

Your color scheme should flow directly from your desired style. Today’s floral trends embrace an anything goes mentality, from wedding flowers in traditional whites and pastels to modern and adventurous dark hues and citrus shades. Flowers in matching shades or cool contrasts are breathtaking, but make sure they coordinate with your overall wedding theme. Choose your wedding colors accordingly, and your wedding will express your spirit. If you are still not sure where to begin, bring a bridesmaid dress fabric swatch when you meet with your florist and choose coordinating shades.

Seasonal Wedding Flowers

You know your floral theme and you’ve chosen your color scheme. When deciding on the specific blooms your want in your arrangements, be sure to consider the season in which you are marrying. Consult a your local florist for the best answer, or a wedding flowers by seasons guide for help

Hiring a Florist

Even the most creative and artistic bride will benefit from a florist’s professional capabilities. Your wedding day will be full of activity, and you won’t want to spend vital hours fumbling with the wiring of each bouquet. A florist is not necessarily a budget breaker; a good one should be able to work with any floral budget.

Your Floral Budget

Let’s face it: Determining how much wedding flowers cost is probably not the aspect of your wedding you’ve been dreaming of since grade school. You may see your floral budget as the biggest nemesis between you and your wedding flowers. If you plan wisely, however, you should have enough money to create the floral theme of your desires. Expect to spend about 10% of your overall budget on wedding flowers.

posted by Cindy

St. Patrick Day Wedding

2010-03-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's day! Just for fun, unless your planning your own St. Patrick's Day wedding, check out the link for an inspirational green wedding. Always & Forever Blog http://alwaysandforeverllc.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/st-patricks-day-wedding/

Wedding Floral Tips – 5 Things to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding Flowers

2010-03-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

1) Valentine’s Day + Weddings = Expensive flowers

As romantic as it may sound to plan a Valentine’s Day wedding, beware of the cost of flowers around that time of year! About three weeks before Valentine’s Day, the prices of ALL flowers (especially roses) start to creep upward.

As a wholesale buyer, I can expect to pay four or more times the regular price for roses, and about 25% more for red, white, or pink flowers of any other variety. All other flowers go up at least 20%.

What does that mean for you, the bride? Don’t plan a wedding too close to Valentine’s Day . . . unless you don’t mind spending extra money for your flowers. Even the day after Valentine’s Day is too close, because your flowers typically need to arrive three days before you need them to allow time for processing and arranging.

Plan your wedding for at least four days after Valentine’s Day to avoid paying for expensive flowers.

2) Other Costly Holidays

Stay away from other holidays such as Mother’s Day and Christmas for the same reason as Valentine’s Day. However, flower prices generally go up a mere 10-15% for these holidays, compared to Valentine’s Day, when flower prices rise 50-75%.

3) Types of Flowers

Don’t set your mind on a particular type of flower unless you know it is available around the time of your wedding … or you don’t care what it costs. Although flowers can be ordered from anywhere in the world, you’ll need to factor in the import costs, which includes fuel.

At today’s fuel prices, that will dramatically increase your wedding expenses. Instead, rely on your florist to give you suitable alternatives for the season in which you’ll be getting married: similar shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. You’re way ahead of the game if you stick to flowers that are available locally at the time of your wedding.

4) The Heat

Consider what the weather is likely to be at the time of year you’re getting married, particularly if any part of your wedding is to be held outdoors. Some flowers hold up better than others in the heat, but so be realistic. If the temperature outside is 90 degrees or higher, everything melts … the flowers, the drinks, the people!

5) Friday and Sunday Discounts

If you choose to get married on a Friday or Sunday, most facilities will give you a pretty good discount. But keep in mind that most businesses are closed on Sundays, so expect to pay a little extra for Sunday deliveries from florists, rental companies, bakeries, etc.

post by Cindy

I'm Engaged - When Do I Book My Florist?

2009-07-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is a question Julie and I often get asked and the answer really depends on how long you have to plan your wedding. Years ago the general guideline was to start talking to a florists about 4-6 months before the wedding. As many florist produced similarly styled wedding flowers you didn't worry that a florist would be booked, if they were you could just go on to the next one.

