Wedding Flower Trends 2012

Guest Blogger, Tanti Lina, Papertini

After about a gallon of coffee, here's what came to my mind on the topic of "Wedding Flower Trends 2012":

"Vintage" is still going to be around for a while; because it's easy to embrace the idea of simple, familiar, comfort, warm, cozy and ooey gooey, like a good chocolate chip cookie should be. How that translates to flowers and decor is we'll get to see things like pick-from-the-garden bouquet style (handtied, textural, natural), mason and antique jars/bottles/containers, break away centerpieces (what that means is a table has 3-5 bud vases vs 1 big arrangement), mercury glasses, cute birds, etc...etc... Just browse Style Me Pretty, Anthropologie, and etsy, you'll find a lot of answers there. ^_^

A little twist for 2012 that we can see coming is probably the return of the cascading bouquet style - BUT, nothing crazy like the 80's royal shabongle. It will be the more subtle, slight teardrop shape, simpler version like, well, the new millenia royal shabongle (Thank you, Your Royal Highness for not going for the super long cascading holy cannoli bouquet and yes, "shabongle" is my own made up word). 

Now, that's just my "business" or "industry driven" opinion. If you ask for my personal opinion as an invidiual, a woman, and an artist: Trend Schmrend.

Why?? Because it's YOUR wedding! Trend articles are there to serve as guidance, reference, and inspiration sources. Seriously, none of these mean anything if they are not what you truly want. For most people (cuz you know that one Kardashian story), this will be the one and only time you get to do this wedding shabongle!

So...Do what you love and follow your heart!

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2012! 
And...Happy Planning! ^__^

==========================


Pictures Credit:
Lindsay Docherty Photography:
Antique Jars
Mercury Glass
Pick from Garden Style
Vintage

Picture taken by Papertini:
Ciao Bella Cakes with Cute Birds (Cake by Ciao Bella Cakes)

Photo courtesy of CLiu:
Short Cascade Bouquet

All flowers in the pictures are by Papertini

Real Wedding: Kelli + Jason 10.8.11

(Imagine this being said by the guy who does all the movie trailer voice-overs)

On a beautiful autumn afternoon... 

In and around the Independence Seaport Museum...

At the Philadelphia waterfront known as Penn's Landing...

2 families blended as Kelli and Jason said "I Do". 

My first meeting with Kelli and Jason actually took place on a park bench at Rittenhouse Square. I later found out that Kelli purposely had us sit where she and Jason met for the first time. They are an adorable couple. Although Kelli is a doctor, she doesn't carry herself with a sense of superiority. She is very earthy and bohemian. Jason is also a casual, laid back guy. The most important aspects of this wedding were food and fun.  

I was hired to help with the design and day of wedding coordination. Kelli and Jason found the venue and most of the professionals on her own. Based on Kelli's style and personality, I recommended Necoh at Royal Design Flowers & Events. It turned out that Kelli and Necoh share an affinity for Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, like Chococat. Necoh surprised Kelli on her wedding day with a bonus bouquet. 

The ceremony was set to take place on the museum's outdoor rotunda which overlooks the river. To take advantage of the circular structure, we created an intimate seating area with the wedding party and minister in the center. 

Kelli wanted to use a lot of fall colors for her wedding: chocolate, green apple, wine, burnt orange, and ivory. The bridesmaids wore chocolate brown dresses. We dressed the outdoor cocktail tables and food stations in apple green. The reception tables were set with chocolate brown table linens and apple green napkins. We used ivory chairs to keep the space from appearing too dark. Necoh created centerpieces which incorporated flowers in orange and wine, plus an essential feature in the wedding decor, green apples. (The apples represented Jason. His nieces and nephews call him "Uncle Apple".) She also carried this concept over to the cake. 

The DJ made sure there was fun. Brulee Catering (the exclusive caterer for Independence Seaport Museum)  made sure there were plenty of tasty morsels for Kelli and Jason's family and friends. I even heard one of the guests say "There's still more food coming?" 

During one of our meetings with the catering sales staff, Kelli and Jason mentioned that they wanted to get funnel cake before they left Penn's Landing. Unfortunately, they didn't find any. On the wedding day, we made sure they found the truck. 

