CSW: Pops of Color

Much of your wedding design and decor is based on the color palette you select early on in the wedding planning process.  Chicago Style Weddings invited me to give some advice on choosing your wedding color scheme.  Take a look:

Desiree' Moore Dent of Dejanae Events agrees and has seen grey paired "especially with hues of yellow, green, and blue."  Dent also has seen purple and teal, "giving [Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango] a run for it's money!"

You can view the entire article and others in Chicago Style Weddings eMagazine at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/emagazine.aspx.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Useful Wedding Planning Blog Posts

Today's blog is a recap of some of the more informative blogs that have been written over the years.  Check out the topic and click into the blog as they are sure to assist you with your wedding planning.  I'll be back on Wednesday with a few more :)

Once you have your WEDDING GOWN altered, this blog post shares some options on what to do with the scraps -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-to-do-with-dress-scraps.html

When selecting your WEDDING PARTY, make sure to let them know their roles. This blog is very helpful when it comes to those plaguing questions - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/06/role-of-wedding-vips.html

When planning out the WEDDING CEREMONY, check out this blog post for the proper sequencing - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/08/sequencing-wedding-ceremony.html

When planning your WEDDING REHEARSAL, make sure that you enjoy yourself, but also complete these tasks - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/10/wedding-rehearsal-to-do-list.html

When selecting FLOWERS for your wedding ceremony and reception, make sure you armed with the basics presented in this blog - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/flower-basics-101.html

If you have taken on the roll of stocking your RECEPTION BAR, check out this useful blog when determining quantity - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/07/wedding-reception-bar-basics.html

You may or may not have a wedding planner (I hope you do :), make sure to pack your very own EMERGENCY KIT to avoid those mishaps on wedding day -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-wedding-emergency.html


Until next time...WEDologize!

Decorating Your Wedding Ceremony

Upon planning the wedding ceremony, there are certain florals to consider when adding the finishing touches to the wedding party and making the decor complete. When selecting your color palette, you will consider a wide array of floral designs to bring forth your vision.

When selecting for the wedding party, the following florals should be considered:

Bridal bouquet

Maid and/or Matron of Honor bouquet

Bridesmaids bouquets

Flower Girl basket arrangement, petals or pomander

Mothers and Grandmothers corsages (pin or wrist)

Hostesses corsages (pin or wrist)

Groom's boutonniere

Best Man and Groomsmen boutonniere

Ring Bearer boutonniere

Fathers and ushers boutonniere

Officiant boutonniere (or corsage), if the minister is not wearing a robe

Presentation flowers for mothers (or special women in the couple's life)

Memorial bouquet or arrangement

When selecting the ceremony decor, the following should be considered:

Altar, Arch or Chuppa floral decor

Chair or Pew decorations
Decorations for the unity candle or sand ceremony

Aisle runner
Aisle petals

Guest Book floral piece

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Dejanae Events)

Small Business Saturday 11.24.12

I started Dejanae Events in 2000, a small wedding and event planning business named after the special little lady in my life.  Well I have had the honor and privilege of working with some of the best vendors in the Chicagoland area and I want to share and show my support for Small Business Saturday by introducing a few of them to you.  Please check them out for your wedding and event planning needs.

Photography and Videography

Rush Event Photography & Video Productions - www.rushphotovideo.com

Image Makers Photography - www.imphoto.net

LAD4 Creations - www.lad4creations.com

Invitations and Day-Of Stationery

CT Designs, Inc. - www.ct-designs.com

Adorable Designs by Candice - www.adorablebycandice.com

Carol Woldhuis Designs - www.carolwoldhuisdesigns.com

DJ Services

JAM Music - www.jammusic.org

Windy City - www.windycitymix.com

Lighting and Design

Art of Imagination - www.artofimagination.com

Make-Up Services

Kelli Kolors - www.kellikolors.com

Wedding and Social Cakes

Sharon Custom Cakes - www.sharonscakes.com

Karen Scobbie Cake Design - www.kscakedesign.com

Floral Design

Rosemary's Garden - www.rosemarysgardenbridal.com

Fleur du Jour - www.fleurdujourchicago.com

Photo Booth

ShutterBooth Chicago - www.shutterbooth.com

Yummy Favors
Nticing Ngredients - www.nticingngredients.com 
Katherine Anne Confections - www.katherine-anne.com 

 

Wedding Magazines

Wedding Guide Chicago - www.weddingguidechicago.com

Pretty Pear Bride - www.prettypearbride.com

Until next time...SHOP SMALL and WEDologize!

