So you might as well go all out and order the cake of your dreams. You don’t need tiers and tiers of it either, unless you want to find layers of it in your freezer twenty years later. (True story, ask my sister.)
Be bold, be unique, (be nerdy) or just add some gorgeous colour. Present a cake to your guests that’s almost too gorgeous to cut into. Almost.
Need some inspo? If you’ve never been tempted by the single tier wedding cake before, check out some of these jaw-dropping stunners.
Okay, you got me. The rubiks cube isn’t single tier, but it was too awesome to omit. Besides, you could work some magic with mirrors to achieve the look with a single tier.
So many flowers to choose from, so many colour possibilities, how do you choose the right bouquet for you? Easy. Fall in love with some inspiration and have your florist create your dream bouquet. Most flowers are available all year round so don’t let that limit your imagination. Check out some of these gorgeous spring bouquets.
Roses are practically synonymous with love. From perfectly shaped tea roses, to lush, fragrant garden roses, and all the way down to the smaller spray varieties, roses offer perfection for primary stems in bridal bouquets. With all the colours, shapes and varieties, it’s no wonder the rose is the most sought after wedding flower of brides.
Although traditional, the wide-array of rose varieties available today make these classic blooms much more versatile than you may think. Check out some of these gorgeous blooms to inspire your flower bouquet. theme
It’s that time of year. Well, it doesn’t feel quite like it yet, but the cooler weather is coming. And with it, the stunning array of fall flowers. Bursts of burnt orange and fiery reds. Lush greens, browns and deep purples. Fall is a fabulous time for creating floral wedding bouquets. Here’s a few stunning showstoppers for your consideration.
It can be full of large, colourful flowers that take centre stage, or all one colour for seasonal inspiration. Small flowers on a crown can be used braided into your hairstyle for a more subtle statement.
Summer brides get all the flowers to choose from. Where do you even begin? Let some of these inspiring summer bouquets warm your heart on this cold March day. #FridayWeddingFeels
The bridal bouquet is an extension of you (the bride) on your wedding day. It’s an integral part of the ceremony and must match your style and elegance. The bouquet will be with you most of the day and will have a strong visual impact on your entire presence. Not just in person, but in the wedding photography as well. It’s important that the bouquet match the theme of the wedding along with your vision. Colour, budget and season are the three main considerations when selecting your ultimate bouquet partner. Looking for bridal bouquet inspiration? Check out these jaw-dropping Instagram beauties.
Break from tradition and include those people who are important to you above and beyond your wedding party. Have your guests help you build your bouquet as you walk down the aisle!
You can either place a basket of flowers at the entrance as guests arrive, limit it to the aisle seats (for time and practicality) or ask them to bring a single long stem flower in lieu of a gift. As you walk the aisle you’ll be building a beautiful bouquet from your friends and family. Give your MOH (or person escorting you) a ribbon ahead of time to tie them up at the end.
It could be the first charitable act you perform together as newlyweds… and donating your wedding flowers is totally doable. Your bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, ceremony displays and even the floral table arrangements can all be recycled instead of ending up in a dumpster behind your wedding venue.
Many local non-profit organizations (or those that serve the terminally ill, inform or elderly) will take your donations happily. There are even some specialty florists and/or event planners that will do all of this for you, but if yours doesn’t, consider Googling your local hospice, retirement homes, women’s shelters, and hospitals in advance to ask about arrangements for donations.
Here’s a service in New York showing how the wedding flower love is shared across their city:
If you want to donate your wedding day flowers but can’t find anyone to take them, consider sharing them with family, friends, neighbours… or even the mailman. Anything not gifted away can be taken to community veggie gardens and added to their composting programs.
DIY isn’t for everyone. But if you have champagne tastes on a Kool-Aid budget it might be time to take stock of what you can do yourself and what you can’t. Doing things yourself can save you a lot of money which can help divert more of your budget to the things that matter most to you. It also affords you limitless creativity and imagination.
Before you even begin, ask yourself the tough questions… do I have the skills to do a good job?Will I have the time, and will the effort actually be worth the savings? Will my wedding party help? And of course, do I really need this (insert item) at my wedding?
