Trend Alert: Floral Chandeliers

Every wedding season we fall in love with a new trend, this year we have become obsessed with floral chandeliers.

We have seen a  lot of brides use chandeliers in lots of different ways. Some couples hang small displays over each table and some have huge arrangements made to cover the head table, the dance floor or the entrance to the reception. 

Some of the displays have a more rustic look and include items like branches and twigs and some are very formal and feature actual chandeliers or other shiny items. 

Whatever way you decide to go , floral chandlers are a way to take your special day to the next level.

~Blumz By JRDesigns

Blumz.com

Ourprettywedding.com

Create Your Own Hashtag to Get Access to all the Best Pictures from Your Wedding

Hastags  are one of the coolest and most confusing trends on the internet today. Everyone is using hashtags but a lot of people don't understand why they are using them. For those of you that don't know, a hashtag is a word preceded by the pound key, as in #blumz.  When you use a hashtag when you are posting on social media you create something that can be searched. For instance , have you ever clicked on a hashtag on Instagram?  If you do, you will see every picture that was ever posted using that hashtag. We suggest trying #whitehouse as your first search. It is fun to see how many different people take pictures in front of the historic home on a daily basis. Hashtags can also be very useful if you use them in the right way. For instance, you can create your own hashtag and have access to every picture that anyone ever posts using that hashtag. In fact, hashtags can become very useful if you are planning your wedding and you want to make sure that you capture as many candid shots as possible.

Sure, your going to hire a photographer and you will see a lot of the pictures that get posted on Facebook when someone tags you but a unique hashtag created for your wedding is the best way to get access to all of the pictures that are taken on your wedding day. We even have a few handy tricks to make sure that you save all the pictures before they get lost on the internet. Here are some tips and tricks to help your create and utilize a unique hashtag at your wedding.

1- The first thing that you need to do is come up with a unique hashtag to use for your wedding.  A lot of people try to come up with clever ways to incorporate the bride and grooms names, the date of the wedding, or the location of the wedding. It can be something as simple as #ryanandstacy2015, just make sure that its unique enough that people aren't already using it very often.  If you are having a hard time coming up with a good hashtag, head over and use the Wedding Wires Hashtag Generator, this app will help you figure out something special to use on the big day! 

2- Your guests need to know that you are using a special hashtag, and there are a few ways to makes sure that they are in the loop. First of all, you can send that information in the wedding invitation if you plan it out a little in advance.  You can also post it around the wedding.  We suggest making a flier promoting the hashtag and putting copies of it into frames throughout the reception.  Some people have used chalkboards, or even put little cards at each table. It doesn't matter how you tell your guest just make sure that they know! 

3-After the wedding you can use the hashtag on all forms of social media to search for photos but there is one more important step that most people forget, you need to make sure that you store and save all the photos that you find! You can download all the photos of Facebook and upload all the Instagram photos to your Dropbox. it doesn't really matter how you save them just make sure that you save everything as soon as possible. You will be able to see what everyone was up to all night and have a unique look at your wedding from everyone else's perspective.

4- The last step is printing the photos.  I know its old school to have hard copies of pictures, but in this case it is totally appropriate.  You can create a one of a kind unique photo album that truly captures the day before you ever get a single picture from your photographer.

~Blumz by JRDesigns
Blumz.com
OurPrettyWedding.com

A Few Great Ideas to Make Your Wedding Day Unique

Some couple's take the traditional route when they are planning their weddings and some couples try to shake things up. Here a few unique ideas for the couple who wants to try to do something different on their big day! 

1- Serve pre-ceremony cocktails-  Invite your guest to have cocktails before the fun starts, it's a great way to get everyone to show up on time and ready to party.  This is especially easy to do when your ceremony and your reception are in the same space.  Just come up with a special cocktail that represents you as a couple and have them passed out before the wedding even starts.  Everyone has a lot more fun when they have loosened up a bit, so why wait till the reception?

2- Create a D.I.Y flower station- We recently saw this idea presented on The Knot and it blew our minds.  Couples have been setting up flower stations at their wedding receptions where guests can stop and create their own corsage or boutonniere to wear for the evening.  It's easy to do, just order flowers and pick up some ribbon and pins, and creativity will do the rest!   Everyone will enjoy making their own body flowers and it will make your wedding an extra special night to remember.

3- Have pizza delivered at the end of the night-  Traditionally, the meal is served right at the beginning of the reception. But, sometimes guests end up drinking and dancing so much that they are hungry again before the party is even over. Instead of making them leave to get their late night fix, have some pizza delivered a half hour before the end of the night.  They will appreciate the end of the night snack and leave with a full belly!

4- Change your dress after the ceremony- Most women dream about wearing their wedding dresses but don't realize how confining they will be. After a few hours the corseting and layers can get heavy and are usually hard to dance in.  Think about changing into a more party friendly dress after the ceremony to give yourself some room to move around and have fun. Plus, what lady doesn't want two dresses? We say, why not three!

5- Buy wedding favors that will make for memorable pictures-  You would be surprised how much fun a group of adults can have with a few props.  Think funny glasses, a mask, or funny hats. Your guests will love taking pictures with  gag gifts and posting them online. A few selfies with grandma wearing a sticky mustache, yes please!