(photo credit - American Express)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Gorgeousness! BLING! All of the Above!!!  Today's Pin It Pic incorporates all my loves into one stunning design...crystals...brooches...candles...ribbon...beautiful white flowers!  WOW!!!  Simply amazing!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Jennifer Cole Florals)

Accessorizing the Wedding Cake

When selecting your wedding cake, either from a photo or from an actual visit with a cake designer, there are some things that you should consider.  Question - Outside of selecting the cake flavor, filling and decorative frosting, what types of design can be offered to make this cake not only taste good, but look wonderful? So let's think about designing this gorgeous piece of confection from BOTTOM to TOP. 

Your wedding cake will be put on some type of base for easy transport, typically silver or gold, but if you want to give the cake more height, consider placing it up on a decorative cake stand or pedestal.
 

When selecting the actual design components, will you use fresh flowers or sugar flowers over an actual patterned design?  Both will offer elegance to your cake, but the cost difference is major.  Fresh flowers will always be less in cost than using actual sugar flowers.

How about adding some colored ribbon to your wedding cake tiers?  There are so many variety of ribbons (satin, grosgrain, sheer, wired, etc.) that the options and positioning are limitless.

Now what bride doesn't love a little BLING?  Adding bling to a wedding cake can take on so many different forms...from banding each or every other tier, adding bling brooch details or a burst of bling and crystals shooting out of the top tier.

And as you reach the top tier of the wedding cake, ask yourself...do I want a topper?  Know that toppers can be all sort of items...a cluster of fresh or sugar flowers, a bride and groom, an initial monogram or almost any thing you can think of.  Check out our blog post devoted to cake toppers.

Last, if your wedding cake isn't going to be served as dessert or sliced and displayed on a dessert buffet, make sure you have some fun packaging for your guests to take their yummy treat home.  Check out how DE suggests you "bag" wedding cake.
 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: fresh flowers - http://linzievents.com/tag/wedding-cakes/; sugar flowers - www.weddingcakes.com/; ribbon - http://artofdessert.blogspot.com/; bling - www.rockwellsbakery.com; LOVE topper - www.etsy.com; base - www.sweetandsaucyshop.com)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Some of most glamorous wedding cakes are dripping with sugar flowers, but this Pin it Pic is uber stunning with the fresh hydrangea and orchids!  I'm in awe of this 3-tired wedding cake...standing in all it's glory...as fresh flowers drip down the sides...falling onto the base of the display...oh and take a peek at the brooch detail to the right! STUN! NING!!!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.insideweddings.com - Spring 2012 Issue)

Flower Basics 101

When ordering your wedding ceremony and reception flowers, there are a few things you should know to make the process flow more smoothly...and also save you a few dollars.  Consider a few of the points below:

• Chose flowers that are in season to save on costs.  Tulips are a fortune in the summer and fall.
• Order a toss bouquet.  Your actual wedding bouquet, as expensive as it is, should not be tossed into a crowd of single woman to tear apart.
• Use the bridesmaids bouquets as decor for the head table.  I mean, what are they really going to do with them after the ceremony?
• Always order the groom and extra boutonniere.  Once the ceremony is over and the groom has hugged plenty of guests, it's a good look for him to enter into the reception with a fresh flower verses a smashed flower.
• Add fresh florals to your wedding cake over sugar flowers.  Trust me, they'll still add that WOW factor and savings to your pocket.
• Vary the height of your guest table centerpieces.  Have lows and highs or clustered centerpieces, but make sure the highs don't impede guest conversation.
• Ask your venue if they provide anything that will enhance your table decor, such as mirrors or votive candles. You might as well use them...you are paying for them.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - bouquet: www.onewed.com; cake: www.cakesforwedding.net)

...I Found It...You Pin It, Friday!

Lighting can make any wedding ceremony and reception even MORE spectacular!  And with the popularity of chandeliers being added to the wedding design, I couldn't help but ((scream)) when I saw this pic!  See, it's not even about the beautiful crystal chandelier, but the florals used to cover the chain from which the chandelier hangs!!!  In total love with the March 16, 2012 Pin It Pic!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: weddingstylemagazine.com)

To Have and To Hold Your Bouquet (Day#3)

Most of the wedding ceremony you will be holding your beautiful bouquet, but what happens to it once all the photos are done and the reception begins?  I mean it is a costly piece and you don't want to have it laying around all night.  Assign it a task as well.

