Everlasting Memories

For some brides, the most beloved aspect of the wedding is their dress where for others it's their wedding bouquet. Many brides are unaware of various techniques available to help preserve the beauty of your bouquet and keep them as a memorable piece. Although there might be an extra cost to preserve your flowers, however it's a wonderful way to showcase your special day. 

The press and frame technique is so simple that you can do it yourself by pressing a few petals between the pages of a thick book. If you are nervous or uncomfortable you could always hire a florist to do the job for you and prefer a more polished look. The petals of bouquets and centerpieces could be reused for thank you gifts for guests attending the wedding.

If you are not satisfied with the thought of saving a couple petals and flowers there is always the alternative of the glass dome or shadow box. Professional preservationists are able to preserve the whole bouquet by using a silica gel drying and freeze-drying technique. The process of preserving the bouquet is very complex, freezing the bouquet to dehydrate the flowers and than placed inside a vacuum seal case. 

Even though the glass dome beautifully encases the true beauty of your bouquet, it also has a higher cost associated with it. This is a great opportunity to suggest it as a wedding gift from your bridal party or perhaps a relative who is stomped on gift ideas. If you are spending more than the average person on flower for your wedding, you could also request a complimentary preservation from you florist or a discount.  

It is recommended to research and read reviews of companies before making reservations a month prior to your wedding. Your flowers should be sent out as soon as possible to capture the freshness of your bouquet, experts advised no later than two days after your wedding. The display box can also be decorated inside with other elements of your wedding like a photo, necklace or invitation. 

Elizabeth - Bride to be

Source: Timeless Flowers, Wedding Bouquet. Accessed March 22, 2015

Wedding Flowers

Once you have planned your wedding and chosen your themes, it's time to select your flower arrangements. Floral bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres or centerpieces can definitely have an impact of the cost of your wedding. Wedding flower designs can tell your guests about your personal style as well as your feelings for one another. 

When selecting your floral arrangement, it is important to keep in mind that there are several species of flowers and that there is no right or wrong choice. This part of the wedding planning should be the most fun if you have a wonderful florist. It is recommended to book an appointment with your florist, if possible at a Green House where you can see all the beautiful flowers in person. Who doesn't like sitting in a room filled with beautiful flowers and playing with them?

Remember the florist will be excited to help provide you with advice and is prepared to answer any questions you may have. If you do encounter a florist who is not helpful or refuses to take the time to plan with you than I wouldn't suggest them for your wedding.  Communicating is crucial to help your florist understand what it is that you envision as well as showing pictures will give them a better idea.

Great positioning and use of inexpensive foliage is one the ways to cut costs on your floral arrangements. Don't be afraid to ask your florist about tips and tricks to make your flowers stand out more without adding a big price tag to the cost. Another great way to save money is by exploring different flowers and researching the season of the flower. Some of the traditional wedding flowers are roses, peony, lily of the valley, hydrangea, orchid and calla lily. 

Although you may not feel comfortable about telling your florist about your budget because you feel that you will not get the same service, it is important to be honest. Yes, it is a driven business where people want to make money but they do understand that not everyone wants to pay or can afford expensive flowers. There is nothing wrong with it; some people may prefer to use that money for their dress, honeymoon or something for their new house. If you happen to fall in love with an expensive flower you can always consider it for your bouquet and different flowers for your bridal party. 

Elizabeth - Bride to Be

Source: Pinterest, Mod Wedding Photograph. Accessed March 22,2015

Marvelous Wedding Venues

After writing Sand Between Our Toes, I began to wonder about the endless places where we could have a destination wedding. It was exciting, looking at all the beautiful places in the world of where you could have your wedding or better yet your honeymoon. From beautiful waterfalls, and incredible landmarks and magnificent mountains, the world is filled with astonishing places waiting for our arrival to explore and embrace. 

I would like to take you on a journey of discovering the some of most beautiful wedding venues of the world. Warning! These photographs are memorising and will definitely make you reconsider having a destination wedding.  Click on photographs for additional information.

Ireland
Imagine your wedding in one of their Elegant Estate such as the Dromoland Castle or perhaps on their beautiful coastlines for beach weddings. If that was enough, experience a fairytale wedding with one of their historical castles. We can only imagine the endless opportunities for stunning wedding photographs.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is one of the world's most beautiful tropical paradise as well as the most popular place to get married. Who can resist these amazing white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible wedding packages? The Cayman Islands are perfect for those who want an exotic destination wedding. 

Paris, France

Also known as the City of Lights has a reputation of being the most romantic destinations in the world. There is nothing like having the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop in your wedding photographs. Make sure you book a hotel that has a view of the Eiffel Tower at night.

Bali, Indonesia

Jimbaran Bay is the most popular spot in Indonesia for destination weddings. Create a more intimate setting in one of their romantic chapels or private villas. Indonesia also offers incredible views from cliff-top venues, perfect for destination weddings.

Greece

Mystic beauty, incredible legends and breathtaking sunsets are just some of the wonderful things about Santorini.  A traditional winery located on the caldera is a great place to create a unique wedding. Set sail on the beautiful waters in one of their luxury yacht catamaran or 18th century sailing ship.

Canada

Don't forget about the beautiful landscape that Canada has to offer and it's right in our backyards. Check out Canada's Top 15 Most Gorgeous Venues.

Elizabeth - Bride to be 

Source: Google Images, Destination Weddings. Accessed March 20, 2015