Top 10 Expert Tips for the Best Wedding Flowers.

If you are not a knot.com (ha) registered bride, I just copied it below:

Top 10 Expert Tips for the Best Wedding Flowers

We asked hundreds of wedding flower experts across the country for their best tips to getting the wedding flowers you want. Here are their top 10 tips.

1. Do your homework. Interview floral designers as you would interview any other professional to make sure you both have the same vision. “The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable with the designer and you feel you are being listened to,” says Sadie Gardner of Sadie’s Fine Floral Design in Minneapolis, MN. “If you have that connection with the floral designer, they will be able to bring to life floral designs that execute your vision, even if you can’t articulate it or know nothing about flowers.”

2. Go local. Picking your wedding flowers based on your wedding destination and date not only saves you money (in-season flowers can be much less expensive than those pricy hot-house peonies you’re eyeing!), but also is a great way to give a nod to your locale. The florists at Fleur de Lis Flowers in Saint Paul, MN, say, “Not only is it important to us to support local and pesticide-free product, but it is amazing to have such control over the quality of the flowers we send out to our brides and to feel like we are sending it right from our own garden!”

3. Design a doppelganger. Love the look of hydrangea, but can’t invest in this pricey bloom for twenty centerpieces? Candice Ryan from La Petite Fleur in Glenside, PA, says your florist can help you find a less-expensive look-a-like. “Carnations are lovely, accessible, inexpensive flowers that, when bundled, can mimic the ethereal, garden look of a hydrangea,” Candice says.

4. Think outside the vase… Breaking away from traditional flower vessels is a simple way to totally change the look of your wedding flowers — and to get a completely unique centerpiece to boot. “Think about using Morocco-influenced urns, wooden boxes, tea cups, and vintage vases to hold your centerpiece arrangements,” says Stephanie Elhayani of Seed Floral Couture in West Hollywood, CA. “And don’t be afraid to mix and match. Combining flea-market finds with anything from family heirlooms to hand-me-downs will be a charming touch!”

5. …and outside flowers! Not a flower person? Don’t force it! “To jazz up floral arrangements and personal flowers, try adding feathers, buttons, decorative wire, candy, seashells, branches, wheat grass, and even fruits and veggies like asparagus and pears for an X-factor effect,” says Christina Patton of Pretty Witty Floral Design in Irvine, CA.

6. Pick a color and design scheme — not a flower scheme. “Any florist worth their salt can come up with cutting-edge designs within your budget if you give them colors over ‘must-have flowers’ that you specifically write into the contract,” says Rosalind of Bells of Ireland, which serves the Greater Worcester, MA, area. “They can show you how some flowers can be swapped in for others, saving you big money! Aside from saving you money, it might just also save the day.”

7. Recycle your blooms. Cut costs by making your arrangements pull double duty. “Reuse your ceremony flowers at the reception,” says Danielle Prevette of Something Chic Floral in Urbandale, IA. “This helps keep cost down, and your florist is more than happy to come back after the ceremony and move everything to the reception.”

8. Don’t forget greenery! “Consider foliage your best friend,” says Ellen Kim of Gingerleaf Floral in Oakland, CA. “Having your floral designer incorporate foliage with unusual textures and silhouettes can turn a ho-hum arrangement into a precious jewel or a stunning centerpiece. And foliage is comparatively less expensive than most floral blooms, so it can also stretch your floral budget.”

9. Make it personal. Select your wedding flowers for a reason. “Do you have memories of your fiance bringing you yellow roses? Does your grandmother grow hydrangea in her garden? Does your mom wear gardenia-scented perfume? Flowers should be chosen for a reason, not just the color,” says Mary Coombs of A Garden Party Florist in Elmer, NJ.

10. Bring examples. Your florist isn’t a mind reader, so be sure to clue them in to your wedding style. “The tip I give my clients is to put together a ‘vision board’ with color swatches of your favorite colors or desired color scheme from a local paint store, as well as pictures from magazines and websites that show your style and overall decor preferences,” says Sayles Livingston of Sayles Livingston Flowers in Adamsville, RI.

– Justine Lorelle Blanchard

And just because I don’t like posting without pictures, I have added a few of my favs, just to showcase what is located behind my office desk…see how it is hard sometimes to get a lot of work done! I have this to play with!

This is the boss man keeping an eye (or two) on me while I toil away at my desk!

 

Lee!!! You are the most distracting thing!

