Top 10 flowers

This one comes to us from TheKnot.com! Having a hard time deciding on flowers for your special day? Don't stress! This article gives you the most popular flowers to choose from along with a detailed description of each. Whether you are wanting bright and cheerful or soft and sweet colors, this helps everyone no matter what your taste is!

1. The Rose

Long considered a symbol of beauty and love, the rose figures into many myths and fairy tales. Romantic writers and poets have used the flower as a metaphor for emotion, beauty, passion, and true love throughout the ages. An all-star in the world of weddings, the rose is far from boring, particularly when it comes to color -- the rose is available in solid colors and bicolor varieties, and there are striped roses and tipped roses as well. More than three thousand varieties of roses are grown commercially, many available year-round and that are surprisingly affordable. And though roses are associated with luxurious fragrance, not every rose is scented. Three main types are likely candidates for your wedding flowers: hybrid tea roses (the classic, uniformly-shaped commercial roses generally seen at your local florist), spray roses (a rose with five to 10 small heads on each stem and a "natural, garden-grown" look), and garden roses (expensive, old-fashioned varieties with bushy, open heads and delicious scents).
Learn more about roses -- the quintessential wedding flower!

2. The Tulip

Although it's most often associated with the Netherlands, this flower is actually a native of Persia. Representing "consuming love" and "happy years," the tulip can be a meaningful wedding choice. The flowers are grown in a wide range of colors, including white and cream; pastels like pink, yellow, and peach; and vibrant hues like magenta, red, and purple. Available during much of the year, the most common tulips are very affordable, though rare varieties can be expensive. The versatile tulip can enhance both elegant wedding settings and more casual venues, and work well in almost any permutation -- from bouquets to boutonnieres to table arrangements. Three main varieties are commonly used: Dutch tulips (typically seen at neighborhood florist shops and in gardens), French tulips (expensive and elegant, with extra-long stems and large tapered blooms), and parrot tulips (noted for their ruffled, striped petals in intense colors).

3. Calla Lily

Also known as the arum lily, this elegant, trumpet-shaped blossom originated in Africa and symbolizes "magnificent beauty" in the language of flowers. The calla lily's distinctive form has been depicted in Art Nouveau and Art Deco works, in addition to twentieth-century photography. Two types are commonly available: a large-headed variety with a long, smooth stem and suitable for tall arrangements or presentation-style bouquets, and a miniature version ideal for nosegays and boutonnieres. Creamy ivory is the most popular color, but calla lilies also come in yellow, orange, mauve-pink, and dark purple.

4. Lily of the Valley

With bell-shape florets dangling from a thin stem, the lily of the valley is sometimes called "the ladder to heaven." The fresh, perfumed scent from its tiny flowers is unmistakable. In Norse mythology, the flower is linked to Ostara, the goddess of springtime, and while most plentiful during this season, it remains available -- and very expensive -- most of the year. So while a fistful of lily of the valley might be your dream, a more affordable alternative may be to use just a few stems to infuse a bouquet or centerpiece with its wonderful fragrance. Most people know of the white variety, but lily of the valley also comes in a very rare rosy-pink.

5. Hydrangeas

With its big bushy head and intense shades of pink, blue, burgundy, and purple, it's no wonder that the hydrangea represented "vanity" in the Victorian language of flowers. One of the most popular varieties changes in color as it grows from bubble-gum pink to sky blue, depending on the acid level of the soil. A stem or two of this moderately priced, scentless shrub flower helps fill out arrangements and bouquets, and a few sprigs make a charming boutonniere. You'll find the hydrangea in white and shades of green, pink, burgundy, and blue.

6. The Peony

The peony has a large, full head, strong perfume, and bright color. But despite this outward showiness, the flower acquired the Victorian meaning "bashfulness." Cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years and developed further by the French, the peony is available in two main types, the herbaceous and the tree peony (the latter's flowers do not last as long when cut). A bouquet made solely of peonies can be gorgeous; the flower can also be used to create beautiful centerpieces and arrangements. Grown in single- and double-flower styles, this expensive bloom is seasonally available from late spring to early summer but can be imported in the fall.

