Flowers & Your Wedding Season

Years ago, when deciding what flowers were accessible for a wedding at different times of the year, was rather easy. Spring flowers in the spring, summer ones in summer etc. However, with the worldwide floral markets opening up and becoming more global, the availability of blooms is greater, although there are still some recommendations and restrictions.

Photography by John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

When you consider your flowers, reminder to consider the season. Here in Southwestern Ontario, the climate is seasonally influenced; meaning tulips in July, although available, do not show as well as they do in March or April. Not only do they look better, they smell better and are usually a less expensive price. When there are lots of blooms growing at once, it does drive the price down, making them more affordable.

Know too, that nature can change everything due to crop failures from frost, floods, drought and other natural occurences. Not all flower shops can access every flower. Different importers offer different choices; smaller centres sometimes cannot bring in enough of one type to justify the cost.

Be creative and flexible when you pick your flowers for your bouquet, wedding accents for your attendants, Maid of Honour and Best Man and your ceremony and venue. Flowers are romantic, smell great and add a celebratory feel to any wedding day!

 

 

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September 20th, 2011

Aisle Style 2012 Weddings

Brides today want their wedding day to be as unique as they are. And this outside the box thinking is setting new trends for savvy brides in 2012. Designers are artfully combining bright colours with staple neutrals: much like an artist would paint a beautiful work of art.

Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top shades for the upcoming season.

Wedding dresses have a lot of lace; a trend we forecasted six months ago. There are ruffles, beading and  coloured sashes that are sexy and white is not as popular as soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines.

Styles for gowns are sleek with brides not seeking out the traditional ball gown. Vintage is still strong and  there’s no chance of finding their dress duplicated. They make a statement and are stunning in their design.

The venue is still a hot location, with couples seeking old buildings that have been re-purposed such as old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces. Local farms and vineyards provide a rustic charm and the outdoor photo opportunities provide endless opportunities. Wedding environments will be more laid back; bookings with nature settings are popular locations. Beaches, parks, homes and other outdoor settings are also being utilized.

Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and the Royal Wedding provided the fascinator, an edgy, over the top headpiece. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare‐headed in 2012 with everything from glittering tiaras to extra large flowers in contrasting tones.

Shoes, once dyed satin white can now be bold red, purple or blue, peeking out from under that dream dress. Add a feather clip for a touch of fun.

Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centrepieces, catering carts, such as martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands are vying for the bride’s attention. Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests.

Social media is centre stage with computer stations being set‐up for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.

Venues should expect to receive requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Ceremonies will have a steady increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an Officiant.

Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50‐70’s and eco‐friendly are huge. Cakes are bold this year and 2 layered cakes are back with tiers of different heights. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavours and colours.

Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day; it’s a new culture in the industry‐ one that until recently has been entirely female.

The 2012 wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.

Wedding Guide Preferred Vendors are dream‐makers; the go‐to service providers with big shoulders and creative thinking. They can make a wedding come to life with all of the above ideas. This area is cosmopolitan irrespective of its size and anything and everything is possible for the next season bride!




					


September 8th, 2011 

 




						
		
		 

		




		
			
			Getting  Your  Wedding Guests Home Safely

		




It’s your day and you want to make certain that all your guests get home safely.


John Lyons Photography, Chatham, Ontario- will travel


If you booked the venue for your reception, you also share the legal status of the host. If one of your guests has an accident on the way home due to alcohol impairment, there will be problems for everyone involved.


That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can prevent impaired driving from becoming an issue. We have heard about weddings where the bride and groom, while making their speeches,  informed the invited guests to take a taxi home at their expense.  It seems generous, but they really cared about their good friends and family.


Friendship is also a two-way street. People don’t want to mar your wedding by arguing over the car keys. If you let them how much you care, most of them will do their part and mitigate any potential alcohol problems .


The trends are in your favour. Today, everybody knows what a designated driver is. A lot of couples take turns driving sober. Advance arrangements make for the best plans. And people arrive home safely.


Most of your guests will think ahead; they’ll plan to be picked up by a taxi or make other arrangements to keep themselves and others safe.


Still, every year traffic statistics are the same;  people cause more than their share of crashes.


Help your friends  so that they don’t become a statistic.  Before your toasts begin, have the toast master raise the subject of safe rides home. Express appreciation to those already designated to drive sober. A gentle reminder shows how much you care.


For something like the safety of your friends and family, it’s never too late to ask the question, “who’s driving?”



					


August 20th, 2011 

 




						
		
		 

		




		
			
			Prepare for a Marriage – Not Just a Wedding

		




Remember how important the commitment is that you will be making to each other.


Remember the feeling of when you first looked at your mate and knew you loved them- allow that feeling to grow and grow.


Keeping track of the countless details in planning your wedding can be a stressful experience. You will be surprised by the amount of time and energy needed to plan the wedding. Yet, a wedding only lasts one day;  the intention of a marriage is to last for a lifetime. With about 50% of current marriages ending in divorce, it is vital for you to give serious attention to building a healthy, long-term marriage.


There are many programs offered to enrich your relationship and they are aimed at helping you develop your strengths as a couple. These are usually small group sessions offered by religious institutions or independent agencies that focus on relationship growth.


Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel


Look for programs which emphasize building relationship skills such as communication and conflict resolution. These will remain with you long after the program is completed and provide a solid base for your relationship.


Relationship  programs offer a personal assessment of key areas of your relationship, allowing you to examine strengths and growth areas you have as a couple.


You may want to consider participating in a program after you are married. Most couples need to make a number of adjustments in their first year of marriage. An enrichment program provides a forum for discussing issues that otherwise may be left unexplored.


As a couple you must remember to care for yourself, first.  Look to have a relationship where you are accessible and ready to “be there” when your partner needs you. This is the commitment and joy that marriage  should bring and you should have a place, where you feel supported and can speak freely about your inner heart without the fear of rejection.


Giving compliments help keep your relationship grow. It’s easy to do, and it encourages your partner to do the same. You’re more likely to focus on the strengths of your marriage and the positive things that drew you to each other and brought you together.


Like a wedding, a relationship program requires an investment of time, energy, honesty and money; but they pay dividends for your marriage for years to come.


 



					


August 14th, 2011 

 




						
		
		 

		




		
			
			Wedding Planning  Contemporary Ceremony Trends

		




Today’s ceremonies are often personalized with wedding officiators speaking in friendly, less formal tones, directly to the bride and groom. There’s more interaction with families. Brides (and grooms) are often escorted down the aisle by both parents.


The wedding party may face the guests, or sit on specially placed benches rather than standing in a line with their backs to the guests. Most formal and semi-formal ceremonies are still held in religious institutions like churches and synagogues, but a surprising number (both religious and civil) are held in picturesque indoor or outdoor locations.


Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel


Be innovative about the receiving line, but don’t eliminate it entirely unless you have an alternative plan for the couple and parents to personally greet each guest. For instance, couples may whisk back up the aisle after the ceremony to greet them in an outer room. Or, receive guests outdoors in pleasant weather. Brides and grooms might decide to visit every guest at their reception. If there is no receiving line, parents should d the same.



					


July 23rd, 2011 

 




						
	
	
		
			


			
  
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