Engaged? Now What? Your First Wedding Planning To-Dos September 29, 2009

Engaged? Excited? Now comes the tricky part, with so many things to do before your big day, what are you supposed to do first and what can be pushed to the back burner? Don’t get overwhelmed – here are the first nine things you need to do after you get engaged.

SET A TIMETABLE
How long do you plan on your engagement being? This depends on a couple of factors: your ideal wedding date, and how much time you will need to prepare. A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. If you get engaged during the holiday season, but have always dreamed of a summer wedding you need to assess your planning and see if it is reasonable to get married the following year, or if you should wait for a year and a half before getting married. Don’t make yourself wedding-crazy, and keep in mind that many of the best vendors and reception sites book up to a year or more in advance, so it might be a possibility that your wedding gets pushed back if you have your heart set on a specific location.

ENVISION THE STYLE
The style of your wedding is going to be most pronounced in the location you choose; whether it is an exquisite ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiancé what style you both want and where you want the wedding to be held (where you currently live, where you grew up, etc). Then you can start visiting venues to see if they would be appropriate for your special day.

SET YOUR BUDGET
In the end, unfortunately it is dollars, not dreams, which set your budget, and as a result your style and size of wedding. What affects the price tag?

FORMALITY: The more formal your reception, the more expensive the wedding usually costs. This is because you need to match the     site, food, and décor to the overall upscale tone.
DATE & TIME: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.
 LOCATION: If you have your wedding in a city then you are more likely to pay more than if you have  it in a smaller town.

DETERMINE A DATE
Choosing a wedding date can be one of the toughest decisions when it comes to planning your wedding. There are a few things you should consider when selecting a date: How much time will you need to prepare? Do any of your loved ones have a conflicting graduation, vacation, or pregnancy due date? If your heart is set on a particular place, caterer, band, or photographer, then the availability might be limited and can play a large role in the date selection. Try to avoid dates of big conferences, or other events that might draw large crowds, since it might make it harder for out-of-town guests to find an available hotel room. See “Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2010” for more ideas.

ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT
Although this may not be everyone’s style, some people like to put an announcement of their engagement in their local paper, alumni magazine, or somewhere else. To do so, find out the name of the appropriate editor or department and ask for the writer’s guidelines or a standardized form, if one is available. Also, make sure to inquire if there is a publication fee.

CHOOSE YOUR ATTENDANTS
It is time to honour your closest friends and family by picking your wedding party. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner they will be able to help you plan your beautiful day. Having trouble deciding who to ask? Keep in mind that your wedding party is agreeing to spend their hard earned money and donate their time to help plan your day and make it a great success. Be considerate and kind by informing everyone about all your plans, showing them a good time, and making sure they know how much you appreciate them.

MAKE A GUEST LIST
To build your guest list you need to consider a number of things. If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind you are going to be limited on how many guests you can invite to accommodate comfortably. You need to ask yourself if you would rather have one-on-one time with each guest or to throw a-once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family. Remember, more guests means a bigger bill too – as catering costs are generally calculated by a per-head basis. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.

CONSIDER A CONSULTANT
If you are a super-busy couple, hire a full-time wedding consultant to help you prepare for your big day; they do everything from the announcement to the honeymoon. Don’t need a consultant full-time? You can hire them part-time to create a wedding blueprint for you – this will set you off in the right direction. Another option is the day-of coordinator who will make sure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.

START GOWN SHOPPING
It’s never too early to begin gown shopping; you probably have one envisioned from when you were a little girl. Start by figuring our which style would look best on your body. Learn the lingo before you step into a dress shop. Read up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hues that might flatter you. Seasons also affect the dress you pick. If you are getting married in the summer stick with lightweight material like chiffon, linen, or organza, but in the winter try brocade, faux furs, and velvet. Satin, silk, and tulle are perfect year-round.

 

Luckily, there are some things that can wait until the final couple of months, sometimes even the last couple of weeks, before the wedding to worry about. Here are five things that you do not need to feel guilty about putting off.

GETTING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
If you live in the USA, most states do not require more than 24 hour wedding period for a marriage license to be valid, so there is no rush in getting one. A week or two before the ceremony is more than enough time.