Today, all that has changed and all for the better. Modern brides are looking to personalize their weddings and have so many color choices as well as styles to choose from. Finding the "right floral designer" among all the options can be daunting. So in my opinion the earlier you find your floral designer the better, that way you have more options. Otherwise you may find a florist that you love, who meets your budget and everything else, only to find that they are booked for your date. Some floral designers only do 1 to 2 weddings per day so that they may give you all the attention that you deserve.

If you don't already have a favorite floral designer, talk to friends, go to bridal shows, or simply search the web.

Inspiration - Red & White Part II

2009-06-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a second version of the inspiration board I posted yesterday with some design changes. You'll notice the colors are the same but, look how modern and sophisticated the colors look with the changes. The designer cake by Lovin Sullivan; an updated classic red bridesmaids dress; textured stylized monochromatic flowers; Hermes plates; invitations by Alannah Rose

What ever colors, theme or style you choose for your wedding - have fun with it!

posted by Cindy

Inspiration - Red & White

2009-06-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

Red and white aren't just for Valentine's Day or Christmas anymore. Weddings pop with these versatile colors. Casual summer fun as as in this board or go sophisticated with red and white (see Part II tomorrow) . Have your bridesmaids wear vibrant red dresses and carry white bouquets of Gerbers, Daisies and Dahlias. To modernize the look choose bouquets and arrangements in monochromatic reds and whites with a hit of green. The red and white dishes were the inspiration for this crisp red and white board.

Theto die for shoes are Christian Louboutin; stationary by Betsy White; teacup and saucer via County Living; vintage red truck Danno 3 via flicker

post by Cindy

Summer Bouquet Idea

2009-06-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Periwinkle blue, orange, purple, hot pink, white and green, make me think of the warm days of summer.
I
love the bright vibrant colors in this bouquet, it's warm without being too hot. It's the prefect balance of hot colors with cool ones, like a beautiful summer day at the beach with a long cool drink.

That sounds so good, I think I've talked myself into a little drive to the beach.

What are your favorite summer colors?

post by Cindy

The 10 Most Popular Wedding Flowers

2009-06-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

[the] Earth laughs in flowers. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Calla Lily - as one of the most elegant and simple of all blooms, the Calla Lily has been a popular wedding flower for ages. The simple lines of callas are ideal for modern designed weddings. Its hardy texture and tropical origin also make it an ideal choice for warm summer weddings. Callas come in white, pink, yellow and purple. Depending on the season, you can find mini-callas varieties in shades of red, mauve-pink, ivory and golden-yellow.

Casablanca Lily - these flowers (along with Star Gazer Lilies) are one of my personal favorites. They are very fragrant with a sweet perfume and one of the largest blooms among all the lilies. The huge flowers are pure gleaming white, delicately flocked in a way that adds a richness and texture. Many lily experts call the Casablanca the "perfect white lily". To prevent permanent staining of petals and clothing - remove the anthers. Handle carefully, open flowers crease easily.

Hydrangea - blooms can make for fabulous floral arrangements and add texture and romance to a bridal bouquet. The mophead varieties are so large, the can fill a vase. However, hydrangea can be a bit tricky to work with. Sometimes they last for days and other times they wilt almost immediately after being added to an arrangement or a vase of fresh water. Julie and I won't use them in bridal bouquets in warmer weather as they will wilt. They come in a range of colors and hues such as creamy whites and soft pastels, there are brilliant blues, vivid pinks, and even fuchsia.

Lilacs - prized for their delicate blooms and their deliciously sweet fragrance. Generally available January through March (available other times of the year at a premium). Lilacs don't last well in floral foam and wilt quickly out of water. Available in hues of purple, lavender, mauve, pink and white. The purple-flowered varieties, which have the stronger scent, are only available in spring for a very short season of only around 6 weeks.

Gardenias - are very fragrant creamy-white to cream flowers with glossy, dark-green leaves, either single or double and up to 4 inches in diameter. Although they are a popular flower for corsages, the petals are extremely sensitive to touch which may cause bruising and browning.

Lily of the Valley - have small bell-shaped flowers that infuse the air with a mild sweet fragrance throughout the day. In the Victorian classic, The Language of Flowers, the LOTV is said to symbolize the return of happiness and sweetness. Available year-round, peak season is October - May.

Orchids - come in many varieties, are long lasting, quick to open, do not fade, and do not bruise or spot easily (avoid water on petals). Orchids such as Cymbidiums are thick and heavy, almost waxy in texture; orchids of this heavier substance will generally last longer than more delicate blooms. This is especially true if you will be using single blooms in corsages, bouquets or boutonnieres. They are sensitive to ethylene and cold temperatures.

