Bridal Bouquet Alternatives

Who says bridesmaids have to carry bouquets of flowers?  There are so many other options that are just as striking, and a different option may even represent the theme and look of your wedding even better than flowers will.  The fun in creating your wedding is having unique, personalized elements to reflect your personal style.

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Bridesmaid Pinwheels
Bridesmaids Brown Lanterns
Bridesmaids Fans
Pink Orchid Purse
Bridesmaids Gold Lanterns
Bridesmaids Corsages
Green Bridesmaids Purses
Bridesmaids Parasols

Floral Obsession: Anemonie Wedding Inspiration

One of my absolutely favorite flowers is the anemonie and I wonder why I don't get many brides that want to incorporate this beautiful flower in their wedding decor.  Anemones are so pretty and somehow a little vintage looking, also said to represent anticipation and luck.  Here is my subtle way of changing some of minds....

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Clockwise from top left:

Cakes By Confetti Cakes
Anemonie Bouquet
Anemonie Bouquet
Anemonie Invitation Suite
Grooms Boutonniere
Anemonie Centerpiece
Single Tier Cake
Anemonie Centerpieces

Absolutely Fabulous Weddings' 2012 Forecast

After much research, our highly anticipated 2012 Wedding Forecast is ready and I can't wait to share this information with all of you.  The newest wedding trends for the upcoming year range from the look of your wedding to the flowers to the food to the favors....everything.  Let's get started.

CATEGORY # 1:  THE LOOK
Color schemes have got back to the classics.  Right now it's the nudes - oyster greys, champagnes, nudes, pinks, pale gold and creams.  With this said, patterns are getting bolder as colors are getting softer.  Linens are heavier and more textured.

Photo credit:  weddingbycolor.com

Luxe Candelabras in any material are in, so.....out with the chunky pillar candles and in with the tapers.  If you are having your ceremony outdoors, hanging chandeliers make a wildly romantic statement.
    
Photo credits here:  stylemepretty.com


CATEGORY # 2:  THE FLOWERS
The flower of the year is the peony, which that is no surprise here but other fabulous flowers for next year are garden roses, ranunculus and frilly carnations, white mini calla lilies and of course the orchid.
  
Photo credit:  stylemepretty.com


The age of the single centerpiece is over.  2012 will be all about collections of containers, flowers and candles on one single tablescape.
  
 
Photo credit:  foreversacredevents.wordpress, elizabethannedesigns.com, scarletpetal.typepad.com

Natural is still new.  Terrariums, which are glass domed arrangements of pebbles, flowers, succulants and found objects such as birds nests and shells are seen everywhere.
  


Photo credit:  stylemepretty.com

CATEGORY #3:  DRINKS
This years three words are the perfect 3 categories to choosing your bar menu.
ARTISNAL:  Specialty drinks designed for your day are never out but the ingredients seem to be a little more intricate.  For example, ingredients like frothy egg whites, elderflower liquor, and unexpected garnishes such as candied ginger or herbs.  Signature drinks always a sophisticated edge to any reception.
      
Photo credit:  bestbeverage.com, theubpost.com, elegantcreationsevents.blogspot.com

TASTINGS:  Plan tasting station style bars.  For example one could be a tequila station and the other could be a scotch station with different selections of these types of liquors.
  
Photo credit:  destinationweddingmag.com, xiamenwave.com


CUSTOM ICE:  As you may know, the quantity and style of ice can either make or break a cocktail so offer up shaved ice, crushed ice and oversized cubes for different drink varieties.
  

Photo credit:  amountainofcrushedice.com

Wine pairings for dinner.  2012's meal isn't just about what's on your plate, it's also about what's in your glass as well.

Photo credit: robbinmontero.com

Category #4:  CAKE COUTURE
**  Cleaner lines and details and of course sugar flowers never go out of style.
    
Photo credit:  pinkcakebox.com, labellz.wordpress.com

**  Cake silhouette.  Right now, each tier is looking different.  Round tiers with a hexagon shape thrown in there or even five inch layers mixed with two inch layers are popular 2012 trends.
    
Photo credit:  cakecentral.com, thetwistedsifter.wordpress.com, cakefiction.com


Category #5:  FAVORS
When it comes to favors, if they're not edible, don't bother.  Candy tables, breakfast snacks, bagels or donuts in boxes are all sure to be a huge hit.
  
Photo credit:  Absolutely Fabulous Weddings

Happy Planning your 2012 Wedding!

Amy Lythgoe, Lead Planner and Event Designer
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings
561-577-6686
amy@fabulousplanner.com
www.fabulousplanner.com

All Things Rainbow

Rainbows symbolize good fortune, happiness, and hope. So it's no surprise that the ROY G BIV palette has become an increasingly popular way to add a bright, festive touch to weddings. But pulling off a stylish (not cheesy) event that reflects the color spectrum can be tricky—we suggest keeping it casual, crafty, and playful (and avoiding tie-dye at all costs).

