The Value of Mock-ups Before the Wedding

Picture this:  the ballroom below set with alternating centerpieces, some tall and some low.  The taller centerpieces would feature beautiful shades of purple while the lower ones would showcase shades of white and yellow, in keeping with the violet and yellow color theme.

Halekulani Ballroom.  Photo by Kris Labang Photography.

At least, this was our original plan when discussing designs with the floral designer for this wedding.  Before solidifying the designs, however, I like to suggest a mock-up, or a sample design to be created so that the happy couple can see what is in store for their big day, and also, so that they have the opportunity to modify things to suit their liking.  For the mock-up for this particular wedding, the designer brought a long, slender glass pilsner vase, a squat glass vase, a purple floral arrangement to sit atop the pilsner, and a softer white and yellow arrangement to place atop the lower vase.

What we found at the mock-up, however, which took place in the venue where the wedding reception was to be held, was that the rich purple flowers, while stunning and show-stopping, seemed to lose its impact when placed atop of the pilsner, due to the darker shade of the ballroom walls.  When looking across the room, the purple flowers seemed less striking since visually, there was very little contrast.  Conversely, the white and yellow flowers placed on the low vase, seemed to blend into the table, since the table cloth was white.  Certainly, this would all be fine if the intention was to go for an understated look, but having two different centerpiece styles, of two different heights, with two different color schemes, was intentionally meant to play on contrast.

As such, we tried switching the floral pieces, placing the purple flowers on the low vase and the white and yellow flowers on the pilsner, and the result was a look with higher impact than originally planned, and a couple pleased with the outcome.

White and yellow floral arrangement placed atop the tall, pilsner vase to contrast against the dark colors of the wood-paneled ballroom walls.  Photo by Kris Labang Photography.

Purple flowers set on the low, squat vase, to contrast against the white table linen.  Photo by Kris Labang Photography.

 

See how noticeable the white and yellow flowers are, when contrasted against the dark walls, while the purple flowers on the table in the background seem to "pop" against the white table.  Contrast lends a high visual impact.  Photo by Kris Labang Photography.

Photo by Kris Labang Photography.

I cannot underscore the value of a mock-up prior to the wedding.  Having done so for our clients has impacted everything from specifics regarding the floral design, choice in linen, and decisions such as where to place the favor and whether to use chargers or napkin rings.  It also affords greater peace of mind on the wedding day, having a concrete idea of what the look of the wedding will be.  (I also happen to really enjoy the creative process that accompanies planning, preparing for, and executing the mock-up, and perhaps you will, too!)

Happy planning!

Giving Thanks

Anna and Zen, our couple who got married in August, came equipped with mini chalkboard in hand on their wedding day.  Photo by Stephen Ludwig Photography.

In honor of our Thanksgiving holiday, which we just celebrated, I thought I'd write a brief note about expressing gratitude to those who have demonstrated their love and support as you embark on your new lives in marriage.  While not particularly new, I love the idea of preparing a sign that says "thank you" to pose with on the wedding day.  The photos make for great enclosures in thank you notes and are a sweet way of conveying your appreciation.  You can even work with your stationer to custom design a sign that coordinates with the rest of your wedding stationery.

Maisy and Aaron had their guests gather round for their sweet "Mahalo" shot.  ("mahalo" means "thank you" in Hawaiian.)  Photo by Visionari.

Remember that thank you notes may be sent as soon as a gift is received, even if it is before your wedding even takes place.

Thank YOU for reading my blog, and I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season!

Destination wedding tip: don't forget to press or steam your veil!

Photo by L'amour Photography

Here's a quick tip for destination brides to Hawaii.  Naturally, we think about getting the wedding gown professionally steamed or pressed upon bringing it to Hawaii, but remember that the veil should also get professionally treated before the wedding.  As an important part of the bridal ensemble, it should receive the best care so that you look in tip top shape, from head to toe.  Some of our local bridal salons will professionally press or steam gowns AND veils before weddings, so be sure to drop off your veil when also leaving your gown.

Happy Planning!