Expert Answers & Top Tips | OneWed

12 Ideas to Incorporate Charity into Your Wedding

Azure — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:12:27 -0400

Special to OneWed by The Charity Wedding, named Best Blog for a Cause in OneWed's Best Wedding Blogs 2011 competition!

There are a few short moments after you get engaged of pure happy bliss. And then you start the actual wedding planning... and stress begins to flood your mind. That's how it was for me anyway and why I came to the conclusion that I'd have to tweak the process to successfully plan my wedding. I’ve never enjoyed being the center of attention and while I love weddings, I found myself unable to get excited about all the details when I not only saw the cost of such items but came to the realization that all of this was for one day... just for us.

I truly believe that a wedding should reflect the couple and while some couples chose to do that through flowers, décor, or their attire, we did this by making our wedding about more than just ourselves. We determined that the best way to have the wedding of our dreams would be to help others through the process both by raising awareness and money for various causes. What started as a crazy idea turned into an amazing process that motivated us to give more, introduced us to new non-profit organizations, and opened our eyes to all the ways other couples could give back just by committing to make selections that they would make anyway, that could do more for others.

Incorporating charity into weddings is a relatively new trend and I am excited to be able to share all the ways that you could bring a little good will into your day with little to no sacrifice on your part!

1. Wedding Registries: This is one of the most popular and well known ways to give back. In today’s world many couples already live together, have a house full of things, and really don’t need to register for new toasters and china. Organizations like the I Do Foundation allow you to not only to create charity registries but also to register with common retailers like Target who will donate a portion of any items bought through the I Do Foundation wedding registry, at no additional expense to your guests.

2. Wedding Vendors: Several vendors donate all or a portion of their proceeds to a charity. While some will make this public, others may not so it might be a good idea to ask wedding vendors when you meet with them. Shoot for Change is photography company that donates their proceeds to charity and over $56,000 has been raised so far. Imagine the impact that is having on non-profits!

3. Attire: Organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer or dress shops like The Bridal Garden both sell wedding dresses and use part or all of the proceeds to help their respective causes. Grooms can get in on the action too by wearing Tom’s Shoes or seeking out companies and organizations that donate to charity- like these ties from Mountain and Sackett that benefit Autism research.

4. Goods: Even wine can benefit charity if you purchase from One Hope Wine! While it may take a little extra effort and research to find companies that use some of their funds for the good of others it will help counteract that buyer’s remorse just a bit!

5. Details: Consider raising awareness by using different charities as your table numbers, selecting colors based on specific charities (red for heart disease, blue for autism, purple for cystic fibrosis) and then tell your guests a little about it in the program. My bridesmaids and I wore red shoes to bring awareness to heart disease (the number one killer of women in this country) and we even asked female guests via our wedding invitation to do the same.

6. Paper goods: The I Do Foundation even has a partnership with an invitation company. They will donate a portion of your wedding invitation sales to charity at no extra cost to you.

7. Postage: The post office sells stamps that benefit various charities. Instead of opting for a wedding related stamp or something else, ask what cause related stamps they have on hand.

8. Flowers: Consider donating leftover wedding flowers to local nursing homes or hospitals. Some places have restrictions on what can be brought in so try to arrange this in advance.

9. Food: If you have leftover food consider arranging to drop off anything extra at a local homeless shelter.

10. Favors: Skip the little mementos with your wedding date one them, that let’s face it, no one really wants and opt to make a donation in your guests honor instead. Guests are not coming to your wedding to get a gift and I can promise you they won’t miss it! If you do want to give them something search for a little something from an organization that gives back like Emily’s Edibles or Truffles for a Cause.

11. Cake: Wedding cakes are gorgeous but one of the costs I had the hardest time swallowing. Luckily there are bakeries like Cakes for A Cause that give back through your wedding cake purchase!

12. Honeymoon: Yes, even your honeymoon can be charitable! A portion of travel booked through the I Do Foundation will go to charity and companies like Sandals even have their own non-profit organizations so you know that while it may not translate directly, they do use some of their profits for good in the community that their resorts are located in.

