Elements of Elegance ~ Wedding Consulting & Floral Design ~ Making Moments into Memories

A Memorable Send Off

dee — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:48 +0000

So now that you’ve said “I do” it’s time to party the night away. But before you head to the reception and hit the dance floor it’s time for your exit and first appearance as a married couple. Throwing rice as the couple makes their way back down the aisle has been a long standing tradition in weddings, but over the years couples have become more creative with this. I found a few of my favorite ideas to share, but you can also take this opportunity and personalize it to make it fit you as a couple.

This past weekend we had a wedding that used bubbles for the send off. Bubbles are a fun and playful way to send the bride and groom off and even better, they don’t leave a mess behind!

For a night wedding, sparklers are a great choice. They also make really cool pictures!

Recently I have seen a lot of couples use streamers. Ribbons come in all colors and patterns so it will be easy to find one that matches your theme. You can also have them printed with your names and the date of your wedding.

My favorite confetti to throw is cut outs from books. They can be from great love stories like Romeo and Juliet or from one of your favorite books as a couple.

Happy planning everyone!

~Emily

Photo Credit: Bubble 1, Bubble 2, Sparklers, Yellow Streamers, Couple Streamer, Book Confetti

Bridesmaid Gifts!

dee — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:31:13 +0000

I have been working on trying to find different gifts for my bridesmaids but can’t find exactly what I would like to get for them. I want to do something fun and different and Dee thought of doing something different for each person in the wedding party. Doing the same thing for each person is an option as well, especially if it is a gift that they can use at the wedding or if you don’t have a lot of time to think of individual gifts. Here are a few ideas that I love!

Clutch Purses: This is a gift that you can give either the same one to your bridesmaids or give each bridesmaid a different one that fits their personality.

Necklaces: This is also a gift that you can give the same one to all of your bridesmaids or choose different styles.

Wine Glasses or coffee mugs: You can personalize these for each bridesmaid.

Movie Night Kit: This is perfect for a bridesmaid who enjoys to have movie nights with either her significant other or a girls night!

Some other fun ideas would be a massage gift certificate, tanning gift certificate, or a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant! Just make sure it is something that represents your bridesmaids and lets them know you are thankful that they joined you on your special day!

~Holly

Images courtesy of: Nina Shoes, Banana Republic, Etsy, Pinterest

Neon Colors

dee — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:21:58 +0000

One of the newest trends this season is going bold. Using neon colors in your wedding, especially during the summer season, really brightens up the theme. Neon colors will bring in a youthful and lighthearted atmosphere to your wedding, which will entertain all of your guests.

I love the way this bride used pink under her wedding dress and the neon colors for jewelry.

This is a really cool use of oranges; I love that they put an orange in a bowl for everyone.

There are so many ways you can incorporate neon colors into your reception. You can put them anywhere from the floral arrangements to the linens on the tables.

You can even include neon colors in the cake. It still looks very classy but it gives the wedding that extra bit of color and fun.

Your shoes can also be neon. It’s the perfect way to show your personality during the wedding and it really makes a statement.

Have fun Planning!!

Katey

Your To-Do List

dee — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:54:05 +0000

Many brides follow a very strict timeline in regards to their wedding planning. Mail invites two months prior, never get a facial the day before your wedding, one week before finalize seating chart but you might be forgetting a few details. I’ve complied a quick and simple list for couples to follow the month before you say, “I do”!

One Month

Prepare name change document
Have programs printed
Buy or make guest book
Obtain marriage license
Trial run of hair & make-up

Two Weeks

Notify caterer of guest count
Begin seating chart
Print place cards
Final dress fitting
Write toasts
Get hair cut/ colored & facial
Fiancé needs haircut

One Week

Finalize seating arrangement
Pick up dress
Confirm details and count with caterer
Confirm honeymoon details
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
Confirm transportation
Manicure & pedicure
Exfoliate & wash hair the day before

Day-Of

Eat breakfast
Send love note to fiancé
Hair & make-up
Relax & enjoy your big day – let your Day-of Coordinator take over

Happy Planning

~Lauren

Photo Credit: Image One , Image Two, Image Three, Image Four

To Sum it All Up….

dee — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:07:54 +0000

Every wedding is different, but want to know how your wedding stacks up to the average? A new fad on the internet, called inographics, basically compile a ton of information about a subject into a colorful presentation. There have been a lot of different ones popping up about weddings. Here are a few of my favorites! (It’s a bit long but they are so much fun to read!)

Happy Planning!

