Whether you love the idea of a Christmas-inspired wedding in spring, or want your holidays to be very merry with the added bonus of a wedding at the time, Christmas weddings are a delightful idea. Steeped in tradition, with so many festive elements, there are a few ideas we can borrow from Christmas and rock at your wedding.
With Santa’s visit scheduled in just a few days, this is the best time to take a look at how you can plan a fantastic Christmas wedding! So, bring on the holiday cheer and get ready to be inspired.
Let the tables at your wedding be elaborate masterpieces of red, gold, silver and white. Be generous with candles and throw in the seasonal signatures like fir, pine cones and holly. We love the idea of adding cute mini Santa hats and stockings with a scattering of snow for authenticity. Consider mixing in striped straws in red and white, cupcake cases that match the theme. Let the table linen be in red with white or gold accents. Or if you have a colorful centerpiece, opt for stark white table linen, instead.
Bouquets and floral decorations
The logical choice would be to choose a bouquet of red roses and have more of them throughout the décor. However, if you don’t want to limit yourself to reds and greens, you may like to consider colors like plum, purple and berry colors. A bouquet with berries alongside flowers would look fantastic, and perfectly Christmas-y! Add lavish doses of green into your floral décor and bouquets, and it will look more refreshing.
Festive wedding accessories
A flower crown would be festive and interesting. Or you could add tiny roses into your hairdo, and match the festive atmosphere with bright gold accessories. Add colors like berry or scarlet red into your makeup, or through your accessories to make sure you match the theme that’s going on. Skip the French manicure and do your nails in bright red. You could also consider a contrast waistband or deep red shoes for a pop of color.
Misty cool wedding dress
Choose a wedding dress that is snowy and exudes the holiday feel. Dresses with layers of misty tulle or with frothy ruffles would help you nail it. The other option is to dress yourself up in a vintage lace gown, complete with full sleeves and a high collar.
Bridesmaids in vibrant holiday colors
Experiment with reds, purples, green, silver and gold for your bridesmaids dresses. Marsala, which is the color of the year, would also be a great choice. If your wedding is in the winter, make sure you choose long gowns or find warm footwear, so your girls feel cozy. For dark dress shades, do the bouquets in white for a welcome contrast.
You may not give much thought to the centerpieces for your wedding reception tables, but they are more important than you think. Your wedding guests will spend a lot of time at their tables, as they have their dinner and chat with each other. So, these centerpieces will be in constant focus. Their arrangement will reflect the tone of the wedding and set the ambiance.
While some venues offer a few custom centerpiece options to choose from, you can also opt for your own design and find one that is suitable for the theme of your party. Let us look at the different factors you should pay attention to when designing your centerpieces, so you can maximize their effect.
Height of the display
This is an important criterion to pay attention to when choosing your centerpiece designs. A centerpiece that is too tall will obscure the view of the guests who sit across each other, and it will be difficult for them to communicate. So, your centerpiece should be low. You can still create an impact by designing the centerpieces to be unique and with interesting design elements. The only time you can go with higher centerpieces is when the design is elongated but not broad. This way, it will not obstruct the view, and will allow guests to talk to each other comfortably.
Width or size
The centerpiece should be compact and not spread out. It should be proportional to the size of the table, and the arrangement should be neat and attractive. Depending on whether the tables are round or long, choose a centerpiece that has the right proportions. A single centerpiece or a cohesive group that occupies a circle in the center is ideal for round tables. Well-spaced tall arrangements on a table runner through the center will be good for long tables.
Choosing the design elements
Flowers and candles are the popular choices for centerpieces. Apart from these, you can also use balloons, crystals, gemstones, jars, pebbles, shells, fruits or anything else that you can think of. The elements you choose should blend well with the theme. A clear vase with shells at the base and floating candles on top for a beach wedding would be appropriate. You can also make use of seasonal flowers and fruits to add color to the centerpieces, and also get them at a lesser price. Ensure you keep the color palette consistent and don’t go overboard with details. It is always the simpler designs that create more impact.
Choose variations for more visual interest
It isn’t necessary that all your tables are decked up the same way. In fact, it is more attractive if each table was personalized differently. Keep the colors consistent and the designs similar, but make slight variations in the arrangement. This will be more interesting. You could alternate two color combinations for each table, or even change the heights and designs of the centerpieces from one table to another. When you alternate styles, the only thing to remember is all the pieces should be tied together with a few unifying factors and not look too distinct.
There are so many details, both big and small, to get right at your wedding. One of them is your bridesmaids’ bouquets. The flowers and the designs that you choose, will have an impact on how well they look on the day. Although they may not hold on to the bouquet for the entire day, it will still be prominent during some very important moments. So, you have to get it right.
Here are some ideas for you to start with.
Match it to your bouquet
Your own wedding bouquet should be the starting point for your bridesmaids bouquets. Bouquets that are miniature versions of your own would complete the effect seamlessly. Consider choosing the same or similar flowers as you have used in your own bouquet, for a cohesive effect. One thing to remember is that if your bouquet matches the colors of the bridesmaids dresses, it would be a good idea to choose flowers that are slightly darker or lighter in color for their bouquets. Else, it could get lost in the background of their dress.