Overall with just a slight shift in perspective and perhaps a bit more effort, you can bring charity into several aspects of your wedding. The most important thing you can do is simply ask if your vendors make any charitable contributions from their proceeds or even if they are actively involved with any charities. You just may inspire them to give back too! In the end the day will be beautiful, guests will have an amazing time, you will be married and you will know that along the way you helped change the lives of others.

Top 10 Ways to Look and Feel Your Best When Tying the Knot

Azure — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:32:58 -0400

Special to OneWed by Ashley Koff, R.D., featured dietitian on the CW’s 'Shedding for the Wedding'

1. Make every bite count with nutrient dense foods. Think organic, whole foods versus processed, packaged foods. Make a salad bowl of organic blueberries (1/2 cup –fresh or frozen), quinoa (1/2 cup cooked), greens (unlimited) and avocado (1/4), and drizzle a ginger, lemon / lime vinaigrette (1 tsp dried ginger, 1 Tbsp organic lemon / lime juice, 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar) on top.

2. Get your GLA on! Fatty acid Gamma-linoleic (or GLA) helps create glowing skin and healthy wedding hair and nails. Nature’s source? Hemp. Toss hemp seeds on whole grains, berries or salad or use a hemp protein powder in your smoothie. Manitoba Harvest and Nutiva hemp products are great!

3. True hydration is so much more than water. Reduce your sodium intake and increase your potassium intake. Get hydrated with plain coconut water (I love ONE coconut water), white potato, banana, and avocado.

4. De-Stress with magnesium! Stress is inevitable but magnesium, Mother Nature’s muscle relaxant, helps keep you from showing the signs of stress and feeling them, too. Magnesium is found in whole grains (careful, not all whole grain flours will still have their original grain’s magnesium content), legumes, and greens, and I rely on a supplement of magnesium citrate (Natural Calm) when I’m feeling extra stressed.

5. Shake, rattle, and roll. Cellulite and bulges can be a sign that the lymphatic system isn’t clean and clear. To shake things up, jump on a trampoline, jump rope or put on some crazy music and dance around. And use the “roller” (most gyms have these Styrofoam or other tubes) before and after exercise to loosen up stiff muscles and help clear the lymphatic system.

6. Focus on fiber. Fiber helps make you feel full and also removes toxins and waste so you look your best. When increasing fiber, stay well-hydrated and choose quality sources. My go-to’s are organic chia seeds (for pudding), Nature’s Path Optimum Slim, and Smart Bran (for homemade trail mix). To whip up your own vanilla chia pudding, combine 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened hemp milk, 1 tsp liquid stevia, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a shallow bowl, stir and let stand, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Don’t want to DIY? Ruth’s Hemp’s Chia Goodness cereals are available at www.happybellybags.com and many natural foods stores.

7. Take a holistic approach. Your left hand is already attracting a lot of attention (thanks to your engagement ring rock!) and it’s likely that your arms, shoulders and toes will be on review in your wedding photos, too. Keep them all looking great with an anti-inflammatory diet for your insides. Use spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and oregano, choose high-quality carbs and proteins, and add anti-inflammatory fats like walnuts, flaxseed oil, and wild salmon. To get glowing skin and lock in moisture, apply coconut oil after a shower or add directly to the bath.

8. Celebrate without regret. Yes, you can have alcohol and still look and feel your best on your wedding day and…and the day after. Practice portion control or the fine art of wine tasting (think sip, not spit) and make sure to stay hydrated! Keep Nature’s Hydrators – water and plain coconut water – on hand to prevent a hangover, and try to avoid drinks with added sugars (juice, soda, etc.). Sugar works against you waist-wise and hangover-wise.

9. Sugar, sugar… A treat like tasting your wedding cake will only come twice or three times in your life. This will not ruin your efforts to look and feel your best when tying the knot. But having added sugars on a daily basis can keep you from your goals. I recommend choosing sugars in their most natural forms, carbohydrates like fruit, whole grains, legumes, organic dairy and starchy vegetables. Add a drop of honey to yogurt or cereal to make add some natural sugar, and avoid all artificial sweeteners.

