SAIPUA, a Brooklyn-based company is adding to my already overflowing file folder of wedding flowers wants/needs/must-haves. These arrangements have a great range of textures, height, and organic flow. My wedding palette is based on peach, sage, yellow, aqua, and pink. All these bouquets would work perfectly, especially incorporating the ranch feeling of Catalina Island.

Number of Roses

1 rose              – Love at the first sight; you are the one

2 roses            – Mutual love between both, deeply in love with one another

3 roses            – I love you

4 roses            – I want to be yours

7 roses            – I’m infatuated with you

9 roses            – Eternal love, together as long as we live

10 roses         – You are perfect

11 roses          – You are my treasured one; the one I love most in my life

12 roses          – Be my steady

13 roses          – Secret admirer

15 roses          – I am truly sorry, please forgive me

20 roses          – Believe me, I am sincere towards you

21 roses           – I am devoted to you

24 roses           – Can’t stop thinking about you, 24 hours everyday

33 roses           – Saying “I love you” with great affection

36 roses           – I will remember our romantic moments

40 roses          – My love for you is genuine

50 roses          – Regretless love

99 roses           – I will love you for as long as I live

100 roses        – Harmoniously together in a century; remaining devoted as couple till ripe-old age

101 roses         – You are my one and only love

108 roses         – Please marry me!

365 roses         – Can’t stop thinking about you, each and everyday

999 roses         – Everlasting and Eternal love

Other Symbols

Single red rose – “I love you”

Single rose in any color – “thank you”, simplicity

Bouquet of roses – gratitude (in full bloom)

Roses taped or wired together to form a single – engagement or coming marriage

Full blown rose placed over two buds forms a combination -secrecy.

Crown made of roses – reward or virtue

Rose leaves –  hope.

Red roses – “I love you, respect and courage

Red rosebuds – pure and lovely

White roses –   “You’re heavenly,” reverence and humility, innocence and purity, “I’m worthy of you” and secrecy and silence

White rosebuds – girlhood or “too young to love”

Blue roses – inner feelings of love at first sight, royal blood, regal majesty and splendor, mystery, attaining the impossible or never ending quest for the impossible

Lilac or Lavender roses – love at first sight or enchantment

Deep pink roses – gratitude and appreciation

Pink roses – grace and gentility

Light pink – admiration and sympathy

Yellow roses – joy and gladness or“try to care”

Coral or orange roses – enthusiasm and desire

Deep burgundy rose – “unconscious beauty”

Pale colors – sociability and friendship

Dead roses – “It’s over” or “you made no impression”

Hybrid tea roses – “I’ll remember you always”

Color Combination

Red and white roses, or white roses with red edges – unity or an engagement

Red and yellow – (blends) jovial and happy feelings and celebration

White and yellow roses - harmony

JANUARY – Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnation is known as “flower of love” or “flower of the gods”.  This flower has been known for centuries and is one of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers. In 20th century, carnation is known as the Mother’s Day flower. Carnation as a flower means fascination, distinction and love. Light red carnation conveys admiration whereas dark red carnation is often used by lovers to show deeper feelings of love and affection. In addition, white carnation symbolizes purity and luck, and pink carnation for gratitude.

FEBRUARY – Iris (Iris germanica)

Iris comes in a rainbow of colors with blue, yellow and white as the most popular varieties. Iris flower is associated with faith, hope, and wisdom. Blue colored iris means royalty, whereas the yellow iris symbolizes passion. On the other hand, this flower also shows courage and admiration.

MARCH – Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.)

Daffodil is known as “The Herald of spring”. This is also the flower “That come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty.” Daffodil is a symbol of hope, rebirth, unrequited love, respect and chivalry.

APRIL – Daisy

Daisy came from the Latin word bellus, which literally means beautiful. This flower became as one of the favorite subjects of many verses and the most popular one is “s/he loves me, s/he loves me not; s/he loves me, s/he loves me not”.  This verse resulted for a daisy to be called as the ‘love’s oracle.’

MAY – Lily (Nymphaea sp.)

Lily was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. This flower symbolizes chastity and virtue. Tiger lily specifically represents wealth and pride.

JUNE – Rose (Rosa sp.)

Roses have several meanings since the old time. Generally a rose haws been a symbol of love, beauty, war and politics. During the 17th century roses were of high demand and the royalty considered roses as the legal tender.

JULY – Larkspur (Delphinium sp)

Larkspur came from the Greek word delphis which means “dolphin”. This has been used by Native Americans and European settlers to make blue dye and the ancients use this flower to drive scorpions away. Larkspur symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity.

