Of course if you are using medium to high quality silk flowers (not the type found at Wal-Mart) then availability is not as much of an issue.  Silk botanicals are seasonless, meaning you can get them pretty much all year round and are never subject to uncontrollable elements like heat, drought, rains, winds or import embargoes.  In most cases the only time a silk botanical won’t be available is in the instance of a particular line being discontinued.

Color and Appearance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Now that you have your stem research done its time to decide on the colors to use in your bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages and centerpieces.  It’s a little known fact outside the botanical (flower) world that with very few exception, white roses, calla lilies and any other “white” flower ARE NOT white; they are in fact a very soft creme color. 

Let me repeat this statement, white wedding flowers ARE NOT white – they are creme. 

• Virginia                 Very large, soft ivory petals, outer ones with a pink blaze
• Escimo                   Delicate smaller size, pure “diamond white”, opens well
• Vendela                Creamy white, medium size, high petal count
• Tineke                    Medium size, pointed bud, cool greenish-white, holds well
• Bianca                    Medium size, rounded bud, translucent ”rice white” color  
• Sahara                   Warm ivory-ecru, rounded petals, opens full
• Clear Ocean         Larger size, fragrant, soft ivory color, opens well
• White Majolika   Spray type, “pure white” sweetheart sized blossom, opens well 

Of course if you’ve chosed to use silk flowers, not only are “white” flowers white (along with other shades of white),  but the depth and saturation of color in other flower varieties is deeper and more varied.   This is vitally important when you are trying to match the exact shade of purple, red, oranges or greens.  Case in point, recently we had a bride request “eggplant” colored hydrangea (in nature, purple hydrangea has a blue hue).   After showing her a prototype of her bouquet in silk, she opted to use fresh flowers; however when she came into our showroom to view her fresh bouquet she was greatly disappointed that the colors of the fresh flowers wasn’t as intense as it was in the silk.  Long story short, we ended up making her bouquet in silk flowers instead and she was not only pleased with the outcome but appreciative of our extra effort.                                                                                                                                                                                                      So let’s look at a side-by-side comparison of using fresh botanicals vs. silk:

Fresh Flowers                                                                                                

•  Availability is subject to growing season and import            
• “White” flowers are not white, they are cream colored                                
• Specific colors/shades difficult to obtain and match with attire       
• Hybrid flowers typically void of fragrance, while others have unpleasant aromas

 Silk Flowers

• Available all year round, unless discontinued
• True “whites” are available, as are limitless shades of “white/cream”
• Deeper, richer colors which are easier to coordinate and match attire
• Void of fragrance, however they can be custom scented if desired

In our next post we’ll discuss durability, care and longevity of your wedding flowers.  Until then,  subscribe to our blog so that you recieve our next installment automatically or email us.  We’d love to share with you!

Well, it’s been two months since our last post on this subject and it is our hope that you’ve been able to implement some of the suggestions made in the first part of this series and have experienced both peace of mind AND pocket book savings.  So now that you’ve gotten started here are five more areas that you can stretch your wedding budget without compromising your wedding day dreams. 

The Guest List:

Have you made the observation that the number of “friends” you have has increased dramatically since the day you and your betrothed announced your engagement?  It seems that EVERYONE wants to be on your guest list; including the psycho room-mate from college that you haven’t spoken to in the past 8 years, despite the fact that the restraining order has been lifted.  OK – I’m having a bit of fun here; but I’m not far off the mark am I? 

Everyone loves a party and weddings are the “mac-daddy” of all parties.  However, can I just say that as a society we’ve forgotten that attending a wedding is an honour and privilege; not a birth right. 

Let me repeat that last statement.  Attending a wedding is an honour and a privilege; NOT a birth right. 

Just because you’ve known Sally Sue since you shared a playpen with her when you were two doesn’t mean that you “must” invite her to be present on your wedding day.  The more guests you invite, the more its going to impact your budget; its the old “cause and affect” scenario.  It may surprise you to know that each of your wedding guests comes at a per person cost  of $75 per head.  Think about it; from the cost of  invitations, favors, programs,  placesettings, tabletop decor, cake, food, and beverages it all adds up.  Having said that, here are the guidelines we encourage our clients to consider when they are drafting their guest list that will assist in trimming its size and reducing their overall reception expenses:

Cost saving tip #11:

If a wedding guest falls into one of the following four categories,  you might want to place them on a “B” or “C” list of guests to include if there is room, or even include them on a “Wedding Announcement ” list instead.  A Wedding Announcement still allows you to share the good news with them without the expectation of their presence on the actual day.

