How to Choose your Wedding Theme and Colors

Choosing the theme and colors of your wedding is important.  In fact, I think it is one of the first things most brides do.  Be honest, how many of you have had a wedding board on Pinterest with color combinations, dresses, cakes, etc?  Most girls kind of know the direction they will go with their wedding.  Most of us know what colors we like and don't like -we know we hate carnations but love raunculus etc.  When starting putting ideas together for color and theme, I suggest you take a moment to write down a few things about yourself and your groom. 
If I may, I would like to tell you a little story. 
Back in the 90's sunflowers were THE flower to use for weddings.  For a good year or more I went to weddings with sunflowers.  I made bouquets with sunflowers.  I even remember a couple of friends who were to be married just weeks apart fighting, each accusing the other of copying 'their sunflower idea'.  The only reason I remember these girls actually had sunflowers in their weddings was because they were such brats!  Had they not fought about sunflowers, their weddings would have blended into all the other sunflower weddings I designed or attended. They are all a blurr!

On the flip side, during the same time frame my friend Katie had a beautiful Mexican theme wedding.  She hung dozens of pinatas and bright red crepe paper flowers.  She had a mariachi band and salty margaritas, the whole 9 yards.  Katie had spent time in Mexico and had fallen in love with the culture, the food and the bright beautiful colors of that country.  Her wedding was unique,  it was meaningful and I remember it!  Katie's wedding was Katie, not another sunflower wedding.

It is easy to find all sorts of themes and color combinations on wedding sites and in magazines.  While these resources are helpful,  think about the thousands of other brides perusing these magazines and websites seeing the exact same thing you are seeing. 
I believe your wedding should say something about you. It should show your interests and personality, your likes and passions. Your wedding should be yours, not one you saw in a magazine.
 
By sitting down with your groom and answering a few questions you can put a personal stamp on your wedding.  Here are a few questions you may want to consider. 
1.  Where is your favorite place? Ireland, Versailles, Italy,  Newport Beach California, New York City?  Places can inspire with colors, traditions, food, music, etc.
2.  What is your favorite restaurant?  Do you love the food there or the ambiance.  Can they be    duplicated for your wedding?
3.  What artist inspires you?  Do you love the soft blurry colors of Monet or do the colors of Matisse match your personality more? 
4.  What is your favorite movie, (please think classics!) ?  To Catch a Thief,  Gone With the Wind, Funny Face...
5.  What is your style of dress?   (Do you like a lot of bling, do you use natural and organic fabrics, are you high fashion?) 
6.  Do you have a favorite time period?  Edwardian,  Victorian, Roaring 20's...
7.  What is your favorite book?  The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyer...
8.  What is your nationality or ethnic background?
9.  What are your hobbies? 
By answering these questions you may be able to find a theme, colors and style that put your personal stamp on your special day. 
Don't be a sunflower wedding!!!!

BeBetsy.com

Hey All,
I have neglected my poor blog lately.  Sorry about that - but I do have a GREAT reason!  I have begun writing for the fabulous website www.bebetsy.com  I have been contributing articles in 'Home Etc', 'Health' and 'Have Your Ever'.  This site is eclectic and fun with articles on technology, finances, health, fashion and much much more - including yummy recipes!  I personally love the 'Hot Finds'!
The button to the left will take you to BeBetsy where you can enter a contest to win a $50 VISA gift card.  While you are there could you help me out?  Sign up for BeBetsy and then select my name - with your help I can win the contributing writers contest.  The more people who select my name the better my odds of winning! 
Check back here at Bleu Bird often.  I promise to update more. 
Also, if you have any questions or issues, (regarding gardening, flowers, weddings and event planning), you would like me to address please feel free to leave a comment.

Wedding Trends

Wedding season is fast approaching.  I have begun meeting with my Spring and Summer brides to put the final touches on their weddings.  I love my job!  I enjoy, (well actually I am addicted to), finding wedding pins on Pinterest.  I love going to Barnes and Noble flipping through wedding mags while sipping a decaf mocha.  I love hearing different ideas and seeing the personalities of my brides come through in their wedding design.  For brides today there is almost too much information on line and in print - even on television.  Information is so accessible it makes easy for a bride to get caught up in all the trends. 

  

 Trend:  A general direction followed; prevailing tendency; drift. 