AUGUST – Gladiola (Gladiolus sp)

Gladiola came from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword.  This flower symbolizes strengt, moral integrity represents infatuation. When given as a bouquet it conveys to a recipient that they pierce the giver’s heart with passion. Gladiola is also known as the 40^th wedding anniversary flower.

SEPTEMBER – Aster

Aster has been considered as an enchanted flower. This flower is known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Ancient people believed that when the leaves of this flower are burned could drive away evil serpents. Aster is also known as the 20th wedding anniversary flower.

OCTOBER – Calendula  or Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula came from the Latin word kalendae which means ‘first day of the month’ maybe because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. Marigold is one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, because it is very easy to grow. Calendula is also called as “summer bride” or “husbandman’s dial” because it’s flower head follows the sun.

NOVEMBER – Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is known for its original golden brown color. The Greek prefix “chrys-“ means golden (its original color) and “-anthemion,” means flower, years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple to red. This flower symbolizes optimism and joy. Chrysanthemum is also known as the 13th wedding anniversary flower.

DECEMBER – Narcissus (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.)

Narcissus flower name was derived from Greek mythology of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection in a stream. This wonderful flower represents formality, sweetness, self admiration, formality, and egotism.

The changing leaves, the crisp cool air and beautiful, vibrant flowers are just a few of the reasons fall has become a popular season for weddings. But what about the pumpkins? Pumpkins aren’t just for jack-o-lanterns and pie anymore. Take a look at a few of the unique ways Celebrations Design Group has incorporated this autumn icon into some wedding celebrations.

A monogrammed pumpkin is a lovely way to greet guests and start off the celebration. This real pumpkin is intricately carved with the couple’s initials and falling leaves. An alternate option for the Escort Card Table could be an oversized pumpkin overflowing with seasonal blooms in the harvest tones. Other great ideas for continuing the theme are ornamental pumpkin place cards, pumpkin votives or pumpkin table numbers.

Centerpieces can also be created right in the pumpkins; this is a great way to give a punch of color to the table. As an alternate centerpiece, small pumpkins can be placed in glass cylinders along with berries, nuts & leaves and topped with flowers to add some height and drama to the table settings.

Nos emballages sont spécialement étudiés pour que vos bouquets de fleurs arrivent dans un parfait état de fraîcheur. Nous proposons une livraison en moins de 24h(express) ou en moins de 48h(Colissimo). A chaque mode d’expédition correspond un type d’emballage et une procédure de transport ainsi la livraison de vos bouquets de fleurs est effectuée dans les meilleurs conditions.

Como ando nos preparativos finais do meu próprio casamento, acabo deixando postagens de lado por pura falta de tempo.

Mas vamos lá que faltam 2 vestidos ainda!

Tendência 9 – Acabamento rough

Este vestido do Angel Sanchez tem recortes na saia sem grandes cuidados no acabamento, propositadamente.
Ainda não vi opções “sem acabamento” no top, e imagino que seja mais complexo e corra o risco de ficar feioso.
Tomando como base este da saia, sendo ela super volumosa, chamando mais a atenção que tudo, eu optaria de novo por usar uma single flower. Lembram da Juliana Paes, com um Samuel Cirnansck? As saias dele têm, quase sempre, muitos recortes, volumes, mudanças de rumo. São lindas e chamativas.

Portanto, o ideal é manter foco onde se pede foco. E deixar a flor compor o visual. Quer ousar um pouco mais? Não vá de flor branca. Existem outras opções, de caule longo e estruturadas, com cores. Vá sem medo.

Tendência 10 – Ombro ousado

Acho MARAVILHOSO. Adoro a tendência de um ombro só, e cheio de laços, flores, babados, o que for. Fica chique, diferente, moderno.

Muita gente pensa em bouquets de cascata, ou redondos bem cheios para esse look. Eu aconselharia um belo bouquet de braçada, simples, talvez com poucos copos de leite, como o da foto abaixo. Tiraria essa fita grande, acho que uma amarração mais clean comporia melhor.

Essa foto é do The Knot, também.

Bouquets of flowers have always been one attraction at any wedding. Bouquets are already part of the wedding tradition on all races. A bouquet of flowers symbolizes a blossoming maiden and reflects her emotions. Therefore, wedding bouquets should be carefully selected and planned the same way you plan for your wedding gown. Here are just a few tips in choosing your wedding bouquet:

1. It is recommended that you choose a flower that is on season to save money and time. This will not give you hard time trying to order the flower as well.

2. You can choose other alternatives like silk flowers especially if the flower you would like to use is not in season. Silk flowers are also suited in formal weddings; fresh picked flowers may not fit a very formal party.

