Wedding Flowers for the Spring Season
Let's take a look at wedding flower's that are in season for our spring brides!
What to Look for in a Wedding Florist
You need someone who can handle flowers for an entire event, including centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets and more.
So Who Pays for the Wedding?
The average wedding costs, $30,000.00. In most circle's that's a decent amount of money. Since it's 2019 there may be some question as to who exactly is meant to pay that cost.
Traditionally Speaking, the Bride's parent's or family would pay for almost everything to do with your wedding. If you're going the traditional route the bride's family can be assumed to pay for everything to do with the wedding ceremony and reception. So this would be the catering, a wedding planner, flowers, the wedding dress, photography, the wedding cake, and any and all of those little wedding accessories.
Then, if you're having them the bride's family can also be anticipated to pay for the engagement party and the day-after brunch.
The groom's family may not be assumed to pay for a majority of the actual wedding costs, however, traditionally they would be expected to pay for the Rehearsal dinner, the couples's honeymoon, and any alcohol at the reception.
Traditionally, Who Pays for the Wedding?
Traditionally Speaking, the Bride's parent's or family would pay for almost everything to do with your wedding. If you're going the traditional route the bride's family can be assumed to pay for everything to do with the wedding ceremony and reception. So this would be the catering, a wedding planner, flowers, the wedding dress, photography, the wedding cake, and any and all of those little wedding accessories.
Then, if you're having them the bride's family can also be anticipated to pay for the engagement party and the day-after brunch.
The groom's family may not be assumed to pay for a majority of the actual wedding costs, however, traditionally they would be expected to pay for the Rehearsal dinner, the couples's honeymoon, and any alcohol at the reception.
What About the Bride and Groom?
Even in a traditional set up the bride and groom are still expected to front some of the costs for their wedding day. While these may differ depending on the couple and some parents may actually decide help cover these costs, the bride and groom often cover expenses that have more to do with their relationships. For example, the groom would pay for and acquire:- the marriage license,
- officiant,
- bride's rings,
- his own attire,
- and a wedding day gift for the bride and a thank you to his parents.
- the groom's wedding band,
- bridesmaid gifts,
- as well as gifts for the groom and her parents.
- Her and her bridesmaid's hair and make up.
But, it's 2019 and Traditions Tend to Run a Little Lose
While wedding's are still rich in tradition, who pays for the wedding isn't one that is so set in stone. Nowadays, the wedding costs are divided up more naturally to what works for the couple's and their families. Many couples opt to pay for their wedding themselves. When expenses are high, they simply have a longer engagement to fund everything easily. Needless to say, who pays for the wedding is going to be a conversation you need to have right away.
How Much Do Weddings Cost?
Weddings cost money. It doesn't matter if you're planning the biggest wedding of the year or if you're doing a courthouse wedding and going out with your closest friends for dinner to celebrate after. It costs roughly $75 to get married at your local courthouse. Add in $15 dollars for your marriage licence, maybe $50 for a simple nice dress, and $100 for dinner and you're looking at a wedding coming under $250.00.
Photo by: Michelle Walker Photography
If you're looking to spend as little as humanely possible on your wedding, a courthouse wedding is a good place to start. However, everyone's dream wedding is different and come with different budgets.
High end cost of:
Photo by: Michelle Walker Photography
If you're looking to spend as little as humanely possible on your wedding, a courthouse wedding is a good place to start. However, everyone's dream wedding is different and come with different budgets.
How Much Do Average Weddings Cost?