On my isp home page there is a section called "Trending Now".  Trend.   I am not a big fan of trends when it concerns something as special as a wedding.  Even the definition is a little sketchy for me.  I don't want to be a drifter or follower.  I am all for being fashionable, but 'trendy'...NO.  Recently I read a quote by Grace Ormonde which reflects my thoughts on trends with particular regard to weddings.  She said, "While I understand that trends are always changing, I don't believe that weddings should be 'trendy.'  I believe that everything - the photos, wedding gown, decor, and so forth - should be timeless."  Bravo Ms. Ormonde.  Consider the amount of time and money you put into the planning and execution of your wedding day.  It would make sense that you would want to always love your wedding.  One piece of advice I give my brides is this -  ask yourself the following:   1) Will I still LOVE my wedding in 5 or even 10 years?  2) When looking at my wedding photos what will my children say?  3) Will people be able to date my wedding almost to the year? 

 Trending now: peacock/feathers, burlap, lace, mason jars, billy balls, anemones, the 20's, food trucks, photo booths,  the messy up-do,  colored shoes for the bride, brooch bouquets, cupcakes...

If I am honest with you I must tell you that several of my brides will be using one of more of the above trends in their wedding.  I'm mostly ok with it... in moderation.  If you absolutely LOVE a trend incorporate it in your event sparingly and tastefully.  And again, ask yourself, "Will I love this in the future?"

Looking for classic inspiration?  Think Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton

No, you don't have their funds.  But the simplicity of their style...timeless

Seasonal Wedding Flowers

Last post I wrote about the white Anemone and its popularity.  I also mentioned its natural growing season.  I thought I would take a moment to talk about why it is a good idea to use 'in season' flowers for your wedding.
I've said it before and I will say it again - Mother Nature knows her stuff!  Each season has its own set of colors.  We associate those seasons and colors for a reason.  Seasonal colors are based on what nature is providing during those months.  Think about it.    In February some brave bulbs begin to poke their heads up out of the earth and snow giving us our first taste of color for the year.  As the snow melts in March we begin to get our green back.  April and May brings a riot of bright and beautiful colors - blushing pinks, happy blues, lilac purples.  As Spring turns into Summer our roses begin to bloom along with other heat loving flowers, sunny yellows,  hot pinks, juicy oranges.  Summer turns into Fall and the colors become more muted and richer,  grape purples, cinnamon reds, chocolate browns  Winter here brings silvery blue, cool grey, icy lavender and sparkling white. 
By looking at the colors, plants and flowers mother nature has to offer you can create a beautiful and affordable event.  Straying from what is naturally in season, however, can cause a headache and cost a lot of money.
These days it is possible to find most any flower at most any time of year.  The question is, should you use it?  Back to the white anemone.  It really is a beautiful flower.  But its natural growing season is January through May.  This means if you want to use this flower any other time of year it must be imported.  The problems with importing flower some flowers are as follows.  (I will use shipping to the United States as my example).  Pricing, agricultural concerns, and quality. 
First the price.  You are paying to have a flower,  in this case the white anemone whose price has risen due to demand, shipped from another country- which  adds to the price you will pay for this flower.  Second, flowers by nature are generally fragile.  Consider this - after the flower is cut must be packed, sent across countries, unpacked and inspected, repacked and shipped to the United States.  Upon arrival in the U.S.  the flowers will have to endure agricultural screenings to ensure it is not infested with pests, parasites or harmful bacteria.  It can then go to the wholesaler to be sold.  Quite the process huh?!  Don't get me wrong.  This is a process that is done every single day, and the vast majority of flowers do just fine.  But anemones and other fragile flowers do not fare as well.  Long story short, importing flowers can be costly and your flowers may not survive their journey well - if at all.

Anemones growing season January -May
photo from bouquetbridal.blogspot.com

So what is a bride to do?  That is obviously up to the individual.  If you really love one particular flower that must be imported I say go for it - as long as you are aware of the pricing and risk of availability. 

Growing season for the peony is mid Spring to early Summer.
photo from Marthastewart.com

To check out some of my brides and follow their journey to the perfect flowers for their wedding, follow me on pinterest and look at boards, Jenny, Emily and Sarah.