RENTING FORMAL WEAR
Groomsmen, ushers, and even the groom are lucky because unlike the bride and bridesmaids they can take a bit of time when acquiring their attire. They don’t need to worry about renting or buying their suits or tuxes until about three months before the ceremony. Groomsmen, if renting, usually don’t even need to pick up their outfits until the week of the wedding.

ORDERING YOUR WEDDING BANDS
Yes, you don’t need to rush out and order your wedding bands – you can actually wait until four or five months before the ceremony. You want to make sure you have enough time to get them sized in case they don’t fit when they arrive at the jewelers.

APPOINTING ALL YOUR ATTENDANTS
While you can decide your wedding party pretty early in the process, attendants who are less involved in the pre-wedding prep do not need to be chosen for awhile. You can wait until a week or two before the wedding to appoint ushers and other ceremony helpers.

FINALIZING THE SEATING CHART
You can leave getting the seating chart to the reception site manager until a few weeks before the wedding – therefore, it is another item that does not need to be dealt with immediately.

FIVE GREAT PLACES TO BUY IN BULK September 29, 2009

By Dayanti Karunaratne, The Ottawa Citizen September 26, 2009

1. PRESTON HARDWARE
248 Preston St.
613-230-7166 www.prestonhardware.com

Why it’s great: Offers items in bulk you’d usually have to pay for in packaged quantities, such as nails, rope, wine corks and window screening. “We still have that old-fashioned hardware store, says owner Fred Gianeti, “but with the modern stuff.” For big projects, you can even buy nails by the pound.
Tip: To prepare floors for the rain and snow, pick up some rubberized mat ($2.99 per foot) in whatever length your hallway requires.

2. HERB & SPICE
375 Bank St.
613-232-4087

Why it’s great: The product list is really the selling point here. In the dry bins, there’s candy like black licorice and fruit gummies, as well as all sorts of pasta, flour, and other grain products. Don’t miss the honey and nut closet, where you can refill containers with local honey and various nut butters. In short, it’s the perfect place to experiment with spelt flour or try out a dollop of almond butter.
Tip: If you bring your own containers, remember to ask cash register staff to weigh them before you fill up.

3. ARBOUR ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPE
800 Bank St.
613-567-3168 www.arbourshop.com
Why it’s great: A Glebe institution since the early 1990s, all products are biodegradable and made in Toronto. Products include dish soap and laundry detergent (liquid and powder), tile cleaner, fabric softener and glass cleaner, all with savings of about 10 per cent off pre-packaged units. Tip: In addition to the usual detergents, Arbour also sells oven cleaner. Throw out the mask and long rubber gloves: none of their products contain ammonia or chlorine.

4. Bloomex Flowers wholesale department
9 Capella Crt.
613-216-0970 www.flowerswholesale.ca
Why it’s great: They take out the middle man to bring event planners and DIY brides big savings on flowers, all from a small office in west Ottawa. Request a free quote online, then consult with industry experts on vase styles and arrangement tips. While the minimum order is $100, there are no stipulations on stems, so if you want a room full of roses and one single calla lily, Phil Cragg of Bloomex Flowers is your man.
Tip: Check out their blog, www.bunchesdirect.com/wholesale-flowers-guide/ for video guides on tying Gerber daisies, the meaning behind white roses, and more.

5. SANDY HILL ECO-GROCERY
317 Wilbrod St.
613-321-0150, www.sandyhillpetfood.ca
Why it’s great: Shopping at this natural food store supports a worker’s co-operative, which in turn makes a point of buying local and fair-trade products. This hidden gem is also a hub of activity within the community, with area artists displaying wares at the rear and a table set up for education. Plus, the bulk department includes gravity dispensers that beat out awkward scoop bins every time.
Tip: While buying into this co-op is not mandatory, a membership (three months for five bucks) will shave 10-15 per cent off your bill.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Orange, Red, and Yellow: How to Throw an Autumn Themed Wedding September 23, 2009

Weddings, no matter how stressful they are to plan, are always fun to plan at the same time – no matter if it is a spring, summer, autumn, or winter wedding; there is always something magical about each and every one of them. Whatever season you choose to have your wedding, it will be beautiful in its own way, as each season is different from the next and has something new to offer. 