10. Shedding for your Wedding? Watch the show (Wednesdays, 9pm on the CW) to see that it IS possible to lose weight, stay healthy and even strengthen your relationship if you and your fiancé commit to exercise and diet together. Now is the time to define what your health will look like in the future! It takes hard work but the commitment pays off. Register for a gym membership, or purchase weights and exercise DVDs for at-home fitness.

For a full pre-wedding nutrition plan including portions, check out Ashley Koff R.D.'s nutrition plan.

Wedding Registry Top Tips

Azure — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:32:03 -0500

1. Register Early: As soon as you announce your engagement, friends and family will start purchasing wedding gifts for you and your groom. It's totally acceptable, etiquette-wise, to start registering once he's popped the question. And remember that many guests will look to your registry for pre-wedding (engagement party, bridal shower) purchases. Like the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Make sure to create registries at your favorite stores and add those must-have items asap so you can get everything on your wish list.

2. Create Multiple Registries: Don't put all your eggs in one basket! Create registries at 2 to 4 of your favorite stores. Having more than one registry will give your wedding guests the variety they're hoping for.
*Special tip- If possible, one of the places you register at should have a brick and mortar store located near where the majority of your wedding guests reside.

3. Cover Your Bases: Since you should have multiple registries, make sure the stores you choose have unique product offerings. Don't register at Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and Sears. Instead, choose your favorite department store, a kitchen store and a home goods store.

4. Check Your Inventory: Make a list of the things that you and your fiance already have and what you'll be keeping. Taking stock will help you determine what types of items should be at the top of your wedding registry list. You might also be surprised at how much you guys already have when you combine forces.

5. Include Your Groom: Include your groom throughout the registry process. Sure, the wedding day is all about you. But the wedding gifts are all about creating the perfect newlywed nest! Make sure your fiancé has a say and gets a few of his must-have items on your wedding registry.

6. Let Your Registry Reflect Your Lifestyle: What things do you and your fiance really love? Is cooking one of your passions? Do you entertain a lot? When you do entertain, is it a casual or fancy affair? Make sure to register for items that you'll really put to use, not just those 'traditional' registry items. If you can't imagine serving guests on shi shi China, then don't add fine China to your registry. Just like your wedding day, your registry should reflect you.

7. Stay On Top Of It: ... and update your registries often! As a wedding guest, there's nothing worse than checking out a registry and finding nothing but napkin rings and towels left to purchase. As guests knock off items from your registry list, you'll want to add new products to keep things exciting and add variety.

8. Go Room to Room: With all the gorgeous registry options for fine China, crystal stemware and sterling silver flatware, it's easy to lose site of the big picture. Make sure your kitchen and dining room aren't the only places getting some registry love. Your bedroom is just as important... :)

9. Hit All Price Points: Add inexpensive items and pricey items to your wedding registry. By this point in your life, you know what types of gifts to expect from certain people. We all have those beyond-generous family members who spoil us rotten and those frugal friends who have money but won't spend it.
*Special tip- Determine three appropriate price points (<$75, $75-$150, $150+), and register for an equal number of items in each price range.

10. Don't Mention On Your Invites: One of the most common registry questions in the book is, "Can I include registry info on my save-the-dates and/or wedding invitations?" And the answer is NO! Believe me, I've heard some good arguments justifying why it makes sense for that bride to include her registry on her invites. But the bottom line is that it's a tacky thing to do. Instead, include the URL for your wedding website on your save-the-date.

Pick the Right Wedding Photographer in 8 Simple Steps

Azure — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:29:04 -0500

Special to OneWed by David Sheppard-Brick of Photos by DSB

Step 1- The pickup line: Picking the right photographer is kind of like falling in love. If you’re planning a wedding, falling in love is a subject you should know something about. When you first saw your fiance, something about them caught your eye. You thought, “Wow, how can I get them to talk to me.”

Picking the right photographer is sort of similar, except it’s pretty easy to get a photographer to talk to you. A professional will even travel some distance without any sort of commitment to get you to hire them. Back in the bar, something about the photographer's work has caught your eye: the style they shoot in, the way they frame their shots or the way they capture the perfect moment in time. Keep that in mind.