What types of things can you do yourself? That depends on your skillset. If you’re a master baker, then the cake is a no-brainer. If you’re a seamstress extraordinaire, perhaps you’ll have a go at your gown. If you have a green thumb accompanied with acres of blooming perennials, you’ll likely have all the fresh-cut flowers you need. If you are none of these things, not to worry, there are several DIY wedding projects that can be cost-effective, fun, and fairly easy to do. They can also be a bit time-consuming, but for the budget-conscious bride and groom, time is easier spent than money.
Invitations. You don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to start designing those. There are plenty of websites that offer free templates, wording examples, and offer downloadable instructions. You can also go a less traditional route and consider an invitation video that is emailed (or provided on a memory stick) to your invite list.
Flowers/Centerpieces. Mason jars, vases, and other interesting containers are sold in masses at your local dollar store. If fresh flowers are out of the budget, consider silk flowers. Michaels craft store often has seasonal sales that offer anywhere from 30-70% off their silk flower assortments. Bouquets and boutonnièrescan also be made yourself with a little creativity, floral wire and tape.
Wedding favours. You can make your own soaps, candles, lip balm, wine or anything else you want to share with friends and family as a momento of your special day.
DJ your own wedding. Think iPod… rigged to some serious speakers. Creating a wedding playlist gives you total control over the musical choices. The MC or a member of the wedding party can be assigned to sound in order to keep an eye on it.
Don’t let DIY wedding projects intimidate you. Do “one of’s” to get a feel for how it looks and if it speaks to your overall theme. Also, make sure you don’t leave your DIY projects to the last minute. If you’re ordering in supplies, get them months in advance incase something goes wrong with shipping. Most importantly, have a little fun. It will be a great deal of work, but in the end, when you look around on your wedding day and see all the beautiful things you created and how much money you saved, it’ll be worth it.
Floral crowns have a long and distinguished history. From important ceremonies to fun and carefree celebrations, people have worn these beautiful headpieces for all manner of occasions. If you’re looking to don a floral crown on your wedding day, you have quite a few options. From the real deal to the fabricated, the freshly picked or the dried. Whichever you decide to go with, here are a few traditional crown pieces to get you started.
Roses have been a symbol for love and beauty for a very long time. Ranging in colour from delicate whites, blushes of pink, and vivid reds (as well as some striped and tipped varieties), roses are some of the most traditionally romantic flowers around. Use them in your crown while they’re still partially closed or when they’re fully open, depending on your tastes. Also, if you’re unsure about colour, a soft pink is a great middle ground to accent just about any colour scheme.
The gardenia, a heavily scented flower nested in dark leaves, is a gorgeous floral accent in any bridal outfit. You can use the flower on its own or arranged alongside others, whichever works best for you. The resulting crown will be a dreamy and elegant thing. Its delicate ivory petals are easily bruised, however, so handle fresh blossoms with care!
A crown made from lily of the valley is a sure way to delicately enhance any bridal look you’re going for, although they tend to work best with a similarly delicate look. These clusters of bell shaped blooms, although expensive year round, make for some of the prettiest floral crowns around. Their scent, fresh and light, is also simply beautiful.
A great way to get through the winter blahs is to surround yourself with the beauty of spring. Planning your bridal bouquet is a very personal experience. Favourite flowers, colours and textures can be combined in just about any arrangement in order to give you a fresh and unique flower experience that will keep you grounded to the earth and as happy as every bride should be. We’ve got plenty of inspiration for you.
Succulents aren’t just for Grandma’s garden anymore. These thick, fleshy plants bring a stylish, earthy, natural and vintage vibe to your wedding. They come in endless sizes and colour choices, and quite honestly, they just scream fearless, don’t they? Since there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing how to incorporate succulents, let your imagination soar.
The thick “petals” of the succulent holds sufficient moisture to let it live out of water for several weeks, making it an ideal choice for bouquets. After the big day, the succulents can later be planted as a constant reminder to let love grow.
From centerpieces to card holders to favours, succulents are perfect for every season. There is no wedding job too big or too small for this mighty plant. Bring the taste of a traditional garden into your super succulent reception.