Have you decided to have your wedding in the fall? You are not alone. Many couples choose a fall themed wedding because of the cool, crisp air; magnificent colours; and outstanding autumn atmosphere. Fall weddings can be casual or elegant depending on your personal preference – both offer a variety of unique ideas. Fall weddings also have the potential to invoke a fantasy-like or storybook setting due to their beautifully breathtaking background.

The focus of your fall wedding should be on the colours, the décor, and the flowers – these three elements set the stage for your entire wedding. Some fall wedding ideas for the décor and colouring are to use warm, wood colours to keep with the fall theme. Draw on dark browns, red, oranges and yellows – these colours really emphasize the beauty Mother Nature provides during the fall months. Also try bronze, gold, and beige: these colours will produce a romantic, sophisticated, rustic mood. Just remember not to use clashing colours – you do not want to go overboard with the whole colour focus.

As for décor try using pumpkins, acorns, and cornucopias. Play up the fall theme by adding bronze and metallic accents, such as copper kettles, fireplace décor, or fall leaves.

When picking your wedding flowers, use autumn ones to add to the mood of your fall wedding. Include fall favourites such as dahlias, spider mums, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, heather, wheat, sprigs of berries, roses or daises (see Top Ten Flowers for Your Autumn Wedding for more ideas). Flowers that have fall colours are a great choice. A great idea for floral, yet fall centerpiece is to place flowers in the centre of a hallowed out pumpkin. Or instead of including flowers carve mini jack-o-lanterns and place tea lights inside to give your wedding a spook.

If you feel like adding a spook to your wedding, perhaps you are interested in throwing a full-out Halloween themed wedding. In addition to creating jack-o-lantern centerpieces, you could invite your guests to attend in costume – this is great for the kids at the wedding, who often feel excluded at such formal affairs.  At the reception you can also play Halloween games, such as bobbing for apples and pinning the nose on the witch. For wedding favours you could give out trick-or-treat bags filled with gourmet jellybeans and decadent chocolates.

Is a Halloween theme not really your style, want something a bit more formal? Maybe you would prefer a traditional harvest theme instead. This is another great way to celebrate your fall ceremony. Instead of having your wedding in a garden, park, or backyard, rent a barn. Decorate it with fall flowers, pumpkins, and hay. You could even get a square dance caller to give your wedding a western twist. This is sure to be a wedding theme that won’t be forgotten easily.

Another fall-induced theme is a Thanksgiving theme. Thanksgiving is the perfect time for an elegant yet relaxed celebration, as the autumn holiday lends itself to the natural settings, simple décor, and traditional holiday comfort foods. Use the autumn harvest for inspiration when it comes to décor – try gourds, pumpkins, squash, and gold dipped fall leaves. You are not confined to rustic and casual for your Thanksgiving wedding – you can create a posh ambiance if you drape lush velvet in a rich chocolate brown or gold throughout your reception space. Then accent the space with antique broaches, crystal candleholders, and stemware. Plus a great aspect of a Thanksgiving themed wedding is the food! You can include all your holiday favourites: turkey, red potatoes, corn bread, dressing, green beans, and honey glazed carrots. Instead of a wedding cake, try pumpkin pie or a pumpkin flavoured cake.

Fall presents heaps of potentials for a wedding theme because of the variety of unique ideas, colours, and accents. Thanks to Mother Nature you have all the beauty you need for your wedding day by using the awesome autumn atmosphere. Like the season itself, fall weddings symbolize a lot and mean something positive and

Top Ten Flowers for Your Autumn Wedding September 23, 2009

September is the most popular month to get married – September, the month when the leaves begin to change colours, and you need a sweater in the evenings. Autumn weddings tend to be influenced by the rich, bold colours of the changing leaves; Mother Nature seems to have a dominant role in these weddings. The wedding season of autumn is best known for its rich colours and striking contrasts that are complementary to what the season generally looks like. The same goes for autumn wedding flowers; golden yellow, orange and deep red are some of the major choices. Flowers that are bold and dynamic make great choices for your fall wedding.

Tying the knot this fall? Want to know what your choices are for the best wedding flowers? Here are the top ten flowers for autumn weddings:

BIRD OF PARADISE
The bird of paradise is an exotic flower that gives you one last glimmer at summertime. These exotic flowers have a green beak, orange and blue crest, and green leaves with a hint of silver. Birds of paradise are perfect for destination weddings, topical themed weddings or for decorating reception tables (they will give your reception a splash of colour). We recommend using these flowers in early autumn if you plan on focusing on a fall themed wedding since they are more tropical and do not play into Mother Nature’s natural colours as well as some other flowers may.   

