Wedding

Wedding

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Wedding Checklist



Your Wedding Checklist: 10 to 12 months before your wedding


____Tell your parents, important family members, and close friends the good news!

____You might also want to announce your engagement in the newspaper, on a wedding website with an email sent out to all your friends, or in the most traditional way, with mailed engagement announcements.

____Have an engagement party, if you'd like.

____Envision the tone of your wedding: Formal or casual? Day or evening? Religious or secular?

____Consider having a wedding theme, which will help pull together the style, look, and feel of your wedding.

____Choose your wedding colors, which will add visual unity.

____Set your budget.

____Decide who will pay for the wedding. Will your parents cover it all? Can you contribute? How will expenses be split?

____Start your guest list.

____Select date and time. Have backup dates in mind, in case a key element is unavailable.

____Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites.

____Hire a wedding consultant, if you're using one.

____Choose and book your wedding officiant.

____Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers.

____Meet with florists, caterers, and musicians.

____Arrange for a tasting with your caterer.


Your Wedding Checklist: 8 to 10 months before your wedding


____Shop for and order your wedding dress and accessories, including veil, gloves and shoes.

____Sign a contract with your wedding caterer.

____Book wedding florist and choose arrangements.

____Book your musicians and/or DJ for both ceremony and reception.

____Select and confirm your wedding photographer (and your videographer, if you're using one.)

____Look into wedding insurance and decide if it's a good option for you.

____Plan your honeymoon.

____Shop for and order your bridesmaid dresses.

____If you're making your own wedding favors, start doing so now.

____Meet with wedding cake designers or bakers and arrange for a tasting (Yum!)


Your Wedding Checklist: Four to six months before your wedding


____Send save-the-date announcements or call out of town guests to let them know the final date, time, and location of the wedding.

____If you're purchasing wedding favors, do so now.

____Start planning your rehearsal dinner. Give the host(s) your guest list.

____Examine your beauty regimen. Read Five months to perfect wedding day beauty.

____If your caterer isn't doing it for you, reserve any rental equipment you'll need, including dishes, tables, chairs, linens, tents.

____Register for gifts.

____Select your wedding cake designer, and order your wedding cake.

____Arrange wedding transportation.

____Order stationery.

____Select a calligrapher, if you're using one.

____Select the groom's tuxedo or other attire, what the groomsmen will wear, and arrange to purchase or rent.

____Purchase your wedding rings.

____Book wedding night accommodations and accommodations for out-of-town guests.

____Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, and each other.

____If you're changing into "going away outfits" before you leave the reception, purchase those now.


Your Wedding Checklist: 2 to 3 months before your wedding

____Give a list of "Must Take" photographs to your wedding photographer.

____Discuss your wedding menu with your caterer.

____Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony.

____Write your wedding vows.

____Attend any bridal showers.

____Mail your wedding invitations.

____Think about your wedding hair and makeup - If you're doing your own, try out hairstyles, purchase any extra makeup, think about having a "makeover party" with your girlfriends.

____Book your hairstylist and/or makeup artist, if you're using them. Meet with each of them to experiment with styles and colors.

____Schedule your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

____If your state requires it for a marriage license, make blood test appointments.

____If you're going to change your name, complete those documents.

____Send wedding announcements to local newspapers.


Your Wedding Checklist: The month of your wedding


It's finally here! There's just a few more things to do to make sure everything's perfect.

____Apply for your marriage license.

____Have your final gown fitting. It's helpful to have a bridesmaid with you to learn how to bustle your train and fasten any tricky buttons (and help you go to the bathroom, if you've got a big wedding dress!)

____Check with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make sure they've gotten their attire, confirm arrival times, and answer any last minute questions.

____Contact your vendors (caterer, officiant, cake baker, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians, transportation, hotels) to confirm arrival and delivery times.

