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Bridesmaids Bouquets And Dresses

January 21, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Are your bridesmaids clamoring for black bridesmaid dresses that they can wear again? Did you decide to go with black for your attendants since you know that it is a color that everyone will be happy to wear? With the taboo on black wedding attire largely now a thing of the past, black dresses are showing up at more and more weddings. Yet the truth is that a gaggle of gals all dressed in black can look more funereal than festive. These are some great ideas on how to brighten up black bridesmaid dresses to make them perfect for a wedding.

Just because you have chosen a dark color for the bridesmaid dresses does not mean that they cannot have some vivid color elsewhere in their ensemble. A very fresh approach to the bridesmaid bouquets is to give each attendant a nosegay made of a different variety of flower. Have each bouquet made in a monochromatic color from one type of flower. In other words, you might have one nosegay of green Kermit mums, another of hot pink carnations, another in orange gerbera daisies, and so on. As long as the shape and size of each bouquet is uniform, this will look fantastic. Let each attendant choose her favorite color so that she will have a dash of her own personal style to carry down the aisle.

Accessories are a great way to brighten up black bridesmaid dresses. The bridesmaid jewelry can be a particularly fun way to add a splash of cheer to dark attire. Classic white pearls are lovely, but when the attendants are all wearing black, it can be better to opt for Swarovski crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets. This will give you a huge range of color choices, and will also get some shimmer and sparkle into the bridesmaids’ outfits, which is always a good thing. For summer, aquamarine crystal station necklaces would be gorgeous. In the winter months, a rich color like jade or cinnamon will be just the right amount of color for the bridesmaid jewelry to make it pop against the dark dresses.

Bridesmaids wearing knee length black dresses? Then use their shoes as the pop of color. One of the best colors is a chartreuse satin shoe, which will really stand out and make a statement. There is nothing somber about shoes like that! Cobalt blue is a rich hue which looks surprisingly good with black. Another deep shade with a great hit of color is plum. Metallic colors can work well for the bridesmaids’ shoes also. Silver, gold, or bronze shoes will offer the distinct advantage of being something which the bridesmaids will be able to wear again on many occasions.

What if your bridesmaids have already purchased their black dresses, but when your mother learns of the choice, it launches her into a panic attack? Instead of returning the dresses, consider adding a sash or wrap with a pop of color. This couldn’t be easier, since absolutely any color will look great against a black dress. If it means maintaining family harmony, it may well be a worthwhile compromise. The nice thing is that after your wedding, remove the sash, and your attendants will still have the classic black party dresses that they started with.

Black is fast becoming a top choice for bridesmaid dresses, and yet all black can seem too serious or even dull. A few creative splashes of color will help to add a festive pizazz to the dresses, and will allow them to better coordinate with the flowers and rest of the wedding colors. Not only that, but by adding a colorful accent to your black bridesmaid dresses, you will set them apart from what you find at other weddings and make them truly unique.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Yellow Rose Bridal Bouquets

January 20, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

The bridal bouquets are one of the prettiest parts of a wedding. You can do some wonderful things with your wedding flowers, especially if you combine different colors and varieties. Here are some tips on how to design beautiful mixed flower bridal bouquets.

Mixing and matching flowers can be intimidating. It is one of those things that looks amazing when done well, but looks like a jumbled mess when it is not. An example of this would be the standard mixed flower bouquets that you find in grocery stores. They are rarely that pretty, and the reason is that they have no cohesive theme, in terms of color, shape, types of flowers, or theme. A few pink carnations, a yellow rose, and some purple mums does not make for a gorgeous bouquet! The lesson to be learned from the unappealing mixed bouquets is not that combining flowers will look bad, just that it has to be approached with a plan to make it all come together into a harmonious whole.

