There’s no better time of year to be inspired by nature than during spring. And now that warmer weather is upon us, trees and flowers will be blooming and grass will be turning green as the world wakes from its winter hibernation. Why not take some of those cherry blossom and dogwoods branches and incorporate them into your wedding flower arrangements? Sturdy plants and branches, while not often seen in bouquets or centerpieces, can add an organic, woodsy, whimsy feel to your event. And the best part is, each season has unique flora to make your wedding special by bringing some of the outside inside.
Set the seasonal tone right away by creating an archway made of thin, flowering branches such as Bradford pear, serissa, or even forsythia to stand under while you and your groom exchange vows. It’s a great chance to add some color to your ceremony while helping to give a fairy-tale feel.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
Add some leaves and large flowers to your bouquet to achieve a unique, ethereal look.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
Then, use the same leaves in your centerpiece. This Japanese Maple tree makes a fantastic focal point for your table, and since its branches are so tall, your guests can easily converse. Crab apple branches and olive tree branches also make great choices.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
If you’re looking for something smaller, consider using a topiary out of small, flowered branches, or if you’re having a winter wedding, use an evergreen variety such as boxwood or juniper.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
Instead of a centerpiece, how about a hanging branch chandelier?
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
For the finishing touch, perch a “Just Married” sign among the flowers of a delicate branch.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough
Information and images for this entry were taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Take a Bough.
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
Follow Melissa on Twitter: @MelissaRaskin
Weddings are a time for celebration—and what better represents a party than confetti? Whether it’s floating through the air or scattered about on your guests’ tables, whether they’re large and colorful or small and shiny like champagne bubbles, confetti isn’t just for kids’ parties any more. Done right, it can add character, charm, and fun to your event. Don’t just sprinkle some prepackaged metallic wedding bells around your centerpieces—make confetti a part of your theme, incorporating the colors you chose for your wedding. Start with the invitation, which you can even stuff with bits of confetti to help get your guests into the spirit.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Ready, Set, Confetti!
Instead of traditional escort cards, tack a few circles together so that as guests arrive, they’ll be greeted by a table covered with large pieces of confetti.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Ready, Set, Confetti!
Thought that the confetti theme was only for decorations? How about featuring it into your cocktails with a liqueur lollipop, which will look like a floating piece of confetti while giving the drinks some extra flavor.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Ready, Set, Confetti!
You can even spread the theme to your cake with edible confetti or color-coated chocolates cascading down the side.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Ready, Set, Confetti!
A great way to subtly spread your wedding colors throughout the venue, confetti can also add some flair to your reception.
Inspiration and photos for this entry were taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Ready, Set Confetti!
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
There’s something about summer that makes us think of white! Whether it’s thinking about beaches, or some of my favorite ensembles, white is just as much of a summer staple as it is in the winter. Here are some great ways to make white really pop for summer!
White and metallic are not just for a winter wonderland wedding, it’s also great for summer. Mixing in bronze, silver, gold, champagne and copper is a great way to add a taste of luxury to your standard white china.
White and metallics make this place setting stand out. Photo from: The Knot
White and just a hint of metallic sparkle give off a formal feel. Photo Credit: The Knot
For daytime weddings, white china in a variety of shapes and sizes gives off a casual yet chic vibe. Try patterned dishes for that extra little something extra.
White on white plates
Another great way to utilize white china is to add a colored charger. This gives a spark of color while keeping in the summer white theme.
The bright blue charger is a great backdrop for the white plate. Photo Credit: The Knot
Images for this entry were this entry were taken from The Knot and Wedding Nouveau.
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
No matter what time of the year you choose to get married or what the weather might be outside, there is no reason that you can not plan a wedding that is both appropriate and beautiful! It has long been believed that the spring is the best season to have a wedding but that is no longer the case. In this series of blogs, we will bring you tips and ideas from flower choices to menu selections for weddings for all seasons.
Let’s start with spring since that still tends to be the most popular month for weddings. Because flowers bloom in spring, bright and vivid colors, such as purple and lime green, are always popular options. If done the correct way, bright colors will give your wedding a wonderful spring-time feel.
Flowers can make or break the look and feel of a wedding so for a spring-time wedding, try irises, calla lilies and freesias. Create a centerpiece using these long-stemmed flowers and bunch them close together. This gives the centerpiece a very natural look, as if the flowers were picked straight from the ground. To offset the bright-colored flowers, try white table linens and glass tableware with either plaid or polka-dot fabric mixed in for fun.
Menu selections are very important in order to keep your guests happy. For spring weddings, lighter menu selections are ideal. Maybe consider a Watercress Salad followed by Lobster or Lamb Chops for the main course. Raspberry Crème Brulee is a great dessert choice in addition to your wedding cake.
Spring weddings allow for the most playful options for your big day. Don’t be afraid to try the bright colors and fabrics. They will be sure to put both you and your guests in a great mood!
Information and pictures for this entry came from Brides.com The Four Seasons.
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
While the weather outside may be frightful, you don’t need to let the cold affect your big day! Why not surround yourself and your guests in warmth with a honey and wheat color theme? This neutral color pallet is anything but bland with it’s subtle sophistication.
Bring a little bit of nature into the mix with wax wrapped vases and votives to sit along side wildflowers in shades of cream, white, and honey.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Perfect Palette: Honey and Wheat
Bring the theme into the drinks with honey-spiked cocktails (including a mocktail!), wheat beer, tequila shots, and dessert wine.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Perfect Palette: Honey and Wheat
Don’t think that the colors of honey and wheat are just for the menu or decor – bring it into play with your bridal party. These bridemaids’ gowns show the number of shades you can choose to compliment the look of your wedding. The airiness of organza and tulle Vera Wang gown adds to the uplifting spirit of the color scheme.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Perfect Palette: Honey and Wheat
Don’t stop with the dress – add a bit of the golden hue to your neckline with a beautiful gold necklace and pendant. The Watch Over Me Moon 18ct Gold Pendant
has hand set diamonds on a large full moon of textured matte gold, evoking the lunar surface. The message is intuition and fulfilment, success and optimism, so wear this piece with confidence. The lucky horseshoe doubles as the clasp fastening.
Send your guests off with a sweet treat like these Lemon Mascarpone Brownies.
Fresh lemon zest & vanilla bean are delicately baked with mascarpone to balance the rich chocolate brownie base featuring a hint of Italian Roast Espresso.
And when it’s time to send all your guests your thank you’s don’t forget to keep those colors honey and wheat!
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Perfect Palette: Honey and Wheat
Information for this entry was taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Fall 2009, Perfect Palette: Honey and Wheat.
- Ariana Gordon Stecker of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
Ariana Gordon Stecker