1. Your wedding IS NOT a family reunion.  By this we mean that this is not the time to invite your fourth cousin five times removed who you met briefly at a family function when you were 10 years old.  Family members should be limited to immediate aunts, uncles and cousins – and preferrably the ones you have a knowledge of.
2. Your wedding IS NOT an office party.  NEVER no never should you post a blanket invitation on the breakroom bulletin board for all your colleagues to see.  If you are going to invite office colleagues, they should be limited to your immediate supervisor (assuming you have an amicable relationship with him/her) and associates that you have known and worked with for longer than 2 minutes and actually like and care about and should be mailed to them at their private residence. 
3. Your wedding IS NOT a high-school reunion.  Obviously there are those high school classmates that you have maintained a relationship with; so by all means invite them.  But again, limit the number of your glory days buddies to those that you have a continued and ongoing relationship with.
4. Your wedding IS NOT a kegger.  Believe it or not, there is a difference between celebrating and getting slammed.  If, when examining your guest list, you recognize a name whose only memories involve a brewsky and a porcelain god, then it might be wise to place them on an alternate list.

Your Wedding Date, Time and Venue

Where is it written that your wedding must be held on a Saturday?  Go ahead, show me.  What?!  You can’t suport nor prove  this “rule” – well guess what?  It isn’t written anywhere.  Of course we understand that the tradition of holding your wedding on a Saturday in the middle of the summer is difficult to overcome.  The argument can be made that  family members and friends with children are more likely to attend a wedding during the summer as they can plan their school vacation around it; and of course co-workers LOVE Saturday weddings because they don’t have to worry about punching a time card until Monday morning if they partake in too many “spirits” but consider the triple  play savings in our next suggestions:

Cost saving tip #12:

If you must have a Saturday wedding,  choose a date in the “slow” season.  Statistically speaking,  December thru April constitute the slower season of the bridal year; therefore venues are motivated to offer discounts, savings and/or upgrades during this time of year.  A venue that commands $5200 during the “high” season for a Saturday could be attainable for $3500 during the “slower” season.  Thats a savings of $1700 placed right into your  wallet to be used for your honeymoon!

Cost saving tip #13:

If a December thru April wedding is not your cup of tea and you still have your heart set on a high season wedding (June – September), but the venue of your dreams (or fantasies) is still unattainable, then consider hosting your wedding during the week vs. on a Friday or Saturday.  Friday and Saturday weddings are in HIGH demand, which of course is why venues can charge a premium for them; however a Tuesday-Thursday event date at the same location is harder to sell,  translating into direct savings for you – if you are willing to be flexible.  This strategy pays off in several BIG ways:

1. Mid-week cost savings - usually 15-25% less than a Saturday event
2. Lower guest attendance; translating into fewer centerpieces, table linens, food, beverage, favors, cake etc. etc. etc. 
3. Shorter day for everyone – which means you can get to that much awaited wedding night nap
4. Airfare is cheaper since you’re flying off to your honeymoon destination during the week instead of on the weekend

OK – you’re still not convinced are you?  So, you’re just  like the millions of brides before you  and MUST have a Saturday, mid-summer wedding with all the bells and whistles.  Am I right?  OK, then if this is your hearts desire, so be it; but consider this next tip:

Cost saving tip #14:

Instead of hosting the traditional summer evening wedding hold your nuptials mid-morning or early afternoon; it will be more comfortable for your guests (as the temperature is much more tolerable) and less expensive for you as you contemplate what to select to serve them to eat. 

Of course the “reception meal” is a whole other subject and is best left to our final post. 

Until then, we hope that you will seriously consider the tips and suggestions found in this post and implement as many of them as possible.  Remember, you don’t have to marry into the Rockefeller family to have a posh event; you just have to be a bit more innovative and creative in the execution of your wedding dreams.

