Basic tips for bridal boutques

The most basic, traditional types are listed.

Round and tight, a nosegay Spray or loose, hand tiedArm spray, made to fit into the curve of her armCascade, the traditional teardrop shape From there, you can go to the simple—one stem with leaves and agreat ribbon—or to the more complex—a Biedermeier arrangement, which is concentric circles of different colored flowers.

This detail is for the florist or floral designer to get into, but you at least need to know the basics so you can get the process started. Now we’ll discuss factors that help determine what flowers are appropriate.

Formality

Flowers should be in keeping with the nature, character, and formalityof the wedding. At a very formal wedding, the bride in a longgown carries a cascade of flowers or a prayer book, withor without flowers attached.

The bouquet, usually white, may be a single variety of flowers, or a combination. Orchids are definitely a formal flower and look best with a formal gown; an orchid arrangement would be appropriate for decorating a prayer book or satin purse. Calla lilies, probably the most formal flower, often are stunningwith a satin or velvet gown with severe, simple lines. They’re often arranged against a background of dark, shiny leaves for contrast. Cascades are fine for the less formal wedding. The bouquet may be made up of almost any variety. Stephanotis is appropriate and available in any season; it can be a prominent flower or a filler. A mixed cascade of, for example, seasonal flowers such as lily of the valley, stock, and roses may be best for the informal wedding.

Size

The size of the flowers should be appropriate for the size of the bride. A loose spray of feathered chrysanthemums, for example, might be appropriate and stunning with a tall bride wearing a long, flowinggown, but would overpower a petite bride in a street-length dress.Calla lilies, large orchids, gladiolas, and long-stemmed roses are appropriate for the tall bride. Smaller blossoms, like lilies of the valley, violets, or sweetheart roses in a smaller bouquet or cascade would be better for the smaller bride. Weight is also a consideration. Make certain the bouquets aren’t too heavy for the bride or bridesmaids to carry.

The Dress

The style of the arrangement should complement the style of thedress. For the more old-fashioned look—such as a high-necked andlong-sleeved gown—an old-fashioned bouquet of roses or other delicateflowers would be appropriate. With a more modern look, ratherthan a flowing, romantic gown, an arrangement of white anthurium(a tropical flower) would be striking.

The texture of the dress also should be considered. Some flowers, such as camellias and gardenias, with their shiny, dark leaves, work well with a brocade or satin material. Sweet-peas or daisies would work better with cotton. For tulle ororganza, carnations or chrysanthemums might be best. You’ll find a list of many flowers and fabrics that work well together. The flowers listed in the table are those usually chosen for wedding bouquets. Use this information as a guideline when choose the type of flowers you want for your bouquet.

Color

Today, the standard white is no longer standard. This break from tradition is done if the bride wears a pastel dress, in which case it’s often wise to have the flowers complement the gown. A stark contrast, suchas red roses in a winter wedding, can be both dramatic and beautiful.Not all weddings are alike and, consequently, not all flower requirements are alike.

For an informal morning wedding, the bride could wear a corsage, but may carry a small bouquet or prayer book.The bride has the say concerning the bridesmaid’s flowers; so choose some unifying element. You could carry red roses and your bridesmaids could carry white roses. The bride could do an arm spray of calla lilies and the bridesmaids could each carry one calla lily, with the same greenery. They also could carry baskets of flowersthat would be used later at the reception.You need to keep in mind two things—the budget and how it will look in pictures.

Mother's Flowers

Talk with the mothers and get their suggestions. Some individuals don’t like to wear corsages and prefer to carry something small. Try to keep some unifying concept. The bride’s white rose can look great with gardenias in a corsage. Make sure you’ve also checked about including grandmothers, special aunts, people who are doing a reading for the ceremony, or another honored guest.