7. Ranunculus

Looking for a cost-effective alternative to roses or peonies? Try the lush, multi-petaled ranunculus, a relative of the buttercup. First seen by Westerners in the Far East around the thirteenth century, this mild-scented flower features several blossoms on a stem with fernlike foliage. To carry ranunculus is to tell your partner, in the Victorian language of flowers, "I am dazzled by your charms." A natural for the bridal bouquet or bridesmaid nosegays, the ranunculus also makes a whimsical boutonniere and is available in many colors including white, yellow, orange, and pink.

8. Stephanotis

The Victorian meaning for this flower is "marital happiness," making the dainty white Stephanotis an obvious choice for weddings. The star-shape, waxy florets actually grow on a flowering vine; each must be individually wired or placed onto a special holder before it can be arranged. A bouquet of stephanotis blossoms is one of the most traditional a bride can carry, and a stephanotis boutonniere is a classic choice for a formal wedding. Mildly scented, moderately priced, and available year-round.

9. Sweet Peas

The sweet pea, which signifies "lasting pleasure," was first brought to England from Sicily in 1699, and the English have had a love affair with this delicate flower ever since. Its candy-like scent and ruffled blossoms make this an old-fashioned favorite in bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids. The sweet pea's many colors range from white to intense pinks and purples, and its scent can be strong and sweet.

10. The Gardenia

Surrounded by dark green, waxy leaves, the exquisite gardenia exudes a sultry, heavy scent. It was this intoxicating fragrance that captivated an English sea captain traveling through South Africa in 1754, prompting him to bring home one of the native plants as a souvenir. Gardenias are lovely tucked into a bouquet or floating in a low bowl as a centerpiece, and a single gardenia makes a wonderful scented corsage. But be gentle: the delicate, creamy ivory petals of this expensive flower can bruise easily. Large three- to four-inch blossoms, as well as a miniature variety, are available.
Adapted from The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers (Chronicle Books, 2002).

-- The Knot

Read more: Wedding Flowers: Top 10 Wedding FlowersTheKnot.com - http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-flowers/articles/top-10-wedding-flowers.aspx#ixzz2THvIK1rS

Groom "gift" duties

It seems like your spending should be over, right...over the course of the last year, you’ve had to buy her a diamond, promise to shun all other women until you die, accepted her mother as your own (great!), and now, on top of all these obstacles, you need to get your fiancée another gift?

The system is definitely broken. But it's still the system—and you’ve made it this far—so you might as well play along.

There is SOME good news though...

1. There aren’t many rules to worry about. It’s not like the engagement ring and the “two months salary” rule you unfortunately had to follow.

2. It’s a rare opportunity for surprise. After months of budgets, invoices, and spreadsheets, it’s clear that very little about wedding planning is romantic. This one item, since it’s the only secret, can be a rush of romance.

So what should you get? Stick to the Rule of 2 Ps: Permanence and Personal. It needs to be timeless. And it needs to be about your relationship. And as for timing? Again, there's no hard and fast rule. But the general idea is to give her the gift on either the wedding day or the night before the wedding.

Here are a few ideas that should meet the criteria:

JewelryAdd a personal touch with an inscription or by selecting something that matches the engagement ring or wedding theme. It could be a bracelet, earrings, necklace—basically anything.

Framed Sentimental PictureShe’s not allowed to not like this. 1) Find a photo of the two of you before you were engaged. Not a boring pose, but something active like horseback riding, splashing water on the beach, crowd-surfing a mosh-pit, whatever. The idea is that the spirit of your relationship is carried through the wedding ceremony. 2) Splurge for a good frame.

Personalized Wedding Magazine CoverCareful, this can be cornier than a bad chick flick. So think about whether your girl is into that kinda thing. Personalie it by writing clever jokes on the cover that only she will get.

Keepsake BoxYou can engrave whatever sentimental stuff you want on the top of the box, and then she can use it to store her jewelry, perfume, or other goodies.

Personalized Photo AlbumIt nicely sticks to the rule of P's and gives you extra credit on the Personal. Look back at your relationship and pick out the photos that tell a story, in chronological order, from your early days to this current era of domesticity. Write a caption for each.