____Write and print your wedding program.

____Create welcome baskets or bags for out-of-town guests.

____Send change-of-address information to post office.

____Write thank you cards as you receive wedding gifts

____Ask your mother or maid of honor to contact any guests who have not RSVP'd.


Your Wedding Checklist: One to Two Weeks Ahead


____Arrange seating plan, and write place cards.

____Give your final head count to your caterer, and confirm any last minute details.

____Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception.

____Try on your wedding shoes, and wear them on carpeted surfaces around the house.

____Arrange for a plant waterer/pet sitter/babysitter while you are on your honeymoon.

____Pick up your wedding dress.

____Attend your bachelor party or bachelorette party, if you're having them.

____Send your travel plans and contact information to a family member and your house sitter (in case of emergency).

____Finalize seating chart.


Your Wedding Checklist: The Day Before Your Wedding

____Do something to relax and enjoy the company of your out-of-town friends.

____Assign responsibilities to your wedding party (handing out corsages and boutonnieres, greeting and seating guests, checking on vendors).

____Confirm wedding day transportation.

____Have a manicure and pedicure or other pre-wedding spa pampering.

____Give your wedding party gifts.

____Rehearse ceremony.

____Hold the rehearsal dinner .


Your Wedding Checklist: Day of the Wedding


____Give thank you gifts to your parents.

____Enjoy your wedding!


Blumz by JRDesigns
Ourprettywedding.com

Monday, May 11, 2015

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

Thursday, April 30, 2015

2015 Trend: Nude Wedding Cakes with Fresh Flowers

We have been following the 2015 wedding trends very closely and there is one trend that we have become obsessed with.  The trend of using fresh flowers on nude wedding cakes, it has us licking our lips for more. Everyone loves cake, but let's be honest the more fondant we were using to make a cake, the less all of us were enjoying it. Fondant has given us the ability to create some of the most beautiful cakes around, but most of the time it just doesn't taste that good.  The latest trend of using fresh flowers on a "nude" cake takes fondant out of the picture and opens up a whole new way to think about cake.  First off when I say "nude" cake this is what I mean:
 A  bunch of layers of cake and filling almost frosting free. In some cases frosting is lightly spread across the outside of the cake and sometimes they skip it altogether.  You can play with the flavors of the filling and the types of cake to change up  the colors and taste.  You start with this bare palette and add some flowers to spice up the cake and give it a special feel. Couples are using everything from roses to succulents and each cake that we find looks more tasty than the last. Here  are some examples that we feel in love with:


So beautiful and so tasty, the options are endless.





























~Blumz by JRDesigns
OurPrettyWedding.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

10 Great Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Photo from MarthaStewart.com

Weddings are getting more and more expensive every year, this is causing a lot of brides to cut back on their dream wedding.  We don't think that you should have to sacrifice your dreams for the budget, so we came up with a few great hacks to help you stretch your funds to make your wedding a dream come true.

1- Have your wedding in off peak season-
November, and January through March are the best times too book a lower cost wedding. Plan your wedding during these months and you will automatically get more bang for your buck.

2- Hold your wedding and reception in the same spot- 
There is less to buy, less travel, and some places may even cut you a discount for renting the space out for the entire day.

3- Buy flowers that are in season- 
If you buy flowers that are out of season it could be up to triple the regular cost. Talk to you florist and find out what is is season before you design your centerpieces, bouquets, body flowers and other floral arrangements.

4- Don't serve a main course-
Skip the main course and serve cocktails, appetizers, and dessert instead. Make sure your guests know that you won't be serving a full dinner but there will still be lots of tasty treats to snack on throughout the evening.

5- Use fresh flowers on the cake instead of sugary ones-
You can use seasonal flowers that match your theme to decorate the cake instead of sugary ones, this will save you lots of money and look beautiful!

6- Give out one favor per couple instead of one favor per person- 
Give a going away gift to each couple instead of each person, make it something that they both will enjoy and they won't even realize that you cut the cost of favors in half!

7- Serve special cocktails-
Come up with a few special cocktails for the night and list the choices with ingredients at the bar for the guests. Then, you can purchase what you need in bulk instead of having to stock a full bar.

8- Email your save the date cards-
These days everyone is on the internet, even grandma. Save a lot of money on your invitations by sending the save the date digitally instead of through snail mail.

9- Take advantage of talented friends and family-
Do you have a friend who loves to DJ, maybe an uncle whose great at taking pictures? Ask them if they would be willing to help you out as a wedding gift!

10- Talk to people who already got married-
Ask friends and family who recently got hitched what they did to save money. Ask them if there was anything that they would have done differently and learn from their mistakes and triumphs!