Rose/Garden Rose - roses have probably been around since the Garden or Eden but, Garden Roses are one of the newer kids on the block as far as wedding flowers go. English/David Austin roses are hybrids of Old Garden Roses and modern hybrid teas and floribundas. Roses are a standard in weddings and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. For a more modern look use fully-opened roses, Garden roses are a bit more expensive than the standard roses, yet they gave a more romantic less formal look to them. Roses symbolize love with each color taking on a special meaning.

Stephanotis - small white lightly fragrant flowers; tubular, star-shaped, waxy blooms, They're sold stemless (off the vine) and packaged in air-tight boxes or bags. Handle with care to avoid bruising. Available year-round; symbolizing happiness in marriage, desire to travel, and good luck.

Tulips - affordable and abundantly available through the spring. I'm particularly fond of the more expensive French tulips' with their long stems and graceful bloom shape. Tulips come in a vast array of colors (except of true blue) so it's easy to find a color to match any wedding scheme. Tulips also come in several different forms, there's the classic style, the ruffled peony-flower, fluffy parrot, and the stately lily flowered tulips. Peak season is January - April; colors: red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, and bi-colors. Tulips symbolize perfect love.

posted by Cindy

Peonies Are Here!

2009-06-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, be still my beating heart! I so love these frilly, fluffy, voluptuous flowers. They are without a doubt one of my favorites. Are they yours?

Their full romantic blossoms,intoxicating fragrance and limited season (May-June) also makes them a popular choice for many brides - and rightfully so.

If it isn't Peony season but, you still want the full and romantic look - try David Austin or Cabbage roses. While they're not Peonies, they are a great substitute.

Posted by Cindy

When Do I Give Up My Bouquet?

2009-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

One of the helpful tips Julie and I like to give to our brides is when to give up their bouquets during the wedding ceremony.

And since many brides give up their bouquets to soon (probably out of nervousness), I thought I share this tip with our readers.

While the order of ceremonies does vary, what is consistent is the exchange of vows and rings. So we advise our brides to keep their bouquets until they turn to face each other to exchange vows (often holding hands for this). The exchange of rings then follows. You can either give your bouquet to your maid of honor to hold, or place it in a vase on a small table (today's bouquets can be heavy - so for her to mange hers and your may be to much). If you use a table, make sure the vase is weighted down with stones or glass marbles, something to keep it upright with the weight of the bouquet.

Remember, pick up your bouquet or have your maid of honor hand it back to you before you exit down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs. for those beautiful photo ops!

Faves

2009-06-05T23:09:00.001-07:00

Although most couples have picked many of their wedding vendors by the time they come to Julie and I for their wedding flowers, we occasional get asked for vendor referrals.

So from time to time I'll post some of our favorite vendors in a post titled "Faves". We are so blessed to work with some wonderfully gifted and nice people!

This post is all about an amazing photographer - Susan Yee of en pointe photography. Susan's background is in graphic art which may explain her eye for composition (or maybe she was just born with it!) . Susan switched career paths and then moved from San Francisco to San Diego about 5 years ago. She choose photography as her new business and art form. She is also the sweetest person, low keyed - (she won't stress you out on your wedding day) and mega talented photographer you want to meet. Here are just a few of her photos from her blog. You need to go to her website to see the rest of this wedding and loads of her other wedding & engagement work.

If you have any vendors that you'd like to share with us - send an email with their info and why you think they're so special - we'd love to hear from you.

Posted by Cindy

Flower Pricing Category Part II

2009-06-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

OK, now let's take the categorized flowers from yesterday's post to the next level as we look at the overall visual size of the bloom.

A rose will classically take up anywhere from 1" to 3" in diameter in a bouquet. This is the same amount of space that a carnation will take up but, the carnation will cost about 1/3 of what the rose cost (garden roses are even more) as noted in the yesterday's 3 different price point categories. On the other hand a hydrangea will take up 7 - 12 or more inches (yes some are 12"+ in diameter!) depending on the grower and the variety of the flower. So where it might take 25+ roses to make a small hand tied bouquet, you could have a bouquet of 1 hydrangea with a few roses that would make a beautiful mid-range bouquet for 1/3 to 1/2 the price. In this situation the hydrangea is actually a better value per inch than the roses are.