Complement their dress color
Choosing a bridal bouquet is easy, as there are hardly any combinations that could go wrong with a white wedding dress. This is however, not the case with your bridesmaids dresses. Not all colors blend well. So, when you choose your wedding color palette, make sure that you have enough flower choices that will go well with your choice of bridesmaid dress colors. Lighter and shades from the same color family, complementary shades on the color spectrum and neutrals can be explored to find a good combination.
The size should go well with their dress design
If your bridesmaids wear elaborate gowns or dresses with intricate detailing, keep the floral accessories simple. For dresses with details at the bust or waist, choose a bouquet style that doesn’t hide it. Also consider the differences in height and build of your bridesmaids when choosing bouquets. After all, it is very unlikely that a bouquet which is perfect for a plus-size woman will have the same effect on a petite woman.
Make it interesting by varying the colors and designs
There was this rainbow wedding featured on the Rock ‘n’ Roll bride, where the bridesmaids wore dresses in different colors and held bouquets that matched their dress color. The effect was spectacular. We can see that the most brilliant and memorable choices are when you think outside the box. Give a unique touch to each of your bridesmaids bouquets by customizing each one. Vary either the colors, or designs and you will have stunning results.
Trust your florist
You may soon feel you’ve had enough when you have to select so many flowers, bouquet designs and floral centerpieces. Trust your florist with the finer details. She is an expert who knows her job and when allowed to use her creativity, it is likely that she will give you some surprising choices that you would never have thought of yourself. Tell her what you would like and give her the freedom to design it. Not only will this reduce your stress, she may also appreciate the opportunity to show her best.
For more valuable bridal tips and wedding planning advice, visit us at Best for Bride.
Flowers have the power to make a breathtaking wedding scene. They are a crucial part of your wedding décor. After all, flowers contribute to the look and feel and set the scent and, thus, the ambiance for the scene. When the floral décor is done right, the entire venue will reflect the intended mood of the event. However, this magic has to be woven in by the talented hands of your florist.
Unless you are a botanist or have grown up with flowers, it is unlikely that you will know all that you need to about choosing flowers on the scale required for a wedding. With so much going on in the world of wedding flowers, with varieties in everything ranging from bridal bouquets to reception décor, seasonal flowers and table centrepieces, just the thought of getting everything right may hurt your head. If you are like me, you will agree that choosing flowers belongs to the list of tougher wedding planning tasks. So, you must trust your florist for her insight and ideas to get it done right. With so many vendors who claim to be seasoned experts, how do you find the right person for your wedding?
Here are the essential questions to help you sort the pile and settle on the florist who will set wings to your floral vision.
What role do you want the flowers at your wedding to play?
According to this article on How Stuff Works, there are florists and flower designers, and both of them work very differently. Who you choose depends on what you want the flowers to do at your wedding.
Florists are capable of churning out masterpieces based on the specifications you have. It is usually good enough to create the impact you may desire. However, if you are a full-blown flower fan and want finer work and look forward to creating more than just a beautiful scene with the flowers at your wedding, a flower designer is a better person for your job.
They come with an added price tag since they will be working exclusively for you, whereas a florist will juggle several orders at once. Nevertheless, they are artists with the expertise to churn out beautiful floral motifs that will go down in the pages of your wedding memories. They will also be able to go the extra mile to obtain specific flowers needed to create the impact you desire. So, if you wish to make your wedding a floral extravaganza and have a budget, a flower designer is your best bet.
Of all the florists I’ve visited, whose store arrangements did I love the most?
As with choosing any vendor, you should search, search and search for the perfect florist. Obtain references from your friends, look at classifieds and read reviews online. Once you’ve shortlisted those you think will be best, drop in at their stores and look around. This will give you an idea of how organized and passionate they are about their work, more than the pictures you find online.
Do you think the flower arrangements in the display window are neat and attractive? Are the flowers fresh and vibrant? Or do the blooms look dull and wilted? Is the cooler section well-maintained? How neat is the shop generally? Do you think the designs are charming, or do they look dated? Shop around, and you will know which florist is more organized with her business. You can also take a look at their wedding portfolios to get a complete idea.
Does the florist think your budget is reasonable, and what ideas does she have for you?
There is no point in proceeding further if the florist’s rates exceed your budget. Ideally, you should choose vendors who fall within your range and then progress with further analysis to avoid any disappointment. On average, expect to spend 8 to 10% of your budget on flowers if you do not want anything too elaborate. If your initial review of the shop and what you heard from others was positive, you can now discuss the rest of the details.
How does this florist react to your budget and the ideas you have? Does she think creating what you want within the price range is practical? If not, does she have other suggestions for flowers, or can she offer alternate arrangements that will satisfy you and are within your price range? An experienced florist will know the best options that will work for a certain budget, and will be ready to customize to a certain extent to ensure her client is happy. If the florist cannot work within your allocated budget or is unavailable on the day you want, you can always ask her to recommend other vendors who will do a similar job.