 

Family heirloomOnly if the heirloom is her taste—get someone else’s second opinion.

No matter what, in addition to getting one of the above “proper” gifts, we also recommend the following:

The Bonus Fun GiftSmall, token, utterly non-sappy. Something silly and flirty that will make her laugh. Maybe it’s a trashy book or guilty pleasure DVD. But it must be something fun that helps counterbalance the other Hallmarky stuff. It’s a reminder that underneath all the layers, you are still you.

Unexpected pamperingThis isn’t a gift, per se, but in the final days leading up to the wedding, surprise her with a breakfast in bed or candlelit dinner. Cook. Get champagne. Flowers.

Mother & Daughter time-honored traditions

Deciding to get married is the easy part. Planning the wedding and paying for it is the overwhelming part. That's where your parents come in. But while planning involves many activities moms and daughters typically enjoy, it's not all fun and games.
What role will your mother play during this emotional and exciting time? And, how can you honor her at the ceremony in way that will make her feel special?


 

1: The Dress and Veil

Perhaps the most sentimental tradition is for the bride to wear her mother's wedding gown, with updates and alterations, of course. But if the bride is selecting her own dress, she usually brings her mother along to say "yes." You can always count on Mom for an honest opinion.
If wearing Mom's dress doesn't work, perhaps wearing her veil will. Incorporating part or all of a mother's veil or headpiece into yours creates a special bond between mother and daughter that still allows the bride to pick her own dress for her special day.

2: Dressing Your Mother (and His)

Once the gown has been ordered and the colors for the bridesmaid's dresses and flowers have been decided, the mother can start looking for her outfit. It's OK for the bride to suggest colors and styles that will compliment her wedding style, bearing in mind what her mother will feel comfortable in.
Traditionally, once the mother-of-the bride has selected her outfit, she tells the groom's mother what she'll be wearing, so the groom's mother can then shop for an outfit that will blend well.

3: Please Be Seated

Tradition plays a big role in the wedding procession. If the mother-of-the-bride is not part of the bridal procession, she is usually the last person seated before the ceremony begins. However, that's just tradition, and today's families don't necessarily always follow tradition...you could still ask your mother to join your father in walking you down the aisle.

4: Honor Thy Mother

Many brides take time during the wedding ceremony to honor their mothers. For example, some couples plan a unity ritual to symbolize the blending of the two families. A popular practice is for the bride and groom to light a candle from a candle held by their mothers and then to use the flames to light one central candle. Adding special songs, poems or readings to the service is a touching way to pay respect to a mother.

5: The Reception

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the reception hosts. If the wedding party will be formally announced during the reception, the bride's parents are first.
The final tradition involving the bride and her mother is the first dance. The bride and groom dance together first. Then the bride's parents join in. The bride is paired with her father, and the groom is paired with his mother-in-law. After a few turns, the groom's parents join the dance and eventually the rest of wedding party and guests hit the dance floor.

Budget Battle

Each and every wedding is different, and requires very special attention...especially to the budget! We have compiled a general list of how the budget should be distributed, and a few tips to help keep you on track! :)

Wedding Budget Breakdown:

·         Reception (Food, Beverages, Rentals, and Site): 40 percent to 50 percent

Flowers: 10 percent

Photography/Videography: 10 percent

Bride's and groom's attire: 5 percent to 10 percent

Music: 5 percent to 10 percent

Planner or Coordinator: 10 percent to 15 percent

Miscellaneous (Favors, Transportation, Etc.): 10 percent

Cushion: 5 percent to 15 percent

Budget No-No’s

1.       Never go into debt to pay for a wedding. Instead, consider throwing an intimate gathering and put off the big reception until you've saved up for it.

2.       Don't charge your wedding bills unless you can pay off the balance in full as soon as you get each statement. Credit-card interest rates and finance charges can add hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to your bill, even if you carry a balance for only a month or two.

3.       Don't agree to any upgrades (colored table linens, fancy chair covers) without first asking if they cost extra.

4.       Don't spend more than you'd planned in one area unless you can cut that cost in another area.

5.       Don't budget for fewer guests than you invited. It's better to overestimate

How to Stay on Budget:

1.       To arrive at a realistic budget, start by researching the price of weddings in your specific area. The average varies wildly across the country—from around $20,000 to $75,000-plus.