6- Choose a Hashtag for guests to use so that you can look up all the pictures that they took after the wedding- A hastag is a searchable link on social media.  You can come up with your own hashtag for the night and post it around the wedding. Ask guests to tag their photos when they post them, then you can look up the photos after the party and see all the things that you missed.  This is a great way to get your hands on all the photos from the wedding without bothering people or waiting for the photographers shots!

There is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding. A good wedding planner will work with you and make sure that your ceremony is special.  Just make sure that your wedding is true to you as a couple and most of all, that it is a fun night that you can remember for years to come!


~Blumz by JRDesigns
Blumz.com
Ourprettywedding.com

Planning a Wedding: Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Blumz, we love questions; they help us understand your needs and concerns and allow us the opportunity to explain our products, services and policies. Many times, we have not had the pleasure of meeting you and getting to know you prior to our first consultation. It’s through these questions that you will feel comfortable with us and confident in our commitment to excellence.

Below are listed some questions most frequently asked by brides. We hope this will answer some of your questions, too. Additional questions may be directed to us at blumz@blumz.com or call us at 248-398-5130 or 313-964-5777. We will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns with you.

When should the flowers be ordered?
Four to six months before your wedding and after you have chosen your bridesmaids' dresses is usually the best rule of thumb. The color of the bridesmaid dresses typically influences the overall color scheme of the wedding. If your wedding date falls on or near a major floral holiday such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, then you should probably order sooner as this will allow us ample time to staff sufficiently for both the holiday and your event.

I don’t really know a lot about flowers… does that matter?
None what so ever! If you already knew everything about flowers, you probably wouldn’t need us. Surf our web site to get familiar with things that we have done for others. Then make an appointment to meet with one of our wedding consultants. During the consultation, we will discuss flower availability, floral challenges, solutions and expectations, and design. We want you to feel confident and comfortable with all your decisions, and we want to help you make your special day beautiful and memorable. It is a good thing to remember that certain types of flowers may or may not be available due to season, weather, and other factors. These will be discussed during the consultation so that you will have a clearer understanding as well as allow you a better opportunity to make the right decisions.

Can Blumz… by JRDesigns also help us with other decorative rental items?
Absolutely, our wedding consultants can show you all the wonderful options. Blumz  has many items such as trellises, arches, candelabras, pedestals, rises, cake plateaus, gift/money holders, plants, chair covers and sashes, runners, lighting and much, much more. Give us the opportunity to show you all the possibilities.

Are all flowers available year round?
While many flowers are available throughout the year, there are those that bloom during specific
seasons. Peonies, heather, tulips and lily of the valley are seasonal in availability and while they may be available out of season from other countries, prices may be prohibitive. Other flowers, such as roses, fujis, gerbera daisies, and alstroemeria are readily available yearlong. Our wedding consultants are knowledgeable concerning which flowers are most readily available during specific times of the year.

How do I know which florist to select as my wedding florist?
Treat the consultation as a job interview where you are the one looking to feel a position. Listen to all the answers of the consultant. Ask for referrals and surf the internet for references to the business. The best rule of thumb is to find a professional that you feel comfortable with. One that you feel understands your “vision” and desires and listens to your needs. A florist that brings much experience and knowledge to the table and is willing to work with you as it apply to your budget, design style and personal tastes. When you find that florist, then you will feel more confident and willing to trust them with your most special event.

Can I see a sample of my arrangements?

Yes, we do samples however, depending upon the complexity of the design and the flowers selected there may be an additional fee. Simply ask, and we can make a recommendation.

When will the flowers be delivered?

Blumz delivery personnel will deliver wedding flowers when and where needed. We can deliver to your home, church and reception. Bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres can be delivered to the ceremony site along with the service decorations. Typically, he flowers arrive at least one – two hours prior to the ceremony, depending upon the desires of the bride. Do you need the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres delivered to an off-site for preliminary photographs? No problem, we can do that, too. Flowers for the reception will be delivered to the hall or club as necessary depending upon hall restrictions and necessary set up time required.

What are your guarantees for flower availability, freshness and substitutions?
During the consultation process, our wedding consultants will inform you of the flower choices that will be available to you at the time of your wedding. They will also direct you as to possible substitutions when those flowers desired are not readily available. The consultant will also inform you as to the limitations certain flowers have as it applies to durability, longevity and suitability for the designs you have selected and the time requirements. When your arrangements are prepared, our design professionals use only the freshest, best quality flowers available to us. If a substitution becomes necessary for any reason, we will select flowers of equal or greater value and in the case of specifically requested flowers, we will communicate with the bride. We have many varieties of flowers at all times from which to choose a substitute. You will always get a flower that is comparable to your original selection and complementary to your arrangement.

