cutting costs | bridesmaid "candidates" + personal florals

Working closely with many clients in the design and planning of their weddings, an item that comes to complete shock on many, many occasions is the cost of their floral design. Why? You surprisingly ask. LARGE BRIDAL PARTIES. We often get clients who have very large bridal parties of 6 or more bridesmaids and groomsmen.

When a couple decides on having a large bridal party {because they may be afraid of hurting someones feelings if they don't ask them to be in their bridal party or simply can't decide on who to have in their bridal party} there are many costs that should be considered for each bridal attendant: personal flowers, rehearsal dinner costs, hair and make-up, coordinating their wedding attire, attendant gifts, and the list goes on and on.


Back to the floral design... Did you know the average starting cost of a posy bouquet is $65.00 - $85.00, depending on your floral selections?

posy bouquet :: a small circular hand held bouquet.

So let's imagine for a moment you have a bridal party of 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsman and your floral design budget is $3,500. With 8 bridesmaids you are looking at spending roughly $600.00 for posy bouquets alone. This is almost 1/4 of your floral design budget. As you can see, this is the cost for bridesmaids posy bouquets alone. We haven't even touched upon the cost of your ceremony arrangements or reception centerpieces.

Have you thought about... Having your bridesmaid "candidate(s)" sing at your ceremony or reception, read a beautiful love poem, serve as a hostess, play an instrument during your cocktail hour, assist you with assembling wedding favors? Think of all the other ways they can contribute and be involved in your wedding without you having to include them in your wedding party. Utilize their creativity and special talents to make your special day exceptional!

As you begin to talk with your fiance about your fabulous bridal party wishes... Consider the impact a very large bridal party will have on your overall wedding budget.

Happy planning!

photo credit: brides.com

honeymoon escape : bali

A trip to paradise. Bali is a one-of-a kind honeymoon destination that you will be sure to remember for a lifetime.

Bali, located on a small island in Indonesia, is just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is an absolutely breathtaking place to celebrate your marriage union. Experience this intimate Balniese villa - with separate sleeping, bathing and living pavilions and ocean views from your plunge pool, dramatic hilltop and ocean side dining, a tranquil and exquisite spa. The activities are endless!

photo credit: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

{Experience the amazing Bali attractions}

Elephant Safari Park. Don't leave Bali without visiting the truly unique and spectacular Indonesian elephants. Located in the cool jungle/forest of Desa Taro, the Elephant Safari Park offers you the chance to feed and interact with these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. A 30-minute elephant safari ride is available to those who wish to do more than just look. Then join in with the elephants as they take a bath, immersing themselves in the cool waters of the lake.

Gunung Kawi (Mountain of Poets) is an 11th century sanctuary with gurgling springs and rock-cut memorials to long-dead kings.

During your stay, be sure to try your hand at these other activities: Horseback riding at sunset, water parks, surfing, and much more!

Great resources on Bali:

Bali Guide

Bali Tourism Board

Trip Advisor

We hope you enjoy planning your honeymoon escape!

Happy honeymoon! :O)

daytime garden party

Imagine a bright and crisp sunny day... The beautifully landscaped lush gardens and flowers... Your guests enjoying a vibrant signature drink on the portico or near a soothing water fountain... the buzzing conversation with the faint sound of jazz music playing in the background. Isn't this an inviting picture of a fabulous garden party? With day weddings becoming increasingly popular why not consider an amazing mansion to host your wedding.

Day events offer many benefits over an evening affair. Here are a few reasons we think these events are absolutely amazing:

Fabulous pictures : With all of the vibrant colors that surround a garden party you'll be sure to capture fantastic pictures of your wedding, from beginning to end.

Pricing couldn't be better : Day events are reasonably priced. Most venues offer a cheaper price when hosting your event in the daytime, as these are the times the venues aren't heavily used. There may also be other fees associated with an evening event, you may not need to pay for if holding a day event, such as a security guard fee.

Amazing visuals : See your stunning decor. You can finally see all of the details you put into designing your wedding, the intricate place card design to the venue itself. Take in all your amazing wedding day holds.

All day celebration : Holding a daytime event leaves room for an after party. Continue your celebration and party all night long.

If you are looking to hold a fabulous garden party, be sure to check out these amazing venues:

Oxon Hill Manor {MD} * Meridan House {DC} * Brookside Gardens {MD}

Happy planning!

Photo credit: Dept. of Parks and Planning Commission PG County Maryland, Holland Photography, Rodney Bailey and Meridian House, Brookside Gardens.

september 11th : may we never forget

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th.We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” –George W. Bush (1946- ), 43rd President of the United States.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors and all families that lost loved one's on Sept. 11th. We also owe a great deal to our military, fire fighters and law enforcement throughout our Nation for their service to us. We thank you all for your strength and unyielding courage during one the greatest tragedies our Nation had to face.

We appreciate you all greatly and love you all dearly! :O)

absolutely accessorize

Ladies, it is most certainly all about the accessories for your bridal party. These fab finds will sure to add that extra sass to your fabulous bridal party ensemble...









{Stunning Yellow Accessories}
Silk satin clutch with Swarovski crystals (style No. RM 2581), MOYNA. "Very Noeud" yellow satin hidden platform slingbacks with bow detail, by Christian Louboutin. Yellow fabric flower, similar styles available at M&S Schmalberg.


















{Passionately Pink Accessories}
Pink couture sandals, by Valentino, from Saks Fifth Avenue. Long pearl double strand necklace, by Gabrielle Sanchez, from Fragments 212-334-9588. Frame bag (style 25172), and Flap clutch (style 24704), both by La Regale. Pink fabric flower, similar styles available at M&S Schmalberg.



















{Beaming Blue Accessories}
Blue fabric flowers, similar styles available at M&S Schmalberg. Fleur suede peep-toe heels in bright blue, J.Crew. "Marina" soft touch leather small frame clutch with a delicate scale pattern in blue (No. 390MN, "Marina"), Lodis. Wrist length leather gloves, Carolina Amato.


















{Dazzling Silver Accessories}
Skinny tapered bangle in warm grey, Lucite bangle with crystals in warm grey, Lucite tapered bangle in warm grey, all by Alexis Bittar. "Lulu" metallic leather peep toes in platinum gold, J.Crew. "Aionoeud" mini lurex platinum silver bow clutch, by Christian Louboutin.

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Have fun accessorizing!

bridal bouquets : fall's cornucopia of color

With the morning chill in the air... It definitely reminds us that Fall is quickly approaching. :O) Looking forward to the Fall Wedding Season, let's take a peek at a few Fall inspired bouquets! Take notice of the simple details of crab apples, rosemary springs to kumquats in the following bouquets. This will sure to excite you with inspiration for any Fall Wedding...

Are you planning a Fall Wedding? We'd love to hear from you and see the inspiration you have in mind for your fabulous bridal bouquet.

Photos courtesy of brides.com + martha stewart weddings. Featured floral designers: by design events floral, janie medley floral design, emily thomson flowers, martha stewart weddings.