2.       If you have your heart set on a specific site, florist, or band, call that vendor to get a sense of their fees. During this preliminary planning stage, you'll also need a ballpark figure for the number of guests you'd like to invite. All this early deliberation and fact-finding will give you a more accurate estimate of how much your fantasy wedding will cost.

3.       You and your fiance need to have an open, respectful talk about how much you can actually afford. Whether to include others in this conversation depends on who will be contributing to the wedding. If your families are willing to open their checkbooks, it's crucial to get their input up front, and to be mindful of your hosts' limits and gracious about their choices.

4.       Once you've settled on a hard number, the next step is setting your top priorities. Perhaps your top priority is a gourmet dinner, a breathtaking location, or mind-blowing live music. Once you can determine that, it will tell you where you should put most of your budget.

5.      Although it's always tough to realize you can't have everything, there are all kinds of creative ways of saving money that don't look like you're saving money. Some of them are sneaky and simple, like cutting down on the number of tables at your reception, which translates into fewer expensive centerpieces. Some of them aren't quite so pain-free.

6.       Remaining within your budget also means staying organized. Track your expenditures by saving receipts and recording your spending. File copies of every vendor estimate in a folder so you can refer to them if need be. And remember to keep a cool head and just say no to things you can't afford.

Finding the Perfect Place for your Big Day!

So you’re engaged, now what? First things first…where are you going to get married? Finding the perfect venue is usually the first step in the planning process, and then the rest of the wedding details will easily fall into place! When you are looking for a venue, there are a few things to keep in mind:

·         A Roomy Fit. This may seem like such a logical concept, but having a room that is large enough to hold your guests is essential!  It’s important to keep in mind that a space looks much larger empty. All of the wedding details- dance floor, bar, tables, chairs, cake tables, etc-take up a lot of space, and you want to allow the guests to have some extra room to move around. The best way to judge the size of a room is to see it set up for an event similar in size in the same room. Many times venues will allow you to stop by early on the day of a wedding to see how it looks all set up.

·         Areas for eating, drinking, and dancing. There should always be separate places for these activities to take place. When you’re standing in the space, try to imagine where each activity would take place. You want the party to flow. If the room is a strange shape, or it is just too small, the wedding will feel cramped! Try to think of what would block guest’s views, or what activity should be located next to another.

·         Privacy. This is something that is more important to some people than to others. If you would like to have your wedding in a public park or on the public beaches, it is important to keep in mind that people may be walking through during your wedding. If you prefer something more private, opt for a private beach or pay for a venue that is exclusive for events.  Some restaurants and smaller venues may allow you to buy-them out, to accommodate guests only. Also, make sure to ask about the security they provide, if any. Some venues hold more than one event at a time, and you may hear them. If this is something that you prefer to avoid, try to schedule your big day when there isn’t something else going on next door!

·         Lighting. This may seem to be a very miniscule detail, but lighting can make or break your wedding! If you’re getting married during the day, make sure that the venue has lots of windows. If it is taking place in the evening, make sure that the room isn’t too dim and check to see if the lighting can be controlled for the big entrance, dancing, and dinner. If the wedding is outdoors, are candles allowed? Where can you put them? Always be sure to visit the site the same time of day as your wedding. You want to make sure that you are pleased with how it appears visually to both you and your guests.

·         A Great View. It is always a plus to have a beautiful backdrop. Guests will love it, and it makes for beautiful pictures to remember your special day! If there isn’t a view necessarily, look at the place’s décor or architectural details- all of these things give the venue a little something special.

·         Ample Outlets. Be sure that you do a walkthrough of the room to make sure that there are plenty of places to plug things into. The entertainment will use the majority of the outlets, so make sure that their area of the venue has plenty of places for them to hook up. If the venue doesn’t host many weddings, be sure to find out their policy on bringing it outside electricity!    

·         Good Acoustics. Make sure the venue doesn’t echo too much. That could cause the band to sound funky, and it could also make it difficult for the guests to hear each other speaking! It’s good to remember that a tile or wood floor tends to amplify sounds, whereas thick carpet will muffle them.