During many of my bridal consultations, I kept hearing that Mabilog name pop up, so I decided to check her out and BAM there she is right down the street! I emailed to introduce myself and she invited me to her studio for a casual meeting…sure I was down for that! Denise also asked me to provide a bouquet for her “trash the dress” photo shoot the next day and I was happy to do so. Sometimes I see these bridal photo sessions with NO flowers and I just feel like something is missing, the bouquets finish the look! I kinda like the idea of the “trash the dress” shoot, I wish I had done it! You get to wear your gown again before you pack it up forever and take some more natural shots and you don’t have to be so worried about getting it ruined. Genius, Denise, genius. So while we were at her cute little studio in downtown Mullica Hill, she offered up a little impromptu photo shoot with little ole me and my bouquet! There are more photos on her blog, but here are a few she sent to me.

I currently do not look this wide awake haha

Being a busy wedding florist is serious business

How does she make this look so good? Denise, you rule!

Latin Lady red roses are my new red rose standard - the two tone look is so eye catching! I wanted to keep the bouquet natural, so I added some texture with feathers and willow. I think the bouquet is on the back of the bride's horse...how cool is that!?!

The bride, wearing a vintage 1964 wedding gown, it was her mom's! What a great way to give it a new life!

Thank you Denise for the photos and the new friendship! It feels good to be making many new friends in the wedding industry, to check out some more of my vendor friends, see my Vendors page. I guess that is all for now, the sun is up and my house is still quiet. John has another busy day ahead on the farm and Lee and I are going to spend the morning with Mommom, I hope I can keep my energy going until I get to the Philadelphia Flower Show tonight! I love that I can use the “research” excuse…

I want to take a picture like this is 50 years...we will be 75 and still side by side!

This is a more personal entry for Sarah’s wedding (see full post below for all the flower details), I have had many requests to share my wedding toast and words of wisdom regarding marriage. Sure, why not?!?! I had brainstormed about this toast for many many months and felt a lot of pressure (I had never done a toast before!!), I tend to be a worrier, in case you don’t know me haha. However, I think I pulled it together nicely in the end (meaning, I didn’t blubber up a storm and flood the building with my tears of joy) and even had a pleasant mix of laughter and a tear or two! My dad is such a softy when it comes to Sarah!  Below is the main portion of my speech, I would love to hear if you agree with me or if you have more tips to add…feel free to comment!

“I would like to share some thoughts I put together about surviving marriage to a farmer. With a few wedded years under my belt, I have learned many lessons from my loving husband, John. There are many ladies in this room tonight that I am sure will agree with some of my survival tips for Sarah. So here we go…

1. Never compete with the weatherman for attention. You will always lose.
2. While the rest of the world hopes for a sunny weekend, realize that a rainy weekend could finally let you see Joe during daylight.
3. Surrender any thoughts of a summer vacation with Joe now. Use it as leverage to get an even better winter vacation for the both of you.
4. Embrace the dirt. He will trek it in the house after you just cleaned and his work jeans will have to be hosed off from time to time, but at least your dry cleaning bill will be small!
5. Be wise to “Farmer Time”. If Joe says “I will be home in 20 minutes, I just have to finish up”, realize that he MIGHT be home in 45 minutes. It is inevitable that something else will always pop up.  Never put the pasta in the boiling water till you see the truck in the driveway.
6. Always be sure to greet each other with a kiss hello, even if he smells like motor oil, it is worth it.
7. Never underestimate the power of an amazing home cooked meal. In your case, Sarah, forget the cakes and cookies, just stock up on lots of chicken. I have seen with my own eyes the amount of Jamaican Jerk Chicken that Joe can consume, it is pretty impressive! I seriously thought Jamaica was going to run out!
8. Accept some gender roles. Sarah, you are now in charge of trying to feed this machine. Joe, you are now the designated bug squasher, Sarah is deathly afraid, in case you didn’t know. However, be sure to remember that no man ever died from putting in a load of laundry and no woman is incapable of taking out the trash. Always help each other out and save the nagging for the real issues in life, like what to watch on TV together.
9. Be flexible. Know that life will sometimes throw you for a whorl; all in good reason. Sarah, you may think that Joe will always be the rough and tough guy, the solid ground that you stand on. Joe, to you, Sarah is the tender one, always with a soft spot. But life will happen and roles will reverse, and before you know it, Sarah is the rock and you are the one needing a helping hand. Always be each other’s helping hand.

 Well, I guess those are most of the lessons that I have learned so far in my young marriage…if you need more, just ask you parents, they have been great role models for you both.

 Let us raise our glasses to Sarah and Joe….Joe, thank you for promising my best friend a lifetime of smiles and love, she deserves it. Sarah, I am sad that you won’t be just one dusty lane away from me anymore, but overwhelmingly happy that you have found his man to love for the rest of your life. May your love grow stronger with every season. Congratulations!”