BOUVARDIA
Bouvardias are loose clusters of starlet flowers that are tubular in shape and have a faint sweet scent. These beautiful flowers are most  popularly used in buttonholes, but they can also be used in low sitting centerpieces. Bouvardias can be found in white, yellow, pink, and red, making them ideal colours for a fall themed wedding.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular autumn flowers, although they are available year round, they grow during the fall season. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of sizes and colours, which makes them ideal for any type of wedding, and they can be used as fillers for floral arrangements or bridal bouquets. Don’t pass up the chance to add these stunning flowers to your wedding celebration.

DAHLIAS
Darling dahlias come in vibrant shades of yellow and red – ideal autumn wedding colours. With their multiple petals they can be a wonderful addition to your wedding as a centerpiece or floral arrangement.

DELPHINIUM
Delphiniums, a member of the buttercup family, are most popularly known to be blue, but you are also able to find this flower in gorgeous shades of pink and lilac. Delphiniums are perfect to use during a wedding reception to add height to table arrangement; they create a dramatic touch to your entire celebration.

GERBERA
Gerberas, like delphiniums, will create a dramatic and contemporary look for bouquets. They are available in over a hundred shades and colours, which makes them the most popular choice for autumn wedding since they can easily match any theme. It will not be difficult to decorate your wedding with this wonderful bloom.

HYDRANGEA
Another popular fall flower is hydrangeas. Hydrangeas have full blooms that come in gorgeous pastel shades such as soft white, pink, lilac, and light blue – soft white being the most popular for fall; pink, lilac, and light blue are more popular in the spring. Hydrangeas are great for creating table centerpieces, pedestal floral arrangements, as well as being used in the bridal bouquet.

ORCHID
If you want to add something exotic to your wedding then your best choice is to use outstanding orchids. These beautiful flowers are a staple at many weddings, where couples want to add an exquisite touch. Orchids come in either white or bright pink; they are stunning for modern table centerpieces, and bouquets.

PINK
Don’t let its name fool you, pinks come in other colours too – available in shades of pink to red. You can use these flowers to make beautiful round flower arrangements for the alter or for the bridal bouquet.

ROSE
The top ten autumn wedding flowers would not be complete without roses. Although it is not often associated with fall, you can use roses that are deep burgundy or yellow to add grace and beauty to your fall wedding, plus the strong message of romance and love.  

When you are picking flowers for your wedding you should take plenty of time since flowers are some of the most important aspects of wedding decorations. Hopefully these ten flowers can provide some insight into what flowers are popular for autumn weddings.

A Cool Autumn Day Lost Among the Grapes: How to Throw a Vineyard Themed Wedding September 22, 2009

Are you a wine connoisseur, or do you just like to indulge yourself in a glass every now and then? Whatever the case may be, a vineyard wedding theme may be for you and your partner. A vineyard themed wedding is a great way to mix your wedding and subsequent events to provide entertainment for everyone in attendance.

The best location for a wedding of such caliper would be at a vineyard, both the ceremony and the reception, if possible. Even guests who do not drink wine will find more than enough to enjoy and take in at such a lovely location. Vineyards usually offer stunning landscapes and rustic settings. The theme of a vineyard wedding is to produce something that lets people enjoy the finer side of life while they enjoy the beauty of the day. Hosting a wedding at a vineyard allows guests to enjoy the lush landscape and picturesque rows of grapes – it is also great for wedding party photos after the ceremony. Plus, the intertwined vines can represent you and your partner as you move into the next chapter of your life, intertwining your two lives together. Many vineyards and wineries have facilities to host weddings or receptions – some even have space set aside to provide the best possible views for exchanging your vows.

Vineyard and winery weddings are not exclusive to the Summer and Autumn. Many vineyards cater to events such as weddings and therefore possess a large tasting hall for events in the off season or during inclement weather. Even if you have your vineyard wedding indoors, the environment will more than make the day.