Step 2- Ask them out for drinks: Now comes the more difficult part: the first date. Some people know if they have chemistry with someone after just one date. When you’ve narrowed down your list of wedding photographers, (I’d suggest no more then five) it's time to meet. Chances are you’re probably only going to meet with a photographer once before you hire them, so you have to make it count.

Your husband or wife-to-be may have been awkward at first, but once they became comfortable around you, it all fell into place. You don’t have that opportunity with photographers and as it turns out, that’s a good thing. The photographer is often the unofficial wedding organizer, and of course they pretty much run the photo-session. They should make you feel comfortable right away. They should be friendly and instantly warm to anyone. The little known secret about photographers is the best ones get the best photos because people are instantly comfortable around them. It makes the posed pictures less stiff looking, and the candid’s more genuine.

Step 3- Find out if you’re compatible: Heisenberg says that whatever you study you change. But a good photographer can limit this as much as possible by blending into the background by making people feel comfortable with their presence. You want a photographer that isn't in the way of your wedding guests, but at the same time, isn't sulking around the outskirts of the party, awkwardly trying to get photos. This is guaranteed to creep out your guests.

Step 4- Talk about you: The general rule on first dates is to try and get the other person to talk as much as possible. The rule is the exact opposite when meeting a photographer. Chances are good that you both have busy schedules, so get right down to business.

So what do you talk about? A good photographer wants to know what you want. They’ve been to more weddings in the past year then you have in your entire life, but that does not mean they know you. Yes, they could probably photograph your wedding satisfactorily without any instruction from you. That’s why you are hiring a professional. When I sit down with a client for the first time, my first question is always “What’s the most important thing you want photographed?” I ask that because it gives me a sense of where the couple is coming from. This piece of information can set the direction for the whole meeting.

Step 5- Figure out what you want from your photographer: If you don’t know what you want in terms of pictures, start by telling the photographer details about the wedding. Date and wedding venue are important, but also describe the overall feel or vibe. What’s your wedding color palette? Is the ceremony inside or outside? How big is the wedding party? How many wedding guests? A good photographer will be able to take all this information and figure out what it is you’re really looking for. I often ask couples how they met, or their favorite story about themselves. Remember, it’s a first date, but it’s also an interview so a good photographer is going to try and get you to talk about you as much as possible.

Step 6- Do judge a book by its cover: You hire a photographer because of the way their photos look. Education and training are good, but not enough. I’ve learned more on the job then in any seminar or lecture. Let the photographers work speak for itself. Ask to see a collection of photos from just one wedding, not a mix of shots from different weddings. There should be 40+ photos that the photographer can show you from a single wedding. If they can’t or won’t, this is a red flag. If you like what you see then it's time to talk turkey.

Step 7- Decide the most you can spend and ask for the bill: Wedding photography can cost anywhere between about $1,000 and $10,000. There’s no good rule of thumb on how much to pay. If you find a photographer you love, it’s worth paying for them if it won't put you in debt. If you don’t have the money, then keep looking, but don’t expect to pay less then $1000 and get quality work. Also, when you talk price make sure you ask about printing rights. Have them explain what is included in the quote they give you. Some photographers charge a low rate for the wedding, but you have to buy all the albums and prints form them, which can be very pricy. Make sure that you are getting everything you want for the price you are paying.

And unlike a first date, you know who’s going to be picking up the check. Photographers think long and hard about what price point they need to charge to stay in business. When they give you a quote, don't haggle. Take a deep breath and remember, “You get what you pay for.” Be prepared to spend 10% of your wedding budget on your photographer. Twenty years from now the only thing you will remember about your wedding day will be the pictures. This is not a place to cut corners.

Step 8- Talk it over and take the plunge: So now the dates over, you've got their number and the ball is in your court. Sit down with your future spouse and talk it out. Decide which photographer gives you that warm feeling in your stomach. If you’re in love, you’ll be ready to propose…to hire them.

