For many brides, no dream is too big for their wedding day. A beautiful dress, a pretty venue, great food, friends and family, endless love, filled with a backyard of flowers plunked into old mason jars. Wait, what's wrong with that last statement? Why would a bride want "do it yourself" bouquets on her wedding day? Do you make your own dress, cook your own food, and host your wedding in a rec room? I don't think so!
Yes, I realize the obvious reason many brides try to DIY is to save money. But trust me when we say we have worked with small budgets and just like the dress, the cake and other important items on your wedding day, the flowers should not be overlooked!
Here are nine misconceptions many brides have about florals and why you may think you should, but definitely should not DIY your flowers for the big day:
1) I love to garden and want to harvest my own flowers. The chance your garden will be in the right stages of bloom on the exact day and in the exact number and color of blooms is a big gamble.
2) I found a great bargain from an online wholesale company! Think again. Many times you risk the flowers arriving less than perfect leaving you only a day, sometimes even hours, to make them perfect.
3) I can buy my own vases and flowers that will look exactly the same as a florist. Trust me on this one, it doesn't. Most brides don't realize how many flowers it takes to fill an average vase!
4) I want to save money. A great florist can deliver a beautiful arrangement at a reasonable price. In extreme cases, buying retail and arranging on your own may save you 25 percent at max over a good florist.
5) I'm a simple bride with simple taste. A good florist will know how to create the perfect design based off of your personality, simple or extravagant, that will make you feel wonderful and make your guests feel special.
6) I love the natural wild flower look. And so does your florist! I have seen my fair share of DIY wild flower wedding arrangements that look more like weed patches than freshly picked wild bouquets.
7) There is no money left in my budget for flowers. A good florist can always work in your budget. A lot of our students love working on small budget weddings producing chic, understated, beautiful looks.
8) Flowers never last, so why waste my money? True, wedding flowers may not last forever, but they do make a lasting impression on your guests and are forever in the photographs you will share with your family and friends for many years thereafter.
9) It will look really nice if I do it myself. Please brides, trust me on this, it won't. You will regret it years from now if not within the next week. You do not want a floral disappointment!
I recently met a former bride who spoke with me about her DIY floral experience. While the process was not completely terrible she did say the flowers were more of an effort than expected. On her wedding day, the blossoms were not in perfect shape and staying up all night before trying to fix them was not worth it. It's obvious that we are in the florist business so of course we think you should hire a qualified designer to do your wedding floral. If you are looking to save money and be more creative, design your holiday parties, daughter's graduation party, but do not take on the risk and stress of designing your wedding flowers!
Whether you decide to DIY or not, please always feel free to contact us for some fast, easy and affordable design ideas!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
DIY Wedding Flowers: 9 Reasons Not to DIY on Your Big Day
Wedding Planning: 10 Things Brides Forget To Do
1. Bring your marriage license: "An important part of making it ‘official!’ Check with the jurisdiction where your ceremony will take place about any deadlines for applying for your marriage license well in advance of your wedding date and also whether a blood test or special documentation is required to complete your application. Start gathering your documents early so that when it comes time to get your license, you have everything you need and can make the process as efficient as possible."
2. Vendor meals: "Be sure you remember to feed the people that are working nonstop to make your day flawless! You’ll be expected to give your final guest count to your caterer within two weeks of your day, but don’t forget to include the number of vendors you’ll have so that the caterer can prepare simple meals for them, separate from your guests. Most caterers will count your vendor meals as half-price, so be sure to include your band members, photographer, videographer (and any second shooters), as well as your planner and their assistants."
3. Favors: "By no means are favors required, but they are a fantastic detail that each of your guests will appreciate! So don’t make your favors an afterthought — think about what you’ll present your guests as a ‘thank-you’ for coming at least two months in advance of your wedding date, so that you can place the bulk order of the items in time, and also personalize each one for that finishing touch."
4. Guestbook and pens: "Include something for your guests to leave their well-wishes for you upon arriving at your reception…Many brides that leave this to the last minute might make a trip to a local book store for a coffee table book that’s characteristic of the place where they’re getting married or something that is special to the couple. This could be a favorite recipe book for cocktails or a book of historic mansions in the city where your nuptials take place. Also, don’t forget the pens!"
5. Invitation suite: "This is one of my favorite details to style and have photographed on the day of the wedding! Brides should remember to pack at least one full and any other stationery details (rehearsal dinner invites, shower invites, save-the-dates) that were mailed out during the engagement to bring with them in the bridal prep suite the day of the wedding. If you have beautiful calligraphy and/or special envelope liners, bring more than one set — I always recommend two sets — so that your photographer can shoot the front and back of the invitation in the same frame."