Fortunately, even if you do not live in wine country, you can be a bit creative and still have a vineyard themed wedding. The ceremony may need to be held in a more traditional setting, but there are plenty of restaurants in most cities and towns that cater to fine wine – some may even offer wine tastings – so using them for a reception should not be a problem. Plus, any event location that caters to weddings should be able to transform the facility into a winery wonderland. If you do not have access to a vineyard or winery, but still want to have your reception or ceremony outdoors you can consider a picturesque landscape. If you choose this option then you can decorate the place to your liking and adapt the environment to a vineyard.

Although the scenery is important to a vineyard wedding theme, the main importance is the fine wine and food, so if you have to improvise make sure you have fine wine, followed by the proper locale. If these two facets are well covered the rest of the wedding should fall into place.

When it comes to decorations for your wedding, try using vine decorations and include deep burgundy, plum, and red colours – deep rich colours will emphasize the deep reds of the wines, or stand out among white wines. For example, try a burgundy luxury cover with gold foil print guestbook – this will add richness and elegance to your environment. If you are having an outdoor reception, try to include an arbor – this is always a popular photo spot.

Put a great deal of consideration into your food and drink choices. You should make sure that there is an ample amount of red, white, and blush wines, as well as any personal favourites, so that you will have something for all of your guests to enjoy. A unique element to a vineyard themed wedding is the possibility to have a wine tasting instead of a cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception. This adds a touch of classiness to your wedding, plus it is informative and exclusive to your guests. For sit-down dinners make sure you have wine on hand that matches each dish.

A vineyard theme is truly a creative theme that will leave your guests talking about the setting, ceremony, beauty, and wine for a long time. By using the various possible settings, your wedding will be remembered as a beautiful and tranquil affair made even more amazing by its surroundings and theme. Try something unique and imaginative for your wedding and host a vineyard themed wedding for your friends and family.

The Regal Elegance of Calla Lilies: How to Throw a Calla Lily Themed Wedding September 22, 2009

Have you been captivated by the beauty of the calla lily? You are not alone. Calla lily themed weddings are one of the most popular, if not the most popular, themes around the world. Nothing says sophistication, refinement, and “white wedding splendor” more than a calla lily.

The simple elegance of the calla lily has long been used to symbolize beauty, femininity, and purity, which has made it a popular bloom for artists, connoisseurs, and, of course, brides. They always look beautiful in a bouquet – their heart shaped leaves, which range from 20 to 36 inches, makes them ideal. Or you can use a single bloom as a simple boutonniere. The sky is the limit with the potential these blooms possess.

According to botanical experts, the true meaning of the calla lily is sophistication and beauty. It has also been said that the shape of the blooms resemble trumpets heralding victory to the heavens. Callas popularity results from their pure white blooms and vibrant green stalks and leaves – they are available in other colours too: lavender, pink, orange, rosy red, and green – any of these colours are perfect for a wedding. Due to the callas vivacious green, a rich emerald green colour is the perfect accent for a white calla lily theme. Other colours that look fantastic and complement a white calla lily wedding are butter yellow, burnt orange, midnight blue, and ruby red. And callas are the perfect flower to mix with many different flowers – don’t be afraid to experiment with them! Try pairing them with roses, freesia, tulips, or try tropical beauties like birds of paradise and orchids.

The Queen of Good Things, Martha Stewart, is a big advocate of calla lily themed weddings – especially as the wedding flower – and no one does wedding better than her. According to Stewart, the calla lily was the flower that early Romans used to signify the passing of winter solstice. The Romans would plant them just inside their homes, and time the planting perfectly, so that they would bloom as the winter solstice occurred; the calla lily would then offer light and beauty in an otherwise dark and dreary time of year.

Nowadays, calla lilies are popular flowers for Spring and Autumn weddings, although they work perfectly for a winter wonderland wedding too. A calla lily wedding theme is exquisite no matter what season the wedding is held, or whether it is a morning, afternoon, or evening ceremony.

Calla lilies also have strong connections to the Virgin Mary making them popular in formal cathedral ceremonies. Throughout history, artists have included the calla lily in their paintings and sculptures of the Virgin Mary and the Angel of Annunciation – with the calla lily representing purity and faith. For centuries the calla lily has been a treasured flower which has been celebrated and stood as the showcased theme at many weddings. As a result, over time, the calla lily has become one of the most highly sought after flowers for a bride – and one of the most popular wedding themes for couples of all ages, races, and religions.