How do the flowers stay fresh? Will they last all day?
We are frequently asked these questions. Based on the types of arrangements you choose, we advise you how to care for your particular selections as well as give you general flower care information. For example, a hand tied bouquet should rest in a water source, like a glass or a vase, when you are not carrying it. When you receive your flowers, it is best to handle them as little as possible before the ceremony. Flowers are delicate and naturally sensitive to bruises and temperature extremes. It is best to not expose your flowers to extreme temperatures. At 40 degrees or less, flowers can become damaged and discolored when they are returned to a warmer temperature. The opposite extreme can be just as damaging. Scheduling a ceremony and or photographs early in the day may require a second bouquet for the reception, as certain flowers will simply not hold up due to their delicate nature. Wearing coats over corsages or boutonnieres will crush them. It is best to transport your flowers in the container in which they are delivered. A little care and common sense will insure that your wedding flowers stay as beautiful all day as possible.

How do I make an appointment to meet with a Blumz Weddding Representative?
Easy. Simply e-mail us at blumz@blumz.com , go to our wedding consultation request form, fill it out and send it in, or call us at 248-398-5130 or 313-964-5777. We will schedule a time, date and location that is convenient for you. The average appointment takes about 1-1/2 hours. There is no fee for the consultation.

Blumz by JRDesigns

Ourprettywedding.com

How to Find the Right Wedding Florist

You’ve got the ring, you’ve set the date and now its time to talk flowers.   How do you find the right wedding florist for your special event?  Choosing the right blooms to decorate your very special occasion requires a few basic decisions and a few realizations.

First, be realistic with your budget and expectations. Its OK to want your wedding to look like something out of Oprah's magazine or Martha Stewart's book, but that is only realistic if you have the bank balances that those two ladies have to work with. And even though there are "calculators" on web sites such as www.theknot.com that are supposed to tell you how much you should spend on flowers, cake, etc., these are only general calculations and are usually very minimal when compared to what young women often visualize for their weddings.

So how do you select the right floral source? Do you go with the well-established "wedding" flower shop or do you trust a friend or associate that likes to dabble in flowers and is willing to help you with yours as a favor?

Basically flowers can come from many sources. The source you select should be based on your expectations and needs.

Do you expect full service with several consultations, delivery, set up and rental items, or are you planning simple bouquets and flowers to wear that you or a friend can pick up the day of the event?

Are your tastes in reception flowers less complicated such as daisies in a simple vase or are you wanting raised and low centerpieces requiring a skilled and talented floral designer? Knowing the answer to these and many other questions requires you have a clear theme or "look" in mind and then selecting accordingly.

Here are a few questions that can help you in selecting the right florist/ floral source for you and your budget.

Is the wedding formal or casual?

More formal weddings usually require more experience and training of the florist. Their knowledge in design, materials, event planning, venue requirements, and execution of the plans is priceless to insure a less stressful and more beautiful event.
Casual weddings for the most part are not as "detail" oriented (unless it is a casual affair in theme but highly detailed and orchestrated in actuality). They may not require as much floral presence and therefore may only require minimal arrangements of non-structured design.
Are the flowers desired readily available with very few restrictions?

 If you are getting married in September and you REALLY want tulips, then you need to be dealing with a professional florist that specializes in wedding and events. Yes, tulips are available in September if you are willing to accept the costs and their limitations.

However, there are certain things that you would need to be aware of when making those decisions that a professional floral designer would be able to assist you with.

If your flower requirements are very open to interpretation and you feel comfortable just going with what is available the week of the event, then you may not require the services of a traditional flower shop.

Is your budget very generous or restrictive?

 The answer to this question is highly subjective and relative.

Whether your budget is generous or restrictive, a professional florist will be able to give you many suggestions on how to make that budget give you the most value for your dollar.

Never assume that you cannot afford a big name florist. Most are just as willing to work with a bride whose budget is slim as they are with a big ticket wedding. Simply ask if they have any minimum requirements and what your expectations are. Just remember, keep your expectations realistic.

After you have answered these questions, shop around. Do an on-line search of florists in your area and look at their web sites to get a feel for what they can do and have to offer. To what professional organizations and associations do they belong? What is their educational background and how many years experience do they have? Select the three that most fit what you are looking for and then contact them about setting up an appointment to meet with them.

As you meet the floral providers, treat the consultations like you would job interviews. Is this shop right for the job? Does their "look" reflect your style? Does the person you are speaking with understand your expectations? Do they have a good reputation in the area for excellent work, personal service and professionalism? Are they able to provide references and vendor information besides just floral? What other services do they provide that may make it easier for you, such as linens, invitations, cakes, etc.?

Finally, go with the florist that you feel understands your desires, that are willing to work with your budget and with whom you feel a personal connection. When it really get down to it, when comparing apples to apples, most floral shops of comparable abilities, products and levels of service, will have comparable 

prices. It really does boil down to finding someone with whom you connect.

Once you find that floral shop, trust them and listen to their recommendations. They are the professionals and have a professional stake in your wedding. Yes, it is your day, but it is also their name on the flowers. Communication is crucial. Allow them to guide you in what flowers are in season, what designs are going to look best for a given situation, and how to make your wedding day as beautiful as possible.

Once you do that, relax and allow the professional to do what they do best. Enjoy the day and know that you have selected the right florist for the job. 

Now go and be a beautiful bride.

Written by Robbin Yelverton AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Co-Owner of Blumz... by JRDesigns, Floral & Event Professionals
http://www.blumz.com