Tears of joy I hope! Love you guys!

Well, what do y’all think? Do you have more tips to add?

Sarah's bouquet is one of my all time favs...I wanted to capture her sweet and simple personality so I choose white and cream garden roses, white fringed tulips, white cymbidium orchids and ranunculus. White feather trim added the perfect amount of texture and style to this classic bouquet.

Bridesmaids carried green and white orchids with fringed white tulips, of course we added feathers and crystal trim too!

The bridal party adoring Sarah...that was an easy shot!

Sarah and Joe share their vows....doesn't the background look magical? I took inpiration from an episode of Platinum Weddings, and I think my version looks better!!

The aisle was lined with our new pedestals, which were linked with a crystal strand and a feather boa. Floating candles and orchids added some more drama!

A screen of willow trees decorated with crystals, votives, mirrored garland, snowflakes and orchids. Vases of pinecones and candles added some extra warmth to the ceremony location.

Windowsills were dressed with our diana candleholders, pinecones and orchids to warm up the room.

 

Adore the steamy lighting here in front of the waterfall!

 

The fireplace in the lobby was a perfect place for a big show of candles, roses, ornaments and my personal favorite, amaranthus!

 

Manzanita trees with orchids, crystals and hanging votives are taken to the next level with a lush floral ring at the base. Guests were able to take the ring home!

Coordinating candlelit centerpieces in a classic silver bowl, these were so elegant! The bowl is a rental item and the arrangement is designed to be given away to guests at the end of the party.

 

A simply beautiful cake stamped with snowflakes and adorned with orchids.

 

I know this has nothing to do with flowers, but I just had to include this shot! Silversound DJs (Dan Breslin was awesome!!) even got Gram Brooks out on the dance floor! Best wedding DJ I have ever heard!

I just had to include this one because I love when couples do this! She made her thank you cards with this shot!

That was just a selection of all the great photos from her wedding day, I hope you enjoyed a look into their special day! It was my pleasure to do what I love for the lovable Sarah, thank you for your total confidence in Dawn and I, but more importantly, thank you for our friendship. Love you 620 McKean (our freshman dorm at PSU!) 

Stay tuned for my next blog entry about my wedding toast to the lovely couple…I have had lots of requests to publish it! There are more farmer’s wives out there that need to hear this!

First things first though….most importantly set your date.  There isn’t much sense in meeting with us unless you know exactly when you want your wedding to be.  Next you should book your reception hall.  When you meet with us we like to go over where the event will be held and what time of day, all of these things factor into our designs.  Now on to the really fun part….dress shopping.  We encourage brides to at least have a rough idea of what kind of wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses they have in mind for when they sit down to meet with us.  Colors are important and we want to make sure that whatever flowers we discuss using coordinate with the style and color of the dresses you and your bridesmaids will be wearing.  We don’t need to make all the final decisions at that first meeting, but in order to give you the most accurate estimate possible we like to have as much information on hand as you can provide us. 

We are always heartbroken to turn brides away because their date is already booked.  It is the worst feeling! Mary and I pride ourselves on doing all custom wedding work and making your day the very best it can possibly be, and that means knowing our limitations.  We can only do so much in one weekend, so the sooner you give us a call the sooner you can guarantee we will be available on your wedding day!  Of course, if your wedding is less than 10 months away you should still give us a call….it is always worth that call to find out if we are available   To help you get organized I found this handy little wedding timeline with recommendations on when to book all of your vendors! You’re welcome!

Hopefully this informational blog hasn’t bored you and has instead inspired you to call us today! We can’t wait to hear from you! And just because I don’t like to do a blog with at least one photo, I am going to leave you with a sneak peek of our next blog…check back soon to read about Janine’s gorgeous fall wedding!

 Colleen wanted to capture the colors of the season with her wedding flowers and bridal party, so her maids wore a rich chocolate brown (one of my favs, it is the perfect neutral!). For her bridal party flowers, we used saturated fall tones like red, purple, yellow and orange, which looked great against the warm dresses! Their hand-tied bouquets of red mini gerbers, purple lisianthus, yellow roses, peach ranunculus and hypericum berries were finished with some of our favorite accents – peacock feathers and brown beaded wire!  

Surrounded by lots of love!

Our happy bride and her maids...the colors stand out nicely, don't you think?

Colleen and her maid of honor...notice how we added a few of the stephanotis to make her stand out from the rest of the beautiful bridesmaids.

Colleen’s bouquet was designed to be a bit more traditional with mostly ivory flowers with a touch of color, it was so elegant! She loves calla lilies and stephanotis, so those flowers were the stars of her bouquet. Ivory roses, a soft peachy orange ranunculus (OBSESSED), hypericum berries and of course some peacock feathers and pearls (sassy and simple!) completed the bouquet.