2011 Style Report: On-Trend Wedding Bands

Azure — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:24:20 -0500

Special to OneWed by Whiteflash.com

Spring wedding season is rapidly approaching, so that means brides and grooms across the country are tasting wedding cakes, practicing their dance moves, and weighing the relative advantages of calla lilies and orchids. One more item on the agenda: purchasing wedding bands. Without further adieu, we present, for the very first time, the hottest wedding band trends of 2011—a gorgeously motley collection of luxurious classics and surprising new details.

Trend #1- Filigree
One of the biggest trends in jewelry of all kinds is a return to the kind of Old-World craftsmanship that turns a piece of jewelry from a bauble to an heirloom. Hand-etched filigree is one example that is perfect for a wedding band. A delicate filigreed design like this one is a great way to incorporate only a few small melée stones but still have powerful visual impact. This wedding band also provides that handmade, vintage look that is so hot right now, and it coordinates well with a simple engagement ring. One caveat—filigree may not be the best option for those who work with their hands.

Trend #2- Color
Sapphires have never been bigger—they were a rising trend even before Prince William popped the question with a certain famous sapphire ring. Even if you opt for a traditional diamond engagement ring, adding a few sapphires to a diamond eternity wedding band is a great way to introduce some fun and color to your wedding band set. In this example, the bezel set sapphires alternate with diamonds, not only adding a beautiful color but also making the entire wedding band more affordable.

Trend #3- Three-Quarter Eternity Band
As popular as the eternity band is, think of the three-quarter eternity band as the little sister who is slowly but surely stealing her crown. There are many advantages to the three-quarter eternity band. For one, replacing the diamonds in the back of the ring with a smooth metal shank makes the entire ring more comfortable. Additionally, the three-quarter eternity wedding band can be had at a much more affordable price point due to those strategic missing stones. Lastly, the exposed metal shank makes it much easier to adjust the size of the wedding band if need be.

Trend #4- Understated Luxury
2011 is all about understated luxury—as the world slowly recovers from the crisis of the last few years, we are reevaluating our obsession with the “bigger is better” mentality. A narrow wedding band set with a few top-notch diamonds is a perfect way to wear luxury without looking ostentatious. This unique wedding band features channel and bead set pavé stones, whic has both the sleek silhouette of the channel setting and the great diamond security of a classic bead setting. The narrow sides of the wedding band means it will wear nicely with an engagement ring, even a wider, more intricate one.

Despite all these exciting new trends, sometimes a simple ring is all you need. If your engagement ring is a complicated, intricate style, it may be best to pair it with a simple wedding band. A solid white gold or platinum wedding band with a sleek silhouette and a comfortable shank may be all you need. In this his-and-hers set, the man’s ring is accented with nothing more than a band of frosted metal, and the woman’s is left simple and beautiful.

Helpful Links:
Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Wedding Flowers Top Tips: Keeping Your Blooms Fresh

Azure — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:40:25 -0500

Wedding Flower Tips from the Experts at H.BLOOM:

1. To make flowers last, recut the stems and change the water as often as possible.

2. To keep the water clear and feed the flowers, create your own "flower power" potion- add a drop of bleach and a dash of sugar.

3. If one flower in your arrangement starts to wilt, use scissors to cut it out and redistribute the remaining flowers to keep your arrangement looking beautiful for as long as possible.

4. Just like brides and grooms, flowers get uncomfortable if they’re too warm: To keep your wedding blooms fresh-looking as long as possible, avoid displaying them near a radiator or in constant sunlight.

5. When refreshing the water in your vase, use room temperature or lukewarm water - there's less oxygen in it which encourages some flowers to open up. The only exception to this is spring bulb flowers like daffodils and tulips which prefer cold water.

If you liked these tips to help keep your wedding flowers fresh, check out H.BLOOM's just-launched online bridal registry!

Wedding Budget Out of Control? 5 Ways to Get it Back on Track

Azure — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:36:08 -0500

Special to OneWed by Susan Alexander-Shapiro from BravoBride.com

When you start planning your wedding, the wedding expense usually comes to mind. After you begin searching for your wedding dress, the cake, wedding flowers, wedding photographer and all the other dozens of details that go into a wedding you may quickly realize that your wedding budget has officially spun out of control. Not to worry! We have 5 ways to help you get your budget back on track while still making your wedding memorable and very special.