White Anemones - The "IT" Flower for Bridal Bouquets

The other day I was venting on Facebook about the whole moustache trend that has swept the United States.  I really don't get it!  I am not a big fan of jumping on the latest bandwagon - and while I watch trends, I am not necessarily a trend follower.   

HOWEVER...

The latest trend in bridal bouquets is one I can support! 

  White Anemones with black centers. I love this flower, in any color, but  these are the new 'IT' factor for weddings for foreseeable future!  Just look at them!  Delicate and ruffly with a beautiful contrast from the black center.  But here is the thing - flowers that are trendy have a nasty habit of becoming expensive.  It has something to do with the whole supply and demand thing. 

boards.weddingbee.com

The natural growing season for Anemones in the U.S. is January through May.  Using these or any other flower when out of season can significantly increase the price of your wedding flowers.  So if you LOVE these pretty little posies as much as the next bride or if you are getting married when these flowers are out of season, here are some other options you may want to consider. 



White Gerbera Daisy




White Peony-Photo pinkfrosting.com.au



White Ranuculus

White Lisianthus

While these are good replacements, I really LOVE the real thing.  And if you really really love them, they may just be worth the extra it will cost. 

 

Trends come and trends go.  But this wedding trend is one I don't think you will look back on and wonder, "What was I thinking?!"

Love this cake-Photo cakecentral.com

Cute for shower or reception goodies-Photo savoureauxcupcakery.com

Flower Girls and Ring 'Bears'...grrrr!

Our darling flower girls.

Years ago my daughters were asked to be flower girls for their cousins wedding.  My youngest daughter was only 3 years old.  The day of the wedding the kids participated in the rehersal, pretending to toss their flower petals as they walked down the asile.  They practiced to perfection!  When it came time for the actual ceremony my husband and I entrusted out girls with the wedding coordinator and went to take our seats.  The music began and one by one the bridal party walked down the asile.  Our oldest daughter performed her flower girl duties perfectly .  We waited for our 3 year old, hoping she would do the same.  We waited and waited...after a minute or two I began to panic!  I snuck out of  ceremony to see what the hold up was.  Stage fright?   Tantrum? What was going on?!  The problem was our daughter was missing!  The cooridnator had no idea where she was!  Meanwhile, the bride, the groom and all of the guests sat waiting while I searched the mansion for our little 3 year old flower girl.  I found her up stairs in the brides room twiriling in front of the mirror.  After a delay of about 8-9 minutes the ceremony continued on.  Fortunately the bride was easy going and had no problem with the 'pause' in the ceremony.

Children can be a great addition to your wedding party.  It is a lot of fun to dress up a little girl or guy in fancy clothes and have them participate in your big day.  But remember - they are kids!  Kids can be moody, silly and very unpredictable!  If you plan on having children in your wedding party you must be willing to roll with what ever happens.  I have seen kids refuse to walk the asile.  I have seen children cry  as they are walking down the asile.   I have seen children steal the show during the ceremony.  During the ceremony I mentiond above, the same daughter, bored to death, decided to lay down on the floor while my older daughter - mortified - tried to get her to stand up.  Long story short - if you are a 'type A' personality having children participate in your ceremony may not be a great idea!



Notice the youngest no longer has her bag of flower petals!



So what are your options?  First, you can, as I said above, let children participate in the entire day and just know that things may not go perfectly.  You can opt to have them in the photographs and reception only, with mom and dad close at hand should there be any meltdowns).  It is also ok to not use cousins, nephews and neices etc.  Most parents will understand.  My daughters have been flower girls on several occasions and it is no small task keeping them looking pristine and happy- not to mention hair, dresses, shoes etc!  While it is an honor and a lot of fun - we would be just as happy watching from the side lines!

You may be wondering about the title of this post.  I'm sure you've all heard the story of the little boy who was asked to be the ring bearer for a wedding.  While walkling down the asile with the rings on the beautiful silk pillow he growl loudly all the way to the bride and groom.  The boy was very proud of the job he did as ring BEAR! 



Beautiful bride and Sarah.



Size Matters...The Size of Your Bridal Bouquet That Is!