In yesterday's post you'll notice that a few of the larger flower heads were marked with a * to let you take a second look at them. Below is a picture to show an illustration of what I'm talking about. Notice the size of the hydrangeas, they are some of the smaller hydrangea heads. You can see the size difference between the roses and hydrangeas in this picture.

The flowers from yesterday's post marked with a ** are to draw your attention to the accent flowers. While they may seem like they are in the more affordable "premium" class on a per inch basis they are very expensive.

There has been a trend away from floral fillers over the years - which is not all bad (I personally can't stand baby's breath!). Today's bouquets have a cleaner modern look. However, while you may want a large bouquet of all roses or French tulips, your budget may say otherwise. If you consider a mixed floral bouquet not only will you get a better dollar value, you'll also get a more interesting bouquet!

As you can see flower choice is about more than just color and style, it also about the price point of your flowers. This is also a good example of why you want to work with a florist/floral designer that is knowledgeable and one you can trust.

He or she should be willing to work with you to determine the best value for the look you are trying to achieve.

Posint by Cindy

Flower Pricing Categories

2009-06-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

As you begin to plan your wedding, the question of how much do wedding flowers cost is sure to come up as you begin thinking about a budget. Understanding how to prepare for this expense can help you prepare and manage you wedding floral budget.

The cost of you wedding flowers will be in part based on the types of flowers used. It is important to understand there are two primary factors that drive price; labor and materials (flowers, etc). Because beautiful flowers are a part of our everyday world, we tend to forget that they are a product. One that takes time, care and labor.

We have divided the more popular wedding flowers into 3 separate categories: High Premium, Premium, and Value. Remember prices will vary due to the quality, season, your location and availability.

High Premium - $10+/stem

Gardenias, Delphinium hybrid, Hydrangea*, French Tulips, Calls Lilly, Dahlias*, Cymbidium Orchids, Peony*, Lily of the Valley **, Casablanca Lily*, Magnolias

Premium - $4-$10/stem

Rose, Asiatic Lily, Glorsia Lily, Sun Flowers, Freesia**, Marguerite Daisies, Stephanotis**, Bells of Ireland, Larkspur, Spider Mums, Tulip, Phlox, Dendrobium Orchids, Solidago, Bouvardia**, Thistle, Stock, Star of Bethlehem, Gerbera Daisy, Lilac, Snap Dragon, Gladiolus, Lisianthius

Value - $3/stem

Baby's Breath, Carnations (mini and full size), Wax Flower, Chrysanthemum, Alstromeria, Sweet William, Queen Anne's Lace, Asters, Lavender

*Large size flower head, better value per inch

**Flowers may seem like they are in the affordable "premium" class, but on a per inch basis they become more expensive

Posting by Cindy

Nature Inspired Brown & Green

2009-05-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here's some more eye candy for you to enjoy! Meanwhile do you have an inspiration board for your wedding you like to share with us?

Do you have any questions about your wedding flowers, or do you have a tip you'd like to share?

Send us an email with your questions, comments, inspirations, or pictures and we'll share them with our readers.

Until next post...

Post by Cindy

How to Hold Your Wedding Bouquet

2009-05-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

You probably don't carry bouquets of flowers all that often...so why would your know how to carry it?

Knowing how to handle your bouquet makes you seem at ease and lets the flowers do their job - namely, drawing the viewers' eye to you. You want your bouquet to be a beautiful accent to your dress, not the first thing your guest notice when they watch you float down the aisle.

Yet many brides and bridesmaids have a tendency to hold their bouquets to high. This pose not only blocks the view of the bodice of that perfect wedding dress you've found, but it also causes the arms to tire in about 15 minutes or so. So unless, it's for a close up photo, there's no need to hold your bouquet up high as in this photo.

When walking down the aisle hold your bouquet low, pelvis/hip high at a 45 degree angle pointing outward. that way your guests get to see your perfect accessory - your bouquet and not the stems.

For full length photos, again hold you bouquet at your pelvis/hip. This forces the elbows away from your body and shows off those beautiful curves at your waist. It elongates your torso and has a slimming effect while hiding any imperfections. Now if we could always walk around with a bouquet!

For half length photos and shorter, hold your bouquet nearer to your face/chest as this again enlarges the upper torso while reducing the waist, it also frames your face beautifully.