First let’s start with the obvious, if you haven’t set a wedding budget – then stop what you’re doing, grab a cup of coffee, a chocolate brownie, your sweetie and pad, pen (or pencil) and calculator and write one out.  If you need help, review our post “Start at the beginning” or give us a call.  We can customize one for you.  Enough said – let’s move on.  Now that you have your wedding budget in hand, let’s look at the first five of thirteen area’s that comprise a wedding budget and examine some cost saving strategies in each area.  Ready?  Here they are:

Accessories: this category would include items like a Cake Knife Set, Champagne/Toasting Glasses, Guest Book and Pen and finally a Ring Bearer’s Pillow. 

Cost saving tip #1

Incorporate your something old, something new, something borrowed something blue strategy here and use your mother, grandmother or favorite aunt’s cake knife set and toasting glasses here.  It will give them a reason to get them out of the china cabinet.  Years ago, I had a bride do just this.  She used her mother’s cake knife set, but before she did we took it to a local engravers and had her parents wedding date engraved on one side of the blade with hers on the other.  Now, not only did she have a knife set to use for the day, but she also created a family heirloom to be pasted down to her daughter .  By the way, we left enough room on the blade for another bride to include her wedding date too; in this case it was her sister who used the set next when she got married two years later.

Bride’s Attire:  this category is extensive and would include the following, the wedding gown, veil,  tiara, handkerchief, hosiery, jewelry, lingerie, shoes, alterations and gown cleaning/preservation.  Now, I know that every bride dreams of the “perfect” dress for her wedding day; however remember, you are wearing it for one day and then storing it for a lifetime; so value for your money is important. 

Cost saving tip #2:

Think outside the box with your wedding gown.  Again, using the something old, something new strategy there are a few options.  Borrow a gown from a family member or friend or shop a consignment shop, E-bay or even local thrift stores; the same is true with your veil, tiara and jewelry.  Here’s a true story:

$19.95 Alfred Angelo gown

Last February my surrogate daughter got married in a stunning Alfred Angelo strapless gown (see photo) with a chapel length train that I “discovered” at a local thrift shop for a whopping $19.95.  Now, we did make some minor alterations to the gown (it was adorned in a simple lace with tiny seed pearls that were not my daughters style) and added a little ribbon embellishment.  Even with the professional alterations, we only spent $102.00 for her wedding gown.  Now that’s what I call a bargain!  Of course, there’s always consignment shops and E-bay.  It’s a little known fact that many of the bridal houses around the country sell their “rack” samples on E-bay.  They are a little shop worn, but it’s nothing that a reputable dry cleaner can’t get out. 

Several years ago I came across an article outlining the number of wedding and/or service professionals that the average bridal couple would seek out to enlist as they prepared for their wedding day and marriage. Now, if you’re like me you’ve just rattled off at least seven wedding/service related professionals with little or no effort:
Wedding Consultant/Coordinator
Photographer
DJ/Entertainer
Caterer
Cake Designer
Florist
Limousine Service
Did I guess right?! Well guess what, you’re not done yet. In fact, it may surprise you to know that your wedding day and subsequent marriage will not only include the aforementioned professionals, but in total, there will be a minimum of 50 (yes I said fifty) other professionals/service providers/industries that will be directly impacted by your nuptials in your community alone. In total, the impact of your wedding dollars could potentially affect up to 90 other areas of business! Astounding isn’t it?
Are you a bit curious as to whom those other businesses would be?  We’ve pulled the article out of our archives and have included the list below.

As you review the list, ask yourself whether or not you and your fiancee had any of these cross your minds, let alone discussed their options.  Keep in mind that some of the business types or services may seem like they are repeating or that some are one in the same, but there IS a difference.  A baker is not the same as a cake designer.  One is trained in a craft, while the other specializes and is focused within the craft.  Think of it this way; a Jetta, a Jeep and a Hummer are all cars, while the Jeep and the Hummer are both SUV’s; but a Jeep IS NOT a Hummer; nor does it possess the special features and traits of a Hummer.  If it did, it would be called a Jeep.  Enough said.

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed yet?  Who wouldn’t be?!  Did you, after reviewing the list, realize that there’s more to this wedding planning thing then you first thought?  Have no worry, we’re here to help.  Give us a call at 509.586.8464, email us or subscribe to our blog.  We’d be happy to, at the very least, answer any questions that might be haunting you.   Better yet, why not let us guide you through the labryinth of your wedding planning process?

