Knot Plan

Flowers bring color and glamor to a wedding but can also burst a hole right through your budget. There are things that you can do that will make your wedding beautiful but won’t break the bank. If you are getting married in a park let nature do its thing; if you are using a tent, potted plants on tiered shelves placed in strategic spots may be all you need. The plants and shelves may be purchased in big box stores or even Target or Wal-Mart and you can use them in your home after your big event. You can even use potted plants for centerpieces. Place them in large decorative pots in the center of tables or small decorative pots placed at individual settings. Use the same plants or different plants in the same color. You may also buy cut flowers from a Costco, grocery store, or even on-line, and create your own centerpieces using rented or purchased vases. The Christmas Tree stores are a great source for vases of all sizes and shapes and you really can’t beat the prices. Of course, doing it yourself requires last minute work, and a little talent, so it can be nerve wracking, but the savings are worth it if you can handle it. Table centerpieces don’t have to be flowers either. Experiment with varying sizes of candle holders, from tapers to pillars. Place them on a tray or mirror and presto—instant chic. Also try colorfully wrapped gifts piled up in the center of the tables. The gifts can be taken by the guests at the end of the celebration. Candies, cookies or cupcakes served on tiered plates also make fun centerpieces and are welcomed by guests. A little imagination goes a long way especially if you don’t mind doing the work yourself. If you do choose to use a florist give them a budget and see what they can do. If they are good they will be able to offer lots of suggestions to make your day perfect.

1. Monique Lhuillier
2. Vera Wang
3. Priscilla of Boston
4. Elie Saab
5. Amy Michelson
6. Reem Acra
7. Maggie Sottero
8. Melissa Sweet
9. Anne Barge
10. Watters & Watters

When choosing your bridal bouquet keep your body shape and size along with your wedding gown in mind. The bouquet should not overpower you, nor should it be so small that it is lost. An elegant gown should pair up with an impressive bouquet, but a simple gown can also provide a nice background for an elaborate bouquet. Here are a few examples of bouquet styles:

• Constructed bouquet: clusters of flowers are taped or wired together to create a structured form. The stems can be wrapped in ribbon or the arrangement can be put into a small bouquet holder called a tussy mussie(a Victorian era bouquet holder usually made of silver).
• Nosegay: a tight, small round, bouquet usually made of one type of flower.
• Hand-tied: flowers have a “just-picked” looked, where the stems are tied with a bow and some of the stems are left exposed.
• Cascade: flowers and greenery trail downward from the main body of the bouquet.
• Pomander: a small sphere is covered with flowers and suspended from a ribbon handle.
• Boutonnières: small flowers or greens worn in the left lapel by the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers and godfathers.

Brides can add there own personal touches to their bouquets by using lace or ribbon from their mother’s or grandmother’s gown, or using antique pins on the ribbons used to secure flower stems. Sometimes brides duplicate the bouquets of their mothers, others may carry small bibles with flowers attached. Make your bouquet as personal or as different as you dare!