Update | Sharma Wedding

This wedding will prove to be an exciting one! After an initial consultation, we have learned that the couple are mixed race and young. They envision a colourful, loud, and fun wedding to accomodate their cultures, families, and younger guests. The groom is East Indian and the Bride is Caucasian Canadian; both in their mid twenties. Afrer meeting with them we have learned what their style is and what they want to see on their big day. They want accomodate 200 people at their venue, and must have the ability to bring outside catering in, as the grooms side has a strict religious diet. They want their wedding to be bright and colourful; making use of reds, oranges, golds while using accent colours in the peacock range. Knowing these few things we can begin planning their day in the right way. With budget in mind, we now know what criteria to look for in a venue, as well as where the budget would be directed preferably. 

Note: It is important and a good idea to ask the client what the level of importance is on the following:

- Food (Quantity & Quality)

- Venue Size, Location, Capacity

- Guest List Size

- Decor

The reason being, that when you know the priorities then you know where sacrifices can be made if needed. For example, if the food is the important thing, where the couple wish to have outside catering due to diet and family consuming the expense, then we know we can direct the budget more towards, the open bar, or decor. A venue that is less desirable can be chosen and then decor can play a major role in perfecting the vision.

Upcoming | Sharma Wedding

Flourish is now a part of somones very special day! I will be posting our ideas, as well as the process in which we will follow to complete the vision for the couples special day! Please follow us on our blog as well as facebook to see our progress. See what we can do for you!

Bridal Shower Theme | Alice in Wonderland

A Garden theme for a wedding in 2012 is supposed to be a huge hit! So why not have some fun and go with an Alice in Wonderland theme for a Bridal Shower, if your theme is inspired by characteristics of a garden. Take advantage of some of your old hand-me-downs such as clocks, jewellery, china, and serving pieces. This theme can be done within a strict budget or otherwise, it is one that can be extremely playful and exciting!

There are two styles to an Alice in Wonderland theme, one is very antiqued and eclectic, while the other is more modern; inspired by the recent Alice in Wonderland film. Decide which suites your personality and budget more, and then start finding decorations to compliment the theme. 

Modern | Edgy Fantasy

Contrast is key for this design; choose two colours that complement as well as contrast each other. Consider using these colours in the linens, or flowers.  A neutral colour for the table china would be the most successful; white, black or grey. In the image below, a white rabbit was chosen for part of the centre piece, going with something that is stark and white will really pop on a table, especially if surrounded by colour. 

Glass, chrome, stainless steel and crystal are beautiful accents for the modern approach to the Alice in Wonderland theme. Graphics are important as well, when sending out Bridal Shower invites make sure that the graphics compliment both the theme of your shower, and event; follow through with the theme on place cards, favours and even games!

Just a thought*: If all the table china is white, then let the colour of the tea compliment the table, rather than using colourful napkins.

Classic | Eclectic Garden

Go creative, go green, and reuse. With an eclectic theme to your Alice in wonderland bridal shower, salvage and reuse; use an old picnic table, and some garden chairs (they do not have to match), use old lace, plain white, or burlap linens on the table, and of course decorate using things collected from the garden and around the house. You can go to any antique store, or flea market and find little nic-nacs like old clocks and stop watches, as well as vintage tea cups, pots and jars. Flowers are a beautiful accent, but if they are out of your budget, then consider using herbs or candles in jars. 

Wood, and organic materials are key to this design combined with old and repurposed china and serving pieces. But consider using graphics in different ways with this theme. Chalk boards are acute and inexpensive way to create signage; signage for table numbers, ingredients or even guest seating. 

Just a thought*: for the invites to this type of theme, print on some old tattered playing cards and send them to your guests. Make sure to use the original Lewis Carol graphic style in both the text font and imagery.

Fantasy and whimsy can be achieved simply through the incorporation of D.I.Y. projects and additives. Depending on the theme style that you choose, it can be achieved inexpensively and in the style that most reflects your personality. Depending on whether you want to keep it light and simple or want to go all out and make it appear like the real wonderland, make sure that the budget you set for this theme perfectly compliments your vision.

Fabulous Wedding Dresses!

I absolutely love what is coming for the 2012 wedding season! So many textures, layers and of course colour!  Lace is bigger than ever, and modern sheath is making an entry into this seasons wedding fashion!!! Wedding dresses have become so playful and really attempt to push the envelope; making it possible for any bride to find somthing that suites both her personality and budget. 

Some of the hot trends for wedding gowns this upcoming season have been reinvented and to create timless pieces that have modern flare. We all know Kate Middltons Royal wedding dress very well and were quite shocked to see a piece that was so traditional in many ways, but was also very modern. The definition of form and strength of lines were very apparent in her dress, and were married quite successfully to the traditional lace and sleaves. So it comes as no surprise that this style is perpahs the most popular and desirable for new brides. 

 Lace has always been popular for weddings, it is a beautiful combination of fragility and complexity. As an alternative to full sleeves, capped sleeves are back in!