Average Cost of:- Wedding Venue: $12,343.00
- Wedding Officiant: $300.00
- Limo Service: $800.00
- Live Wedding Band: $3,500.00
- Wedding Photographer: $2,559.00
- Wedding Dress: $1,357.00
- Groom's Tux: $197.00
- Wedding Cake: $450.00
- Wedding Flowers: $2,141.00
- Hair & Make Up: $300.00
- Wedding Invitations (including all the trimmings): $750.00
- Wedding Caterer: $7,000.00
The Low Budget Wedding
Low end cost of:- Wedding Venue: $640.00
- Wedding Officiant: $100.00
- Limo Service: $220.00
- Live Wedding Band: $450.00
- Wedding Photographer: $323.00
- Wedding Dress: $120.00
- Groom's Tux: $120.00
- Wedding Cake: $125.00
- Wedding Flowers: $189.00
- Hair & Make Up: $60.00
- Wedding Invitations (including all the trimmings): $150.00
- Wedding Caterer: $400.00
The Pull No Punches Wedding
High end cost of:
- Wedding Venue: $20,000.00
- Wedding Officiant: $650.00
- Limo Service: $1,800.00
- Live Wedding Band: $9,750.00
- Wedding Photographer: $4,500.00
- Wedding Dress: $2,600.00
- Groom's Tux: $2,600.00
- Wedding Cake: $1,000.00
- Wedding Flowers: $4,200.00
- Hair & Make Up: $1,050.00
- Wedding Invitations (including all the trimmings): $1,300.00
- Wedding Caterer: $13,000.00
Plan Within Your Budget
While these numbers come from various bride surveys and market trends, remember that they represent the typical and average. You can make more room in your budget by forgoing some of these items or if you have personal connections to vendors, you might find yourself a deal. A lot of couples looking to save may even have an outdoor, backyard reception, forgoing any venue costs. Additionally, keep in mind that there a million little small details to account for. For example, wedding accessories like cake toppers, wedding garters, and table center pieces, while not big purchases will still add to you total costs. Whatever your dream wedding is just remember that a wedding that stays within budget is always going to be less stressful.
What Should Be on Your Wedding Planning Checklist?
A lot of wedding planning checklists have these extensive and detailed timelines of what you should do in month 12, 8, 5,2....etc. But what about our brides that get engaged and plan a wedding three months out? Looking at what you "should have done" 9 months ago isn't exactly going to help the wedding stress.
So here is a straight wedding planning checklist that that will help any bride or groom plan for their wedding day!
A Wedding Planning Checklist
- Announce engagement.
- Review finances
- Prepare wedding budget
- Create a wedding binder (actual or digital) to track planning and receipts
- Hire a wedding planner
- Create a guest list and be open to revision
- Decide upon a wedding design and style
- Choose wedding colors
- Decide on who you want in your bridal party
- Buy Bridal Party gifts
- Determine Bridal Party Assignments, if any
Do you really need to hire a wedding planner?
- Extend Bridal Party Invitations
- Review and Select a venue
- Review and secure a caterer
- Create song lists
- Review and secure a band or DJ
- Review and hire a florist
- Go cake tasting and order your wedding cake
- Buy wedding cake topper
- Review and hire a photographer
- Take Engagement Photos
- Make a wedding website
- Select Invitations and set a deadline for when to send them out
- Send out save the dates
- Buy your wedding dress
Plus Size Brides | How to Find the Perfect Dress | Part One
- Pick out what the bridal party is wearing. Make sure this is done early enough for everyone to get fittings!
- Create ceremony schedule
- Create reception schedule
- Decide and book luncheon and rehearsal dinner locations
- Secure officiant
- Determine hair and make up
- Buy rehearsal and luncheon dresses
- Buy guest favors
- Book any extra vendors for activities at your wedding, such as photo booths, archery, ax throwing. You know, the typical stuff.
- Write wedding vows
- Decide on what you want said at your wedding
- Invite those you want to give toasts to do so
- Plan and purchase any decorative accessories for your wedding and reception that goes beyond flowers
The 4 Best Design Tips for Wedding Centerpieces
- Create mock ups of table settings, floral elements, etc
- Get your marriage licence
- Book Honeymoon
- Create a seating chart based on RSVP
- Put tips for vendors and services in envelopes, ready to go
- Pay in full all vendors and venues
- Arrange all travel vehicles for guests, the bride and groom, and bridal parties as needed
- Book block of rooms for out of town guests
- Pack for honeymoon
- Get a pedicure and manicure, and maybe a massage
Do You Really Need a Wedding Planner?
If you're asking this question, chances are you're leaning towards not, but are feeling some pressure to do so. A lot of the time deciding not to hire a wedding planner is either because you don't have the budget for one or because you don't want someone else planning a day you've been dreaming about for years.
We get it.
To answer you're question simply: No, you don't really need a wedding planner. However, wedding planners can be a huge asset, especially if you've planning a large or destination wedding. Plus, wedding planners come in many different shapes and sizes.
So you'll likely find a wedding planner that fits your wants and needs, while also fitting a budget.
How to know if you should hire a wedding planner.