·         Plenty of Parking. Make sure the site is near a parking lot, garage, or big empty street that allows parking. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or vans take guests from the ceremony to the reception?

Good Luck Venue Hunting! Have fun with it. This is where you'll spend the most important day of your life :)

Introducing: Honeymoon Pixie

Besides the joy of seeing the bride walk down the aisle, the anticipation of waiting for the couple’s first dance, and eating unhealthy amounts of cake, one of the most traditional parts of wedding preparation is selecting and giving a gift to the new bride and groom. These gifts normally center around household accessories and kitchen gadgets. Something we seldom think about, however, is this: Unless it's something the couple has expressed really needing, chances are they already have it or have no need for it. 
Many brides I know are still trying to find room for the plethora of wedding gifts they received. 

So let us ask you this: Why not give something they bride and groom can cherish forever? 
...how about an awesome honeymoon? Yes please.  

Introducing Honeymoon Pixie, a honeymoon gift registry. 

Honeymoon Pixie is just like any gift registry, however instead of registering for household items, you register for gifts to go towards your honeymoon. These can include things like a bottle of champagne, a romantic dinner for two at a restaurant on site, or even resort activities like parasailing or snorkeling. The list goes on. 

Your wedding guests visit your unique registry website and purchase gifts for your honeymoon. If you choose not to use a gift you receive, you can request to have the gift funds be sent to you at any time! 

When Honeymoon Pixie's founders, Andrew and Gina Marino, got married, they said they decided on a local honeymoon to help keep costs down and to stay within their budget.  While this was romantic and memorable, they wished they could have splurged on a more exotic honeymoon. 

Looking back, they say they would have preferred a monetary gift to take that honeymoon that they always dreamed about instead of receiving gifts they didn't really need. From there, the Marinos decided they wanted to ensure that other couples had an easy solution to this common dilemma-and Honeymoon Pixie was born!

We love love love this idea! Visit Honeymoon Pixie today to start your very own registry. Soon, you can be on your way to the honeymoon of your dreams.
http://www.honeymoonpixie.com

Happy planning :)

Boutonniere Alternative ideas

Drink Up!

When planning the drinks for your wedding, don't forget to think about the children attending and the guests who will choose not to drink alcohol. A simple way to accommodate them is to make a self serve drink bar with a few different drinks. You can set up containers with drinks like lemonade, punch, and sweet tea, something that everyone can enjoy. This way, there are not extra people around the bar and everyone can quench their thirst! Here are a few pictures we found for some ideas.

Why hire a planner?

A lot of girls are so excited to begin planning their wedding but quickly realize they don't know where to start. From linens, flowers, catering, rentals, music and photographers there are so many things to think about. People don't realize how many different vendors come together for a wedding and it can get a little overwhelming. That is where your planner comes to the rescue. Your planner will be there to guide you in the right direction with the best vendors around and ensure that you do not overpay for anything. It takes all the stress away and you can just enjoy being engaged and your wedding day!

Seating Your Guests

Need some creative ideas to display your seating chart or table numbers? Take a look at a few of these ideas we found. Old windows and chalkboards are very popular right now and you can find them very cheap. Once you find one, all you need is a chalkboard pen and some creativity. As for your table numbers, make sure that they can be incorporated within your centerpieces. If you don't want to use traditional numbers, think of something that is significant to you and your groom. It could be different types of flowers, assorted cities, or even different classes if you met in school. Whatever it may be, just make sure it goes along with your decor!

Sweet Treats

Lately we've spotted a lot of candy buffets at wedding receptions. This is a great way for the bride and groom to share some of their favorite treats with guests. Many websites allow you to customize candy with your colors or monogram, but you can always pick your classic favorites, or even throw some baked goods into the mix. You can also provide guests with bags or boxes for a fun and easy wedding favor. (image from Google)

We Love Cupcakes!

As the cupcake trend becomes more and more popular in place of a traditional cake, EP got really excited when a new cupcake shop opened up close to us in downtown Fort Walton. We took a field trip to Cupcakes by the Beach and LOVED it! Their cupcakes are amazing and they have so many different flavors, so far our favorites are PB&J, Key Lime Pie, and Lavender. We look forward to being able to send some brides their way, and a future filled with field trips to Cupcakes by the Beach!

