Pantone Color of the Year- Rose Quartz AND Serenity Wedding Inspiration...

Well, Lord knows I wanted pastels to trend this year (See my September post here!).  Looks like Pantone granted my wish- not just one, but TWO pastel colors for 2016!!  Rose Quartz and Serenity might look like a baby gender reveal but according to reports from Pantone Color Institute say they weren't thinking that.

http://nautil.us/blog/two-ideas-for-predicting-the-next-color-of-the-year

For the past 14 years, Pantone has picked an array of vibrant hues- other than Sand Dollar in 2006 and Cerulean in 2000.   Leading us to believe some pastel tones had to be strong contenders this year.  The surprising twist is the selection of TWO colors for 2016.  

I went ahead and created a gorgeous wedding inspiration collage image with the color palette.  Can't wait to see all the various takes on Rose Quartz & Serenity next year!

Wedding Wishes,

Marie

Image Sources:
http://flirtyfleurs.com/wonderful-wedding-flowers-master-class-holly-chapple/
https://whoanelliepress.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/a-romantic-blush-wedding-color-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/243757398557422654/
http://weddbook.com/search/dusty/2
http://www.cecinewyork.com/cecistyle/issue/v185/
http://www.brides.com/wedding-flowers/2200000000052591
http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/2014/08/unique-wedding-ceremony-altar-ideas#slide=1
http://yesdresses.storenvy.com/products/12445422-long-prom-dress-custom-bridesmaid-dress-off-shoulder-prom-dress-elegant-p

20 Ways To Save Big On Your Wedding Budget!

We get it... times are hard.  When it comes to planning a wedding maximizing the budget is crucial.  No one wants to say "I do" to being in debt thousands of dollars and there is no greater honeymoon buzz kill than the credit card statement.    

Here is 20 ways to save on your wedding budget.  

 

Click HERE for upcoming local Bridal Shows.

1:  Attend a bridal show (or two... NOT TEN- don't be that bride).  Name a bride that doesn't want to scoop up exclusive offers and savings?!  Bridal shows are a wonderful opportunity to meet local vendors and snag up a spectacular deal.  (Possibly win some prizes too- woot!)

2: Plan a wedding in the off season. Most venues offer great savings if you plan your nuptials off season.  

3: Plan a wedding on an off day.  Perhaps getting married on a Friday or Sunday doesn't sound to bad either if you can save thousands.

4: Plan a wedding at an off time.  Want a delicious breakfast wedding or perhaps a late night hors d'oeuvre and dessert reception.   

5: Cut the guest list.   Really concentrate on your invite list.  Make sure that everyone on there is a VIP to you.  You don't have to invite everyone from work or every friend on Facebook.   Choose wisely.

Photo By: Stephanie A. Smith Photography

Wedding By: Live Love Breathe Weddings

6: You don't have to have it all... candy bar, dessert bar, full bar, coffee bar... you get where I'm going here.   Not everything you see on Pinterest needs to be replicated at your wedding.  

7: Be honest with your vendors about your budget.  More often than not any great vendor will tell you what they can offer to stretch those hard earn dollars.  Time is money.  Save your vendors time and in turn it will save you money!  ($ cha ching!)

8: Pay with cash and ask for a discount.   Credit cards have their perks (see #9), but they also come with a hefty processing fee for the vendor.  It can't hurt to ask if you pay with cash if they can honor a discount.

9: Pay with a credit card that has AMAZING perks- cash back, rewards, points, miles, 0% APR!  By the time you pay for the wedding you could pay for a trip too! 

Photo by Whyte Photography

Wedding by Live Love Breathe Weddings   Location: Charlotte Harbor Event Center

10: Find a venue that can accommodate your ceremony and reception.   Not only will this save on additional site fees, rental fees, delivery fees (on those rental fees), it will also allow a smooth flow right into the reception.  Vendors are typically booked by the hour so utilize each hour you have them and don't waste time traveling to and fro. 

11: Find multi-functional vendors.  Think like Progressive- "Bundle and save".   Find a DJ that also offers up lighting, a florist that offers rentals, a photographer that offers videography.  

12: Rent the grooms tux for FREE.  Find a tuxedo shop that offers promos.  If all the groomsmen rent- the Groom rents his for free.  Check your local area for promos.  

13: Re-purpose some of your ceremony decor.  You spend hundreds of dollars to jazz up your ceremony location.  Why not transition them into the reception.