Have a vase at your sweetheart or head table with just a little water at the bottom to cover the stems.  Place your bouquet in the vase and watch it double as a beautiful table centerpiece. You could also consider placing your wedding bouquet on the cake table or dessert table should you already have a head table arrangement. And should you really want to make a dramatic statement, have vases for your bridesmaids scattered on the head table for their bouquets.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit -  www.stylemepretty.com; www.kellysweddingflowers.com)

What's Holding Your Flowers?

Most centerpieces are going to consist of some type of glassware holding your flowers and/or candles.  When I speak of glassware, I'm talking about cylinder vases, Eiffel Tower and bullet vases, or cubed shape vases...the standards you'll see at a wedding reception.  But when creating your entire tablescape, consider the vessel that will be dominantly displayed on your guests table and how you might like it presented.  Check out the ideas below for the "flower holders".

Consider using vintage vases or mason jars for single blooms or small floral clusters and group them tightly on your guest tables.

Using colored glass or uniquely shaped glassware can really make colored florals pop and become a conversation piece on  your guest tables.

And for the DIY bride, wrap your glassware in patterned paper or fabric to blend nicely with your overall color scheme.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Holding The Bouquet

Brides spend plenty of time making sure the flowers that make up their wedding bouquet are just as perfect as their dream gown. But you want to make sure that you select the most flattering "holder" for your hand-tied wedding bouquet.

After alterations, you may have some material left over. Give that to your florist and allow them to make a wrap for your bouquet. Stones, similar to your gown, could be added as embellishments.


For the bride with an old Hollywood or vintage style, consider using a mussy tussy as a bouquet holder. This unique holder comes with a holder for the bouquet to sit in once the couple is seated at the reception.

For the bride who wants the stems exposed, consider a unique ribbon and brooch to add flair to your bouquet or dual colors tied in a unique design.

The jeweled bouquet cuff has to be my favorite and adds elegance and major drama to a beautiful wedding bouquet.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - http://www.theknot.com/; http://bouquetbridal.blogspot.com/; http://www.simplyelegantsimone.com/; http://www.marthastewart.com/; http://weddingadvices.com/; http://www.weddingaccents.com/)

When Grocery Store Flowers Won't Do

Now that spring has arrived, I get so excited to see the flowers blooming and seeing the beauty of those flowers formed into bouquets or centerpieces. Now I'm fully aware of the DIY conscience bride who feels she can make her wedding bouquets and centerpieces, but please understand the grocery store florals should not make the cut :) I know flowers can be expensive and that saving where you can while planning your wedding will bring a smile across your face...and the grooms. But let's consider some of the tips I've listed below while making the best floral decisions for your wedding day.

• Your florist should purchase the freshest and highest quality blooms available. The following flowers are GREAT spring flowers and aren't costly because they are in season: tulips, daffodils, lilacs, ranunculus, peonies , and sweet peas. Orchids, roses and calla lilies are year-round flowers and are awesome for both bouquets and centerpieces.


• I know brides love the tall centerpieces, but you can create that elegant look with the use of branches and clusters of flowers rather than using all flowers.


• Using larger blooms to create centerpieces and bouquets can save a bundle because most "wedding" flowers are charged per stem.


• Displaying a single stem in a very cool vase or container can make a striking centerpiece for the modern bride.

But should you walk down the DIY aisle of flowers, purchase them wholesale and allow a professional to make the arrangements.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.vsphoto.com)

Corsage Briefing

As you begin meeting with florists to plan out and order your personal wedding flowers, consider the women that will be wearing corsages. What is a corsage? It's a small cluster of flowers constructed to be worn on the wrist or pinned on a garment. Who wears a corsage? The mother's of the bride and groom, the grandmother's of the couple, special relatives who may or may not walk during the ceremony, readers and hostesses.

