The Wedding Design Workshop

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To register visit: http://weddingdesignworkshop.eventbrite.com

The Cost of Flowers

Photo shoots have become all the rage this year, talented people joining forces to create a look and then have it published on websites. I think this is all great, I love the creativity, the inspiration, the fresh ideas. I appreciate all the wedding blogs that show these beautiful and lush floral designs portrayed in the photo shoots. Only two slight problems... Price & Season.

Yes, I too, LOVE peonies, garden roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, anemones, orchids, etc. I would use them every day if it were possible. I'm sure many of my fellow floral designers feel the same way.



Let's first talk about the price. I will be placing the flowers in 3 categories which reflect the pricing here in Denver, Colorado.

Most expensive, more than $10 per stem:
Callas, mini & regular sized
Casablanca Lilies
Garden Roses
Hydrangea
Lily of the Valley
Orchids ( Cymbidiums, Cattleyas, phalaenopsis )

Medium Price, $5-10 per stem
Dahlias
Fern Fronds (monkey tail)
French Tulips
Glorisa Lilies
Orchids (Dendrobriums, Mokaras, Oncidiums)
Peonies
Pincushion Protea
Succulents
Viburnum

Least Expensive, under $5 per stem
Anemones
Asiatic Lilies
Bells of Ireland
Carnations
Craspedia (Billy Balls)
Freesia
Gerber Daisies
Gladiolas
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)
Green Fuji Mums
Hyacinth
Hypericum Berries
Larkspur
Lisianthus
Phlox
Poppies
Ranunculus
Roses
Scabiosa Pods
Snapdragons
Stephanotis
Stock
Sunflowers
Sweetpeas
Tulips
Tweedia

Now, I know what many of you are thinking - oh good, my favorite flower is in the least expensive category. Yet, there's another element to take into consideration when selecting your flowers - SIZE! As with most things in life, size matters.
Yes, hydrangeas & Casablanca lilies are expensive per stem but they are large and therefor you need less of them to make an impact. The delicate flowers such as ranunculus, anemones, sweetpeas, tulips, tweedia, stephanotis, craspedia fall under the least expensive flower per stem but they are small and you need a lot of them to make an impact.

The other issue with many of the flowers we see in styled shoots - their availability. Seems the most popular flowers seen in photo shoots are anemones, ranunculus, peonies, tulips and garden roses. Here's their breakdown by season. Anemones and ranunculus are spring time flowers, they grow the best in early spring. The practically disappear during the hot summer months and then make a return half way through September. Peonies are available mid-May thru June. Sure, you can get some in early May and July but they are half the size of the prime season peonies. We do see them re-emerge in November as they are being shipped in from the southern Hemisphere. I have heard rumors that growers are emerging in Alaska which will mean we'll receive peonies for an extended season, hopefully this takes place by next season. Tulips do appear to be in season almost year round now, however, their prices surge in the summer as this isn't their normal season. Plus, they are smaller than when in their season prime and open very quickly. They really are best November-early June. Garden roses are at their prime during the summer and fall months (June-November).

There you have it, the most popular flowers broken down by cost and season. Any questions or comments? Please let us know.

StudioWed Stationery Design Showcase, Open House and Bridesmaid Dress Trunk Show

All engaged couples are invited to the StudioWed Stationery Design Showcase and Open House. See stylish and unique seating card display ideas, browse invitations, see calligraphy options and check out the latest trends for wedding programs and menu cards. Our stationery experts will be on hand to discuss paper styles, printing options, envelope addressing ideas, design ideas and wording etiquette. We will feature styles and samples from JS Design Custom, Cloud 9 Bliss and PrettyWriting.com.

Bella Bridesmaid will be also hosting a mini-trunk show featuring the exclusive Cynthia Rowley bridesmaid dress collection.

In addition to the fabulous stationery showcase and bridesmaid dress preview, you can browse through the studio, review vendor displays and portfolios, enjoy a glass of champagne and go home with a great StudioWed swag bag.

Bring your fiance, your friends, your mom, your planner or bring them all! RSVP here or email denver@studiowed.net.

Check out our exclusive vendors page for a list of our hand-picked experts, complete with links to their websites, photos of their work and more.

http://www.studiowed.net/denver/vendors.php

Flower Inspiration :: Red & White week on Bella Fiori Blog

If you are planning a red & white theme for your wedding this is the week for you to follow our blog - 5 days of inspiration coming your way!

Shop News :: We have a new Website!!

Just released on April 1, 2010 - a shiny, brand new website!

Check it out and let us know what you think!!::
Bella Fiori - bellafiori-events.com

My extremely talented cousin designed the site, you can find out more about her graphic artist services at:
Kimberly Schwede - kimberlyschwede.com

Apparently, artistic & self-employed women run in the Schwede family. :)

~ New on the site - you can now order individual arrangements for delivery throughout the Denver Metro Area! Plus, all new floral galleries!