Congrats to Mallory and Scott!

Please take a look at our wedding from Memorial Day Weekend. Mallory and Scott Jordan's ceremony and reception were held at Bentley's on the Bay. Vue Photography did a truly amazing job capturing the event! Take a look at their blog below:

http://www.vuephotographyonline.net/2011/mad-love/

Other vendors included Bake My Day, Florals by the Sea, Linens by the Sea and B-Boy Productions.

Cheers!

Best of Wedding Wire 2011!

The Eventful Planner is pleased to announce that we have been selected to receive the prestigious annual Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Awards 2011! The Eventful Planner stands among the top 5% of wedding professionals in the Wedding Wire community! The Wedding Wire network includes leading wedding planning sites including Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding & Wedding Bee. For more information, check out our profile at www.weddingwire.com.

Am I Invited??

Inevitably, there will always be someone who asks the dreaded question...."Am I invited to your wedding?" Even though you have zero intention of actually inviting this person to your wedding, you still have to use some creative replies to avoid an embarrasing situation.
~Blame it on your parents. Simply explain that your parents are paying for the wedding so they get to be in charge of the guest list.
~Explain that you and your fiance are paying for the wedding yourselves without any help from parents: therefore, you are having a really tiny guest list.
~Simply say that you are honestly thinking about eloping and laugh it off.
Try not to be rude and handle it the best way you can......with laughter and a smile!

Ceremony Music

Choosing the right music for your wedding is a snap with these guidelines:
~Prelude: These are the songs that will be played as guests are arriving to the ceremony and just prior to the start of the processional. Typically these would be instrumental and soft.
~Processional: This is for the start of the bridal party. You will want one song for your bridesmaids and another song just for the "belle of the ball". I am seeing new trends for processional music which ranges from Dave Matthews all the way to rock opera style.
~Interlude: This music is played for any type of sand ceremony/unity candle during the ceremony.
~Recessional: Here's a chance for the bride and groom to really have fun & set the tone for the reception. Some popular choices are : Let's get the party started, Another one bites the dust or any other fun, upbeat song to get the guests ready for the party!
~Postlude: This is the song played as guests are leaving the service and making their way to the reception!

Checklist for Guest's of Destination Weddings

When planning a destination wedding, it's important not to neglect your guests since they have traveled some ways to celebrate the union of you and your soon to be husband.

~Upon the arrival of guests to the destination location, look into local activities and attractions they might enjoy during their stay.

~Pick a central location of your wedding and reception and reserve multiple rooms in the same hotel so all the guests are staying together. Also if you have single guests, arrange for them to share a room with other singles. This allows them to feel more comfortable coming alone to the event and even ensures a larger turnout for the wedding.

~ Set up a group event of some kind, bring everyone together for a picnic in the park or casual pool party, where you cover the expenses. This can also be a rehearsal dinner.

~It's a good idea to put together a welcome basket for all the guests, and arrange for it to be left in their rooms so when they arrive they have a warm welcome as well as know what it expect over the following days.

~Some things to include in the basket:

- The itinerary of the planned events
- A listing of local activities and attractions as well as contact numbers and locations
- Directions to the location of the ceremony and reception area so they are able to drop by before the event
- A message from you and your fiance welcoming them, and thanking them for coming, as well as formally inviting them to the group event

Weddings are once in a lifetime events that are most important when shared with the people closest to you, so take extra strides to make them feel important as well

Alaqua Cinco Fundraiser!

We had a great time yesterday at Alaqua for their first annual Cinco de Meowo! Lots of fun was had and money was raised for a great cause that is very near & dear to my heart. Thanks Alaqua for all you do.......

Sneak Peek at Chelsea & Daniel's wedding

Daniel and Chelsea Lee were married on Saturday at Eden Gardens in an incredibly romantic and picture perfect location at Eden Gardens Park. These are a few sneak peeks.............

Rosemary Beach Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of planning an amazing event out in Rosemary Beach with one of the funnest couples! Check out these preview photos: