Tag: flowers

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Wedding Flowers: Bouquet shapes and how to choose the right one

You have chosen the perfect wedding dress, jewelry to match, the hairstyle to sport and shoes to glide down the aisle. You’re almost the perfect bride, except for one small detail that will add the finishing touches – your wedding bouquet!

Bridal bouquets are not just a bunch of flowers that are put together at random. When chosen well, your bouquet will complete your bridal look perfectly. How do you get it right?

Let us look at the different shapes in which wedding bouquets are available, and find the choice that is the right size and shape for your figure.

Circular bouquets: Nosegays and Posies

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The round bouquet is a popular traditional choice. It can be created from the same flowers or an assortment of blooms that are neatly arranged in a circular fashion. Nosegays and posies are extensions of the classic round bouquet, but are smaller in size. In nosegays the flowers are arranged tightly, the cluster is small and the stems are all cut to the same length. Posies are small bouquets that are usually tied with a ribbon.

This shape is generally versatile, and all three go extremely well with classic ball gowns or A-line dresses. Posies particularly suit petite brides. You can choose the size of the round bouquet, or the arrangement of the flowers to complement your figure, so it helps to balance out your look.

Hand tied bouquet

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You can understand from the name itself that these bouquets have a casual look and feel. The chosen bunch of flowers are gathered together and simply tied with a ribbon. Unlike the other prim and perfect bouquet designs, hand-tied bouquets are loosely tied to create a messy look, with the stems and foliage showing. It is an apt choice for an outdoor wedding, and you can adjust the size and choice of flowers to match your size.

Cascade bouquet

By Photo by and (c)2007 Jina Lee (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Credits: Jina Lee CC-BY-SA-3.0
This is a rich bouquet with flowers that flow downwards to resemble a mini-waterfall. The style was a hit in the 1980’s and is one of the most creative arrangements. An assortment of flowers are necessary to create the luscious cascade, and it is often mixed with lavish specks of green. It is also known as the teardrop bouquet, when the thickness of the arrangement thins towards the ends of the bouquet.

The flowers chosen for the bouquet will determine whether it is traditional or modern. The contemporary choice includes orchids and lilies, while the traditional choice has roses. Since the bouquet falls downwards, it has a slimming effect which works well for plus-size brides. The dramatic design also matches mermaid or ball gown skirts.

Presentation bouquets

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This style is similar to the ones we see at pageants. Long stemmed flowers are tied together and the bouquet is held across the body to rest in the crook of the arm. It has a formal touch and suits all body shapes.

Composite bouquets

This is a bouquet that takes time and effort to create. An individual big flower is crafted out of hundreds of small petals from individual flowers, which are glued or tied together. It is more expensive than the other bouquets, but is a unique and stunning design worth its price.

Now that you know the technical differences between the various bouquets available, you should be able to choose the one that is right for you. Visit Best for Bride for more wedding advice and tips.

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Footwear Fantasy: Elevate Your Wedding Look with Unique Shoe Accessories!

On your wedding day, you want to be a stunning bride – one whom the guests will keep their eyes on, and not yawn at! To make this happen, planning your wedding day look precisely, up to the smallest of details is necessary.

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Although your wedding shoes will be hidden under your long flowing gown for most of the day, your guests will still have glimpses of it as you walk down the aisle, or dance at the reception. So, make sure you have them notice your dainty feet dazzling with pretty touches that you have added to your wedding shoes.

Look at these shoe accessories that can do this without breaking the bank.

Shoe clips

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Dress up a simple, white or ivory shoe that you bought at a bargain with pretty and unusual shoe clips. These accessories will add the required drama and take your shoe from blah to wow!

You can choose anything from flowers and silky satin bows to round glitzy brooches and sparkling crystals or gems to add those finishing touches to your shoes, and you will have a unique pair of shoes. To use your wedding shoes on another occasion, you have to remove the shoe clip and it is back to it’s original look.

Sparkling crystals

If you want a glamorous shoe, but all the sparkling ones are over-budget, how about customizing one yourself? You could also consider this option if the ones you come across are too sparkly for your taste, or don’t create the desired impact.

Shimmering crystals in all colors and sizes are available, and you can buy ones that you like. You can even choose your shoe decoration charms in colors other than white, to add extra bling to your look. Glue them all over your shoe for a super-sparkly effect, or confine it to just the heel or the toes, if you prefer a sophisticated look.

White is out, let’s color it in

More and more brides are looking for different ways to ensure their wedding look is unique. If you have chosen a traditional white wedding gown, but want to color some personality into your overall look, how about wearing your wedding shoes in a different shade?

While you can find many colours, you could also dye your shoe to match your wedding palette. When you are going with colour, make it as bright as possible, so it pops. Those fleeting glimpses of your wedding shoes while you circle the dance floor, will be spectacular and definitely noticed this way.