Photo by Bineryflips Photography

Wedding by Yvette Price Events   Flowers by Live Love Breathe Weddings

14: Choose wedding flowers that are in season. Not only will there be more availability- the flowers will also be at their peak!  Hello gorgeous blooms! 

15: Avoid major holidays.  You can pretty much guarantee a 20% mark up on flowers around any major holiday like Mother's Day, Valentine's and Christmas.  

16: Let the florist choose your flowers.  Walk in with inspiration photos and color selections and let them choose the freshest and most cost effective blooms to maximize your flower budget.   

17: When it comes to the cake- pick one flavor- not ten.  Each additional flavor you add- adds up!  

18: Want a 5 layer masterpiece for only 50 guests?  Use faux cake layers to add height and less dough (baker pun intended)!

Cake by Cake Concepts

19: Don't need a huge cake but still want to make a huge statement?  Use cake stands or pedestals to amp up your sweet confection.  Renting those will save you a fraction of the cost of additional layers.

20: Use a travel agent.  When booking your dream honeymoon take advantage of the wealth of knowledge an agent has to offer.  They will not only save you money with special offers and promos, but they can also save you time and stress trying to plan out the entire two weeks you want to be in Italy.   

Wedding Wishes,

Marie 

Have a question?  Comment below! 

Want to see more from Live Love Breathe Weddings- Sign up in the 
'Follow By Email' section to get exclusive emails and blog posts. 

5 Trending Wedding Floral Ideas

Trend #1:  The Over-Sized Bouquet- Overwhelming the bridal world with it's glorious size and smell- the over-sized bouquet is the epitome of the brides personal style.  This bouquet is sure to make a statement not only at the wedding but in your photos for years to come.

Source: http://www.dreamersandlovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/TARA-9.jpgion
Trend #2:  Ribbons- Long, flowing, opulent ribbons.  From bright colors to bold patterns, From satin to chiffon to sheer.  Ribbons have wrapped their way back into our hearts and we are seeing them featured all over the bridal sphere.

Source: http://weddinggoal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cool-white-and-green-bridesmaid-bouquets-with-ribbon.jpg

Trend #3: Greenery-  The Bride's are going green like never before!  Greenery is not only becoming a highlight for many bridal bouquets but also down the aisle, on the archway, hanging from the fireplace and draping the sweetheart table.    From succulents to herbs, garlands to floral crowns- Brides want greens and they want them everywhere! 

Source: http://www.livelovebreatheweddings.com/floral-design.html

Trend #4: Pastel Colors- oh Yes!  We are going soft- soft pastel that is!  Lavenders, pale yellows, light blues and blush pinks. (Well... the blush pinks have been around for awhile- we are just going to work them in with some other colors now!)

Source: http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/hayley-nizz/#rmw-1/9/Hayley-Niz-Sarah-JAne-Ethan-Photography003.jpg

Trend #5: Lush Floral Archways-   Brides are wanting them covered!  Over the top floral designs are encompassing the entire structure.  Creating a dramatic backdrop for your nuptials.  Whether its just greens and a touch of flowers or mainly flowers and a touch of greens you are sure to have an eye catching display framing your special "I do" moment!

Source: http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wedding-arch-ideas-2/

Hope these floral tips come in handy when selected your blooms for your big day.  If you have any questions please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear from you. 

Wedding Wishes,

M

A & C Wedding 4-27-13

With a refreshing color combination of teal and coral with pops of hot pink this beautiful Boca Grande wedding took place at Boca Bay Pass Club on April 27, 2013.   

The bridesmaids found this vintage two seater bike and attached a colorful display of balloons that matched a custom painting to match. 

Peonies, roses and orchids added just the right amount of color.

Floating candle & flower centerpieces sat inside a bed of river rock in a custom wooden box created by the bride's uncle.

The guests all signed a balloon.

All photos used with permission from Shawna Michele Photography.  Shawna Michele is located in Punta Gorda, FL.  Specializing in Weddings, Family Portraits, Sports, Commercial Advertising, Babies, Couples, and Engagement Sessions.    Her styling is a blend of contemporary, photojournalism and portraiture.  She offers packages that include albums, custom graphic design, digital files, and flush.    Shawna is fresh, fun and pure.  For more information on SM Photography click here.

Wedding Wishes,

~M

Wedding Tipping

Should you tip all vendors?  If so, how much?  When it comes to tipping, generally it's based on each vendor individually.  Unless a service charge is built in to a contract (usually with the venue & catering), you are never obligated to provide a tip.  However if a vendor exceeds your expectations you will want to acknowledge their superior service with a thank you note and a tip.  

Here is some general tip amounts and percentages for tipping your wedding vendors.

Band- $20 - $25 per musician

Bartenders- $20 - $25 per bartender

Cake Delivery Driver- $5 - $10 depending

Catering Wait Staff- 15% - 20% depending

Ceremony Musicians- $15 - $20 per musician

Disc Jockey- $50 - $150

Hairstylist- 15% - 20%

Florist Delivery Driver- $5 - $10 depending

Make Up Artist- 15% - 20%

Officiant- $50 - $100

Photographer- $50 - $100

Reception Wait Staff- 15% - 20% depending

Rental Delivery Driver- $5- $25 depending

Transportation- 15% - 20%

Videographer- $50 - $100

Wedding Planner- $100- $300

**Most commonly tips are handed out after the completion of the service or set up.  

**General rule of thumb is to tip never tip the boss only the employees. 

 **Always make sure to check and see if the gratuity is already included in the contract.  

Wedding Wishes,

~M 

Mason Jars

Mason jars aren't just for canning anymore!  When it comes to weddings, mason jars can be used in a multitude of different ways.  From floral centerpieces to glowing candle holders, the jars can be accented by wrapping twine, lace, burlap, fabric or ribbon.  Mason jars are becoming even more stunning when painted in pastels or accented with a shimmery glitter. 

You can insert pictures for extra decor, paint them with chalkboard paint and use them for table numbers.  For the ceremony, they can hang from trees, from the chairs or on shepherd hooks down the aisle.  You can even incorporate them into your food and beverages by using them for drinks, salad in a jar or dessert parfaits.  Your possibilities are endless with mason jars!

Wedding Wishes

~M

Polyvore Inspiration

Yellow home accessory
etsy.com

A little bridal bouquet history...

Details... Who doesn't like details?  How about a little history on the details of bridal bouquets.  

In Ancient Greek & Roman times, the bouquets made up mostly of herbs and spices.  The strong smell was there to ward of evil spirits and posses mystical powers.   Flowers were incorporated into bouquets starting in 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.  

Dill is known as the herb of lust and was meant to increase sexual desire by not only the bride and groom, but the guests as well.  Flowers became secret messages of lovers.  "The Flower Language" allowed brides to compose flowers of significant meanings. 

 Now a days, brides choose their bridal bouquets based on colors and shapes.  Selecting styles that fit their personality, taste and highlight their bridal gown.   The most common style selections are hand tied and cascading.  The hand tied round bouquets are composed tightly and create a uniform round shape while hand tied gathered bouquets draw on their fresh picked look.  Cascading bouquets are created into a bouquet holder and can either cascade down or into a crescent shape.  

With so many flower selections to choose from its overwhelming for a bride to not only make a decision with the flower choices but also with the style, the accessories, the ribbon, and much much more.  A exceptional floral designer will take the time to get to know your entire wedding vision, keeping your theme and colors as well as your personal style before creating a custom bouquet that will highlight your special day.    Knowing what types of flowers and style you don't like is just as important as knowing what you love.   Vocalize your opinions as much as possible to get a bouquet that completely symbolizes you.  

Wedding Wishes,

~M

D & S Wedding 9-21-13

Back in September I got a wonderful opportunity to decorate a stunning archway at the Plantation Golf & Country Club.   The bride put her complete trust in me and safe to say she LOVED everything I did!! 

White hydrangeas, seeded eucalyptus, plumosa and grapevine embellished this gorgeous white trellis archway.  ( Florist credit: Port Charlotte Florist ) 

Sometimes you don't need to decorate the whole aisle.  We used 2 shepherd hooks and 2 hanging jars with soft hydrangea blooms to define this outdoor aisleway. 

For centerpieces hydrangeas make a magnificent impact with out blowing the budget.  Most florists have a great array of rental items too to help save cost from having to buy 14 tall glass vases.  ( What is a bride to do with that many afterwards anyway?! ). A multitude of candles and 12" round mirrors finished off this stellar look! 

 Curly willow will add wonderful height to any centerpiece.  The branches added a great natural element to the room.   Beautiful wrought iron table numbers and beaded decal hanging from the centerpieces added a soft touch. 

Nothing makes me happier then when I blow a brides expectations out of the water.   Trusting your floral designer to fulfill your dream wedding is crucial.  (Not having to sweat and attempt to do it yourself on your special day is priceless!)

Wedding Wishes

~M