Congratulations on your your upcoming 2009 wedding!  What an exciting season you are entering.  At Agape Events, we are proud to be an event sponsor of Brides 2009, the Tri-Cities best and largest regional bridal fair.

largest

This years’ bridal fair will be on Sunday, January 4th from 10:30 AM -

5:00 PM in the Exhibition Hall of TRAC in Pasco, WA. and will feature

the cream d’la creme of wedding vendors, 80+ from the greater Tri-City

region.  Tickets are available in advance at all Just Roses locations, Fashion Corner in Sunnyside, or at the door for $10.00

Highlights of Brides 2009 are:

•  Brides-to-be will be greeted with a single stemmed rose courtesy of Just Roses
• Elegant ambiance and decor created by Wendy & Friends with specialty linens and tabletop accessories by Agape Events
• (2) Bridal Fashion shows at 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM presented by IMBUE Fashion Models and featuring bridal attire from Fashion Corner and Dawson Richards Tuxedo
• Bridal tote bags and bottled water courtesy of Dermacare Laser and Skin Care Clinics and NeoGenesis Med Spa, respectively
• Butlered chocolates courtesy of Cakes Be We
• TRAC Wine Bar featuring the areas premium wines

We encourage all brides-to-be to visit our joint booth with Wendy and Friends.  By stopping by you will be eligable to enter our event drawing for $100 in FREE appetizers for the pre-wedding event of your choice, courtesy of Agape Events Catering Division, PLUS receive exclusive offers from Kate Aspen Shops and a FREE wedding invitation sample courtesy of Paper Occassions. 

Book your 2009 wedding with us during the show and recieve up to  $100 in FREE customized Save the Date cards or Wedding Programs courtesy of Paper Occassions.

To receive one of 5 limited sets of FREE Brides 2009 passes, subscribe to our blog by January 2nd, leave us a comment or contact our offices at 736.5511 and mention that you’ve visited the blog. 

Remember to stop by our booth and say “hi”, we can’t wait to be working with you to create your wedding, YOUR way!

Recently I received a phone call from one of my many nieces ( I have 10 of them) announcing her recent engagement and upcoming wedding.  Once we dispensed with the excitement and congratulations we got down to the real reason for the phone call; she’s a new bride, doesn’t know where to start, is already feeling overwhelmed and needs help, so she did what all brides do (or should do), she contacted someone with experience, someone she could trust, someone who would listen to her concerns and steer her in the right direction.  She called a professional bridal consultant – her aunt.   Sound familiar (except for calling  the professional part)?  So I started with my niece in the same place I start with all our bridal clients.  The beginning.

The beginning – sounds simple doesn’t it?  But if you don’t know where the beginning is you just might miss it and end up feeling overwhelmed early on and unable to “catch up” later on; like my niece.  So just where is the beginning?  Glad she (and you) asked.  You see many brides confuse getting the ring, setting a date and selecting the bridal party members as the beginning and think that they’ve started the planning process when truthfully they haven’t.  Don’t get me wrong, the wheels are in motion, but until a solid  plan is in place, those wheels aren’t taking you anywhere.  So where do you begin?  Easy – with a wedding day budget!  There I’ve said it, the “B” word – BUDGET.

Sounds like a “bad word” doesn’t it?  Budget.  Well it shouldn’t be.  A wedding budget IS your friend.  Think of it this way, a budget is the boundary line of your sovereign country – Your Wedding Day.  It’s borders should be protected, and respected.  Travel visa’s outside it’s boundaries, like any other country in the world, are permitted, however not without thought, planning and permission. 

By defining a wedding budget in advance, you, your fiancee, and parents are, to quote Dave Ramsey “telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went”.     It’s no wonder that so many bridal couples are stressed out about finances on the eve of their wedding day.  They forgot to tell their wedding money where to go and are now having to sacrifice in other areas to make amends for not having more control of the wedding budget from the beginning.

A wedding budget will help you to make decisions about who to hire, what venues to use, the style and theme of your event, and even help you to pare down your guest list if needed.  A well thought out wedding budget is your first line of defense, aside from hiring a professional wedding coordinator, for peace of mind on your wedding day.  Instead of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, a wedding budget will ensure that all the pieces fit together seamlessly and beautifully. 

So do yourself, your groom AND your parents a favor by defining  your wedding budget.  You’ll all be glad you did.