 

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If you want colour, but don’t want to go all the way with it, you could consider having just the sole coloured with a coloured shoe sole kit. Girls who love little details will love shoe stickers that say “I Do.” These are also available in glitter or different colours to stick on your shoe soles if this is what will add an element of surprise to your feet.

With shoe accessories, your options are endless. It is not just about finding a budget-friendly option, it is also about creating your unique look. For more exciting wedding tips and advice, visit us at Best for Bride.

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Bridal Manicure : Do’s and Don’ts

As a bride, you have to plan everything from head to toe, to look flawless and fantastic on your wedding day. This includes your nails. From classic French manicures to gloriously glittered nail art, you can have anything you want on your hands. The choice is yours!

To make things easy for the beautiful bride, here is a roundup of all the things you need to consider when preparing for your wedding manicure. Check it out!

Try, try, try; and then try some more

Don’t stick to the age-old French manicure for your wedding, unless it is the only thing that you are satisfied with. Try on multiple colors, designs and even file your nails in various shapes till you zero-in on the one look that suits you best. If you want to play it safe with a single color that goes with your wedding dress, make sure you test various shades to locate the perfect match that suits your skin tone.

If you will be changing outfits for the ceremony and reception, pick a shade or design that will be suitable for both dresses. Another thing to consider is the color of your wedding bouquet. Your nails should match the colors of the flowers in it.

Don’t skimp on nail polish or nail care products

Shell out a few extra bucks for a better product that will last longer. Also, make sure you get multiple bottles. You will need one for the bridal manicure session, one for your emergency bridal kit and another to go into your honeymoon travel bag. If you are getting your manicure at a salon, make sure you take your bottle along, so you get the entire work completed, even if the salon has run out of your chosen shade.

Should your nail chip at the last moment, having an extra bottle will make sure you are prepared for this emergency. Similarly, make it a point to get good hand and nail care products for your wedding. This includes cuticle oil, hand moisturizers and nail varnish removers.

Get your nails done just in time

This simply has to wait till the last minute. It is recommended that you get a gel manicure just the day before your wedding, so it lasts through your wedding, and will even see you through your honeymoon. Gel manicures do not chip, but that doesn’t mean you can be too safe. Always have that extra bottle handy, should you need it at any time.

Prep for your manicure by taking good care of your hands

Your hands, and nails, will receive personal attention in several wedding photographs. Be prepared to show them off in your wedding bands, holding the bouquet and when cutting the cake. If you want them to look pretty and polished, spare some TLC on your hands. Do not bite or chew your nails. Rub cuticle oil into the nail beds regularly, and use a good hand moisturizer from today, so your hands look supple and smooth in time for the wedding.

Follow these tips, and you will be ready to nail it on your wedding day with fantastic looking hands.

For more wedding tips and all your wedding shopping needs, visit Best for Bride.

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What Wedding Flowers Are in Season?


In order to save money on wedding flowers, many people advise brides to choose wedding flowers which are in season. However, little is ever said about when each type of wedding flower is actually in season. Here is a brief guide showing what flowers commonly used in wedding decor are in season each month. A flower’s season is typically longer than a single month, so some flowers are mentioned several times. If the wedding date has been chosen, the bride can check that month to see which flowers are in season. Roses are available year round, but much more expensive during February.

January

Alstromeria, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Casablanca Lilies, Daffodil, Gerbera, Jasmine, Narcissus, Snapdragons, Star Gazer Lilies, Stephanotis, Sweetpea, Tulips

February

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Daffodil, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips

March

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cherry Blossom, Cornflower, Daffodil, Dahlia, Freesia, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

April

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cornflower, Cherry Blossom, Dahlia, Daffodil, Delphinium, Freesia, Hydrangea, Lilacs, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

May

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Hydrangea, Peony, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Zinnia

June

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Hydrangea, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies

July

Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

August

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Cockscomb, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

September

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Star Gazer Lilies

October

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Marigold, Star Gazer Lilies, Statice, Zinnia

November

Anemone, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Narcissus, Orchid, Pansy, Statice, Waxflower

December

Anemone, Carnation, Cosmos, Gerbera Daisy, Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Sweetpea, Waxflower

 

Flower seasons can vary depending on your geographic location and availability. Brides can ask the florist which flowers will be in season at the time of the wedding. Flowers that are out of season often can be found and used for the wedding. The cost of out-of-season flowers is higher than those that are in season. If the wedding budget is a concern, it’s best to stick to flowers that are in season.

The flower budget for a wedding can be small or extravagant. Some couples decorate the ceremony venue and reception with numerous floral bouquets and runners. Even using wedding flowers in season can become costly if flowers are the main decoration everywhere. Some couples love that and can afford an expensive florist bill. If budget is a concern, reserve the flowers for certain areas where you want that dramatic effect.

Some brides may have an emotional attachment to a particular flower. Checking what months that flower is in season before setting the wedding date may be an option for including the special flower at a discounted price. For more ways to save money when planning a wedding, browse the Best for Bride‘s blog for helpful, money-saving tips.