Traditional with a twist...our specialty!

Colleen, you are so stunning! A natural beauty.

Love that bout too!

Steamy!

A timeless shot...

Her mother’s corsage coordinated with the bridal party flowers and showcased peach roses on a beaded wristlet (we NEVER use those tacky elastic scratchy wristlets) and I just had to include this picture, because now you know where Colleen got that beautiful smile from! Great shot Dave!

Love it!

For their unity candle, we just did a simple arrangement of these HUGE orange roses that really said it all. After the ceremony, the arrangement was moved to their sweetheart table to serve as the centerpiece there. Great way to save some money!

This one is from our own camera, but at least you can see the size of those awesome roses!

The couple’s cake was a traditional design with a topper. We accented the layers with coordinating flowers in bright colors, which stand out best on any wedding cake.

I like the rounded layers of this cake!

So thanks again to Colleen, you were a total pleasure to work with and we were happy to be a part of your wedding day. May the seasons of your new life together be full of many many smiles….

So this post is a peak into our personal lives….February has been a slow month for weddings and we are enjoying it for a change! We are using this time to meet with lots and lots of new brides, gather fresh inspiration for our future weddings, get organized for the busy season ahead and, of course, enjoy our families. Dawn has two little angels, Grace and Leah, and these two beauties have Aunt Mary totally wrapped! We just celebrated Leah’s 2nd birthday party on Monday, here are a few shots from her Elmo party! (We couldn’t sell her on the roses and bling. Dawn made Elmo look fab though!)

Blow out your candles Leah!

The birthday girl in her new tent tunnel!

We also have been enjoying the snow, have you? Yes, it is annoying that I have had to reschedule almost every major event this winter (Sarah, you are one lucky girl!!) and yes, I am totally ready for spring (some of my bulbs are coming up already!!! And now they are covered with snow, yikes). However, I am lucky enough that I can work from home! Here are a few shots of Lee playing in the snow last Sunday <3

7 months old already...slow down father time!

If only I had captured the screech of excitement that came with this face!

 

Lee in his little den of snow, just as happy as can be.

Dawn and I hope you are enjoying your snow day! I know we are!

Last June (yes 3 weeks before my due date,  and no my mother was not happy about this), Dawn and I had the pleasure of working with a lovely bride named Lori. Her wedding was held at Swansea Vineyards, a local winery in Shiloh. Her marriage started out with lots of luck, since she had LOTS OF RAIN, but it looks like it stopped long enough to take some pictures! Listen up brides-to-be planning outdoor ceremonies and receptions, order a LARGER tent than you think you will need. You can thank me for this later Oh and at least entertain the thought of a rain plan. Lori did and it all worked out!

 Thanks to Bryan Littel (609.280.0378, bryanlittel@gmail.com) for sharing some of his shots. Lori is also a photographer, she works for the good ole Salem Sunbeam, but also does other photography sessions too. Contact her at 609.501.3160 or LMNOP915@gmail.com for more info.

Orange Unique roses, Mango mini callas, orange tulips and echinacea buds create a tonal bouquet. We love this look!

A vintage garden gate was adorned with red roses...so cute!

Down her aisle, we hung small buckets of roses on garden hooks. A perfect look for a casual outdoor ceremony!

The happy couple soaking up some sun! Seriously, this groom was one of the nicest guys we have ever worked for! Lori is a lucky girl!

The bride and her maids...everyone loves callas!

Thank you Lori and Stephen for letting us be a part of your special day! I am already looking forward to all of our summer weddings, this snow will be gone soon and replaced with many sunny wedding days (and maybe a few rainy, but lucky, ones!).  Happy shoveling!

Sara’s beautiful bouquet consisted of lavender roses, stock, and purple dendrobium orchids. I love mixing shades of purple, and look how great purple photographs!

I had to include this picture! Look how gorgeous these girls look with all their purple up against that blue wall. This shows you how good colors you might not expect would work together can really play off of each other. All your brides out there contemplating blue bridesmaid dresses, consider purple for your flowers!

Sara’s bridesmaid’s bouquets were simply purple stock and lavender roses. Sometimes mixing just two or three flower types results in the most elegant look. We bumped it up a notch for the bride and added deep purple dendrobium orchids.

A few vases with simple stems of flowers created this chic centerpiece. We used stems of orchids in one vase and the lavander roses in another, added some purple ribbon and of course a little gemstone accent, and Sara’s tables were gorgeous.

Hope you enjoyed all this purple as much as we did!