1. It’s a number’s game
While it’s a hard task; one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep costs down is to invite fewer guests. Although it would be nice to invite your Mom’s third cousin who met you once when you were a baby, she probably doesn’t need to attend your wedding. Yes, this may offend some people but you can politely explain that you are keeping your wedding small and only inviting immediate family and very close friends. With the average cost of $80 per wedding guest, you can see how quickly the budget can balloon by inviting too many people.

2. Once loved Wedding Items
There are a lot of items you have to buy for a wedding such as your dress, accessories, wedding bands and even decorations. Many of these items will be barely used and only for a few hours so consider buying some used wedding items. Not only is it good for your wallet and budget but it’s earth friendly too.

3. Check Please
Many couples are getting married later in life and may already have the type of household items that would be part of a wedding registry. A new trend is to use a cash gift registry such as DepositAGift.com. With a cash gift registry you can use the money you receive for your honeymoon, a down payment towards a house or to help pay for your wedding costs. Using a service like this can definitely keep your budget in check.

4 Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
Do you have talented friends? Use their expertise! You can quickly cut wedding costs by asking your graphic designer friend to help create your wedding invitations or ask your cousin’s girlfriend with the great voice to sing at your wedding ceremony. Not only is this cost effective but it makes your wedding that much more personal and hopefully your friends will be flattered to be a part of your big day.

5. Know What Your Spending
An easy way to keep your budget in line is to know what you’re spending. It’s easy to go overboard when you lose track of everything you’ve ordered, put a deposit down on and still need to buy. Many websites like OneWed.com have very helpful wedding budget tools that you can access anytime online. Use these tools when you’re shopping and planning and let the numbers help you decide what’s really important and what you can do without.

Planning a wedding is a huge yet rewarding task. With a little bit of creativity and help your wedding budget can easily stay on track so you can focus on having fun and enjoying your big day.

Book the Best Wedding Vendors with 6 Simple Tips

Azure — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:44:06 -0500

He finally asked. You said yes. You’ve shared the news with your family, friends, and the world of Twitter and updated your Facebook status to engaged. Now the fun part begins – the wedding planning! You’ve bought every bridal book in town, subscribed to 50 wedding blogs (including OneWed’s Savvy Scoop bridal blog), and have asked those close to you for recommendations on wedding vendors. But how can you find quality vendors, within your budget, that are perfect for your unique event? Keep reading.

1. Hire a wedding planner if your budget allows! In addition to helping manage your time and stress levels, they’re one of your best resources for finding good vendors. Their reputation depends on your happiness with how the wedding turns out, so they shouldn’t recommend an unprofessional or second-rate vendor. And while hiring a wedding planner isn’t cheap, they can often leverage their connections to get you deals, which could mean better vendors for you while keeping within your budget.

2. Meet with a minimum of three of each type of vendor, and never sign a contract at the initial meeting. Sure, your best friend’s cousin’s dog sitter used them and loved them, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best fit for you. Meet with a few and then take some time to compare and contrast at home. Make sure they fit your style, budget and personality better than any other vendor before you sign with them.

3. Don’t waste time asking a vendor for a referral. When you apply for a job, would you ever give a bad reference? Then why would a vendor give you less-than-perfect referrals? If you have the time, feel free to follow up with referrals, but you aren’t going to get much insight from them. So how do you know they’ll be good if you don’t ask for referrals? Check out our next tip.

4. Google Stalk!! You did it with your fiancé when you first started dating, now it’s time to do it with your vendors. Get the real scoop on what former clients think on the web. OneWed’s Local Wedding Vendor Directory is a great place for this; newlyweds come to OneWed to post ratings and reviews (just like Yelp!) on the vendors they hired. Many a bride has been saved from hiring a shady vendor thanks to our honest reviews from past brides. Once you’ve seen the bad and the ugly, check out the top-rated wedding vendors in your local area. But don’t just stop there! See what others are tweeting, blogging and posting too.

5. Make sure you like the person as well as the service, especially for vendors who will be present at the wedding (photographer, videographer, DJ, etc). Your wedding photographer and videographer will be with you throughout the day, and you’ll be listening to the DJ for most of the reception. Make sure you like them and that they make you feel comfortable, that way they’ll contribute to the enjoyment of your wedding day journey.