There are a variety of ways in which you can design a bouquet that combines different flowers gracefully. The first of these is color. Decide on one color or color family for the bridal bouquets, and then look for several types of flowers in your chosen color. For instance, let’s say that you would like to have pink wedding flowers. You can create lovely bouquets using a mixture of pink roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and sweetpeas. Notice how all of those flowers are not only similar in color, but also in feeling; traditional, in this case. This would be the type of bouquet that would be perfect for a bride who is wearing a classic bridal gown with cultured pearl earrings and a long veil.

Using the same color family, pink, you could create wedding bouquets with an entirely different flavor by making different flower selections. A contemporary bride could carry a bouquet featuring chic pink calla lilies and orchids, perhaps accented by an interesting green like bear grass. Think about the scale of your flowers, as well. Mini calla lilies can be mixed in with the standard sized ones for additional visual interest.

Another way to successfully combine flowers into a beautiful bouquet is to select ones that are different colors and varieties, but which have a theme in common. For instance, in Scandinavia, it is customary to carry a bouquet featuring many fragrant herbs along with flowers. You could create a lovely bouquet by mixing rosemary, lavender, purple wildflowers, and soft lamb’s ear leaves. Or you could go an entirely different direction and make a beach theme bouquet. Mix together bright tropical flowers in shades of hot pink, orange, and yellow for the perfect accessory for a destination wedding.

When looking for ways in which to create pretty mixed flower bouquets, also think about layering in non-floral elements. A very traditional bridal bouquet is one made from white roses, white tulips, and white stephanotis. The tiny star shaped stephanotis are usually accented with pearl tipped pins through the center of each one, which is such a sweet detail for a bride who is wearing cultured pearl earrings and pearl necklace. A multi-colored mixed bouquet could be made even more cheerful with the addition of gossamer sheer fabric butterflies tucked into the flowers. Special details such as these will help to give your bridal bouquet a wonderfully harmonious feeling, even when it includes a variety of different elements.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Bridal Bouquet Colors And Greenery

January 19, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

There are several images that automatically come to mind when we think about weddings. We might think of a church decorated with flowers and layers of tulle, the aisle strewn with petals. We might think about bridesmaids in pretty identical dresses and sweet-looking flower girls looking thrilled to be at the center of attention for the few minutes they will be walking down the aisle. But the most prominent image that we associate with weddings is the bride in a white ball-gown dress, her hair covered by a long translucent veil, cradling a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her hands.

The tradition of carrying a bridal bouquet is almost as old as weddings themselves. Flowers symbolize fertility, but very little research is done on the origin of the bridal bouquet and the tradition of throwing the bouquet and passing on the fertility to another woman in the wedding. Nevertheless, the wedding bouquet is a time-honored tradition that is observed in different ways.

Bridal bouquets can be either a single, long-stemmed flower tied with a colorful ribbon, a large bunch of many different flowers, or something in between. Most brides say that choosing the flowers to go with the bouquet is a difficult decision to make. However, there is no such thing as the “right” or “wrong” bouquet. The only right bridal bouquet is whatever you want it to be. If you’ve always wanted a bridal bouquet of dazzling tropical Philippine flowers enhanced by glittering Swarovski crystals, then you should definitely go for it. A single red rose wrapped in lace would be just as stunning.

If you’re having difficulty deciding, here’s a tip: think of a way you can connect the flowers to your wedding gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. If your wedding dress is ivory white while your bridesmaids are wearing peach, a coral rose bouquet will make the colors stand out.

For a colorful bridal bouquet, remember that colors that are shades of each other will give your bouquet a more subtle look. If you’re wearing a simple dress, try a bouquet with contrasting colors as the flowers will stand out more than your dress.

Another area for variety is the bouquet’s shape. The most popular arrangement is the round one, but you can always add a unique twist to it by giving it a downward point of greenery and lace. You can also place beads or crystals and allow them to trail over the bottom edge to make your bridal bouquet sparkle.

