The typical cost of a bridesmaid bouquet ranges anywhere from $50 – $85 (and can easily go up from there). Yikes, right?! Many times those bouquets are used as props for pictures then placed in vases on a standard headtable where they’re only enjoyed by the bridal party. And they’ve had their fill of bouquets by that point. This is a useful option, however the bouquets often times end up blocking the faces from photos and let’s face it, it’s something I see done very, very often.
This certainly isn’t a novel idea, but it’s one I’d like to see people use more often: Use the wedding party bouquets as your centerpieces. Think about it. Most people have large wedding parties (the average number of bridesmaids is 5 and larger parties are on the rise) and also want varied centerpieces. As with a couple of weddings I’m working on, the bridal party flowers make up for 1/3 of the centerpieces. By reusing the bridesmaid bouquets on the tables, you’ve cut out cost and design time. By adding more candles, surrouding the bouquet with floating candles in short cylinder vases, placing them in a decorative vase of colored glass, or even using the bouquet as one part of a cluster centerpiece by adding smaller arrangements around it, you’ve got a beautiful piece of floral art that can help create a beautiful tablescape without adding to the budget.
Make those bad boys work long after the night is over! Have someone bring the flowers to the venue where the gift opening is being held and you don’t have to worry about extra decorating. If you aren’t having a gift opening, ask family and friends to take the flowers home with them or see if you can slip your planner a little money to deliver the flowers to a nursing home or hospital. These facilities are always happy to share such stylishly crafted floral arrangements with their patients and visitors. Beautiful flowers have a tendancy to make anyone’s day a little better.
Happy Planning!
[photo by Heather Luebke]
fab.kirsten fab.style, fab.tips, fab.weddings, totally you
One of the best kept secrets of the craft world is Etsy. It’s like an ebay “buy it now” shop of incredibly talented artists that have everything from hand carved bowls to ring bearer pillows and just about everything between. Be sure to open up an afternoon of your work calendar to get lost in all the shops. Simply enter what you’re looking for in the search bar, and shop away.
There are tons of shops that I absolutely love and think that many of you will be able to find things to personalize your look for your next party or big event. I’ll share some of my favorite shops with you from time to time… and I hope you’ll share your faves with me.
On to the good stuff!
Myrakim owns the shop ‘Twigs and Honey’ and makes gorgeous, non-traditional hair pieces that would be great for the bride that wants to forgo the veil or change it up with something special just to kick off the reception. I absolutely love the vintage glam look and feel of her items and she’s got items for both the maids and the new Mrs.
A few of my faves hair pieces
I’m not sure which compliments the other better: The model to the birdcage veil or the veil to the model…. either way, the whole look is so eclectic and stunning.
I love love love the colors of the hair piece on the left with the silk flowers and peacock feathers. It’s a punch of unexpected color in her dark hair. I love how the hair piece on the right is delicate yet stately. If you’re not comfortable with this as high and forward on your hair, you could easily wear both of them snug against a chignon or pony tail.
Another fantastic take on the birdcage veil combined with a small fascinator of silk flowers and feathers. Embrace the birdcage! A lot more people look as awesome as the model but they’re afraid they can’t pull it off. At least try one on if you think it would compliment your ensemble.
There is something so airy and feminine about this bolero. It’s clearly meant for cuteness and not for warmth, so pack accordingly!
As if the hair pieces and bolero weren’t enough, her boutonnieres are incredibly detailed and unique… and reusable! A combinations of silk flowers, feathers, beads, and dried seeds make these something you haven’t seen before. You can buy them individually or as sets.
If you find any Etsy shops (or other great event style and event ideas) that you love and that I must share, email me at info@fabyoulousevents.com!
fab.kirsten Etsy, fab.style, fab.weddings
The eternal dilemma for many brides is WHAT do you get your bridesmaids? Lots of brides have a hard time figuring out just what to get their ladies in waiting because they want something that is as unique as each of their friends are, but practical and (hopefully) fun!
I’ll admit, I’d never have known about the 1154 Lill Studio bags if it hadn’t been for my best friend and her fantastic taste in bags. What I love about the 1154 Lill Studio bags is that you are getting a custom designed bag that best suits your taste in shape, size, and textiles. I also LOVE that you can pair different fabrics from flamboyantly girly to classic solids to cover the straps, the body of the bag, and the inside. So not only is it fun for the world to look at, you get a little excited every time you have to dig for your keys too! You can keep the bags smaller as well as shop the fabrics by price range to help keep the cost down. The bags range from wristlet size to carry on totes. You can also design pillows, day planner covers, or headbands.
Here is the bag I’m diggin’ right now… The Custom Andi with Plum Breeze for the exterior with deep purple for the strap and Garnet Tweed for the inner lining and ‘strap attachers.’ A little mellow compared to some I came up with, but perfectly fall.
http://www.1154lill.com/
They are more pricey than your average bag, but well worth it for something that you put thought and love into when choosing something to say ‘thank you’ for standing up for you on the biggest day of your life. And even if they’re too pricey to buy… at least you can kill some quality time on the site designing your dream bag while you’re supposed to be working! Have fun designing!
And who says a business tote has to be all business? Custom Sophie in ‘Moroccan Tiles’ with ‘Aruba’ for the straps and accents:
fab.kirsten fab.style, fab.weddings, the Maids