The calla lily has also been used over time to represent youth, regeneration, and innocence, all of which make the flower popular among contemporary couples who are seeking rebirth of their relationship in a symbolic sense at their wedding.

When planning a calla lily themed wedding there are many ways to incorporate the flower into your wedding, aside from fresh flowers. In addition to the flowers you could include a unity ceremony candle in the shape of a calla, cake serving set, bride’s garter, ring bearer pillow, guest book, bridal drawstring purse, or silver pen set. There are many other wedding accessories and decorations that are available with a calla lily motif. You can customize your wedding program, use embossed calla lily seals on your invitations, or include a small image of a calla on place cards.

Since a calla lily denotes sophistication and grace, other complementary wedding and reception decorations include cut glass, crystal, and polished silver. Great places to use these accents are on your reception tables. Use polished silver place card holders, gleaming crystal candle holders, and cut glass centerpieces – all of these will emphasize the beauty of the callas.

If you decide to go with a calla lily theme, remember a few things:

• Before the wedding, be sure to place your lilies away from direct sunlight, heat vents, drafts, or air conditioners. Calla lilies can be very finicky when it comes to direct shots of heat or cold.
• Never store them on top of TV or near any source of heat or electricity; this goes for any type of fresh floral arrangement.
• If you are making your own table arrangements, make sure you use floral preservatives to keep them looking lovely and fresh for a longer period of time. Since vase life is anywhere from 7 to 10 days, you may want to invite some guests to take table arrangements home, so they can enjoy the callas beauty for days after the ceremony.
• Calla lilies are great cut flowers and look exquisite in hand-tied bouquets. Use natural satin ribbon for the best contrast of colours and texture.

When you are selecting your wedding theme, or flower, you could not select a more eloquent flower than the calla lily. Whether you get married in a church, a backyard, or a city hall, the presence of majestic callas will make the event that much more powerfully expressive and refined.

Top Ten Most Romantic Flowers September 17, 2009

Want to share with everyone how much you love your partner? Sending any of these flowers, or including them in your wedding bouquets and arrangements will show just how romantic you really are. These ten flowers have been given the prestigious title of the most romantic flowers.

10. Iris
Meaning: faith and hope

9. Sunflower
Meaning: adoration

8. Wild flowers
Meaning: whimsical

7. Lilac
Meaning: “do you still love me?”

6. Carnation
Meaning: fascination

5. Orchid
Meaning: love, beauty, seduction and refinement

4. Lily
Meaning: beauty

3. Tulip
Meaning: perfect love

2. Daisy
Meaning: innocence, loyal love, and purity

1. Rose
Meaning: “I love you”

Top Ten Reasons to Send Your Girlfriend Flowers September 17, 2009

1. You will get out of doing the dishes.
2. They are cheaper than jewelry.
3. She may forget that you always leave the seat up (although, as a girl living with her boyfriend, they would have to be pretty amazing flowers, like these, for me to forget that).
4. At least a one day reprieve from hearing: “Do I look fat?”
5. She may let you watch the game for longer than 10 minutes (I let my boyfriend watch all umpteen hours of UFC last night).
6. It is far more effective than “Sorry” (actions speak louder than words!).
7. You are guaranteed at least one nag-free day.
8. It sure beats sitting through the newest chick flick.
9. You won’t look like such a cheapskate.
10. Two word: DAMAGE CONTROL.

Bloomex makes it easy, with dozens of gorgeous bouquets and arrangements to choose from, and with $12.50 off any product this week to celebrate National Flower Week, there has never been a better time to show your girlfriend how much you care than right now.

This offer is valid until Friday September 18, 2009 at noon, online only at Bloomex Canada.
Discount code: flowerwk09.

Whether you are in Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, or anywhere else in Canada, send your girlfriend some flowers. I guarantee it will make her feel like a million bucks, and as you can see, you will reap in the benefits as well.

Roses: Colour Meaning and Symbolism September 15, 2009

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I’d be picking roses for a lifetime. – Swedish Proverb

 Like all flowers, roses convey specific meaning and symbolism based on their colour – whether they are pink, white, or orange, alone or in a bunch, they express specific meaning. Floriography, the language of flowers, can help explain the different colours of roses in order to understand their true meaning, and as a result, you can add a special message to any arrangement you send or create, plus you will be able to decipher any floral-coloured messages you may receive.