There is an incredibly array of options for brides when it comes to choosing the flowers, styles, and arrangement of the bridal bouquet. With florists offering a dizzying array of options for weddings, you’d be hard-pressed to find the right bridal bouquet to complement your dress on your wedding day.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Wedding Colors And Bouquet On A Budget

January 18, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

One of the best ways to get inspiration for your wedding is to peruse all of the glossy bridal magazines and high end bridal websites. For those brides who do not have a platinum budget, however, many of the designs featured in the wedding editorials can be too pricey to replicate for their own weddings. The great news is that it is possible to use the style of your favorite expensive wedding elements as the design inspiration for less pricey versions which are just as lovely. This guide will help you design a beautiful bridal bouquet on a budget.

If there is one top tip for reproducing your favorite bouquet inexpensively, it is to make flower substitutions. Flowers are like many other wedding elements. As long as the general style of the item is the same, more affordable materials can be used to create an equally gorgeous effect. Just as brides know that crystal wedding jewelry will give them the same great sparkle as diamonds for a fraction of the price, you can make a budget friendly bouquet with high style if you know how to pick your blossoms wisely.

Many of the most elegant bridal bouquets featured in the wedding magazines are based on lush garden roses. Their large size a full petals are absolutely gorgeous, without a doubt. But at 4xs (or more) the price of mass produced roses, garden roses can quickly take the price of a bouquet into the stratosphere. This is why one of the easiest ways to recreate a favorite bouquet on a budget is to substitute standard roses for garden roses. Stick to the same colors as in your inspiration piece and use a combination of classic size and spray roses for extra fullness and visual interest. You will still have your elegant bouquet of roses, but for a fraction of the cost.

There are other flower substitutions which can make a dramatic price difference. For instance, all orchids are perceived as exotic and luxurious, but they are not all sold for the same price. Did you know that dendrobium orchids cost about 20% less than cymbidium orchids? What an easy switch to make that will save you money without sacrificing one iota of style. If you have your heart set on one of the pricier flowers like orchids, another way to trim the bouquet budget is to combine the orchids with less expensive filler flowers and greens. One beautiful flower to combine with blossoms like orchids and roses is lisianthus. It comes in a nice array of colors, and has lovely ruffly petals which help to fill out a bouquet inexpensively.

Size matters too when it comes to budget bridal bouquets. You may be able to afford the look you like simply by scaling down the size of the bouquet. Instead of a dramatic cascade bouquet which waterfalls to the floor, opt for the same flowers arranged in a more modest teardrop shape. The sense of movement will remain, but far fewer blossoms will be needed. In magazines, florists want to show off, so they will create oversized round bouquets which are larger than standard round nosegays. If your dream bouquet has a robust 12 inch diameter, ask your florist to replicate it in a more typical 8 inch size. Petite brides can even scale nosegays down to posies, without changing the overall appearance of their bouquets.

Finally, give careful consideration to the extras within bouquets when you are trying to work within a budget for your wedding flowers. Instead of the imported French ribbon, use something in the same color from the local craft store. Rather than inserting a crystal into the center of each blossom to coordinate with your crystal wedding jewelry, pin a small crystal brooch to the bouquet handle for sparkle (you might even be able to borrow a brooch for your “something borrowed”). All of the little changes can add up to big savings, and you will be able to design a bridal bouquet which is both beautiful and affordable.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Bridesmaids Bouquets In Season

January 17, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

When you begin planning your wedding, probably one of the first things that comes to mind is flowers. As you order the bridal bouquet, you might simply order smaller versions of the same design for your bridesmaids to carry. But before you do, take the time to look into your options for alternatives to the standard bridesmaid bouquets.

If you definitely want to have your attendants carry flowers, but also want something unique, consider kissing balls. They are made of flowers arranged into a round ball, and are usually hung from a pretty satin or organza ribbon. Kissing balls have a very romantic look, and also add a pleasing architectural element to the wedding procession.

A bridesmaid accessory that is making a comeback is the parasol. They are most often done in a shade of white (as opposed to the bright pastel parasols that were popular in the 1970s). Some brides will have their attendants carry the parasols down the aisle for an outdoor garden wedding. In other cases, the bridesmaids will have bouquets, and will use the parasols as props for the photos.

If you choose to use a prop like a parasol, the bride should pay for it, just as she would the bridesmaid’s bouquets. After all of the other expenses associated with being a bridesmaid, it would not be kind to force them to buy a parasol as well. Please do not consider the parasols to count as bridesmaid gifts, either. Bridesmaid gifts should be something that your friends would choose for themselves, like a beautiful pair of earrings, not a prop for your wedding.

Another alternative to the standard bouquets is to have your bridesmaids carry fans. This trend can go a couple of ways. If you are having an Asian inspired wedding, choose accordion fans that are handpainted with lovely cherry blossoms. For a more Southern plantation look, fans made from raffia would be a great choice.

Fans, like parasols, are popular for a prop in the wedding photos. They can add a nice repetitive element that the photographer can style into some very striking images. This is the kind of detail that can make your wedding photos very unique.

For very religious ceremonies, some brides will choose to carry a small white Bible or other book of prayers instead of a bouquet. Often the book is decorated with white ribbons and perhaps a small spray of flowers. If the bride has made this choice for herself, she could also have her bridesmaids carry prayer books, as long as there are no religious conflicts.

Each bride wants to find a way to make her wedding distinctive. Choosing an alternative to the traditional bridesmaid bouquets is certainly one way to put your own personal stamp on your day. Having unique details is what will make your wedding even more memorable.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Wedding Flower Combinations

January 15, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

Every year wedding fashions change along with the choices in wedding colors and flowers. Purple wedding bouquets have become one of the more popular floral design choices lately, especially with such a wonderful variety of shades to choose from such as mauve, mulberry, plum, grape, lilac and violet.

For now, let’s talk about three gorgeous color combinations that work very well together in a purple bridal bouquet: mauve with pale pink, royal purple with yellow, and purple with white. These color combinations are especially lovely for a spring and/or summer celebration.

Mauve and Pink Wedding Bouquet

Mauve is a medium shade of purple with grey undertones and it’s a color that works very well paired with pinks, creams and dark blues.

Try a bouquet of mauve colored peonies nestled within some pale pink and white roses. Add in a bit of light green leaves and baby’s breath for a nice subtle contrast. A captivating teardrop arrangement I saw combined mauve, pink and white roses with some freesia and orchids. A bit of green ivy leaves completed the bouquet.

Royal Purple and Yellow Flowers

While mauve works very well with pale colors, a vibrant purple such as a royal purple or violet really pops when matched with yellows. Since royal purple is such a strong color, pairing it with a gorgeous mid-toned yellow makes for an eye catching wedding bouquet. In this case, less is more so it’s best to stay away from adding additional colors to the arrangement. A bit of dark green leaves can enhance the bouquet, but keep them to a minimum.

One striking purple wedding bouquet was made with deep purple and bright yellow silk gerbera daisies in a posy design. Another one was a biedermeier (ring bouquet) that featured vibrant purple pansies ringed by small pale to medium yellow flowers and finished with a ring of beautiful broad green leaves at the bottom.

A Bouquet of Purple and White Flowers

Any purple shade stands out when combined with white flowers. Try purple hydrangeas with white roses for a simple, yet elegant bouquet. A second and very attractive arrangement is to use two shades of purple such as mauve hyacinths and lavender lisiantus paired with white roses and mid-toned green leaves.

You can have the most elaborate combination of flowers or the simplest of bouquets with the large variety of purple flowers available. From anemones and dahlias to tulips and zinnias, you’re sure to find the flowers in the shades and tones that suit your wedding color scheme. And remember… if you can’t get it fresh, go with silk!

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Bridal Bouquets With Calla Lilies And Roses

January 13, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

Planning a wedding requires thought and creativity. As you choose your wedding color pallet, you immediately consider what flowers you would like to include for your wedding bouquets, center pieces and altar arrangements.

One of the best choices for wedding flowers is a Calla Lily. Calla Lilies add a touch of elegance to any occasion, but are an excellent choice for weddings. These beautiful exotic looking flowers come in an amazing assortment of colors and sizes. The problem with using real Calla Lilies is that they are only in bloom during certain times of the year and they may be hard to purchase during the time you have chosen for your wedding ceremony. These flowers could be very costly due to availability.

Do not get discouraged about availability and cost because there is a viable alternative to using fresh Calla Lilies. Today, you can find an unbelievable selection of Real Touch Calla Lilies. These artificial flowers are all available in magnificent colors. You can find them in the traditional white or cream, but better yet, they are made in bright tropical colors and exotic color tones. There is literally, something for everyone.

These inexpensive artificial flowers are strikingly beautiful and available in several sizes so they can be used for boutonnieres, wedding arrangements and bridal and attendant bouquets. These artificial Calla Lilies look so real and will not be subject to wilting or crushing which is a definite problem, particularly in severe climates where temperatures can be too cold or hot for the sensitive real flowers.

The Calla Lily is one of the most versatile flowers you will find. When you choose to use the real touch flowers, you are purchasing an everlasting treasure. These realistic artificial Calla Lilies look stunning alone and do not require a lot of extra foliage to be mixed in with the bouquets and arrangements. This does not mean that you cannot mix other beautiful real touch flowers in with the lovely Calla Lilies. Because of their versatility, the Calla Lilies can be mixed in with hydrangeas, roses, stephanotis or orchids. These are so many combination possibilities when using real touch artificial flowers.

Another thing to mention about choosing artificial Calla Lily or any of the real touch flowers is that they are very easy to handle and you can make all of your bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and arrangements months ahead of the date of your wedding. These flowers that look so real can be easily packaged and delivered to any destination wedding. You can make them yourself or have a professional florist or floral design artist create all of your desired flower arrangements and bouquets.

All you brides to be, check out the great selection of these beautiful flowers available on-line, for use in your wedding arrangements.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Preserving Cut Flowers In Your Bridal Bouquet

January 12, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

More often than not flowers are viewed as temperamental gifts. Ephemeral in their nature, it’s beauty wilts so fast, that they are only appreciated in fleeting moments, especially if they are not taken with adequate care and attention.

Flowers are often just stored in a water filled vase and then, at one, or at most two weeks, they begin to wilt and loose their splendor. Why not make your stunning red rose bouquet last longer than a week after you have been gifted with them? You can try these simple steps to help preserve fresh cut flowers.

Warm, not cold water can do wonders

After receiving your beautiful bouquet of flowers, instantly arrange and pour warm water inside your vase. This would likely hasten the aging of your flowers, and will keep the flowers’ shape longer.

Also, do try to put the flowers in a well-ventilated room and away from ethylene producing products, as this gas would permeate and promote aging.

Soda and bleach equals longer flower power

Believe it or not, your regular soda and bleach can be very beneficial for flower preservation purposes. Past research had confirmed that soda provides substantial energy for the fresh cut flowers, while the bleach act as bacteria repellent.

These two ingredients would be more than adequate, as bacteria would start appearing and affecting your fresh cut flowers as early as three hours of immersion of it in water. The bleach would help keep the stems from bending and steadily help in keeping the growth of the flowers.

Here’s a list of the things you’ll need to have a longer lasting flower arrangement:

1 cup 7-Up

1/2 teaspoon household bleach

1 cup water

Now you can enjoy the smell and sight of your gorgeous flower bouquets for a longer period of time.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Bridal Bouquet Treasures From Grandmother

December 24, 2009 By admin 1 Comment

June is the time of year for most weddings, but today many couples elect to have their weddings during other times of year as well in order to escape the crowds. With that being said there are many things to do for an about to be wed couple, among them the bridal shower. How do you get the affianced exactly what she wants? Well, follow the steps in this article to get a better idea.

1. Sometimes the invitation presents the bridal shower theme, which could be “kitchen,” meaning that hostess sets and Gorham silverware are ideal presents. Or it could be “crystal” suggesting wine glasses, champagnes flutes, or Swarovski pitchers. “Personal” suggests items that may be for the bedroom, like sexy lingerie or silk jammies. Beware of getting too personal; you don’t want to confuse the bachelorette party with the bridal shower.

2. The bridal shower hostess may list where the bride is registered, but if she doesn’t do so on the invitation, feel free to call and ask her.

3. If there is no theme, and no registry, think about the bride herself. What does she like to do as a hobby? What is her style, both with regard to clothing and personality? Is she at home in the kitchen? Or does she prefer the garden? There are many options for home furnishing, including items for the bath or bedroom. A beautiful picture frame, for example, would be perfect to house a new wedding portrait. It’s important to think about the bride’s tastes and preferences.

4. If you don’t know the bride very well, ask around to get an idea of what she’s like, and what she likes. Call her family, her friends, and the hostess of the bridal shower. You can even ask any of the other invites whether they want to go in with you on a larger gift, to get something extra special for the bride to be.

5. Consider the bows and wrapping paper you use for your gift. Often the bridesmaids use the remaining scraps to hold the bride’s bouquet during rehearsal.

6. Get the bride something she will use every day, or at least treasure for special occasions. Reed and Barton silverware, for example, is something that the bride needs, yet won’t use all the time. It’s a perfect bridal shower gift because unless she’s inheriting her grandmother’s silverware, she won’t put aside the cash it costs to buy a set for her entertaining needs. While functionality is important, quality is even more so. That is, unless the bride is a fun loving lady, and you plan to get her something that accords with her hobbies. And yes, you have to get a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift, a good idea is to get items that complement each other; for example, Gorham silverware for the shower and a set of fine china dinnerware for the wedding. Spend what you can afford and remember to put a to/ from card on your package so that no one else gets the credit for your good taste.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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Keeping Your Bridal Bouquet

November 30, 2009 By admin 1 Comment

Everyone loves the fragrance of a fresh flower but unfortunately, not everyone gets to bring them. If you are amongst those individuals, that have allergies towards flowers and are worried about your wedding bouquet, continue reading. In this post, we will attempt to tell you of the different ways of making artificial flowers that will seem as beautiful as the organic ones in a bridal bouquet. The very best options are a silk flower. These flowers do certainly look best in red. However, if you do not wish to choose a very flashy color, other colors are also available. One can go for pastel tones. The good part is almost any colored silk flower looks gorgeous. A good choice would be to tie them up with a different dull shaded organza bow. This will draw out the beauty of silk flowers even more dramatically.

One more good choice, usually the best one for individuals with meager wedding budget is paper flowers. Everyone understands that natural flowers are costly. What also add to the expenses would be the services which one needs to get along, to keep them fresh. So, if you are afflicted by allergies or a budget problem, paper flowers will be the best choice for you. You may also make them yourself. There are particular kinds of paper flowers that are quite simple to make. When you can manage some extra time, have a shot at learning the difficult paper flowers. They look lovely and yet are different from most choices.

When using any type of artificial flowers for the silk bridal bouquet, it is best to keep in mind that doesn’t allow the bouquet to seem dull. Add something extra to them to make them look desirable. For example, if you are using paper flowers, you can include small crystals to them. Some crystals are very much affordable and they make the flower appear as natural ones with dew. In the same way, together with silk flowers, one can use starfishes, pearls, bows etc. When you’re using natural flowers, one should not add anything to it to have an extra look but when using an artificial thing, one has to be extra wary of not letting anything get overdone. So, if you are planning to make use of synthetic flowers, my prior and most important advice to you would be to arrange them at least a week ahead of your wedding, so that when you find any flaws with them, you get plenty of time to correct it.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

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