Do you like her suggestions?
People have different tastes, and finding a florist who shares your taste will help you progress without too many hiccups. You can identify this to a certain extent by simply looking at her portfolio. Also, look at her flower arrangements in the shop, and notice whether they appeal to you. Also, ask her for suggestions regarding your bouquet, flower options, and designs. It is impossible to go into every detail regarding what you want, so you must trust her decisions to a certain extent.
If you like what she suggests or the options she provides are mostly appealing, you will likely not have any issues with what she comes up with. Just make sure that you tell her about your preferences and what you do not want. Some brides do not like carnations in their bouquets; if you have similar dislikes, inform her about it.
Are you comfortable discussing your ideas with her?
Your wedding décor is obviously important to you, as it sets the mood for the entire day. So, you need someone who understands your ideas and is capable of executing it well. When you talk to a florist, see if she encourages your ideas or is dismissive of what you suggest. If you think she is overbearing or rigid with what she can accommodate, it may be time to look elsewhere. Make sure that you establish a good rapport with your florist, and she can translate your ideas into practical solutions.
It is a good idea to take pictures of arrangements that inspire you, when you visit your florist. For this, start clipping pictures off magazines or take prints off the net, well in advance. This will help you communicate your ideas better and you can also be certain that your florist understands what you mean, rather than just assume she got everything required from the description you provided.
Is she ready to experiment with your ideas and décor suggestions?
Imagine you have this great vision of the perfect table arrangements in your mind, but your florist shoots it down, saying it is too difficult to get right. How disappointing will it be? A talented florist will be ready to stretch a little and take risks, as long as it is what you want. If you think the person you are talking to is too set on her ideas and doesn’t want to try anything out of her comfort zone, you may have the wrong person for the job.
A good florist works with other décor elements like candles, ornaments and tableware to create a unique statement design. She will also know where to source the extras, like vases and candles, so she can do the arrangements well. If your florist is enthusiastic about what she can bring to your wedding, and how to do it differently, by all means, encourage her. Also, find out what extras she can help you with. Will she also cover smaller floral arrangements for the restrooms to create floral favors or petal confetti within budget?
How soon should you confirm, and till when can she accommodate changes?
You will definitely need more than one consultation to ensure you cover everything you want, per your ideas. So, find out when is the latest by which you have to confirm what you want. On this note, you can also ask her if she can do a few samples based on your ideas, so you can suggest changes if any.
If your bouquets or décor arrangements will include out-of-season flowers, find out when is the latest that you have to place your order, so they are ready in time.
Who will set up the site?
This is a question that many couples skip by just assuming that the florist will take care of everything on site. Well, not all of them do. Find out specifically if she or her staff will be handling the decorations on-site personally, or whether she expects the venue staff to take over. If it is an optional condition, does she charge for doing the arrangements herself? How long will it take her to set up?
If it is the latter, find out where the flowers will be delivered to. Will she provide specific instructions on how the arrangements are to be done, if she isn’t there to oversee it? How early will they be delivered and what care has to be taken to ensure the flowers stay in top condition for the wedding and reception?
What expenses will her bills cover?
When dealing with any wedding vendor, ensure you have a written contract that seals the deal and includes all relevant information. Your florist is no exception. Before you confirm the booking, discuss her charges in detail. Does she charge for consultations, and if so, how much? What expenses will you have to pay for? How does she want the bill settled? Will she accept installments, or does she prefer a bulk payment?
What additional charges will you incur if there are small or big changes to the original number of bouquets, boutonnieres or centrepieces? What about if the chosen flowers have to be changed due to unavailability? How will the new ones be charged? Also, discuss the distance to which she will have to deliver, and the transportation rates. Are there any extra overheads you can expect? Discussing all these details and including them in the contract will help you ward off nasty surprises in the form of shocking bills in the future.
What will she do if she has to cancel?
We are all human and you never know when something goes wrong and your florist has to cancel. However, it helps if you are prepared for this worst-case scenario. Don’t hesitate to ask your florist if she has a plan B in case of a contingency. Does she have extra staff who can take over if she isn’t available? Or will she hand over the responsibility to another trusted florist who can deliver a similar service? A professional florist will have some arrangements in place and reassure you that you will receive your service, despite anything that may happen.
At Best for Bride, we endeavour to make your floral vision real. Find inspiration for splendid centrepiece arrangements, bouquet ideas, boutonnieres and venue decoration at our gallery. We also offer customized plans to cater to your specific theme and creatively design to meet your expectations. Whether you would like a formal, casual, classic, modern or traditional theme, we have hundreds of options for you to choose from. In keeping with our overall vision of celebrating love and weddings, our floral services also strive towards the same goal: making your dreams a reality and having the perfect wedding you always wanted. Visit us on Best for Bride today for an awe-inspiring gallery of beautiful designs. You can also shop for your wedding dress, pick outfits for the entire bridal party and get everything wedding-related with us.
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