 

 Lace has always been popular for weddings, it is a beautiful combination of fragility and complexity. As an alternative to full sleeves, capped sleeves are back in!

As mentioned in the previous blog post regarding hot colour trends, dresses that have accents of black are in high demand this season. They are sophisticated and eye catching due to the contrast between the white and black. Consider whether you want the black details to be the focal point of your dress or simply the form and white or Ivory colour to be, as the black can be quite powerful and can really stand out.  I have a feeling that this particular style will be around for a while. 

 This leads us into the next trend which is my personal favourite; colour! A coloured dress comes off as being "tacky" or "distracting", but when the right colour is chosen any wedding gown can be beautiful and certainly match the brides personality and personal style. Try not to go too bold, as you would want the colour to be tastful and to not distract entirely from the readiance of a newlywed bride. 

Blushes, greens, greys and golds are all in demand this season, and when tastfully completed with accessories, they create a beautifulcomposition that demonstrates fashion, taste, personality and above all radiance.

 Gold dresses deserve a paragraph all of their own for a number of reasons. The first being that gold is a reoccuring colour used for weddings. It was worn in the middle ages for wedding gowns and has repeated many times over. Socondly, gold is deffinetly a neutral, like white and ivory, but of course has much more flare. White and ivory tend to have more pressence because they are naturally so bright, but gold has the sparkle. Thirdly, gold is a classic, it is very high class and is very hollywood. When paired with white pearls or chunky diamonds and crystals you can successfully reintroduce white and classics hues to the ansemble. 

 This leads us into the next big trend which is Hollywood glam. Through maintaining art deco forms, shapes and styles in any wedding piece you have successfully recreated a classic hollywood inspired ansemble. However, this season is marked by both classic and modern hollywood styles. Both are unique and classy, that have a remarkable cultural flare! Hollywood is a very North American style that is well known through old films, but over the years has transformed into a type of glamorous that is very revealing andf sexy; it celebrate women's beautiful, unique and desirable features. 

 Layers and textures are very important for this season, they are adding form, volume and shape to any piece, and therefore successfully creating visual interest. Truly unqiue style that are not commonly found or seen are hitting the runways and aisles this upcoming year. Feathers and horsehair trims are only two of the ways that texture and volume are being integrated into wedding style. Illusion necklines is the other trend which deffinelty adds visual interest as it drapes any body with a light layer of fabric that mutes skin and leads the eye to visually interesting aspects of a dress, the accessories and of course to the brides blushing face.

Hopfully this inspires you when you do your dress shopping. Keep in mind visual interest, texture, volume, and colour when doing your browsing this season. Fond somthing that truly suites your personality and personal style. It is the one dress that you will always remember and treasure, so make it count!

Colour Trends | For the Current Year and Forward

 It is important to know the current and past trends within all industries; the event industry is no different. Trends are influential and fit a timeline. Many trends, especially colour, repeat over time and become reinvented images of a time period. Colour is a foundation for any event; it is from which the creativity flows and a personal relationship with a colour or any combination of colours is established. Explore the colours of 2012 and let your ideas Flourish into new memories and exciting celebrations.

The List for the current colour trends are as follows:

Turquoise |Good Fortune

This colour is understandably popular as the Tiffany’s theme has increased significantly over the last few years. Turquoise has an elegant quality that is likely influenced in part by the reputation that is associated with Tiffany jewellery. Aside, turquoise is a stone which constantly finds itself in high demand, as it comes back into fashion so often. Turquoise is associated with being “the holy stone” and has been regarded as a bringer of good fortune and a gemstone of the peoples. So to utilize the stones’ beautiful colour for an event seems quite fitting; especially for a wedding which celebrates a couple’s love for one another. 

To highlight this colour for an event, consider using peacock feathers. The feather has undertones of blue, green and browns which really emphasize the blue-green colour of Turquoise. Another way to add emphasis to this colour is by adding gems to the theme. Complimenting turquoise with pearls, diamonds or beads emphasizes what Tiffany & Co. Has been doing for years-- creating luxury. 

Coral | Mmm...

Coral comes in a variety of shades because actual coral is never like another.  So do not worry about making your shades match entirely. Different shades of the colour create depth and interest in ways that appeal to people. It is a naturally unique quality that can be easily translated through your event. 

This particular colour is so warm and fun, it is perfect for a spring or summer event. This colour can easily be combined and accented with other colours such as teal, yellow, other shades of pink or red to emphasize a theme, or to enhance a fun atmosphere. 

Coral can be incorporated very easily into foods and beverages. Try creating signature desserts or drinks to serve at your event. There are many pink wines and champagnes out there which can be a great addition to any drink recipe. Red fruits when combined with banana or pineapple create a tasty smoothie or homemade sorbet; great for serving at any function or party. Stimulate your guests visually as well as physically through taste. 

