Whats hot and what's not for 2009 2009-03-22
When I decided to do a "blog" page I thought it would be a pretty good idea to do some research around the globe to see what brides are having these days - credit crunch and all.
It seems everyone is feeling the pinch - more and more brides are trying to do their wedding flowers on their own or with the help of someone who has a little flower arranging skill. Now thats fine, if you have seen other examples of her work, and are happy with it. But, and this is something very dear to my heart for all of you brides out there - PLEASE do not compromise on your flowers - that doesn't mean you have to have the cheapest bouquet going, but there ARE ways of working to your budget and any decent florist will be happy to try to fit in with your budget so far as possible, as long as you are prepared to listen and compromise! Don't expect calla lilies at the same price as a rose - if you see what I mean.
As for colours, well I was surprised to see that it appears to be an international trend that whatever colour you choose - bright is the order of the day. Other than white, all pale colours seem to have been left by the wayside - perhaps we need to cheer ourselves up! Purples, cerise, bright oranges, yellows, whatever colour takes your fancy so long as it is bright.
Now, on to the fabulous news - I have always prided myself that my brides get the best possible flowers whatever hoops I have had to jump through - but when my supplier for artificial flowers up and closed on me - HELP!
I am pleased to let you know that I have now found a (far superior) supplier of FLORAMATIQUE flowers for those artificial bouquets which I have started to use in my wedding work (well honestly ladies if you want tulips in July whats a girl to do?). They are crushproof, waterproof, fade resistant and botanically correct in their colours, so when I saw them I was so excited that I would be able to bring a whole new depth to the "artificial" bouquets I do. In fact, they are so good that in many top hotels in Canada, they use them alongside seasonal fresh flowers and the only question raised is - where did you get that flower this time of year?
Now I know a lot of you are going to say "but I can get it on e-bay cheaper" - possibly. Probably. The difference is you have no idea what sort of flowers they are using - are they the cheap bargain basement flowers sold off in a sale - can they get more - are they from a craft shop or Debenhams - you just don't know. Please, please please be very careful about ordering your flowers - you will have to live with your photos for a very long time (we hope!) and you really don't want to be stressing out about your flowers when you receive them a couple of days before the do, when there is not a lot you can do about it but hare down to a florist and buy more.
Floramatique flowers are so unique, so original, I am certain you will love them.
And thats it for today. Next week, a short lesson on choosing your bouquet style - what, you thought you could carry any old style and get away? Watch this space and find out why the style of bouquet is as important as the flowers you choose.
If the above has raised any queries, please go the contact page and contact me via the e-mail link, I will be happy to share.
Searching for the perfect bridal bouquet 2009-03-29
Well, he’s popped the question and you’ve accepted – now the planning begins. The venue, the guests, the music, the food, on and on it goes. Yet strangely, the two items that most brides find themselves obsessing about are the flowers and the dress. Oh, that dress!
I always told my daughters before their weddings, and have since carried on with my clients – the dress dictates the bouquet. Can you imagine wearing a full princess style dress and having a tiny teardrop bouquet? It simply doesn’t work because of the proportions. Alternatively, wearing a knee length number to the registry office and carrying a full 3 foot shower? Again, it won’t work because of proportions. Its just too big.
There are a few bouquets that will work in any situation, but I set out below your basic shape choices, and when they would be most appropriate. Don’t shoot the messenger! I know many of you will have a bouquet in mind that you have carried around in your head since childhood – that’s fine – lets just look at the proportions!
The ever popular posy
This is one of the few designs that will work anywhere, length can be added with ribbons if desired, or even with just the decorative handle, can look luscious. Whether you have a simple spring bouquet like that shown above, or a mass of roses with diamentes, the dress can be accommodated by changing the size of the posy – smaller for a tiny woman wearing a simple dress, larger for a larger woman or someone wearing a princess dress – it works in any circumstance! A modern posy – usually with calla lilies or orchids – is something which will work best with a long line, simple dress. It is simply not “ornate” enough to compliment a fussy dress.
The teardrop
Again, most suitable for less fussy dresses – however by expanding the teardrop into a wider, longer shape, commonly known as a “shower” this will look great with a dress that has lots of material.
The Shower
The most ornate of bouquets – not suitable for shorter women, or simple weddings. Usually trails to knee length so is best used with a full length, fuller dress. Also, if I may be politically incorrect, hides a multitude of sins!
The Line Bouquet
Ideal for registry offices, short dresses, older brides, trust me, this one is smaller than it looks! But its clean, unfussy lines make it perfect for a simple wedding!
Over the arm bouquet
Usually made up with a single type of flower and perhaps some foliage – clean lines, simple and suitable in any wedding.
There are of course, many variations of the above bouquets, but most fall into the basic style. That’s what the bridal consultation is all about – to discuss what you want, what would be best for you, let you look at designs, let you show me your ideas, discuss colours, appropriate flowers for the time of year – it goes on and on. As of today’s date I am not charging for consultations which can take as long as an hour and a half – I will come to your home at a time convenient for you. You can expect up to three of these consultations leading up to your wedding, and of course you are free to contact me at any time to discuss any changes/concerns.
Bring Spring to your Home with plants 2009-04-08
Well, after what seemed a very long winter, here we are in spring again.
Just like our houses, our indoor plants need a bit of a "spring clean" too. Now is the time to get out the unused paintbrush (the best thing to dust any plant with hairy leaves, such as a Saint Paula), the leaf shine and a small fork to break up the soil. A little bit of time and attention now will definitely reap the rewards later in the year, and your plants will thank you for it.
There is nothing so peaceful, I think, than sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by my plants, giving them a little TLC to start the year off. They will have been asleep all winter, and are now waking up to put on new growth, looking to the sun for warmth and extending their roots. So make sure you check the roots of your plants - this is easily done by just tapping them out of their pots - if you see a white spidersweb of roots then its definitely time for a new pot. Just loosen a few of the roots to help them take in their new environment, plant into a new pot just once size up, a little bit of soil to make sure there are no airlocks to stop the roots from taking hold, a drink of water and a wipe down with leafshine - how they will thank you for your efforts!
At this time of year, on a sunny day your plants will simply love a couple of hours in the sunshine - don't hesitate to give them an airing now and then when the weather is fine, and for most plants, except those with hairy leaves, a gentle rainshower really perks them up. Just try and imagine where they came from, and try and mimic the conditions there - they will really thank you for it!