Looking for a dreamy wedding cake? Succulents add a rich texture, and depending on your design and theme, can provide elegance, romance, or whimsical charm.
While the traditional veil or tiara has its well-earned place in the pantheon of bridal hairpieces, there are some very lovely and unique alternatives that some brides-to-be might want to consider. A little less formal than a true headpiece, hair embellishments are great ways to enhance the beauty of your own hair without being overpowering. Here are a few to get you started.
Whether they’re artificial flower pins or true blooms, floral hair inserts always add a touch of the magical to any bridal hairstyle. Another plus is that there’s so much variety in terms of looks. You can use the elegant orchid for classic hairstyles or small daisies in a loose, pretty braid. The options are almost endless!
Thought chains were just for your neck? The good news is that’s absolutely not the case. Hair chains, whether used as a light circlet or as a kind of hair net, give simple hairstyles the air of the regal. This is for brides who don’t want hairpieces (and we’re looking at you, tiara) that scream “I’m a princess!”
Although we know that they’re pins, the whole look of pearls or jewels nested in gleaming hair is absolute magic. It’s as if those tiny treasures just idly found their way there, instead of being painstakingly and strategically placed. It’s that appearance of effortless grace and beauty that really transforms a hairstyle from the commonplace to the exceptional.
Flowers are typically a wedding staple and every bride usually has a favourite type—or at least a preference—but what are you to do if your favourite flowers aren’t in season for your wedding? Sure, you could pay a fortune to have them shipped in, or you could consider the plethora of options that are in season. For the month of February, the seasonal flowers are overwhelmingly purple. If that fits your theme or colour scheme, you’re in luck! If you’re a fan of the colour purple and you’re getting married in February, consider adding it to your flower arrangement.
Lilium Stargazer
[Photo courtesy of Sunilpatel]
The lilium stargazer is is a hybrid lily of the Oriental group. Known for its fragrant perfume. When mature, Stargazers can grow to a height of 36 inches with a spread of 12 to 16 inches with 4 to 5 flowers per stem. If you’re looking for a bold flower to seriously liven up your wedding, consider this option!
Hydrangeas
[Photo courtesy of HDWpapers]
Hydrangeas are beautiful, full flowers that can add a soft and feminine touch to your wedding. There are two flower arrangements in hydrangeas: Mophead flowers are large round flowerheads resembling pom-poms or, as the name implies, the head of a mop. In contrast, lacecap flowers bear round, flat flowerheads with a center core of subdued, fertile flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy, sterile flowers. Either way, the soft shape and colour of hydrangeas could be perfect for your wedding!
Larkspur
[Photo courtesy of Society Garlic]
Though larkspur can be toxic to humans if ingested, these tall proud flowers could act as beautiful centerpieces for you wedding. The main flowering stem stands tall, and varies greatly in size between 10 centimetres and 2 metres tall in the larger meadowland species. The variety of purples can add some great dimension to centerpieces!
There’s no doubt that in recent years we have seen a rise in rustic, country or outdoor themed weddings because they are cozy, simple, elegant and inexpensive. Creating your own accessories in the same vein will give you the same result: a bit different and rough around the edges but completely unique to you. Here are some tips on how to make your own accessories for your simple outdoor wedding.
Birdcage Veil
[Photo Courtesy of Carmen Weddings]
If a long traditional veil seems too cumbersome but you don’t want to completely nix the idea, you’ll love this style of veil. It’s sweet, stylish, sassy and easy to make. All you need is some Russian veiling, a hair comb and some decorative materials like ribbons, feathers and gems. First sew the veiling into a slight bunch at one end to make the convex shape of the cage before attaching it to the comb with needle and thread. Glue on lace, ribbon, pearls or whatever material you have to get the look you want – simple, natural beauty!
Floral Statement Necklace
[Photo Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes]
Statement necklaces and jeweled necklines are all the rage these days and so to give this trend a natural twist, try using real flowers. With twine and wire make the necklace and frame from which your flowers will be attached. Trim and arrange your flowers, and attach them to the frame with more wire. This is the best alternative if you’re having an outdoor wedding and you don’t want to deal with real jewelry. For more detailed instructions check this article out.