3. Your bouquet should not drown you. Be sure that it will not cover your figure. If you are petite, the weight of the flower might be too heavy for your built and may affect your posture and how you carry your gown. Remember that your bouquet should not be too big so as not to cover your elegant gown and should be easy to carry.

4. The flowers you chose should last for the entire day. Make sure that your flowers still hold up even at the end of the day so that you will still look glamorous when taken pictures. Using a bouquet holder is suggested to keep the flowers fresh during the entire day. Also take the advice of your florist on which flowers easily wilt so that you can avoid choosing them.

5. Don’t let your florist imagine the flower design you like. You may take a picture or a printed copy of the bouquet style you prefer. Also bring a sample fabric of the gowns so that the florist can choose the correct shade of flower that will match the color of the gowns. Some bouquets may be decorated with ribbons, lace and silk materials. You can advise the florist on what specific designs would you like to add for your flowers.

6. Why not choose a flower that has special meaning? That will not be difficult since most flowers have their meanings. Stephanotis stands for happiness in marriage, Rose means love and being true, and Tulips stand for perfect love and declaration of love.

7. One of the first things to consider when opting for a bouquet is the style. Choose the bouquet style that will suit you and your personality. Bouquets are more personal nowadays and reflect the brides’ personalities. For Nosegays, where flowers are clustered in a round form, can vary in sophistication and will fit any personality. In Cascade bouquets, flowers are arranged in a descending form. These bouquets are voluptuous and can be the center of attention.

They are recommended for traditional weddings. There are flowers where stems are wrapped around in ribbons and they are called Hand-tied bouquets. These bouquets bring a casual aura and are recommended for garden weddings. There are also Contemporary bouquets where flowers are arranged in style but with no geometric form. These arrangements of flowers represent the individuality of a bride and are mostly used in sophisticated weddings.

8. The top wedding flowers are Rose, Lilly, Orchid, Hyacinth, Tulip, Stephanotis and Daisy. You may want to follow the trend and choose these flowers for your bouquet.

For a list of over 300 flowers and their meanings as well as ways to save money on your wedding see Wedding Savings Revealed

Save 15% on Birthday flowers & gifts! Get Coupon Code at http://www.onlinecouponsdeals.com/1-800-flowers-coupon-codes.html

So i had a very good idea of what I wanted for my bouquet and i also had a good idea of the budget! I found a local Florist – to be honest I googled and found 4 local ones, Anna (Eden florists in Marlow) was the first to come back and was very competitive, she really understands my garbled brief and I simply liked her. 

We met with my Mum and chatted through my ideas and hers and came to what i hope will be a lovely result. I am quite old fashioned in  my style, none of these tightly tied bouquets with long bits poking out – they look amazing but i prefer the wider look.

Luckily, I adored a friends bouquet and am pretty much copying her , She even gave me her description, images and an idea of costs which was fab so i was fully prepared. I think the most important consideration for the Bride is her dress and how the Bouquet will look against it. You do have to take the time out meet your chosen florist and chat about your ideas as they should tell you instantly what will work and any tips that may change your  mind! If you are wearing a simple column or fitted dress it doesn’t look right to have a huge waterfall bouquet and vice versa. Wedding Flowers is actually a very good magazine for ideas and another tip is chatting to any Florists you come accross – in London i have always found them very helpful.

Throwing the bouquet – now i have seen 2 ladies, i repeat 2 ladies floored just this summer alone by flying mad women trying to catch the bouquet! I had no idea it was such a competitive sport as I cowered in the background. Ladies – please have some dignity here. 

Some brides throw their own and some throw one of the BMs flowers and give theirs to the Chief BM (I am a recipient of one such beautiful bouquet and this is a very sweet gesture which i am trying to press but is not quite working ) I remember in 1986 when i was a Bridesmaid and the Bride is full 80s glamour (Balmain would have been proud) did this. 

Another tip if you are watching the pennies, is to grab the flowers from your BM’s and put them on the tables at dinner – I’m doing this! They don’t really need them after the service except for a few pictures. Using them as decor is better than finding a bedraggled, spenny bunch of roses or such like, wilting, alone by the dance floor at midnight. (leave this to your second cousin.)

I’m not sure any male is bothered about the bouquets or buttonholes, I’m using single roses for our boys and Dad’s and TR seems happy with that, as long as he has two. We are also getting some Corsages for the Mums. This trend from the US makes them feel special and we all know making both Mums feel special needs to be featured into the day – more on that subject later!

Last weekend was the end of wedding season for me.  I still have a few more weddings but no big weekends.  I’m looking forward to the break.  This gives me a chance to recoup and get up my energy for next season.  I loved both of the bride’s bouquets that I made for Friday’s weddings.

