Flowers are such an important part of any wedding day, and a good place to start with some green ideas. Flowers come from farms worldwide, as well as from our own back yard, and making some careful choices that reduce an event’s impact, and still keep it “eco-chic”
Beyond the flowers themselves, the choices about containers, arrangement styles and accent pieces can mean large amounts of chemicals, and waste headed to the landfill. A simple thought to keep in mind along the way is, where will piece this end up, a week, a month, or a year from now.
Here are some ideas to get started.
Choose locally grown or Fair Trade flowers
Favorite wedding flowers, such as roses, orchids and hydrangeas are almost always imported from other continents, and are grown under varying standards for labor and environmental practices. Choosing Fair Trade certified flowers ensures that the farms follow strict standards for their workers and environmental practices. Many locally grown blooms are available, and are farmed in greenhouses year-round , with some seasonal field crops that require less energy to grow. More and more local organic farms are also selling to florists, and often grow more unique varieties than conventional growers.
Keep it real
Insisting that no dyes or aerosol products, such as leaf shine, spray paint, or adhesives are used will not only reduce chemicals, but will ensure the flowers may be composted.
Fresh flowers or plants are much better than artificial stems that are produced in overseas factories, often under poor working conditions. Even though they may be used again, they will ultimately end up in a land fill, and will not bio-degrade.
Choose bouquets styles that don’t need a plastic holder, and opt for ceremony and reception arrangements styles that do not require floral foam, the unfriendly spongy
material used as water source in many floral arrangements. Lower arrangements or collections of small containers and candle holders are ideal. Many accents, such as colored lights, are one-time use, or require batteries that are discarded after one use.
Rent whenever possible
Many florists will rent vases for ceremony and reception arrangements, and the containers are often high quality, made of glass or ceramic and will be used several times over. Choose center piece styles that can be hand-tied, and guests can simply lift them out of the container to take home. Candle holders are usually available to rent as well.
Starting with beautiful blooms and simple designs is a big step towards making your day a little greener.
{Photography: Rabbat Photography}
Written by Pam Salisbury of Flourish Florals
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by Pam
1 comment
They are the ones who have always been there for you, the ones that you can rely on through thick and thin and now they are the ladies who will stand beside you as you start a very important new chapter in your life. Who you choose as your bridesmaids and what you ask of them will be an important part of you journey down the aisle! Throughout your wedding planning you will be relying on this special group for emotional, practical and spiritual support.
Here are some hints to help you make the experience a smoother one!
Picking your “Entourage”
Trying to accommodate and please everyone is where things can get a bit tricky. The consensus of brides today is to follow their hearts and set aside tradition in choosing who will stand by them on their big day. What’s also perfectly acceptable now is that brides and grooms are choosing members of the opposite sex to be a part of their bridal party. You may ruffle a few feathers with your choices but it is your wedding day!
Photography {Bassem}
Dress Stress
The dress your bridesmaids will wear should compliment your own wedding gown in style and formality. It’s always nice to get feedback from your girls… they need to be comfortable wearing these dresses! You should also be considerate of financial issues, age-appropriateness, the different figures of the girls and the ability to re-wear the dress after the wedding. Another traditional element that has been forgone is having all the bridesmaids dresses being “identical” to each other. A lot of brides are giving their girls the option to choose their own dress as long as it is in the same colour, length and/or fabric family. This way the girls get to choose something that suits their style but still mesh with the overall look you are trying to achieve. Taking the time to consider these points only adds to the overall positive experience of your wedding.
Photography {Bassem}
Money Matters
As the bride you need to put yourself in your bridesmaids’ shoes. You most likely have been there yourself! Recognizing that the costs associated with being in the bridal party may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”. Your financially challenged friends/relatives secretly may dread being asked to spend that kind of money. You need to reassure them that you won’t be offended if they cannot shell out the money. If they are someone that you absolutely can’t imagine not having in your bridal party… then there is always a way to work things out. Offer to pay for part of all of the expenses involved.
Photography {Burton Hill Photo}
Special Gifts for your Girls
Your Bridesmaids have been with you through the highs and lows of this journey and it is only fitting that you give them a token of your appreciation! You can surprise them by treating them all to mani-pedi’s the day before the wedding, or personalizing the gift you give them to their taste and the bond you have with them. Each person will have a different meaning and place in your heart.
Just a few things to ponder as you are planning your special day!
~ Happy Planning! ~
Written by Afzia Shareef of Style & Elegance Wedding & Event Coordination
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by admin
no comments
A lot of brides as us “do you shoot weddings in the winter?” The answer is YES! And truth be told we really enjoy it! This time of year is often slower for wedding vendors, many offer off-season discounts during winter months. For us it’s an opportunity to break out our gear and get creative. Weddings held in the winter bring a completely different feeling than those held at other times of the year. Although it’s cold, the snow makes for a great backdrop and the lighting is often very dynamic making for dramatic photo opportunities.
Some tips for winter weddings:
1. Dress warmly. You are going to be dealing with cold weather so be sure to come prepared. Bring coats, boots and gloves.
2. Plan an indoor location for photos. If it’s just too cold to do the photos outside, it’s important to have an indoor location as a backup. Work with your photographer to book a location where photos can be taken.
3. Consider travel time. When planning the timing for the day take into consideration extended travel times because of weather.