The mother/daughter photography team of Joyce & Jess at Casual Candids Photography did an amazing job capturing the details and fun of this wedding. 

From jumping the broom...

... to boys being boys

(I love that picture.)

We wish Kelli and Jason a long and FABULOUS marriage. 

To see more photos from this wedding, visit the gallery on our website. 

Muchos Smooches!

Hey Stranger! Long time no see

Isn't that what you say to someone you used to see all the time who suddenly disappeared for a while and is now back on the scene? Wondering what I've been up to?

PLANNING WEDDINGS & EVENTS! Did you really expect me to say something else? LOL

Since the last time I updated the blog, we executed the pretty purple wedding of Valerie & Heath @ The Brossman Center on June 25. Photographer D'Mont Reese is busy at work editing his pro shots but here's one I took of the fabulous wedding cake by Bredenbecks. Sound and lighting was provided by DJ's Available (DJ Clinton McBean rocked the house).

I couldn't post a pic of the cake and not show you the gorgeous centerpieces by Kremp Florists in Willow Grove.

Other professionals involved in this wedding day include Catering by Bruno's and Michael Israel behind the video camera. Tiffany Hurst blessed us with her beautiful voice during the ceremony. Special thanks to my extra hands & feet for the day: Gina, Christian, Audra, and Cheriess.

Stay tuned for more about what I've been up to since my last post, including My First Jewish Wedding.

Candle Centerpieces

If you can't afford to fill your wedding reception with thousands of dollars in flowers, then consider mixing in a few candlescapes. You can either put candles on some tables and flowers on others. Or use flowers at the ceremony site and candles at the reception. Candles are a fabulous way to add glamour and/or personality to your reception decor.



For simple elegance, try floating candles & blooms together:


from http://www.tammybecker.com/



For a whimsical look (a DIY project):



from http://www.weddingbee.com/



Spotlight on Papertini

Not only one of my favorite Philadelphia-area wedding professionals, but one of my favorite people EVER!

Name: Tanti Lina

Occupation: Floral Designer

Business Name: Papertini

Website/Blog: http://www.papertini.com/

Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia

Current City: Philadelphia, PA

Relationship Status: Married

Favorite local wedding venue: TOO MANY!!

Describe your ideal client: Individuals who are open minded, adventurous and flexible. ^_^ Which I have been really fortunate to get!

What do you wish more people knew about you? Hmmmm... good question... I actually sorta kinda enjoy living "under the radar". Hehehehehehe..... I guess if I have to pick one thing at this point in time, it would be that I am bilingual (English/Indonesian) but I also comprehend Mandarin Chinese (reading/listening, speaking is a little rough) and know basic Korean. ^__^ Language is actually my true passion. Hehehehehe.... ^__^

Tanti teaches a DIY Bridal Flowers class this fall in Philadelphia. It is very hands-on and informative. I recommend it to brides, aspiring floral designers, and wedding planners.

Zen Principles for Your Special Event

Round-shaped vases suggest never-ending love.

(Photo Source)

Mirrors boost positive energies.

(Photo Source)

An upward spray of flowers encourages guests to "reach for the stars" and live life to its fullest.

(Photo Source)

Blue evokes serenity.

If you add loosely arranged blooms to glass vases in shades of blue or violet,

then you will ensure an easy-going celebration.

(Photo Source)

Carnations ARE Fabulous!

Carnations are full-headed flowers which deliver a HUGE bang for your buck.

Carnations are tough. They last long and don't mind being handled.

photo source

Candice Ryan from La Petite Fleur in Glenside, PA, says "Carnations are lovely, accessible, inexpensive flowers that, when bundled, can mimic the ethereal, garden look of a hydrangea."

photo source

Photos from Wedding Bee, Carolyn Roehm, My Cleveland Wedding

Sweet as Baby's Breath

Done well, baby's breath can make a beautiful and affordable centerpiece. Personally, I only like baby's breath when it is alone, as shown in these arrangements. Bundles of baby's breath create a fluffy fragrant cloud. If placed on top of a glass vase, it will look like it is floating. For a more dramatic impact, arrange the baby's breath in a solid, ceramic piece.

Photos from Project Wedding, The Cinderella Project, and Chillipit

You can also repurpose your centerpieces as ceremony decor (as shown below in this photo from The Knot)

New Kid on the Block

Meet the La Campanella Rose.
It reminds me of the tissue paper roses we made in day camp as kids.