Photos by:

brides.com

Photos by:

brides.com

Pick Your Palette....

Can't decide on a color scheme for your wedding?  Select your shade by answering the questions below.
THE BASICS
1.  What's your favorite color?  Build your scheme around the hue you love most.  But don't just think pink or blue.  Get specific:  Is it teal or turquoise, raspberry or rose?
2.  What does your site look like?  Tangerine and lime probably won't work in a red and gold ballroom, so consider  the dominant colors in your space before picking  your colors.
3.  Do you have a flower in mind?  If your wild about sunflowers, consider a combination of yellow and orange.  Adore green hydrangeas?  Start picking out vibrant table linens.
4.  What's the season?  Let your wedding day inspire you.  In spring, think pastels.  In summer, try brights.  Warm hues work in fall; gem tones, metallics, and icy blues say "winter".

Here are some of my favorite color combinations and why...
Marigold and Gray:  When yellow is paired with gray, the result is formal, chic and edgy.
Fuchsia and Red:  This color combination says lush and romantic in a tropical climate.
Ice Blue and Black:  This modern look would fit nicely in a hip hotel.
Kelly Green and Moss:  This grassy color combination injects the sunny spirit of golf greens into a country club celebration.
Purple and Pale Pink:  This is a match made for an estate wedding.
Marine Blue and Cream:  Nothing says "nautical" like blue and cream.  Use these colors on the beach or a yacht club.

Florist vs. Floral Designer: What's The Difference

The term "floral designer" may sound like a more pretentious way of saying florist.  But there are differences between the two designations.  A florist generally operates from a storefront, where he sells everyday arrangements in addition to special occasion flowers; a floral designer probably works out of a studio and focuses solely on events.  A florist can make a deliver centerpieces and bouquets, while a floral designer may become involved with lighting and helping you choose rental linens, furniture and other decorative pieces to create your reception's overall mood, in addition to crafting unique centerpieces and bouquets for the big day.

Photo Source:  http://lotushaus.typepad.com/lotushaus/globaflora/

Flowers In One Of Summers Favorite Shades: BLUE

More and more I am finding that brides are opting for blue flowers for their weddings and working with this color has been my single most exciting trend in weddings right now.  Blue is a hot color right now and it can make for a beautiful theme for your wedding decorations, but brides assume that flowers in shades of blue are scarce.  It's true that blue varieties aren't as abundant as some other bridal favorites, they do exist.

When it comes to blue flowers, it's important to remain flexible.  Incorporating soft shades of grey or champagne will soften the blue palette with elegant sophistication.  Blue florals are most abundant in spring and summer, so I suggest you choose one or two at most for your base.

Here are some blue varieties to consider:

Blue Cornflowers:  cute, small flowers that look like they were just picked from a field.

Blue Delphinium:  have height and are fabulous for aisle arrangements, altar arrangements, and buffets.  These come in a range of shades, from light to dark blue, and even a rich purple.

Blue Eryngium:  eye catching flowers that will bring a unique texture to your arrangements.

Blue Hyacinth:  smell delicious!  But do appear more purple than blue.

Blue Hydrangea:  available year round in light blue and seasonally in a strong deep royal blue.  When it comes to bouquets though, hydrangea should be the only flower used, as they wilt easily.

Blue Iris:  a beautiful flower but can appear more purple than blue.

Blue Viburnum Berries:  these are a fun, textural element that comes in the most fabulous shade of navy blue.  These look even better shiny so have your designer spray "leaf shine" on them.

Tweedia:  a sweet small flower that can be used as an accent piece in an organic type arrangement.  These blooms can also be used in a boutonniere, but keep in mind that this is quite fragile.

Veronica:  a deep shade of blue (almost purple) and a fun, spiky element that can bring a nice pop to your arrangements.

It is possible to order blue-dyed flowers, including dendrobium orchids, blue roses from Holland and blue carnations; however, my recommendation is to go with a natural choice.

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Absolutely Fabulous Ceremony Send Offs!

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Congratulations To Shane & Aly Young!

Shane & Aly's Wedding by fabulousplanner

Rose and Stephen Brooks Fantasy Pink & Gold Wedding!!

This fabulous pink and gold fantasy wedding took place on September 5, 2010 at the beautiful Mizner Country Club in Boca Raton.  Enjoy!

Wedding Planning:  Amy Lythgoe @ Absolutely Fabulous Weddings www.fabulousplanner.com
Wedding Flowers and Decor:  Yamir @ Floral Designs By Yamir   www.floraldesignsbyyamir.com
Wedding Photography & Videography:  Jeff Kolodny    www.jeffkolodny.com
Wedding Cake:  Jen @ The Sugar Chef    www.sugarchef.com