If you can say yes to the one or more of the following, a wedding planner may be exactly what you need:
Another budget friendly option that works for brides that want to be in complete control of the wedding planning, but to sit back and enjoy the wedding day is a Day-of Coordinator. This type of wedding planner simply coordinates everything on the day of your wedding. They'll be working with the vendors, keeping everything on schedule, and organizing any post wedding clean ups.
Then, if you have no idea what you want your wedding to look like or have a very big and unique vision, you might consider an event designer. This is someone that would work alongside you or a more traditional wedding planner. They don't handle any of the logistics or budget tracking. They are focused on coordinating with vendors only to create the vision and design.
A full service wedding planner, of course, does everything. They handle the bringing the vision to life through design and logistics. This doesn't mean they take over and you don't get a say. It simply means that you have an expert to help make what you want happen and that knows what the best options really are. Plus, anything you don't want to deal with can be completely handled by the wedding planner.
How to know if you should hire a wedding planner.
If you can say yes to the one or more of the following, a wedding planner may be exactly what you need:
- There are too many people providing or insisting upon conflicting input on how the wedding should be.
- You're having a destination wedding.
- You don't have any reliable sources to find quality wedding vendors.
- You don't have any outside help from family or friends to get everything done.
- You and or your future spouse are unable to meet with vendors during the week.
What type of wedding planner should you hire?
Whether you are concerned about your budget or about having more control and involvement in the process, the good news is that you have a lot of different options that go beyond the traditional, full-service wedding planner. For example, a budget friendly option is an À La Carte Planner. This would be a planner that works with you part-time and on a need basis. Usually they charge an hourly rate or flat fee for the specific services and projects you want them to help you with.
Another budget friendly option that works for brides that want to be in complete control of the wedding planning, but to sit back and enjoy the wedding day is a Day-of Coordinator. This type of wedding planner simply coordinates everything on the day of your wedding. They'll be working with the vendors, keeping everything on schedule, and organizing any post wedding clean ups.
Then, if you have no idea what you want your wedding to look like or have a very big and unique vision, you might consider an event designer. This is someone that would work alongside you or a more traditional wedding planner. They don't handle any of the logistics or budget tracking. They are focused on coordinating with vendors only to create the vision and design.
A full service wedding planner, of course, does everything. They handle the bringing the vision to life through design and logistics. This doesn't mean they take over and you don't get a say. It simply means that you have an expert to help make what you want happen and that knows what the best options really are. Plus, anything you don't want to deal with can be completely handled by the wedding planner.
But, do you HAVE to hire a wedding planner?? Like, really?
Do you have to hire a wedding planner for your big day to be wonderful? Of course not. Can it make it easier to enjoy the process and prevent any hiccups along the way? Definitely. Ultimately, and as always, the decision is yours!
The 4 Best Design Tips for Wedding Centerpieces
Decorating the reception tables is one of our favorite parts of the wedding design process because the creativity put into the table settings and wedding centerpieces are the design details that guests will most remember.
The reception table is where your guests will sit down to break bread with each other and enjoy the remainder of the happy wedding festivities.
When it comes time to “set the table” the key to remember when designing a centerpiece is balance.
The 4 best design tips for wedding centerpieces
How many tables do I need and what shape are they?
The first consideration when designing centerpieces is to determine how many you need and what types of tables they will be on. Long rectangular tables typically have a runner with several centerpieces placed down the length of the table. Small, usually round, tables for smaller groups of guests will have one main centerpiece.What’s my budget?
While some brides enjoy the creative DIY process, it can also get pricey if you don’t know where to buy bulk supplies. Working with a vendor will take away the stress of building centerpieces on your own and you’ll know the cost upfront. A typical budget is $30-$60 per each professionally made wedding centerpiece.How tall should the centerpiece be?
The overall size of the room will help to determine the height of the centerpiece. Small round centerpieces will get lost in a reception hall with tall ceilings. Large full centerpieces will overpower the space in a small venue. Finding the right balance for your reception tables is important. Here’s a tip: Choosing centerpieces that are “chin height” elevates your guests’ conversations to just the right volume signaling to the room that you are all having a great time! The opposite effect will occur with a tall overhanging centerpiece. It brings a little more intimacy and signals your guests to keep their voices at a lower volume.What color should I pick for my wedding centerpiece?
