10 Things That Will Get You The WOW Effect

STAY IN SEASON

I know what you are thinking, this is not anything new. You've probably heard this many times. But to me it really can't be said enough. I am one of those more is better type of people and I feel this way about wedding flowers. More is always better and sticking to what is seasonal and even better local if that is possible is the best choice you can make when picking your flowers for your wedding. Not only will you stretch your budget further but the quality will be better and the blooms bigger. And with a larger bloom you might not need as many blooms for each bouquet or centerpiece.

A while back I walked into my local supply house to pick up some flowers. A shipment of blue delphinium had arrived and they were cutting the stems and cleaning them to be put in the cooler. I walked over to take a look commented about how gorgeous they were. The color was rich, the blooms were large and the quality was great. I mentioned this to the person who was prepping them and he said "Tis the season." This further drove home the benefit to me of buying seasonal and how important it is to share this with my customers. Everyone wants Wow on their wedding day. Especially with their flowers.

So remember WOW tip #1 is to stay seasonal with your flower choices.

Who Gets Flowers

There aren't any set-in-stone traditions about who gets to wear wedding-day flowers. But here's who most couples choose to honor: The parents and stepparents, grandparents, any other immediate family members who are not in the wedding party, ushers, and the ceremony readers. Either way, it's up to you.

I have had brides who gave a wrist corsage to her 4 best friends. I have also done a wedding where the bride gave each of her young nieces a corsage and her young nephews a boutonniere. She was close to them all and she wanted them to feel special at her wedding. It was very sweet. I think each of them grew several inches that day because they felt so grown up with wearing there flowers.

You can give flowers to who ever you want as long as you keep things even. It would not be a good way to start your marriage by giving a corsage to your sister and not your sister in law. That is just a fight waiting to happen. And it is good to remember that you are marrying a whole family. This day sets the tone for so many things that are ahead. Weddings tend to bring out a lot of emotions and when they are all good emotions with thoughts of good wishes and happiness it just makes the day of your wedding even more special. Why would anyone want to take any chances of things not going well over a corsage or boutonniere. Such a small thing in the scope of what is going to happen that day.

The Classy Calla Lilly

Amazing, classy, cool, clean, elegant, versatile are all words that you could use to describe the calla lilly. For all of you planning an elegant and classy wedding perhaps these photos will be a source of inspiration. Calla lilies are a chic, dependable, attractive flower. You can easily use them in your bouquets and also your tall reception centerpieces.

You just have to choose one that will match the wedding that your planning. Calla lilies can be found in any season and usually at affordable prices depending on the type you are choosing.

Calla lilies are stunning alone or mixed with other flower types. Calla lilies come in an assortment of colors including mango, eggplant, yellow, lavender and the classic white.

Calla lilies are the perfect flower for both a classic and a modern wedding. From a traditional church wedding to a rustic outdoor ceremony you can see calla lilies are a very diverse flower.

Carnation Love

I have done the carnation an injustice up until recently. I must admit that I did not consider it when I would talk with a client. I had tossed it off to the side as old fashioned and outdated. But I have seen the light. A very popular flower trend that I see continuing this year is flower bunching. Taking all one kind of flower and bunching it together compactly and making a bouquet out of this. It is wonderful. I love the look. I have 5 red carnations made up like this in a cute little glass vase sitting on my desk right now. We will be doing bridesmaids bouquets like this for a wedding in May similar to the one in the first picture. Everyone has a budget and if you want something sizable yet economical then the wonder carnation is for you. Look at these pictures of carnation bouquets and centerpieces and think about using them in your 2011 wedding. Send us an email at www.brenda@asyouwishfloral.com or call (515)201-5135 to talk about your wedding.

Cole and Kimber

Pinkie

Purple Passion

Vintage Coral-Wow

Photos courtesy of Justin Meyers at www.justinsalemmeyer.com

Small Business Saturday

Saturday November 27th is Small Business Saturday. Have you heard about this. Even though As You Wish does not have a retail store front we are still a small business. Saturday is a day to support local small businesses. Small Business Saturday is a national movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

Not all floral delivery sites online are local florist. I urge you to use "Local Florist" who actually arrange and deliver flowers direct from their shops and studios. Unsure if someone you want to order flowers through is local? Check out their About Us page check out their address. Is there address local? Do they even show their address? If not, please find a shop that does.

A local business has a lot on the line. Their reputation in the community and neighborhood where they are established relies on there quality and service. They are more likely to go above and beyond to make sure you the customer are thrilled with your purchase.

Support Small Business Saturday and your local florist.