6. Organization is key once you’ve started meeting with potential vendors, and our Wedding Vendor Manager lets you keep track of them all. Bookmark your favorites as you search, and keep important notes (price quotes, follow-up dates, etc.) once you meet with each vendor.

5 Holiday-Inspired DIY Wedding Flower Projects- Part Deux

Azure — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:58:17 -0500

Special to OneWed by Lisa W. for FiftyFlowers.com

We already broke down how to create 5 of the fabulous holiday-inspired DIY wedding flower projects. And today, we've got the how to's on the remaining 5!

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 6- Fresh Flower-Adorned Ring Bearer Pillow
Materials
• Small, round pillow
• Two stems Spray roses
• Straight pins
• Floral shears
Ring Bearer Pillow How-To
• Snip ten roses just below the bloom and leaving no stem.
• Arrange your roses on top of the pillow, before pinning, until you are happy with the design. We created a triad of roses spraying out.
• To secure the roses onto the pillow, insert straight pins directly into the center of the flower. Secure by pinning through the stem as well. Insert as many pins as needed to secure the blooms and your design.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 7- Rose Petal Wedding Ceremony Aisle
Materials
• 6000 fresh rose petals or 100 cups for a 20 foot aisle.
• Aisle runner
• Double-sided foam tape
Rose Petal Aisle How-To
• Sketch out the design for your rose petal aisle. The most simple design would be to line each side of the aisle runner. Ideas for the center of the aisle are a monogram, swirls or shapes inspired by your theme.
• Roll out the aisle runner and secure to the floor with double sided foam tape.
• Begin decorating! Grab a handful of petals and create a border up each side of the aisle.
Rose Petal Aisle Top Tip- Rose petal aisle are one of the most efficient ways to decorate. You can be the designer but SAFETY FIRST! Be sure to strongly secure the aisle runner to the floor so that no one trips down the aisle.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 8- Fragrant and Elegant Hair Flowers
Materials
• Spray Roses
• Hypericum berry
• Floral shears
• 24 gauge floral wire
• Floral tape
• Bobby pins
Hair Flowers How-To
• Snip three spray roses leaving a 3 inch stem on each.
• Cut a sprig of hypericum berry with a 3 inch stem.
• Bundle the roses and the sprig of hypericum berry in your hand and arrange so that the blooms are beautifully framed by the berries. Be sure that the blooms are lying flat and not making a round shape.
• When you are happy with the position of the flowers, secure the stems by wrapping a piece of floral wire around to secure the stems. Cut off the extra wire.
• Wrap the stems with floral tape to secure.
• Secure the bundle in the hair with bobby pins.
• To store the completed hair piece, mist with water and place in a cool room.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 9- Mini Wedding Cakes with Fresh Flowers
Materials
• Cupcakes
• Spray roses
• Drinking Straws
• Scissors
Mini Wedding Cakes How-To
• Cut drinking straws into 1 inch lengths. Flowers can alter flavor so we use the straws to keep the stems from touching the cake.
• Cut the spray roses leaving about 1 inch of stem.
• Insert a straw into each cake.
• Insert bloom into the straw, set on a platter or stand and serve.
Mini Wedding Cakes Top Tip- If your mini wedding cakes are covered with fondant, use a crochet needle or ice pick to poke a hole before inserting the straw.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 10- Floral Hand Binding for Wedding Ceremony
Materials
• 30” length of Decorative Rope, with or without tassels
• Two stems Spray Roses
• Moss Covered Wire
• 24 gauge floral wire sticks
• Wire cutters and floral shears
Floral Hand Binding How-To
• Cut the decorative rope to approximately 30 inch length.
• Cut the moss covered wire to the same length as the rope and then wrap the rope around the wire and secure at each end.
• Take a stem of spray roses and snip off 4 of the most beautiful open blooms you can find. Snip each just below the neck.
• Take a piece of floral wire and insert through the stem. Wrap around to secure the wire. Then trim wire to 5 inches. Repeat this for each flower.
• Attach two of the rose heads in the very center of the rope by winding the floral wire around the moss covered wire. This two flowers together will sit on top of your bound hands and symbolize the joining of two.
• Then attach a rose on each end of the rope to symbolize each of you as individuals.
Floral Hand Binding Top Tip- During the wedding ceremony, the officiant will wrap the rose to bind your hands. Choose a poem, verse or special song to play to enjoy this beautiful moment.