Barefoot Sandals
[Photo Courtesy of Sweet Violet Bride ]
This is for the wild child in some of you who likes to go around barefoot because, let’s face it, heels and the outdoors don’t mix very well. But with colorful beads, pearls, gems, shells and charms, and some stretchy cord or twine you can easily make yourself a pair of these barefoot sandals. Perfect for dancing the night away!
Dawn Lo is a contributing writer to the Bridal Guide.
Sure, flower bouquets are beautiful and a common part of wedding planning but sometimes you want something different, unconventional and a bit more permanent. Since flowers are not readily available in the winter months, here are some ideas for non-floral bouquets that range from DIY to luxurious – just remember to nix the bouquet toss!
Paper, Fabric and a Touch of Lace
[Photo Courtesy of Wedding Bells and Offbeat Bride]
If you don’t consider bouquets complete without flowers, I hear you. Here’s a twist on tradition then: flowers made from non-perishable materials like paper or fabrics, felt, gauze and silk. Origami flowers are fun, refreshing, colorful and easy to make. Origami paper is sold in every craft store but you can also make flowers out of paper that mean something to you, like the music score of your favorite song, printed photographs of your friends and family or maps – just check out the picture above! Fabric flowers are just as gorgeous as the real thing and adding strips of lace and some pearls will give it an extra whimsical touch.
Brooch Bouquets
[Photo Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes]
Make your bouquet an extension of your wedding jewelry with a glittering brooch bouquet. Made from a collection of brooches, these bouquets are eye-catching and unique. Since brooches come in so many different styles, your bouquet can be glamorous, luxurious or boho and vintage – you are guaranteed to find something that fits your tastes. Many online vendors offer template versions for a range of prices from $100 – $800 but you can also visit your local flea market for some deals and make your own customized brooch bouquet!
Personalized Bouquets
[Photo Courtesy of Rooted In Love]
For the non-traditionalist, bouquets can be a bundle of anything under the sun. Your bouquet can be made from buttons, lollipops, peacock feathers, seashells and even fruits and vegetables – the possibilities are endless. Get fun, creative and quirky with it, and most of all carry something that represents you and makes you feel unique and wonderful on your special day.
Dawn Lo is a contributing writer to the Bridal Guide.
Although we are told time and time again that our wedding day will be the happiest day of our lives, there are some brides and grooms who will always feel like something was missing from this special day. Celebrating love and marriage can bring on feelings of sadness when a bride or groom has lost a loved one before they say “I do.” It is difficult to carry on the planning with gusto and enthusiasm when there’s a nagging feeling of loss associated with the big day. Many couples find some solace in finding a special way to honour lost loved ones at their wedding ceremony or reception.
Choosing a special flower to be arranged in the bride or bridesmaids’ bouquets is a sweet and subtle way to honour the life of an important and loved female such as a grandmother, aunt, cousin or sister. A particular species of flower, a flower or ribbon in a significant colour are simple gestures that allows for the spirit and memory of the individual to still be very present on the wedding day.
[Photograph courtesy of blog.karentran.com.]
The loss of one or both parents before a person marries is incredibly tragic for any bride or groom. Parents are such an integral part of the lives of their children that it’s difficult to imagine a way to fully honour or appreciate them at their children’s weddings. And there may not be. However, including them in some way, no matter how small, should be considered by couples. Dancing to your own parents’ wedding song or displaying a few small photos of them here and there will keep them in the hearts and minds of the guests. Finding a beautiful poem which honours parents and asking someone special to read it is another idea or the poem can be copied on placed on each dinner table.
Interviewed shortly after her wedding, actress Shannen Doherty discussed the heart-wrenching loss of her father before she was married. She explained that the two were very close and it was painful to know he wouldn’t be with her on her wedding day. Her wedding was held outdoors on a summer day and there were dragonflies everywhere. She thought it was unusual until she learned that some Native Americans tribes believe that dragonflies are the spirits of lost loved ones. It gave her the sense that her father was there the whole time and can do the same for all brides and grooms by including dragonflies in the favors or on place cards.