COUTUREcolorado

There's a new blog on the scene .. a blog who's purpose is to assist Colorado brides in their wedding planning. I'm thrilled to be one of the floral designers listed on the site and look forward to participating.
Be sure to bookmark the blog and visit it often:

COUTUREcolorado

Brides Colorado Magazine - Carrie & Jeff

I just got the newest copy of Brides Colorado magazine and am quite pleased to see Carrie & Jeff's wedding featured in an article called:
Real Planning Timeline
I had the pleasure of working on this wedding with Julie Gambrell of Classic Creations & Jared Wilson Photography.

Promotion from The Magnolia Hotel

Check out this amazing promotion from The Magnolia Hotel, read it quickly - it expires the end of February!!



Click here to visit The Magnolia's website
Or call Mr. Sidney M. Stoper at 303.607.1230 for more information.

Flower Inspirations :: Summer Wedding at Donovan Pavilion

I'm in the mood to look at a bright & cheery summertime wedding, aren't you? After all, most of the country is getting lots of snow or rain. I'm thinking about sunny summer days in Vail, Colorado. Here is a wedding we worked on last July with Table 6 Productions. When I first started working on this post I figured I might just post a few photos of centerpieces. That was until I received the CDs of photos from Jenna of Jenna Walker Photography - I started pouring over the images and loved so many of them. Figured I better post more than I had originally planned. :)
I love how Jenna captured the true colors of the flowers, check it out:
Kristin's bouquet is orange dahlias & callas, purple stock, callas & lisianthus, pink roses & dahlias and green cymbidiums:

I love this photo of the girls walking on the Vail covered bridge:

Another shot of the bridal bouquet:

The cool "escort card" table - unique use of the apples with tags displaying names and table assignments with the candles perfect in the center:

The overall view of the reception room at Donovan's Pavilion, we designed three different centerpieces:


Upclose view of the tall centerpiece:

The lower centerpiece:





Vendors involved:
Venue: Donovan Pavilion
Wedding Planner: Table 6 Productions
Photographer: Jenna Walker Photographers

StudioWed Luxury Bridal Design Showcase

Flower Inspiration :: Pink Bridal Bouquets

Looking for inspiration for a pink bridal or bridesmaids bouquets? Check out some of these beauties:
Roses, ranunculus, lisianthus and stephanotis create a very soft and romantic look:

Roses, peonies, bouvardia, mini-callas and cymbidium orchids:

Anna Roses:

Roses, tulips, cymbidium orchids, spray roses:

An alternative to the pomander - a wand style arrangement for the flower girls, the flowers are ranunculus, spray roses, lisianthus and hypericum berries:

Tulips, roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, hypericum berries, spray roses and cymbidium orchids:

Dahlias, roses and freesia with calladium leaves:

Mini-callas, cymbidium orchids, roses, lisianthus and bouvardia with pepper berries:

Pink roses:

Hot Lady pink roses:

Flower Inspiration :: Green bouquets

I love green bouquets, perhaps my favorite bouquet to design - the textures are all so interesting.
This bouquet is designed with viburnum, hydrangea and cymbidiums:

Hydrangea and cymbidium orchids:

Cymbidium orchids, roses and hanging amaranthus:

Roses, carnations, dendrobriums, tracchelium, lily grass and aspidistra leaves:

Flower Inspiration :: White Bouquets

Looking for inspiration for an all white bridal bouquet? Here are some photos of white bouquets we've made in the past.
Here's a ranunculus and mini-calla bouquet with a collar of rolled ti leaves:

This bouquet is for a winter wedding, roses and stephanotis surrounded by pine and cedar greens. Little blue gems decorate the center of the stephanotis:

Freesia & mini-callas:

Lily of the valley is surrounded by large white callas and finished with a collar of rolled ti leaves:

A gorgeous bouquet of peonies, mini-callas and lily of the valley:

Hydrangea with mini-gerber daisies:

Mini-callas, ranunuculus and gardenias:

Gardenias with stephanotis and magnolia leaves:

Peonies, polo roses and ranunculus:

Dahlias and freesia nestled in a bed of dusty miller and seeded eucalyptus:

Bella Fiori chatter

More websites & blogs that mention Bella Fiori - we really appreciate our vendor friends!

With This Ring Blog

La Dolce Vita Weddings

Dunafon Castle

Chic Floral

Revert Photo

Sapphire Celebrations

Jason G Photography

Favorite Websites :: Blog away!