Red Roses:
Represent – love, respect, courage, passion, well-done, congratulations
Red roses have the powerful effect of bringing the idea of passion and true love immediately to mind, with a single red rose declaring “I love you”. Red roses, the rose with the most meaning than any other, are one of the most universal symbols. The colour red evolved from an early primal symbol for life into a metaphor for deep emotion; as a result, the mystique of the red rose has been a source of immeasurable inspiration for many.
Red rose’s history dates back to Roman and Greek mythology, where they believed that the red rose was closely tied with the goddess of love.  Many early cultures used red roses to decorate for weddings – a tradition that has lived on to present day. Through the practice of employing red roses in wedding ceremonies, the red rose has come to be known as a symbol for love and fidelity.
Stemming from weddings, red roses became part of the tradition of exchanging roses and other flowers as gifts of affection since the red rose sends the strongest message of love. This is a tradition that is still practiced today – whether red roses are included in a wedding celebration, sent for an anniversary, or “just because” – all arrangements make the statement of love and passion.

White Roses:
Represent – purity, secrecy, innocence, reverence, worthiness
The definition of what a white rose signifies differs from person-to-person. White roses can symbolize new beginnings, or they can be a sign of farewell (due to their association with honour and reverence they are commonly used at memorial services and funerals). However, they are also able to convey feelings of love, friendship, honour, and respect. But overall, white roses have become synonymous with innocence and purity. Whatever the reason, white roses will be deeply appreciated by the recipient.
White roses are often used in bridal ceremonies due to their wholesomeness and virtue. Varying from almost pure white to shades of ivory, white roses are the perfect choice for bridal bouquets, corsages, and arrangements. The white rose is also known as the bridal flower, making it the traditional wedding flower. Due to their title as the wedding flower, they have come to represent unity, virtue, and the pureness of a new bond of love. White roses are also the sign of young love, which further strengthens their connection to weddings. Bridal bouquets are often comprised of white roses and other white flowers due to their symbolism, which connects strongly with marriage.

Pink Roses:
Represent – happiness, elegance, romance, admiration, sweetness, thank you
Pink roses are another common colour to be included in bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements, in addition to thank you or congratulatory arrangements. There are many different variations of pink, from a pale blush all the way to a bright, vibrant pink, and each specific shade has its own specific meaning.
The palest pink roses are a sign of gentleness, joy, and grace. Light to medium shades of pink can show sympathy or admiration; while deep pink roses are perfect to show someone how grateful you are to have them in your life.
Historically, pink roses have been one of the longest existing roses known to us. Pink roses have even been depicted in some of the earliest known pieces of art. Pink roses have such a strong history because of their many meanings based on the shade. Therefore, pink roses can be used in many ways, due to their multiple meanings, which will maintain their popularity around the world.

Yellow Roses:
Represent – friendship, caring, welcome or welcome back, joy, get well
Yellow roses have a shorter history than most roses, only having been discovered in the 18^th century in the Middle East. Throughout history the colour yellow has been closely associated with the sun as the source of light and warmth, since the sun is integral to life on Earth. Many societies, as a result, have come to worship the sun. Therefore, the colour yellow has come to represent joy, wisdom, and power. But in Europe at the time of yellow rose’s discovery, the colour yellow had a very negative connotation. As a result, yellow roses were used to represent jealousy and dying love. But, over time, the more universal meaning of joy, wisdom, and power has come to be popularized.
Most roses have some connection to the symbol of love, but the yellow rose does not. It is a plutonic rose, purely the symbol of friendship.

 

 

Orange Roses:
Represent – desire, enthusiasm, pride
Orange roses are vibrant, cheerful, and express fascination when you give them to someone. They come in a range of shades from bright orange, to softer coral and peach colours. They are often reminiscent of the warmth of a glowing sunset, the sweetness of citrus, or the soft radiance of an autumn sunset which warms and soothes the spirit. The orange rose has also become a popular Halloween flower.  
It was near the 20^th century when orange roses began to be cultivated after the discovery of yellow roses and the advancement in hybridization techniques.
Due to its growing popularity, the orange rose has become the perfect way to represent the heat of passion, burning desire, and the flowers of love. Some argue that the orange rose has the power to send a stronger message of romance than its rival, the red rose. Orange roses can have an intensity that can consume hearts and souls, much like fire, which is associated with them.