There are so many different shades of pink, not to mention all colors, so what makes you choose which shade??  Everyone has their own preference, and if yours happens to be a paler pink, you must look below!  Pale pink goes nicely next to a pale green, white, or cream.  It’s such a danity color and it adds a bit of class to the overall look.

Above and below photos f rom Martha Stewart Weddings. This site has great inspirtation photo galleries by color.

It was so hard not to fill this page with all flowers!  There are so many precious light pink flowers that can be used in bouquets and centerpieces – peonies and mums are pictured in the top; sweet peas and dahlias are in the second row.  Love these photos from The Knot.

Most people picture the calla as the standard tall white, cone shaped flower but did you know the calla is also available in miniature? Colors range from white to peach, orange, pink, ruby, red, yellow and purple plus several variegated varieties in the miniature size.

The calla is enjoying resurgence in popularity for today’s couples. Take a look at some of the pictures above to see just some of the ways Celebrations Design Group has incorporated callas into their designs.
Pictured, white callas are used in a traditional bridal bouquet. Paired with classic roses or just by themselves, callas are a simple accent for todays intricately designed bridal gown styles. A calla boutonniere adds just the right touch to this groom’s lapel.

Because of their sleek, clean lines, callas easily lend themselves to use in more modern designs. Tall glass vases with callas on top of lighted fabric boxes frame the ceremony setting for this lovely bride. The same calla piece is used on top of a small light disc for a dramatic centerpiece.

A few fun facts:
• The Calla lily plant is a perennial bulb.
• The word Calla comes from the Greek term for beautiful

Personally, I can’t think of a time that is NOT a good time for flowers!! Not only that, but being a Mom whose THREE out of FOUR young adult “kids” are daughters … there are multiple opportunities to send beautiful bouquets! (Actually, even my son appreciates whimsical arrangements!)

Flowers are such a bright and cheerful sight in any room! Whether you give them for birthdays, for congrats on a job well done (all my kids are in college, so it’s nice to recognize such achievements!), for “get well” wishes – or simply to remind your adult kids that you love them – flowers always seem to be appreciated.

Right now, the wide variety of floral bouquets available are just as beautiful as the rapidly fading autumn foliage – crisp oranges, sunny yellows, and apple reds – all combine into what could easily be described as a brilliant sunset in a vase!

My new favorite fresh cut flowers: SPIDER MUMS!! I love their feathery texture. Reminds me of the poodle chickens at James Davids house (see previous entry: “it’s just a walk about!”)

Spider mums sitting on my bedside table

Beautiful feathery texture!

I purchased these charmers at Whole Foods Market - and for less than $7! Seems reasonable to me…

Peace and Blessings!

A beautiful day at Wilson Creek Winery.

Tendência 4 – Transparência nos decotes

Seja em V, com manguinhas, canoa… a transparência confere um ar sensual e ao mesmo tempo romântico à noiva, dando uma grande leveza à parte superior do corpo, se tiver um estilo como o da foto, de Melissa Sweet.

Apesar de esse vestido, sendo mais simples tanto no tecido como no corte, comportar quase todo tipo de bouquet, colocaria um de braçada nas mãos da noiva da foto: ajudaria a compor um equilíbrio de todas as formas, com alguns pontos de destaque (aqui você vê como é). Muitas noivas não curtem carregar um bouquet com o antebraço, acham incômodo e pesado. Mas digo uma coisa: ajuda a manter uma linda postura! Vale cogitar!

Tendência 5 – Flores!

Falando de bouquets….
Acho lindo demais aplicar flores em vestido. Bordar e pintar também.
O cuidado que deve ser tomado é observar onde elas serão aplicadas, para equilibrar o look. Por exemplo, no caso desse Claire Pettibone da foto, há muitas flores em toda a saia. Não dá pra atrair ainda mais atenção para essa região – e na verdade, não há necessidade de atrair atenção a lugar nenhum! O vestido já marca a presença necessária, é romântico e ousado na medida. Aqui eu usaria uma das duas opções: uma única flor, como uma calla de cor forte, que por ter formas mais retas e clean, não briga com o efeito “froufrou” dos apliques, ou um pequeno bouquet redondo, também composto de flores mais simples, e em uma única cor. Aqui coloco um de copos de leite brancos (que são um tipo de calla!).