I have a new habit, well perhaps it's been a developing habit over the past two years... the habit is being addicted to blogs! I love wedding design blogs. I read them on constantly, if I'm waiting in line I'll pull up a blog on my iPhone. (I don't think I'm the only person with this habit??)
So, thought for all your other addicted blog readers --- I'd post a whole lot of links to fun blogs to follow:

Denver Wedding Professional Blogs:
* Autumn Burke
* Calluna Events
* Cooley Photography
* Intricate Icings
* Jared Wilson Photography
* Jason G Photography
* Jenna Walker Photography
* Sapphire Celebrations
* Save The Date Events
* The Bridal Collection

Floral Design Wedding Blogs:
* Brassavolas Floral Couture
* Flower Design By Jane
* Michelle Rago, LTD
* The Full Bouquet
* The Secret Life of Flowers

National Design Blogs:
* 100 layer cake
* Blue Orchid
* Bridal Bubbly
* Brooklyn Bride
* Inspired By This
* junebug weddings
* Mindy Weiss
* Once Wed
* Perfect Bound
* Polka Dot Bride
* Project Wedding
* Rebecca Thuss
* Snippet & Ink
* Southern Weddings
* Sparkliatti by Sasha Souza
* Style Me Pretty
* The Bride's Cafe
* The Bride's Guide by Darcy Miller
* The Knot: Wedding Style File
* The Unbride
* http://weddingchicks.com/
* Vintage Glam Weddings
* Wedding Wire
* Weddingbee
* Weddings Unveiled
* With this ring...

Now I know I've missed a lot of blogs! Please feel free to post comments with links to websites that you like to follow! Share what inspires you!

Free Wedding Dress

Many of you have heard of the wedding dress shop in Ft. Collins which shut its doors and left many brides without their wedding dresses! The good news is that many other vendors and dress shops have pitched in w/ free or discounted dresses to help the brides. My dear friend, Tanya Porter, has offered two wedding dresses to deserving brides. Here is her note:

"I'm offering my daughter's wedding dress and one of her formals to any of the brides who might want them. The wedding dress is vintage as it has puffy sleeves and Victorian neckline, but I think in the right hands could be altered to be a beautiful gown. It has a chapel train and veil. I also have a beautiful white, simple satin dress that could be embellished - no train. It would be great for a destination wedding. Both are about size 8. My daughter is a size 4."

If you are interested please contact Tanya directly at:
WEDDINGS, ETC. LLC
303-779-0395
tporterweddsetc@hotmail.com
www.weddingsbytanya.com
Check out our blog at www.weddingsbytanya.blogspot.com

Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale in Denver Next Weekend

I will be working a shift as a volunteer at this wonderful event. Please plan to come by if you’re still looking for your wedding dress.

WHEN:
VIP Night – $25 Admission
Saturday, Aug. 22 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

General Sale – Free Admission
Sunday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE:
The Westin Tabor Center
1672 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 572-9100

Meeting with your wedding florist

Information you need when meeting your wedding florist :
It is best to have a list of what you will need already prepared for your florist.

Personal Flowers:
Bridal bouquet; the style that you prefer, colors of flowers and ribbon.
Number of bridesmaids & junior bridesmaids; style that you prefer, colors of flowers and ribbon.
Number of flower girls; will they carry a basket, drop petals, carry a pomander, wear a halo?

Number of corsages needed for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, readers, gift book, important female family members, etc. Will they wear a pin-on, wristlet or carry a tussy-mussy? What colors for the flowers and the ribbon.
Number of boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, fathers, ushers, grandfathers, ring-bearers, minister, etc. Which flowers would you like to use?

What would you like for your ceremony?
Altar arrangements or an arch to decorate the front
Petals for the aisle
Decor for the unity candle
Pew decorations. The style for these and how many you will need. You can decorate every row, every other row or every third row. Also, you can just get enough pew decorations to mark the parents' rows.

What would you like for the reception?
How many guests tables will you have?
What type of centerpieces are you envisioning? Elevated or low & lush arrangements, floating flowers, floating candles, pillar candles? Scattered rose petals always add great texture to the table and looks great around a grouping of pillar candles.
Cake flowers? Would you like flowers to decorate the cake? How about flowers or petals on the table surrounding the cake?
Sign-in table. Would you like to match the centerpieces or do something a bit different?
Will you have cocktail tables? If so, either a cluster of votive candles or one vase with a floating flower will work great.
Buffet decor. Be sure to speak with your caterer first and see if ordering a floral arrangement will work out well with the buffet they are designing.
Will the wedding party sit at a head table? Would you like to decorate the front of the head table? Quite often we suggest working the bridal/bridesmaids bouquets into the decor on the head table. Candles work great, too.

Be sure to ask your floral designer how much they will charge for set-up and delivery. And, don't forget about added sales-tax. You may also need to inquire about the pick up of rentals after the wedding ceremony and reception end. Also, ask how they book dates, do you need to pay a deposit and how much is it? When is your final balance due? Does the florist have a contract for you to sign?
A few things to consider before your consultation... what are your favorite flowers and fragrances? Have you selected a color scheme? Pictures from magazines of flowers and arrangements that you like can be helpful.