Hope this little tip helps you future brides to end up with photos of you and your bouquet that you'll love!

Posted by Cindy

Create Your Own Wedding Inspiration Board

2009-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

First let me say that even if I wasn't a floral and event designer, I still would believe in creating an inspiration board for any and all weddings.

Here's the why:
1.) It provides you and your wedding vendors with a vision of what you want your wedding day to
look and feel like.
2.) It gives the wedding cohesion and flow.
3.) It makes for a less stressful wedding planning process and you won't be sidetracked by well meaning friends and family member's ideas.
4.) A little color & theme planning ahead of time helps you stay on budget - really.

So if you don't plan to hire an event designer for budget or other reasons, you can make your own inspiration board.

While some future brides are happy to cut and paste to their hearts content creating their dream wedding on paper (or computer), other brides are intimidated by the process. If you're a bit hesitant keep reading. Even if you think to yourself, I don't have a creative bone in my body - you too can become a design diva!

Start with something you love, it doesn't matter what it is so long as you love it. Do you have a cherished tea pot (maybe from your grandmother or a friend), or another loved collectible? How above a favorite dress or place, maybe a vintage 60's record album cover, or a wine label? Maybe you can't think of anything else but the colors you love, or have already picked for your wedding - that;s a start. This is the beginning of your Wedding Inspiration Board!

Now do some thinking about that item. Is it the color(s) of your favorite dress, or is it the style, or both? About that favorite place, do you love it because of the feeling you get when you think about it, the memories it conjures, perhaps the colors, or smells? Once you've got a few questions figured out you can go from there.

For example, for the board above I was doing some research on the web and came across this image of Nine West shoes and bags via Career Fashion's blog. It's such a vibrant set of spring colors that make me happy! Next I began an image search for the colors orange pink and green. You can search for specific items, of just the colors. Keep in mind you're also looking for a theme when you're searching for a cohesive look. Remember your inspiration board is a tool, so there's no right or wrong way to create it. It's purpose is to inspire you and your creativity. so play with colors, themes and just have fun with it - I know I do!

Orange & Slate Grey Inspriation Board

2009-05-23T16:00:00.001-07:00

Choosing Your Wedding Colors

2009-05-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Your color scheme is so important; it alone has the ability to set the tone for your wedding. We’ve all been to a wedding like my Cousin Besty’s. She had 18 months to plan her wedding with a decent budget, but there is no flow in décor, color scheme or the flowers. That being said choose your colors thoughtfully. Here are some of the important elements to consider in select your colors - the basis for your wedding flowers, linens, bridesmaids dress and decor.

Your Fiancé: Even if your fiancé doesn’t have a strong opinion about any of the other wedding details he might have a glaring reaction to the color(s) you’d like. If you’re just crazy in love with hot pink, but the color makes him gag (literally), find another color you both can agree on. After all this is only one of the many compromises you’ll be asked to make in your life together as Mr. & Mrs.

Your Venue: Unless you’re planning an outdoor wedding, your venue should be considered. Look at the colors used in your location’s décor - carpeting, chairs, drapery and paint colors. If the site already has strong colors, it’s best to select a color scheme that complements, or at least doesn’t clash. What if you have your heart set on a certain color that you can’t make work with the venue? You just might have to consider selecting a more neutral site.

Your Favorite Flower: If chocolate cosmos are your favorite flower of all time (at least currently), there’s no reason why they shouldn’t make it into your décor scheme. Incorporate the flower color – by making it the dominant color or using it as an accent. Your floral designer will be able to make it come together, if they say they can’t look for another designer.

The Season: Going with seasonal flowers is a natural choice no matter what time of year you’re tying the knot. It’s also a very effective way to keep to your floral budget. So let the colors of the season be your inspiration. This doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with pastel colors during Spring or brown and orange during Fall. Think outside the box when it comes to the seasonal flowers, such as orange and purple for a contemporary fall wedding. Or bright blue and yellow for a vibrant Spring wedding, your floral designer should be able to guide you into discovering the possibilities for your florals and more.

Your Favorite Color: Still not sure what color to go with? Look around your home or in your closet for color clues. What dress, pair of shoes, or collectable do you love the color of? If you go with a color you love, surrounded by friends and family you love, to marry the man you love – what could be more perfect.