Tendência 6 – Laços

Eu, como a Fernanda, sou louca por laços. Brincos, fitas, vestidos. Adoro!
E esse estilo de vestido da Amsale, usando 2 tendências que amo – laços e um ombro só – é lindo demais.
Seguindo o exemplo acima, laços também chamam a atenção. E dependendo da forma como são usados, podem deixar o look um pouco infantil. Vale pensar em um único laço grande, na parte de cima ou na cintura. E usar um bouquet que não brigue com ele em proporção, nem em localização.
Nessa foto ao lado, pela simplicidade e elegância do vestido, caberia um belo bouquet de uma pequena cascata de orquídeas. Chique e simples, como a imagem que ela quer passar.

Adoro esse meu, com alecrim, que forma um triângulo muito discreto, sem cair muito. Mas sou suspeita! rs.

]]> http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/just-call-me-bridesmaid/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:11 +0000 Leah http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/just-call-me-bridesmaid/

Hi guys!  My apologies for being m.i.a yesterday!! I was being a good bridesmaid and going out shopping with my friend the bride-to-be!! Her wedding is next June.  We went to see her dress (which is gorgeous!!!) and then we went to check out some bridesmaid dresses for her sister and I to wear!  We also went shopping for a coworker who is expecting her second child just after Christmas.  So much fun and so girly!

Check out the dress we are thinking of getting for us bridesmaids!

The front:

I LOVE the sweetheart neck line – doesn’t it look great???

The back is super cute!! I love the little buttons.  It actually zips up at the side so they are just there for show!  Don’t mind the round white thing on my butt.  That is for shoplifters.  Which we are not!

The second time I tried the dress on we did up the white sash into a bow.  What do you think?  I thought it looked cute, but i’m not sure… shall we vote??

The bow is not perfectly done but you get the idea. 

She is thinking of having white rose bouquets! Probably similar to the ones that I had!!

So, tonight is Pizza Friday in our house!!  Do you have any little weekly traditions that you like to do?

We also have a DVD of our wedding that our friends made for us (so sweet!) and we are going to watch it.  I’m sure it will bring back loads of memories.. I may even shed a tear or two! I can be a sap sometimes!!

I hope you are enjoying your Friday.  I have spent it doing some work!! I also got an hour walk in.  Don’t forget, the yoga challenge starts Sunday.. i’ll be preparing a post for it tomorrow!  For those of you who haven’t joined or just don’t think its for you; don’t consider it necessarily a YOGA challenge if that title is too big for you… just consider it a stretching, breathing, taking-time-for-you challenge!

See you tomorrow!

On Tuesday, I went to visit a local florist to price flowers.  I’ve been told this is the least expensive place to go and that they do a fabulouso job.  I’m pumped!  They should be calling soon to give me the expected price.

We’ll be using the following variety of flowers:

Hot Pink Hyacinth:

Hydrangeas:

White Oriental Lilies:

Stargazer Lillies:

The Stargazer Lily is the main flower.

My bouquet will have the Stargazers and White lilies as the main centerpiece.  The Hydrangeas will be the filler flower so there’s not so much green and the [hot] pink Hyacinth will be sprinkled amongst the flowers as well.  I will also have three rose carnations hidden amongst the Hydrangea.  My stems will be completely covered (keeps them from wilting) with white ribbon and a small pink breast cancer ribbon in memory of my grandmother.

My sisters bouquets will have all Stargazers, Hydrangeas, and Hyacinth.  Their stems will be covered with green ribbon and will also have a pink breast cancer ribbon in memory of our grandmother.

My sorority sisters will have the same flowers and three rose carnations hidden within the Hydrangeas to mark their Phi Mu bond with me.  Their stems will be covered with green ribbon.

My junior bridesmaid will have Stargazers, Hydrangeas, and Hyacinth and will carry a smaller bouquet than the rest of the troupe.  She will also have green ribbon covering the stems.

When they call to price things and the order becomes official, I may have to be sure that they know that I’d like my bouquet to be the biggest, my matron of honor’s bouquet to be smaller than mine and the bridesmaids’ smaller than hers and the junior bridesmaid’s even smaller.

As it stands, the flower girl will throw white rose petals.  I’ve priced for that, but I may end up having her throw something else… undecided.

The groom will wear white Hyacinth and the groomsmen will wear the pink Hyacinth boutonnieres.  They should be glad about this because some brides would have the guys wear a big honkin’ flower, which is the Stargazer, in this case.  Not I.

The dads, grandpas and step-grandmother will wear pink Hyacinth boutonnieres.

The mothers will wear pink Hyacinth boutonnieres with a white rose.

The ushers and other helpers will wear pink Hyacinth boutonnieres.

Becky, the lady who worked with us on the consultation, suggested we get a sample bouquet for a bridal shower and use it as a centerpiece so we can see what it looks like and decide if we like it.  I’m hopeful that I will remember to do that!