Black & White | Timeless Classics

A black and white wedding is classic and beautiful; a theme and colour scheme that keeps reappearing in the trends list. A good balance between white and black throughout the entire event can appear fun, elegant and modern. 

A trend which has become very apparent with wedding gown design is a bright white dress that is beautifully detailed with black sashes, bows, flowers or lace. It pushes the envelope of fashion while still maintaining an eloquent appearance; slightly untraditional, but still beautiful. Black has always been a slimming colour and popular with women’s’ fashion. It is a colour that is both fashion-forward and timeless. White has always represented purity and innocence throughout wedding history.  A bride wears it in the modern world as a symbol of her dedication and commitment to her partner.  

Yellow | Hope

Yellow is the most visible colour and therefore the most-attention seeking colour. If you want to wow your guests than yellow is a great choice. While keeping moderation in mind, yellow can be very playful, whimsical and eclectic. 

Historically yellow represents hope. Yellow ribbons placed on trees or front porches during the first and Second World War represented family’s hopes that their loved ones would return safely. So yellow is a suitable colour for military families or those who have relatives living in various places around the world that experience hardship or conflict. 

For any event yellow when combined with white, grey or black can be very elegant and clean. A good contrast of colours combined with clean lines and geometric forms can create a very modern feel that can easily emphasize a theme or venue. 

Fuchsia | Naturally Beautiful

This colour is named after the Fuchsia plant, which has a pink-purple hue to a pink-red hue. There are different variations of this particular colour, but dominantly the combination of red and pink create the blend that is well known in fashion and design. This palette has been popular for events of all sorts many times over. This colour is very versatile and can be utilized to complete either a sophisticated or a fun and playful look. 

The colour can be introduced into any theme or palette easily. Many flowers naturally have a fuchsia hue and therefore make a great addition to centre pieces or other decor. A unique way to add colour to your event is through the use of fabrics. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, consider making a tent using fabric that is a range of variations of your colour scheme. If cost is an issue, rather than renting chair covers, use fabric around the backs of your guest’s chairs to make a statement.

Deep Red (Carmine)| Stimulation & Romance

Traditional known as Carmine, this Ruby colour is a shade of red that has become popular for events; especially weddings. Red is the colour of love and therefore truly celebrates a couple’s commitment to each other through marriage. 

Red is a stimulating colour that is emotionally intense. Many clubs utilize the psychology of red to encourage people to move and let their wild side out. In the design world, red is traditionally used as an accent colour because it is so strong. So when using this hue for an event, make sure that the colour is used to influence the moods and actions which are desired. 

Red is a beautiful colour which is often used during certain times of year or for certain themes. Winter and autumn have traditionally been the seasons in which Reds are part of the colour scheme.  In the winter, red combined with colours such as fresh whites and sparkling gold or silver make a beautiful backdrop for a room full of warmth and love. In the autumn, oranges, yellows and browns mixed with reds mimic the natural colours of the season.  With these hues one can really create a natural theme for their special day. For both seasons, bringing the outdoors inside can influence the usage of eco friendly materials as well as fresh organic foods.

Slate Grey | Untraditional Elegance

This colour palette is not very traditional but is very beautiful, and elegant. The look that has been provided is very beautiful and extravagant in appearance. Jewels, gems and natural hues are accents that can be utilized to further accentuate the palette. Modern forms, shapes and textures only enhance this look. 

Flowers should be non traditional, simple and natural. Adding cotton, baby’s breath and other botanicals that do not have large flowers would add volume and texture to any arrangement, and can prove to be more cost effective. 

Consider using backdrops. Many weddings use fog machines with lighting to set a mood or to create focus on a couple for their first dance. As a change, consider using this for your ceremony and make the experience dramatic and unique. 

Purple & Latte | Royalty & Luxury

Variations of purple have always been popular as a part of a colour scheme. Usually purple is accompanied by another colour to compliment its beauty as well as to make it less feminine. Past purple colour schemes also included greens, yellows, and dark browns. This year Latte is the accompanying colour to purple and is quite elegant in appearance. Purple is one of those colours that are very versatile, it can appear elegant and sophisticated when accompanied with a shade, or neutral colour, while it appears fun with bright and playful colours. 

Purple has been known as a royal colour and therefore is luxurious and sophisticated; it has traditionally been associated with wealth. Not many plants in the world are naturally purple in colour, so sometimes purple can appear artificial. If a bride wants to avoid this, then she needs to do her research and determine which combination of flowers she will use to avoid using dyes, sprays or other forms of pigmentation.

 

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something not so Blue

We have always loved the idea of making use of old used items to create something brand new. Reusing items the have been kept in the family is a brilliant idea. It practically covers all of the requirements from that old saying "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue". 

Every family has old cherished pieces that have been passed on through generations. A great way to make use of old traditions, and remember passed loved ones on any special occasion is to incorporate them into your special day. China, vases, jewelery, linens, and photos are great ways to decorate your wedding  while celebrating the generations who brought you into the world and got you to where you are.