By the time you are designing the centerpiece for your reception you should already have a strong sense of the color palette. Your color choices should be consistent with your overall theme. Already have your theme in mind? Check out these centerpiece ideas from the Wedding Wire for a variety of themed centerpieces.Final touches
When you have your overall wedding theme and concept for the table setting the next step is to determine how to arrange the elements on the table. To keep position on the table anchor the centerpiece with a base like stacked books, a tray, or a piece of wood. From here you can add just about anything to create your arrangement unique; consider candles, vases, greenery, shells, stones, photos, lanterns, or seasonal fruit and vegetables.Finally, delicate accents can easily bring the look together without over doing it. Use fuller bouquets to bring weight to a massive venue. Or go light with a few thin stems in a clear vase. Remember the key is balance.
The 6 Best Design Tips for a Simple Barn Wedding
We were recently inspired by one of the manifestos for Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market about their mission to bring life and love into the home.
“Of all heroic pursuits large or small, we believe there may be none greater than a life well loved.” – Magnolia ManifestoWe think it's also the perfect manifesto for a simple barn wedding and the start of your life as a new couple! Using this manifesto and Joanna Gaines' aesthetic as our guide we are sharing 6 design tips to create a wedding reception that exudes life and love in a modern farm aesthetic.
The key to creating a wedding reception fit for any Joanna Gaines fan is to create a space that feels lived in and personal.
6 design tips for a simple barn wedding reception:
- The color palette should include neutral colors like: gray, white, pale pink, tan, or soft yellow.
- Use greenery as your accent color and accessorize the space with wooden decor, like these wooden heart confetti.
- Your dinnerware and glasses should be traditional and again go for a clean neutral color here. For another pop of color on your neutral table you can consider using copper and bronze utensils and decor.
- Mason jars. Mason Jars everywhere. You can use them everywhere from the dinner table, to centerpieces, to the guestbook table and more. They are cheap and handy in a lot of ways.
- Borrow or purchase mix-n-match wood furniture for the chairs and reception tables. As we mentioned above, the key to this aesthetic is making it feel "lived in".
- Have fun personalizing your reception tables with chalkboard elements.
Shop Wedding Collectibles online for the perfect table accessories!
Just a few simple wedding elements can come together to create a stunning chic set-up and many can be found in our online shop. Checkout the products below and let us know which ones are your favorite for a barn wedding!
Links:
Elopement Etiquette | What you need to know!
Is there such a thing as Elopement Etiquette?
Planning a wedding today takes a lot of time and money. Which tends to equal stress. The average cost of a traditional wedding is upwards of $20,000! This rules out the budget of a lot of newly engaged couples. Pamela Paul, author of The Starter Marriage and Future of Matrimony, says "They're sort of thinking it's either $25,000 on a wedding or $25,000 on a down payment.” So it makes sense that couples are choosing to elope more now than ever before and are asking if there really is an elopement etiquette.
Eloping has had a negative connotation in the past. However, it’s not about rebellious teenage courthouse hitchings anymore. Instead, it's couples choosing intimacy and affordability.
A typical elopement today is more defined by simplicity, a beautiful destination, and a short guest list. This turn from the rebellious to being a type of wedding means that you have some elopement etiquette that you can use to guide your wedding planning.
Elopement Planning
First off, spending a little time planning will make your small wedding personalized, less stressful, and more memorable. Actually, businesses are starting up around the country to help! For example, “Flora Pop” is a traveling pop-up elopement company offering planning services for small ceremonies of 15 people or less.Elopement Etiquette
Whether you wait until after the deed is done or you’re inviting them to attend, let your family know! A personal invite over the phone or even sending a formal card works fine. Do what makes the most sense for you!Are you a wanderlust bride?
Avoid unpleasant surprises by taking into account questions like these when planning your destination ceremony:- Is there a waiting period after your marriage license application?
- What documentation is required (drivers license, birth certificate, divorce decree from former marriage, etc.)?
- What is the cost of a marriage license?
- How much does the pastor or judge charge to perform the ceremony?
- How much does it cost to hold the wedding at the venue of your choice?
Next, Consider the No-Brainers of a Traditional Wedding for your Elopement
Send marriage announcements!