Peach Roses:
Represent – admiration, appreciation, sincerity, gratitude, modesty
Peach roses, a subsection of orange roses, are often sent as a gesture of appreciation, rather than a token of love.

Lavender Roses:
Represent – enchantment, majesty, love at first sight
The colour purple has a traditional association with royalty, and due to this association, lavender roses have come to suggest an air of regal majesty and splendor. Lavender roses are also used to express someone’s feelings that have been captured by love and adoration.
Throughout the history of roses, the lavender rose has stood out as one of the most remarkable and engaging varieties available; this probably has to due with its connection to the fabled blue rose.

Blue Roses:
Represent – imagination, something unattainable
Blue roses do not occur naturally. The blue rose is actually a variation of purple and lavender roses, which sometimes look blue in certain lighting.
The quest for a true blue rose continues, but already several meanings have been created, and those meanings have been transposed onto the lavender rose. Therefore, the lavender rose can also represent wonder and impossibility, with a sense of the magical too.

Black Roses:
Represent – rebirth, the beginning of something new, the death of a relationship, the death of an idea
Black roses, like blue roses, also do not exist. These blooms are simply deep red roses than can sometimes look black in certain lighting. Although there is some positive connotations to black roses there are also negative connotations – both representing opposite ends of the spectrum.

Hopefully this has allowed you to have a bit more insight into the meaning and symbolism of different colours of roses. The colourful language of flowers will now allow you to express your message with an added depth of meaning. Whether you are feeling the admiration of medium shade pink roses, or the desire of orange ones, you will be able to communicate your message in this timeless manner. The recipient of any rose arrangement will be pleased.

Everyone should take a moment and stop to smell the roses.

Do-It-Yourself Wholesale Bouquet featuring Gerbera Daisies September 15, 2009

When you buy wholesale you are able to create any kind of bouquet you desire; you can even recreate the one you imagined when you were a little girl dressing up in your mother’s pearls and parading around the house singing “here comes the bride”.  You probably even pulled the petals off daisies when you were little, while chanting “he loves me, he loves me not”. Go back to your years of innocence and purity and create a stunning bouquet of gerbera daisies, which are available in a slew of different colours.

Daisies are the second most popular flower for bridal bouquets after roses (of course), and they are the fifth most popular flower in the world, following closely behind roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tulips. They symbolize purity and innocence, plus denote classic beauty. Gerberas are available in a wide variety of colours, all of which are equally stunning. And if you buy wholesale gerberas you are going to find them to be very affordable (usually about $0.60/stem). They definitely are within most people’s budget, which is always a perk when trying to plan a wedding (their beauty makes them look rich and lively, but their price tag screams bargain!).

If you are going to use gerberas in a bouquet, or even in your centerpieces, you will find a vibrant array of colours available, such as bright pinks, oranges, purples, yellows, and they are available in classic white too. White gerberas are the ones that a bride can choose to either play up by itself, or include it with a mix of daisy shades (see right). Remember it is your day, so select colours that reflect your personal tastes and character. Try paler shades of pink or yellow for a cool classic look, or bolder colours like orange to make an exciting statement. Gerberas are so popular for weddings because of their versatility in colour variety. Their various colours suit almost any colour theme, and their bold vibrancy adds further cheer to your already very happy occasion.

As well, daisies are able to look wonderful in both bridal bouquets and table centerpieces. They are able to be grouped together or stand out alone to make a bold statement.

If you are buying wholesale flowers for your wedding to create your own bouquets and arrangements, gerberas are a great decision since they are very easy to handle, even for amateur florists. Gerberas do not wilt as easily either as other flowers that are more delicate may.  If you keep your bouquet and arrangement designs simple, and make sure to follow the suggestions on how to keep your flowers fresh, then selecting gerberas for your wedding flower is a brilliant decision. Your guests will be stunned at the beauty they can provide. Their bright, cheery nature is sure to add an extra sparkle to your already radiant day.

Gerberas are also ideal for brides who are looking for meaning with the flowers they select, since gerberas represent innocence, purity, and joy; three very positive attributes to possess at a wedding celebration. Gerberas are available year-round and they do not break the bank (especially if they are purchased wholesale).

Bring joy to one of the best days of your life by selecting gerberas as your wedding flower.