There are so many choices now on where and how to have their weddings, and the choices of decorations are endless. Most weddings, though, still incorporate flowers in some way or another whether as venue decorations, centerpieces or in a bouquet, but did you know that each flower has its own meaning? The language of wedding flowers dates back centuries and means something special in many cultures. And while roses are red and violets are still blue, here are some flowers with the perfect meanings for your wedding.
[Photo Courtesy of Enchanted Florist] Love
“Love is a flower that you’ve got to let grow,” sang John Lennon, and is there a better way to decorate your wedding than with flowers that symbolize love? The classic choice is the red rose but if you need a change from the traditional flower then the red tulip is a fun refreshing alternative. Another interesting twist would be combining red and white roses because together they symbolize unity.
[Photo Courtesy of The Sweetest Occasion] Loyalty
This is another perfect theme for your wedding floral. Violets are a beautiful and different sort of flower for a wedding but they symbolize loyalty and devotion. Another interesting choice is the dandelion. It’s a common wildflower that many wouldn’t think to put into their wedding decorations but it is a unique choice and, to top it off, symbolizes faithfulness and happiness.
[Image Courtesy of Botanical.com] Notable Mentions
While cumin, a spice, would be hard to incorporate into your wedding bouquet, it’s interesting to note that it symbolizes fidelity. Myrtle, a leafy plant with small white feathery flowers, represents true love and is actually the Hebrew symbol of marriage. Holly is the symbol of domestic happiness and though has festive red berries, its leaves are sharp and toxic if ingested. Another unfortunate flower that would be wedding perfect is the lily of the valley, a symbol of sweetness and completion. With small white flowers like delicate bells, they would be the perfect addition to any bouquet if they weren’t poisonous. Even beautiful flowers have thorns so make sure you do your research before you choose the flowers for your special day.
Dawn Lo is a contributing writer to the Bridal Guide.
Every bride wants their wedding to be standout, but often times we are stumped with how to do that. Going the extra mile on your wedding day can often mean lots more money spent, and we’re sure you would rather avoid another big bill. Our solution? We scowered the Internet to find you some unique and memorable wedding touches to add to your big day.
1.Tissues for Happy Tears. If you anticipate a super romantic ceremony or a very emotional audience, consider adding some tissues to your program. This idea screams “Pinterest”, but it is adorable and considerate—it’s everything your wedding ceremony should be! Even if the guests don’t use the tissue to wipe away happy tears, they will notice the added touch and they can always save the tissue for later.
[Photo courtesy of Blushing Bride Wedding]
2. Plant something! If you’re having an outdoor wedding and/or you’re passionate about the environment, we suggest offering seeds to plant. Choose from your favourite flowers, vegetables, trees, etc. You can have guests take the packages home, or plant them on site (if you own the property). You can add something you designed to the packaging for your wedding like the name of the couple and date of the wedding. If you’re up for it, you can even add something punny like, “Watch our love grow.”
[Photo courtesy of Ruffled Blog]
3. Five Things You Didn’t Know about the Bride and Groom. This is our take on the pictured “5 Things Her Side Should Know About Him”. Instead, we suggest you make this one about the couple, instead of the individuals. Using these place cards at the guests dinner tables adds a touch of fun—and if you’re creative enough—lots of laughter to the reception. Think of some quirky, personal, or slightly embarrassing things to include.
[Photo courtesy of Etsy]
4. Personalized Hershey’s Kisses. Because who doesn’t love chocolate? Scattering these cute personalized Hershey’s Kisses on tables, or attaching them to menus, seating cards, wine glasses, etc. can make your wedding a little sweeter. All you need to do is customize some circular stickers that will fit on the bottom of the chocolates, and voilà, they are personalized for your wedding. Make sure you use a few different messages or quotes on the bottoms so that guests can compare them and use them as a conversation piece.
Flowers have been linked with romance and fertility since time immemorial. They lend grace and a natural elegance to any setting, buy they are especially key to weddings, accounting for up to 20% of the total budget. (more…)
Flowers are used to accent most weddings. From bouquets to boutonnieres, flowers are a captivating and traditional piece to any ceremony and reception.. Why stick with tradition and have flowers in a wedding and why are they the perfect décor? Here are a few reasons why flowers are a perfect décor piece for any wedding. (more…)