~Diane

Sources: Eyeing the Knot, Weddings Go Social, Ring Guide, True Cost

My Favorite Flower

dee — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:34:10 +0000

For your wedding you have hundreds of options when it comes to your floral choices. Today I would like to share with you my favorite flower which is the dahlia! I love the dahlia because it comes in so many different colors it is easy to incorporate it into any theme. I also like how unique it is and how much it stands out compared to some other flowers. Check out these pictures of how you can incorporate dahlias into your wedding!

Having dahlias in your bouquet is a great way to add a bright pop of color. You can also have a bouquet made completely out of dahlias.

Dahlias also make great boutonnieres. They aren’t as feminine looking as other flowers so your groom will love them too!

You can also keep the theme going by having dahlias in your centerpieces and other decorations at the ceremony and reception.

I Hope you enjoyed my favorite flower and found new ideas to help with the planning of your wedding!

~Emily

Photo Credit: Bouquet 1, Bouquet 2, Boutonniere 1, Boutonniere 2, Centerpiece

The Perfect Honeymoon Destination

dee — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:01:57 +0000

After all of your hard work putting everything together for your wedding, its time for a nice relaxing honeymoon. According to The Travel Channel and U.S. News: Travel, here are some of the top honeymoon destinations to visit!

Las Vegas: Here you can have fun gambling or relaxing by the pool or at the spa. Both sites recommend staying at the Bellagio Hotel.

Florence, Italy: There are so many different attractions to see from gardens to museums to restaurants, you will always have something to do! The St. Regis Florence is the place to stay while you are there.

Bora Bora: This destination is great for a honeymoon because there are many private bungalows over the water. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a beautiful resort to stay in.

Hawaii: There are many places to stay such as Kauai or Maui and many attractions to see. Hawaii is a huge island so make sure to spend some time exploring all over Hawaii. The Four Seasons Haulali is one of the recommended resorts to stay at.

Those are a few places from the two websites that I would like to visit. Take a look and hopefully they will help you plan your honeymoon.

~Holly

First Dance Songs

dee — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:15:28 +0000

Now that you are married your next job to do is dance the night away, and you have that special first dance song. Picking the right song can be hard so, here are a few of my favorite wedding songs that are perfect for that first dance.

For once in my life – Stevie Wonder

Somewhere over the rainbow – Ella Fitzgerald

At last – Etta James

The way you look tonight – Frank Sinatra

Crazy little thing called love – Queen

Lost in this Moment – Big and Rich

Pick a song that connects to you and relationship. Have fun with it you don’t just have to the traditional slow dance. Break out and make it unique to your personalities. You can even include bridesmaids. Take a couple of dancing lessons to really make sure that your first dance is very special.

Lastly, don’t forget about that father daughter dance.

My sister recently got married this is my dad and her during their father daughter dance.

Have fun planning!!

Katey

A Girl and Her Shoes

dee — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:23:54 +0000

There is something to be said about a girl and her shoes but what about a bride and her shoes? Bridal shoes are a chance to make a statement, show your personality, take a few great pictures or even be given as gifts. Great events are created in the details and your shoes are a great way to add a little extra to your wedding day.

Here is an example of a clean, classic, white shoes with a little extra. The rhinestones show a touch of elegance yet aren’t too much of a statement.

Now these are a statement shoe! Have fun with your shoes! Maybe you want to use your wedding colors or your favorite color. Remember, a lot of dresses will cover most of your shoe but if you do wear something fantastic make sure your photographer get a great picture.

Everyone has heard the old saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” How about a blue shoe?

I love the look of cowboy boots. They are great option for the bride or the groom and they show your style and personality plus they are super comfy for dancing the night away.

Shoes or boots are a great gift for you bridesmaids. The girls can use them again, everyone can match (or not! ) for pictures and it’s one less expense for your maids.

It’s important to remember that it’s your wedding and you can do whatever you want! At times we get too caught up in the traditions and customs but in the end it’s you and your fiances big day and there really are no rules. If you don’t want to wear shoes…DON’T!

Have fun, show your style, stay comfy and be in love.

Happy Planning!

Lauren

Photo Credit:Image One Image Two, Image Three, Image Four, Image Five, Image Six

No longer just another ugly dress

dee — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:42:59 +0000

Bridesmaid dresses have a pretty ugly history, but nowadays that is no longer the case. Bridesmaid dresses have become much more of a fashion statement for the wedding, finally giving the bridesmaids a chance to ACTUALLY re-wear the dress. The term “bridesmaid dress” is more loosely defined now, and its up to the bride and her wedding party. Lately trends have included pattern, mixed matched dresses, and sexier styles, which are all things that should have the wedding party smiling.

Happy Shopping!

~Diane

Photo credit: nude, pastel, pattern, nude 2, pinks