Children's Flowers

The key thoughts here are to keep it charming and in proportion tothe children’s size. Instead of the usual basket of flowers, how about awreath or a pomander ball hung at the waist by a ribbon? If the site regulations don’t allow dropping petals, give them something to hold. If the children are old enough, let them hand each guest aflower as they go down the aisle. They may give one to everyone, orat random, depending on the number of children and guests. As for the boys in the bridal party, a smaller version of the ushers’ flower is appropriate.

The Men

Regardless of the season or formality and size of the wedding, a boutonniere of some form is always appropriate for all key men in the family.A boutonniere is the flower accessory for the male members of a wedding party. There’s no fixed rule on what the boutonniere should be. At a wedding using mainly red roses for the women’s flowers, all the men could wear a single red rose.

The groom’s boutonniere should be different from those of the other men. For example, he may wear a flower from the bride’s bouquet, while the other men wear lily of the valley, a rosebud, or a carnation.

The groom may choose any of these or something like the traditional stephanotis, as long as it’s not the same as his attendants.

Tips for buying a wedding dress - body shape

Pear shaped brides want to buy a wedding dress that puts emphasis on their small waistline. They could also ideally get away with wearing a strapless or off the shoulder dress with a full skirt. The Cinderella gown is perfect for this body shape.

The Apple shaped brides should wear dresses that balance out their shape by avoiding defined waistlines. An empire styled bridal gown would be perfect for the apple shaped bride. A dropped waistline followed by a full skirt is also somewhat ideal for this body shape

As with all fashions for the plus-sized woman, wedding dresses should accentuate what you like most about yourself and subtly play down the things you don’t like.

When you begin your quest for the perfect dress, keep in mind the following guidelines that will help you get something perfect even before you try it on:

1. A-Lines: A-line dresses are close-fitting at the shoulders and gently flare away from the bodice to create a long, flowing line. There aren’t any cinches or waistbands to accentuate not-so-flattering curves around the belly, which is perfect for the plus-size bride.

2. Sensual Curves: Got a bust that you’re confident with? Empire waist dresses, the kind that fall in a straight line from just below the bust , will play up the curves you’re most proud of and make the rest seem unimportant.

3. Slinky Sleeves: Long sleeves that come to a point over the hand (gothic style) or end just below the elbow add a sleek line to your dress that you’ll love. Stay far, far away from puffy or unfitted sleeves, as they’ll add bulk to the overall look. A recently returning trend is to wear “gauntlets” – sleeves that aren’t attached to the dress. This is a fashion popular in renaissance gowns, which can show off a peek of skin here and there, which is beyond sexy.

4. Open Up: Gowns with open necklines such as scoop necks and keyholes are flattering to the full figure. Once again, if you have a full bust that you’re confident about, you can play up your assets by choosing a support bra that lets you flirtatiously display your décolletage.

5. Delicate Details: Our faces are what show the world we know we’re beautiful. Place more attention on your face and hair by framing yourself with a stunning necklace, a glistening bridal tiara, or flowers delicately arranged throughout your hair.

Tips & ideas for ice sculpture molds

Everyone knows how beautiful ice sculpture are.

They can enchance the smallest reception and add elgance to buffet tables, food stations, the cake table and so much more.

With today's DIY reusable molds, the possibilities are endless!For beach themes, use an angel fish mold, dolphins, star fish, mermaids, sea horses,and clam shell punch bowls.

There is so much freedom in creating molds for your special day.Instead of water, use blue koolaid or juice for the angel fish or dolphins.

Sea horses can be molded with apple cider, mermaids with green punch (or whatever your fancy). Try using a clam mold with a flavored drink compatiable with the beverage to be served from the clam punch bowl.Use pomagranet juice for red hearts or swans.

An additional idea is to use beach themed ice trays to freeze beverages (the same you will be serving) and drop a few into your punch bowl!

These versitile molds can also be made for geleatin centerpieces.

Have fun and let your imagination take over!

Michelle

www.bravobride.com/boutiques/curvy-brides

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