6. Cake knife and toasting flutes: "You may receive these as a gift at your shower, opt to purchase your special set on your own, or use ones that have been handed down to you by parents or family members. When packing up your items to be placed at the reception, be sure to remember to pack your cake knife and toasting flutes (and keep the original packaging to avoid breakage) so that this detail will not be overlooked. Once this item is off your to-do list, you can focus on other things to pack — like your trousseau for the honeymoon!"
7. Tech chargers: "When it comes time to get ready in your bridal suite on the day of the wedding, have your electronics charged and ready to go! If you’re planning on using your iPod for any part of the reception music (i.e. your favorite recording of the first dance you and your groom will sway to), make sure you have the right charger and the correct connection to your band’s or DJ’s sound system. Also, keep your phone charged overnight. You’ll want to have it ready to go as soon as you leave for the honeymoon."
8. Passport and identification: "Speaking of the honeymoon, be sure your passport and driver’s license are up to date and packed safely in your carry-on luggage. Airport security will not let you get on the plane with expired identification, so be sure you have taken care of this detail one month before your wedding."
After the Wedding
9. Thank-you notes: "It's easy to let things fall by the wayside in the aftermath of your big day as the dust begins to settle, but your thank-you notes to your guests should be sent out no later than two months after your big day. Carve out fifteen minutes each day to dedicate to writing these notes, so that you don't get overwhelmed...Also, don't forget the important people in your life, including your parents, family members, and bridal party that were there with you through the planning from the beginning.
10. Online reviews: "The people that have worked so hard to make your wedding day dreams come to fruition are often forgotten once the big day has passed. The best thank-you you can give your vendors is an honest review online and an email follow up. That is the only way that your vendors can continue to improve the level of service they provide to future brides, so your feedback is very important! Plan to carve out time to review your vendors within six months of the big day."
Tell us: Newlyweds, what did you forget to do before the wedding?
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Saint Patricks Day-Irish Tradition and Folklore
Who was Saint Patrick? : "St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.” A bunch of blarney, if you will.
Born into a wealthy British family, Saint Patrick was imprisoned at a young age as Irish natives raided his family home. During his imprisonment, he turned to Christianity for solace and after six years, escaped to Britain by walking 200 miles from County Mayo to the Irish Coast. Once in Britain, he had a vision that an angel told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Saint Patrick became ordained as a priest and went to Ireland to minister to and convert the Irish people who largely believed in a nature-based pagan religion.
It is believed that Saint Patrick created the Celtic Cross by superimposing a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the traditional cross to appeal more natural to the Irish people.
What is 'Blarney?' A popular expression to imply false storytelling.
What does 'Erin go Bragh' mean? It’s a popular expression meaning “Ireland Forever."
Why a shamrock or clover? Irishmen to this day do not agree to what the real shamrock is. Several plant varieties are considered to be the authentic symbol of this celebrated holiday. It is a sacred plant from ancient Ireland, symbolizing the ‘rebirth of spring’.
Where does the leprechaun character stem from? It is likely that the leprechaun, meaning ‘small-bodied fellow” originated with the Celtic beliefs of fairies. The leprechaun was a cranky man who was responsible for mending fairy shoes. They played a minor role in Celtic folklore but were known for their trickery, used to protect a much-fabled treasure.
A cheerful, friendly leprechaun is an American take on this classic character, wWhich may have originated from Disney’s film Darby O’Gill & the Little People.
Try these classic meals for St. Patrick’s Day tradition:
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Irish Soda Bread
Beef and Irish Stout Stew
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Organizing The Months Before The Wedding
Organize the many important details that will make up your wedding, from the budget to the guest list to the music and flowers.
Set deadlines for yourselves. If you have fewer than six months to plan your wedding, don’t panic; just get started as soon as possible. And never allow the details to overshadow the joy of the event.
Six or more months ahead
Think about the type of wedding you want——formal or informal,
big or small——and the time of year you want it to take place.
Set budget.
Hire wedding coordinator, if desired.
Compile guest list, and organize addresses.
Reserve ceremony and reception sites.
Choose attendants.
Order dress and accessories, including veil and shoes.
Book officiant.
Book caterer.
Order wedding cake.
Book florist.
Book music for ceremony and reception.
Book photographer and videographer.
Plan and book honeymoon.
Send save-the-date cards, if using.
Four to six months ahead
Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, and tents.
Order stationery, including invitations and thank-you notes;
book calligrapher, if using.
Register for gifts.
Purchase wedding rings.
Purchase or reserve groom’s attire.
Choose attendants’ attire.
Buy stockings and any special lingerie your
dress requires.
Choose favors.
Book a room for wedding night.
Choose gifts for wedding party.
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Sign up for dance lessons.
Two to four months ahead
Discuss details of menu with caterer.
Discuss service with officiant.
Choose readings for ceremony.
Write your wedding vows, if you choose.
Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
Try out makeup and hairstyle.
Mail invitations.
Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive.
One to two months ahead
Buy guest book.
Have programs printed.