When considering your floral budget and desired look:

• Note that the flowers used for corsages do not have to match the bridal bouquet.
• Ask your florist to mark what corsage belongs to who so that distribution can run smoothly.
• Last, make sure not to select flowers so large that it looks like a garden growing from your mother's wrist or out of her gown.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: http://www.kensingtonflorist.com/; http://www.bizarreweddingflowers.com/; http://www.firstclassweddings.com/; www.brideandbloom.com )

Flowers in your Hair

As we conclude my flower blogs for the month of November, I thought we'd discuss using flowers as an alternative to the wedding veil or in conjunction with the veil.

A romantic wedding look using dendrobium orchids or gardenias cascading down soft curls.

The use of a single flower adds a flair of elegance to the simplest hairstyles.

The sophistication of a modern chignon with an orchid speaks volumes.

The playfulness of a ponytail adorned with lilies is truly beautiful.

And even the shorter styles can add flowers.
Check out this style featuring calla lilies over her ear.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com; www.theknot.com; www.bridalweddinghairstyles.com; www.squidoo.com)

The Reception It Is

On Monday's blog we discussed the florals needed for the wedding ceremony, well today we will talk about the reception's floral needs. I'm a firm believer that when dealing with the floral budget, put more towards the reception because your guests will be at that location for 4-6 hours verses your ceremony location for 1-2 hours.

For your reception decor, consider the following to enhance the space:

Cocktail table small arrangements

Escort Card table arrangement

Head or Sweetheart table arrangements (but you can cut costs in this department by using the bridal bouquets as decor)

Guest Book table arrangement, if it's not placed on the escort card table

Guest table centerpieces, possibly varying in height and size

Wedding cake and table florals

Gift table floral

Buffet/Catering table arrangements

Catering Tray floral buds

Bar arrangement

Restroom arrangements

One important note when selecting the guest table centerpieces, make sure to arrangement does not distort the guests conversation by being too large or by not using transparent vessels.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.blog.flowerlab.com; www.elizabethannedesigns.com)

Ceremony Florals

Upon planning the wedding ceremony, there are certain florals to consider when adding the finishing touches to the wedding party and making the decor complete. When selecting your color palette, you will consider a wide array of floral designs to bring forth your vision.

When selecting for the wedding party, the following florals should be considered:

Bridal bouquet

Maid and/or Matron of Honor bouquet

Bridesmaids bouquets

Flower Girl basket arrangement, petals or pomander

Mothers and Grandmothers corsages (pin or wrist)

Hostesses corsages (pin or wrist)

Groom's boutonniere

Ring Bearer boutonniere

Best Man and Groomsmen boutonniere

Fathers and ushers boutonniere

When selecting the ceremony decor, the following should be considered:

Altar, Arch or Chuppa floral decor

Chair or Pew decorations
Aisle petals

Guest Book floral piece

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.davincisflorist.us, www.thebestweddingdecor.com)

Man Flower = Boutonniere

Today let's focus on the groom...we are going to discuss the boutonniere a.k.a. the bout. The infamous bout is a small floral arrangement for jacket lapels and are worn by the men in the wedding - groom, groomsmen, ushers, ring bearer, family members and the officiant. The style usually centers around the bouquets and floral theme and is secured in place on the left side of the jacket by a pin or two.

I always suggest ordering an extra bout for the groom because after all the hugging once you are husband and wife, a smashed bout can be replaced by a vibrant new one.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.aroseisaroseflorist.com; www.soundimagedjs.com; www.projectwedding.com; www.elizabethanndesigns.com)

Tis The Season...of Flowers

In focusing on florals the month of November, I thought I'd discuss the flowers that are in season throughout the year. When selecting these flowers for bouquets, decor and centerpieces the price will be more budget-friendly because growers have these flowers year-round. Roses, carnations, Baby's Breath, and orchids are a few of the popular wedding flowers you can purchase any time of the year and can truly create some stunning designs. Take a look:

Heffernan Morgan designed this beautiful tablescape showcasing an airy centerpiece create from Baby's Breath at the Grace Ormande Book Launch.

A cluster of roses creating a simple but elegant table centerpiece for a fall wedding reception.

A stunning use of carnations to create pomanders sitting upon vases as you enter Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village.

A mock centerpiece for a late summer wedding showcasing submerged orchids.

In wanting to cut some costs in your floral bill, consider using the less expensive flowers for the bridesmaid's bouquets and keep the fabulous, more pricey flowers for the bridal bouquet.

Until next time...WEDologize!