Photo from www.aoyamaflowermarket.com

The #1 Way to Save on Wedding Flowers

When planning your floral budget, keep in mind all of the different purposes for flowers in your wedding: the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, mothers' corsages, fathers' boutonnieres, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements.

So what is the #1 way to save on flowers without sacrificing the overall vision for your day?

Downsize

Lessen the number of people in your wedding party (fewer bouquets & boutonnieres to buy) and the number of guests (fewer tables that require a centerpiece). You can still have the beautiful flowers you fell in love with but you'll need less of them.

Create Centerpieces with Edible Elements

Epicurious.com posted an interesting article about using edible elements to create elegant and aromatic spring centerpieces. One centerpiece included asparagus and artichokes in place of traditional greens (shown above).

Another had green grapes cascading over the edge of a tall vase filled with budding branches.

And a 3rd arrangement added fresh herbs to a bouquet of sweet-smelling lilies for a savory aroma.

Click here to see the how-to slideshow.

My Favorite DIY Projects

These are my favorite DIY projects because they are simple and sassy. They require minimal materials and cost much less than they look.

Do you want me to tell you how to make them?

You'll have to attend my DIY Wedding Workshop on June 5th to find out.

I Love You Back!

While browsing my favorite florist's newly designed website and blog, I noticed my name in a post about all the things she is thankful for. So I just wanted to return the sentiment by telling you all that Tanti Lina of Papertini totally ROCKS! She is such a talented floral designer and her highly energetic spirit is very contagious.

MUCHOS SMOOCHES!!

PS: If you are in the Philadelphia area, Tanti is teaching a Holiday Wreath Workshop at the brand spanking new AC Moore in Willow Grove on December 11 @ 6:30 pm. Cost is $10 + supplies.

Hyacinth

White Hyacinth = Loveliness
Pink Hyacinth = Playfulness, Joy

Hyacinths are highly scented with a comforting fragrance. The scent of Hyacinth is said to be useful to calm nerves, which makes it an ideal choice for nervous brides.

Hyacinths bloom in spring.

Daisy

Daisy means Innocence and Loyal Love

You can use daisies for a fresh outdoor wedding bouquet or pop the heads off and float them in a glass bowl with a few candles for an easy, colorful centerpiece. Use daisy heads to top your favor boxes instead of bows.

There are 4 main types of daisies used for bridal bouquets:

1. Daisy Pom: round and furry (like a pom pom) - most common in spring or early summer
2. Shasta Daisy: hybrid of daisy & chrysanthemum - most common in summer
3. Gerbera Daisy (aka Gerber): largest bloom of all daisy species - available year-round in tropical climates
4. African Daisy: exotic appearance, most expensive of all daisy species (another photo)
   

Photo Source

Calla Lily

Calla Lily means Magnificent Beauty

Calla lilies come in many colors such as white, green ("Green Goddess"), white with purple highlights ("Diva Maria"), white with pink blush, cream ("Black-eyed Beauty"), yellow, orange, pink, red, peach, passionfruit, and deep dark purple.

The calla lily is a common theme for weddings. The calla lily motif can be found on invitations, favors, and in the cake design.

When arranging calla lilies in a bridal or bridesmaid bouquet, keep in mind that the flower stems can drip, leaving stains or marks on dresses or other material. To avoid this, let the flowers stay at least 30 minutes out of water before holding close to fabric.

Extra Tip: Carefully dipping the ends of the stems in melted wax and allowing to dry will seal the ends of the flowers and prevent any drips!

Photo Source

Green Button Mum Accessories

Complete how-to guides for the flower girl pomander and ring bearer pillow are posted at My DIY Wedding Day.

Paper Rose Table Numbers

How cute are these table numbers from Advantage Bridal? They come in pink or lavender roses. Perfect for a garden reception, Sweet 16, or bat mitzvah.

Candelabra Garland Centerpiece

Learn how to make this centerpiece yourself @ DIY Network.

Beautiful Tall Centerpieces

White Orchid & Feathers

White Calla Lily & Hydrangea

Hanging Candles

Branches and Rose Pomanders

All photos from Wedding Channel