Years ago, when I was the florist for a very popular upscale wedding reception center, I was lucky enough to do the flowers for a high school friends wedding.  My friend and I hadn't seen each other much after high school, so I was out of touch with what was going on in his life.  In fact the only way I knew I was doing his wedding flowers was due to the fact that he was listed as the groom on the floral order I received. 
Unfortunately, between the brides schedule and various other circumstances, (which shall go unnamed!)  I was unable to meet directly with the bride to discuss her wedding.  All I had was an order form filled out and priced by someone other than myself.  I had no idea what the theme of the wedding was, what the look was supposed to be.  I had never even met the bride!  I can remember to this day the bouquet she requested was all white, with snap dragons, white freesia and white roses.  She wanted it hand tied, presentation style, (think Miss America), with the stems wrapped in white and thin gold ribbon over the white.  I remember looking at the amount charged for the bridal bouquet thinking, "Wow!  She must want a big bouquet!". 

The day of the wedding I began to working on the flowers.  I was sure to add extra special touches so that my friend and his bride would be thrilled with their flower - and also, really, to show off a bit.  After hours of working I was very happy with the flowers.  The bouquet was large and beautiful...fit for a queen!  I couldn't wait to see the brides reaction!  While waiting for the bride to emerge from her dressing room, I pinned on corsages and bouts and distributed bouquets to all the brides maids.  I was pleased with the responses I received on my work.  Finally the bride was ready for her bouquet!  Feeling very confident in my work, I walked up the stairs to deliver her beautiful bundle of  flowers.  When I saw gorgeous Cicely I wanted to die.  Cicely is all of 5'2"  and maybe 100 pounds soaking wet.  Her dress was form fitting.  She looked stunning!  And I was handing her a bouquet the size of a small flowering shrub!  Even worse...she is moments from walking down the aisle.  There was no time to fix it!  That was one of those times in my life where I was literally sick to my stomach!  I was ready to vomit!  However, not only is Cicely beautiful, but she is also very kind!  She insisted that the bouquet was perfect and graciously lugged it down the aisle to her waiting groom.  It wasn't until after the ceremony and pictures that I was able to take the bouquet and make it the appropriate size.  Every time I see the wedding photos I am soooo embarrassed! 

SO!  What is to be learned from this experience?!  Several things - First, ALWAYS speak directly to your floral designer so you can be sure you are on the same page.  Do NOT trust your mother in law, sister or wedding planner to correctly convey your vision of your wedding .  Second, If at all possible show your designer pictures of the colors, flowers and style of bridal bouquet you want.  Last but not least remember SIZE MATTERS! 

The size of your bridal bouquet should be in proportion to your figure, your height and your gown.  You must also consider the style of your gown when choosing your bouquet.   No bride should look as if she is hiding behind her bouquet.  Nor should it be so small it looks like an after thought.
As a rule of thumb, I don't like to see bouquets that are wider than the brides hips/waist. 
Here are some examples I hope will demonstrate my thoughts.

This bouquet is beautiful, but I think it is too much for this gown and bride.  Her frame and the silhouette do not support such a large bouquet.  This bouquet would work much better for a plus size bride or a ball gown .  The style of this bouquet is called cascade.  Cascade bouquets and formal gowns are stunning together. 

 

Either of the above dresses are much better suited for a large cascade bouquet.  Because the skirts have such volume a large bouquet would not detract from the bride. 

This cascade is better for a more form fitting dress - but still maybe a bit wide for a thin or average size bride. 

These bouquets are better suited for a form fitting gown and any size bride petite to plus.  In fact, hand tied bouquets are very versatile.  The type of flowers used can make it formal or casual.  They can be made larger for larger gowns or smaller for smaller gowns and./or brides.

I love the look of this presentation/arm bouquet.  This is a great way to have a long bouquet without the bulk and size of a regular cascade. 

For more informal gowns and/or thin petite brides, small and simple is better. 

Ball gowns do not necessitate a large cascade bouquet.  This hand tied bouquet is the perfect size and style for this ball gown.  However, I wouldn't go much smaller.

Just remember, on your wedding day the focus should be on you, the bride as a whole.  Not the dress alone and not the flowers alone, but the complete look.  Oh and please - when walking down the aisle, keep the bouquet near your belly button!  Any higher and you hide your beautiful gown.  The photo above is a perfect example of where to hold your bouquet. 

Natures Bounty Lesson 2: The Mango

My family and I LOVE mangoes!  It is by far one of our favorite fruits. 

We love to make mango sorbet and mango salsa. 

 I think our favorite way to eat a mango is just by the slice. 

