Things to Know about Wedding Flowers

When it comes to the aesthetic of a wedding, much of it can be defined by the use of flowers, and for many, flowers rank high on their list of wedding-related priorities.  Often, brides have their heart set on a certain flower type(s) to help achieve their wedding vision, but it is worthwhile to bear in mind certain realities when it comes to flowers, particularly here in Hawai'i.

Ceremony flowers by Flowers by Jane.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Being an island state comes with many obvious advantages, and along with it, challenges as well; we do not have the luxury of flower markets similar to SF where cut flowers are abundant and readily available.  In fact, lots of popular wedding flowers, even some of the tropical ones are shipped in (including orchids!).   Many floral designers' policies or contracts will specifically note that they will do their best to meet flower requests, but will also reserve the right to substitute flowers if need be.

Here are some scenarios where flower substitutions may occur.

• damages occurring during shipping
• shipments held up in customs
• flowers out of season
• flowers were different (i.e. smaller than/varying in color) from what was ordered
• weather hardships prevent growers from fulfilling their orders
• most recently, we were even learned that some suppliers of red flowers were refraining from taking orders now in anticipation of Valentine's!

Bridal bouquet by Spinning WEB Florist.  Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography.

We, as wedding planners, want to see every couple's wedding wishes come true.  With regard to flowers, we encourage couples to gather inspiration images that help convey their desired style, and we work closely with reputable floral designers to help ensure this, too.  While there are indeed challenges with flowers, understanding this and working with a great designer will best put you on your way to being a happy bride or groom on your wedding day.

Bridal bouquet and boutonniere by Spinning WEB Florist.  Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography.

Happy planning!

Mona

neu events

(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Wedding planning tip: prepare props for your engagement shoot

Bubbles convey a playful and light-hearted spirit...  Photo by amodophoto.

Engagement photos make a terrific way to commemorate a couple's engagement period prior to their wedding.  Traditional engagement shoots in Hawai'i take place in beautiful, outdoor settings.  Many couples will put special thought into their outfits for their shoot, but rather than just paying attention to the location and the attire, why not take it a step further?

Those that know this couple will easily recognize the popcorn as the groom's favorite snack.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

To personalize your engagement shoot, consider props which add action and/or personality to the photos.  Think about what makes you unique as a couple, and play upon that.  Some will even bring their favorite pet (aka "child") to the shoot.  It'll lend more character to the photos and provide a very contemporary feel to the images.

Red, helium-filled balloons add a splash of color and lend a cheery feel.  Photo by amodophoto.

Happy planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Clear umbrellas make for cute props while leaving the focus on the couple.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Escort Cards and Plated Meals for Weddings

Nothing says elegance quite like a formal, plated meal for a wedding reception.  Many couples opting for this often wish to offer a choice of entree to best cater to their guests' varied tastes and the best way to go about doing so, is to identify each guest's entree selection in advance.  For most seamless service on-site, many hotels and caterers will require some sort of indicator to cue their servers in to the guests' choices.

Here is an easy and effective way to do so: 

Banquet servers knew whether a guest had requested fish or beef by the color of the border on the escort card.  Escort cards by Emi Ink.  Photo by Visionari.

create color coded escort cards or place cards.  It serves as a quick way to inform the server of the guest's entree choice, and is equally decorative and functional, too.  Incorporate the wedding colors to make these cards coordinate with the rest of the stationery and the look of the wedding.

Here, the flower color identified the guests' choice in entree.  Escort cards by Something Blue.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Happy Planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona)

Wedding Day Gifts for Your Soon-to-Be-Spouse

I always find it so touching when couples choose to present their soon to be wife or husband with a thoughtful gift on the morning of their wedding.  Over the years, I've seen some truly heartfelt gifts, with gestures such as a sweet note written on a greeting card to truly say it all, to an arrangement of roses delivered to the bride's room, and of course, gifts such as jewelry or a purse or pair of shoes from the bride's favorite designer are always big hits.

For her gift to Paul on the day of their wedding, Julie selected a stunning timepiece, which was delivered to his room prior to them seeing each other that day.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

This year alone, I've seen some of the most creative and unique gifts from grooms to their brides.  Paul, pictured above, accompanied his gift with a sweet message which he took the time to record on video for his bride, Julie.  The message was "delivered" to her the morning of their wedding in her bridal suite, where she got to hear from his own lips, his words of devotion and sentiments for their future.

Julie's bridesmaids look on as she views the special message recorded for her by Paul.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

The video clip included some of their engagement photos and of course, very sweet words spoken by Paul for his bride.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Then about two and a half months ago, Kyle surprised his bride, Sheryl, with what he knew she would truly appreciate as a wedding day gift.  Rather than sending a physical gift to her room that morning, he instead prepared in secret with us and their videographer, Kai Media, a same-day-edit of their ceremony shown at their wedding reception.  Knowing that she would love a lasting gift which she could appreciate on their wedding day, and in years to come by having this video clip, was according to her, she revealed to me after the wedding, the best gift he could have possibly gotten for her.

If in the process of planning your wedding, consider the possibility of preparing a gift for your bride or groom.  It is a wonderful way to surprise him or her on the day of your wedding, and to express the many emotions you wish to convey.  Remember that the value of the gift or message need not be measured in dollars and cents, as it is often times the thought and effort which are worth so much more.

Happy Planning!