~Blumz by JRDesigns
OurPrettyWedding.com 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Creating the Perfect Wedding Reception Tables

When a bride is planning a wedding there are so many things to focus on that it can become overwhelming.  The flowers, the dresses, and the venue are the first things that come to mind, but there is so much more to wedding planning.

Each table at your reception will be a reflection of the new union, and there are a lot of different ways to present yourselves.  Your linens, centerpieces, flowers, and napkins will make the first statement to your guests about your style as a couple.
Here is a list of things that you need to to think about when you are planning out each reception table.

Tablecloths- You will need to choose the size and color.  This can include an under cloth, an over cloth and table runners. The table clothes must hit the floor so pay close attention to the size!

Napkins- Napkins are usually made of cloth and match the underlay on the table.  It is also important to make sure that the catering company folds all the of the napkins the same when they place them onto the tables, presentation is key!

Charger plate- Also known as a show plate, this decorative plate adds color, texture, and elegance to each place setting. It rests beneath the dinner plate and salad plate and usually stays on the table until the entree is finished.

Flatware- You can choose anything from plastic to gold and everything in-between, just makes sure that it matches your table decor and that there is enough for each person to eat all the courses of their meal!

Glassware- What kind of glasses will you need? Will you be doing a champagne toast? Will  your guest be drinking beer or wine? Make sure that you have the correct stemware for all of the drinks that you will be serving.

China- This includes the dinner plates, appetizer plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, dessert plates, coffee cups and saucers. You can keep them all the same, or switch it up, whatever style reflects your taste.

Chairs- Some venues will provide you with chairs and others will ask you to rent the chairs, this is the first thing that you need to determine.  The second thing that you must decide is if you are going to have chair covers, chair backs, or chair caps. If you are using chair backs or chair caps you must make sure that the chairs are in good enough condition for parts to be showing, if they are not you would want to go with full chair covers.

8-Budget- Know what kind of budget you are working with before you book an appointment, the more realistic you are with your planner the happier you will be with the end result! 
The best way to get what you want is to gather a few pictures that you like and meet with a consultant.  They can go over what would work, give you prices, and make your dreams come true.


~BLUMZ by JRDesigns
OurPrettyWedding.com 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Blumz by JRDesigns Mother's Day Contest

Did you know that every flower has a meaning?  The type and color of the flowers that you give to someone special can hold a lot of significance if you know the meaning behind the arrangement.  Flowers are always a great gift, but flowers that have a special meaning are even better!

In honor of Mother’s Day, we thought it would be fun to teach all of you the meaning of some of the most common seasonal flowers by creating a contest based on some of our favorite springtime florals. Blumz has compiled a list of the meanings below and we are giving all of you an opportunity to win a special arrangement for Mother’s Day.  Using the meanings of the different flowers listed below, write a paragraph describing what you love or admire about your mother, your wife, or someone that served as a mother figure in your life. For example, I would describe my mother as a Sunflower. She is bright, beautiful and resilient. My mother makes it through the hard times with incredible inner strength and a strong faith.

Now, it’s your turn. Describe your mom, or a mom that means a lot to you. To enter, please write a paragraph and post it on our Facebook page. Remember if you haven't “liked” our page we won’t be able to see your post. Please post it on our wall (not your own wall) and tag Blumz by JRDesigns in the post. We will announce the winner of this contest on May 6th.  The Winner will be able to come pick up an arrangement that will include a few of the flowers that they used to describe the special mother in their life.  Imagine how much it will mean to mom when she finds out the meaning behind the floral arrangement that you give her this Mother’s Day.

TYPES OF FLOWERS AND THEIR MEANINGS:
Roses- Grace
Tulips- Love
Babys Breath- Pure of Heart    
Alstroemeria- Friendship
Solidage- Strength
Statice- Remembrance
Stock- Happy Life
Snapdragon- Gracious Lady
Monte casino- Patience
Lily- Ambition
Liatris- Joy
Daisy- Hope  
Fuji Mum- Honor
Carnation- Lovely
Calla-Faith
Bells of Ireland- Good Luck
Hydrangea- Gratitude
Iris- Courage
Ranunculus - Radiant
Sunflower - Resilience
Hyacinth-Playful
Aster- Elegance
Peony- Compassion