I have always loved the beautiful vibrant orange color of the mango flesh.  It is such a bright happy color!  But have you ever looked at the skin of a mango?  There are so many colors!  Deep burgundy, bright orange, yellow and chartreuse. 

There are a couple of different ways to go with a mango inspired color palette. 

The first option would be to stick to the oranges and yellows.  These colors would be bright and happy, but almost monochromatic, as these colors are right next to each other on the color wheel.  There are a plethora of flowers in oranges and yellows - from roses and gerbera daisies to more exotic orchids and calla lilies.  Here are a few examples of an orange and yellow color palette.

This beautiful bouquet has Leonidas roses, gerbera daisies, alstromeria lilies and orange roses.  I love the color of the gerbera daisies.  They remind me of mango sorbet!

I LOVE the attention to detail on this bouquet.  Check out the polka dot wrap and the orange ribbon!  Very cute!

Here is a more elegant look with the oranges and yellows.  Beautiful and simple calla lilies!

Now lets look at options with colors from the entire mango.

I can't get enough of this bouquet!  Again this designer went the extra mile with the detail on the wrap. 

Tulips, anemones, gerbs and roses.  This bouquet is so bright and fun!

These pomanders are a bit more red - but I think they are so fun!  These are made from Gerbera Daisies

I love this bouquet from The Knot.  The colors are gorgeous and the design is stunning!

Last but not least, take a look at how these mangoes are served.  Beautiful and YUMMY!

These are so great you almost wouldn't need buffet flowers!

Natures Bounty Lesson 1: FIGS

 The past month I have been part of a coop called Bountiful Baskets.  Each week people make a 'contribution' of money which is pooled together to purchase fruit and veggies at a discounted price.  It is so much fun to see what we get in our basket each week.  A couple of weeks ago we received Mission Figs.  They were beautiful!  The colors on the outside of the fruit were so elegant for such a humble little fruit - then I cut them in half and WOW!  BEAUTIFUL!  One little fig contains an amazing palette of colors.  Just look at these!

Mother Nature really does have things figured out doesn't she.  Now picture these colors for your wedding flowers or even for your living room or dining room etc.  These colors are warm, rich, comfortable, but above all absolutely gorgeous!  Look at the contrast of the green and purple on the outside of the fruit.  Look at the beautiful juicy color on the inside with the pithy color that surrounds it. 

 Here are a few flowers for a fig inspired wedding.   

<><><><><> Leonidas Rose

Dahlia

Kermit Mum

                           Fern Curl

PS:  Can you tell I am ready for Autumn!?

PURPLE! The most popular color for weddings!

Rumor has it purple is the most popular color for weddings this year.  I'll be honest with you - I don't love purple on its own.  But when paired with the right color purple can create many different moods.  One great thing about purple -  it is very versatile and comes in a wide range of intensity.  Purple can vary from a dark  rich, almost black hue to light, frosty and cool.  It can be rich and juicy or antique and dusty.  Take a look at the color wheel.  To make a bold or bright statement use the colors opposite purple, which are yellow green and orange.  For a monochromatic look move to the right or left of purple into rich magenta and violet blues.

The purple that I love is a scent.  It is the rich smell of Concord Grapes hanging sweet and ripe on the vine.  This purple is a memory of  rich Autumn fragrances, harvest, crisp air and rusty leaves floating from trees.  Personally this is the direction I would go with purple.  Picture this, rich plum with chocolate brown, bronze, orange, cream and green ...my mouth is watering!  What a rich and diverse palette for your wedding.

 
For a Winter wedding cool icy lavender and white would be lovely and brisk.

Green and purple or lavender with white make a clean and fresh combination for Spring. 

Bright pinks, yellows, oranges and whites combined with purple, violet and lavender make fun playful Summer bouquets.

I love the monochromatic look with just about any color.  All one color and/or flower make an elegant statement. 

Some of my favorite purple and lavender flowers.

Sweet Pea - Very Fragrant - Spring only

Anemone - Spring only

Lilac -  Very Fragrant -  Spring only

<><>

<>

Lavender - Very Fragrant -Summer

Hydrangea - Available year round

Calla Lily - Available year round

Ranuculus - Spring only

For more color combonations check out http://www.theknot.com/ as well as http://www.thebrideandbloom.com/