Let your friends and family celebrate with you even if they couldn't be there on your special day! After some enough time has passed for them to receive the announcement, try sending them an email with photos of your wedding and honeymoon! Why?They’ll get a sense of involvement this way and will enjoy hearing about your adventures. Plus, you may not want a big wedding, but that doesn't mean you don't want to share the best day of your life with all the people you love. This is a great way to do just that.To register or not to register?
Go for it, especially if you are having a small post-marriage reception! Really, it's a good idea to let your loved ones support you. Plus, it's never a bad thing to let them shower you with gifts as you start your life as a married couple. You can always add your registry to your marriage announcement. Although, you don’t want to forget to send thank you cards out as soon as possible!What other considerations would you recommend taking for a small elopement ceremony?
Share with us in the comments below or comment #wedcollectibles on social media with your ideas.
Wedding Traditions Can be all About You!
Photo by Taylor Harding
Old. New. Borrowed. Blue.
We’ve learned that the happiest brides are ones that find ways to make conventional wedding traditions represent their personal style, their family, and their personality. One of our favorite traditions that any bride can have fun with is wearing “something borrowed and something blue”. This English tradition has been bringing brides good luck and fortune since the 1800s. The original rhyme is “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe”. However, what began as a way to bless the bride with good luck and fidelity is now also a way to create timeless keepsakes and show some creativity.How real brides are making traditions their own!
In Hawaii, one bride went beach-combing before her sunset wedding. On the beach she found a white rock and decided to use it as her something borrowed. She placed the small rock in her bouquet for the ceremony. Then, before she left she tossed it back to the sea.
Jessica Belew of Bremerton, WA, had some precious items as her good luck charms. She wrapped a handkerchief around her bouquet that “had [her] name and wedding date embroidered in blue [and] had the appliques from [her] mom’s veil stitched on.” It is now a treasured family heirloom that she hopes her daughter will use one day.
Another more unconventional bride made her family and friends’ smiles widen when she walked down the aisle with a borrowed tennis racket from her new mother-in-law in her bouquet. That’s one way to show a family’s history of sports!
Whatever you do, make wedding traditions you!
Culture, family, personality, and religion can all play a big part in the wedding planning process. While juggling it all can be stressful, we hope you’ll remember to have fun and look for unique ideas that make your wedding day memorable. Whether it is a nerdy groom’s cake, a sapphire ribbon sewn into your dress, skydiving in your wedding attire, or memorable thank you cards there is a variety of options to make your special day less conventional.Check out more Old. New. Borrowed. Blue. Ideas here!
5 Hot Wedding Colors for 2018
5 Hot Wedding Colors for 2018
Pick Your Dream Wedding Colors
One of the first items on your to do list for wedding planning is picking your wedding colors. You can't buy anything, aside from maybe your white wedding dress, until you know the color scheme! You might discover the perfect wedding invite or flowers, but if the color's don't work for the whole wedding, it just won't work. Here are 5 of the hottest wedding colors for 2018!Orange
This is Why We’re Loving Orange for Wedding Colors This Season
Hello ORANGE! Now, a lot of brides may be scared to use a color as bold as the color orange. However, when pulling the color statement from natural floral with lighter colors and neutrals as the back drop, you will be pleasantly surprised.
A Dusty Teal Blue
Anna Delores Photography
These velvet tablecloths show off exactly why a soft teal blue is hitting high notes this wedding season. Combined with a rose gold and you can't lose!
Honey
Airy, Organic Wedding Inspiration with Honey Hues
Warm honey hues are perfect for just about any wedding in any season. It is especially nice when paired with a contrasting cool color like the baby blue shown above. It creates a very natural and earthy tone to your wedding even if you are not using natural materials!
Ultra Violet
Shannon Rosan
Violet has been in season in not just wedding, but fashion and home decor. So it is no surprise that it is one of 2018's hottest wedding colors. Vibrant, electric, and easily edgy!
Metallic Burgundy
Sweet and Saucy
You may be seeing a trend of earthy and jewel like tones in this list. That's because they are wildly popularity and clearly beautiful. This burgundy wedding cake even has a metallic sheen to it, making it even more spectacular. It's such a romantic color for your wedding day!
Sweet and Saucy
You may be seeing a trend of earthy and jewel like tones in this list. That's because they are wildly popularity and clearly beautiful. This burgundy wedding cake even has a metallic sheen to it, making it even more spectacular. It's such a romantic color for your wedding day!