If your state requires blood tests, make appointments.
Obtain marriage license, and request certified copies.
If you intend to change your name, prepare the
necessary documents.
Send change-of-address information to post office.
Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding
announcement.
Have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories, and lingerie.
Begin seating plan, and write place cards.
Notify caterer of guest count.
Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
Address announcements.
Break in wedding shoes at home.
Designate someone to look after your home while you
are on your honeymoon.
Find out where your guests will be staying, if you plan to
deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms.
Finalize seating plan.
Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages
and boutonnieres, to members of your wedding party.
Pick up dress or have it delivered.
Confirm details with caterer.
Confirm honeymoon arrangements, and give your itinerary
to a friend or family member in case of emergency.
Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal counts.
Pack for honeymoon.
One week ahead/One day ahead
Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony
and reception.
Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after
the wedding.
Have manicure and pedicure.
Rehearse ceremony.
Hold rehearsal dinner; give gifts to wedding party. If you
choose, give gifts to parents to thank them for their support.
Prepare tip and payment envelopes for officiant and vendors,
and make arrangements for someone to distribute them.
Your wedding day, Relax, and enjoy yourselves!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wedding Planning Tips
We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true. Follow these simple tips and you will be on your way to perfect flowers to enhance your own wedding.
Tip #1: Baby its cold outside…
Are you planning a winter wedding or bearing the heat of the long summer days? Weather is one of the main factors that come into play when choosing flowers for you wedding. Envision a color scheme rather than a specific flower and then allow the qualified staff at Jacobsen’s Flowers to show you a variety of flowers in your colors that will do well in the weather of the season.
Tip #2: Eliminate the worry
Things will get hectic leading up to the wedding, but don’t let stress about your flowers be one of your worries. Plan ahead so that you know what time pictures will be taken and how long the flowers will be sitting for; this will allow a timely delivery and ensure that you have only the freshest flowers throughout the entire wedding day.
With so much depending on your flowers and what will compliment the best, instead of guessing, make sure to bring a swatch of your bridesmaids dresses as well as a tablecloth sample for your centerpieces. As it is likely hard to recall the exact shade and to envision which swatch of any fabric will play into your choice of flowers, be certain everything looks good together and don't rely on memory alone.
Tip #4: Above and Beyond
At Jacobsen’s Flowers we know that a wedding is a lot more than just the actual ceremony. We encourage each bride to think beyond just the ceremony and extend their floral ideas to reach other important areas of their wedding such as the bachelorette party, the bride’s parent’s and groom’s parent’s houses and the brunch the morning after the wedding. We also offer arrangements that can be immediately sent as thank-you gifts to all those important people who were so crucial in making your big day spectacular. Another idea offered to the parents of the newlyweds is to send an arrangement to the honeymoon suite as a wedding gift to the new couple.
Tip #5: Avoid "Oops!"
As tempting as it may be to have each bridesmaid holding a big, beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers it is important to think of the possible consequences. Big bouquets can often be heavy and you could end up with breaking apart or toppling out of the bridesmaids’ hands. Instead, stick with a smaller bouquet of equal beauty. Make sure that when you are handing the flowers to the bridesmaids that the flowers look fresh but aren’t still wet and dripping down the fronts of their dresses!
Tip #6: Don’t wait!
It is important to make sure to be diligent about focusing on the floral arrangements for your wedding, in fact it is never to soon to start planning. To be able to come into a consultation with our design team and build off your ideas makes sure that your personality and vision are incorporated from the beginning of the planning process. Acting early also gives plenty of time to develop a color scheme and to really put thought into what you want your wedding to look like.
Tip #7: The times they are a’changin
With new trends constantly coming and going, it is important to inquire about the options you have as a bride. Sometimes what was unconventional before is traditional now, and the choices are endless. Our team of designers is constantly updating their knowledge on wedding trends and is eager to show you the latest in bouquets, arrangements, corsages and boutonnières.
Tip #8: Keep it together
Weddings call for a number of different venues, from the florist to the band to the location. Dealing with all of these different people can be tough and confusing and at Jacobsen’s Flowers we try to make you life a little simpler by fulfilling your floral needs as well as the rentals. We offer vases, settings and more so that you are not looking around to find the extra pieces that you need and are able to eliminate one step of the crazy planning process.
Most Popular Wedding Months
Every year millions of people get married and start their lives together. December is one of the more popular months in which to get engaged, but other months of the year are more popular for weddings.
The decision on when to get married depends on a host of factors. Some couples choose the date based on availability with a church or reception hall, while others might prefer to walk down the aisle during a specific season. Some couples choose their date because of a special event, such as a birthday or another day of note.
Most couples decide on a wedding month primarily for the weather. That’s why the spring and summer are the most popular times of the year in which to tie the knot. Here is a list of the most popular months to tie the knot.
10. February
12. January