4. Plan around the available sunlight. With days being shorter these months, the sun sets much earlier. Be sure to work with your photographer to plan timing for this if you are looking for bright outdoor shots.
5. Incorporate winter themes. Use Christmas lights to decorate your hall/church; use candles in your centre pieces; serve hot chocolate with your dessert.
Photography {Riverstone Photography}
Written by Leslie Moffat of Riverstone Photography
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by admin
no comments
Does your love have wings? Or at least feathers? Ok, all silly/cheesy puns aside, if you are looking to incorporate a feather theme into your wedding décor, look no further. A feather motif can add an elegant look to your wedding in whatever colour scheme you wish. Your Florist and Cake Designer would be only too happy to run with the theme. Ok, one more, I just can’t help it…check out these invitations which are guaranteed to ruffle your feathers!
Invitations {Big Orange Designs}
Written by Ted Treleaven of Big Orange Designs
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by Ted
no comments
The traditional wedding cake bride & groom toppers have been around for over a century. Cake toppers have evolved over the years, and now there are hundreds to choose from. But how do you choose? Or do you choose one at all?
Work with your cake designer – they can help you decide if a topper is necessary. They will also help you determine the proper size – quite often a topper is purchased and left at the venue, only to discover the base is too large for the top of the cake! Another consideration is the weight of the topper you choose. Your designer will need to know if support is required to keep the topper from sinking into the cake.
Instead of a topper, you can also consider an extension of the décor on the cake – extra flowers, a loopy bow, or simply nothing at all.
Written by Kellie Barclay of Fancy That Cake
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by admin
no comments
Not a traditionalist? Suits us fine! Your wedding invitations can capture a glimpse into what your guests can expect at your wedding but also reflect your personality and tell YOUR story. If you looking for something a little less formal, why not shake it up and have some fun with your invitations. Check out this design custom tailored for a wine enthusiast and a Master Carpenter who land the top marks for such creative and whimsical wording!
Invitaiton {Big Orange Designs}
Written by Ted Treleaven of Big Orange Designs
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by Ted
1 comment
Anne Edgar Photography brings you bling inspiration……let the diamond shopping begin!
Photography {Anne Edgar Photography}
Cupcakes {IncrEDIBLES by Lani}
Flowers {WR Designs} and {Flourish Florals}
Written by Anne Edgar of Anne Edgar Photography
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by Anne
no comments
Baby it’s cold outside, but the heat between Loretta and Geoff during their E-Session was keeping ALL of us warm, LOL! They were soooo adorable together!
We went to 3 different locations for their engagement session.
I love being with my bride during her E session and her entire wedding day. Not only do I get to experience all of these special moments, but I get to beautify her ALL day long! How A-H-MAZING is that? A makeup artist with you during your entire day? LOoooVE IT!!
Loretta’s E session makeup look is soft, natural and pretty.
I defined her beautiful eyes with a soft brown liner and lightly contoured with a light taupe.
I added a pop of spicy pink cheek colour to enhance Loretta’s amazing cheeks.
Loretta has gorgeous lips, which by the way, Geoff was constantly smooching…*sigh* did I mention how adorable they are together? Sorry, back to Loretta’s lips. Lol
Since she has gorgeous full lips I lightly lined her lips with a nude liner and applied a very soft pink gloss. Soooo pretty!
I can’t wait for Loretta + Geoff’s Wedding day!
Hope you loved seeing Loretta’s E Session makeup look.
xoxo Sonia
Makeup {Sonia Ryan & Co.}
Photography {Nataschia Wielink Photography}
Written by Sonia Ryan of Sonia Ryan & Co.
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
Photo Credits: Nataschia Wielink Photography
by Kate
3 comments
I know this sounds a bit obvious, and I’m sure most of you have at least one or two locations in your mind where you’ve been dreaming of having your wedding photos taken. But seriously, having PREARRANGED location(s) is so important to the logistics of your wedding day. It will ensure a smooth photo session and eliminate potential setbacks which could otherwise occur. Now…when I say prearranged, I don’t mean that you’ve thought about them in your head and you know where you want to go (that part is obvious)…I mean actually write them down and then do the leg work to secure them well in advance. Contact your proposed locations to find out important information, such as:
- Does the location charge a fee to obtain a photography permit allowing you to shoot there?
- Is there the possibility of other weddings or functions being at that location at the time of your photo session? Many city parks host events on weekends during the summer and you might arrive to your beloved location to find Ribfest in full force! Probably not what you envisioned for the backdrop to your wedding day!
- What is the traffic like at that time of year, and at that specific time day?
- Will parking be an issue?
- What will the accessibility be like? If you have grandparents or elderly relatives that are going to be included in photos you need to keep them in mind when choosing your location! You don’t want grandpa trying to figure out how to belay down a hill with his walker!
Asking questions like these and staking out the perfect spots will save you (and the photographer) a lot of grief on the wedding day. One more tip! Have your MUST HAVE location set as your first stop (preferably on a logical route to your venue), and then have one more in your back pocket should you end up with lots of extra time! But since the opposite is more often the case, you want to get the most important shots at the most important spots! (look, I rhymed! J) Remember: more locations = more travel time = less time for photos!
Happy Pre-Arranging
Photographer {Anne Edgar Photography – In Action!}
Written by Kate Vanderlugt of The Little White Dress
Your Bridal Suite 519
“Inspiration and design for weddings and events”
by Kate
1 comment
by Tracey
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