A special thanks to all the fabulous wedding pros who helped make this very merry photo shoot happen!
Wedding Flowers: FiftyFlowers.com
Creative Direction and Styling: Lisa Waddington, Shindig Creative
Photographer: John Unrue
Videographer, Lighting: Mark LeGrand, Pro One Video
Linens, Rentals, Desserts, Cocktail and Coffee Design: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering
Hair & Makeup: About Face
Bridal Fashion: The Collection
Groom's Tuxedo: Absolutely Fitting
Stationery Calligraphy: Samira Gast
Handmade Candy Canes: Altamarie’s Candies

Holiday-Inspired Wedding Decor- 5 DIY Wedding Flowers Projects

Azure — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:41:32 -0500

Last week, we featured a festive holiday-inspired red and green wedding with 10 simple DIY wedding flower projects from FiftyFlowers! Today we've got the step-by-step how to on DIY'ing the first 5 fabulous wedding flower projects. And later this week, we'll walk you through the next 5!

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 1- Luxurious and Holiday-Inspired Amaryllis Bridal Bouquet
Materials Needed
• Three stems of Amaryllis with fully open blooms – we used a combination of Candy Cane and Red varieties.
• Floral shears
• 24 gauge floral wire
• Floral tape
• Ribbon
• Pearl head pins
• A vase
Amaryllis Bridal Bouquet How-To
• Remove any dead leaves from the base of the flowers and snip off the stamen to eliminate staining from pollen residue. Gently wash the flowers if there is any pollen on the petals.
• Bundle the Amaryllis stalks in your hand and arrange so that the trumpet blooms are facing outward.
• When you are happy with the position of the blooms, secure the stalks with a piece of floral wire and cut the extra wire.
• Wrap the stalks together, over the wire, with 2-3 inches of floral tape to secure.
• Cut the ribbon and wrap around the stalks to cover the floral tape. Secure the ribbon in place with pearl head pins.
• Cut each Amaryllis stalk on a 45 degree angle about 2-3 inches below the bottom of the ribbon.
• Store the completed bouquet in a vase with enough water to cover the bottom of the stems.
Amaryllis Bridal Bouquet Top Tip- Amaryllis takes extra time for buds to open. Remember to allow up to 7 days for flowers to fully open.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 2- Amaryllis Groom's Boutonniere, to Compliment the Bride's Signature Flower
Materials Needed
• One closed Amaryllis bud
• One stem Hypericum berry
• Floral shears
• 24 gauge floral wire
• Floral tape
• Ribbon
• Pearl head pin
Amaryllis Groom's Boutonniere How-To
• Bundle the Amaryllis bud and a sprig of hypericum berry in your hand and arrange so that the bud is framed by the berries.
• When you are happy with the position of the flowers, secure the stems by wrapping a piece of floral wire around. Cut off the extra wire.
• Trim the stems to 2-3 inches length.
• Wrap the stems with floral tape to secure. Roll up the stem to create a curl at the base of the boutonniere.
• Secure the boutonniere in place with a pearl head pin.
• To store the completed boutonniere, mist with water and place in a cool room.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 3- Whimsical, One-of-a-Kind Berry Bridesmaid Bouquet
Materials Needed
• Two bunches of Hypericum berry, approximately 10 stems per bunch.
• Floral shears
• 24 gauge floral wire
• Floral tape
• Ribbon
• Pearl head pins
• A vase
Berry Bridesmaid Bouquet How-To
• Remove lower leaves from each stem of Hypericum berry.
• Bundle the stems in your hand and arrange the bouquet. Start with a cluster of three stems. Then add another ring of stems, placing the tops of the berries just below the berries you already have in place. This will create a full, bouquet of berries and minimize seeing stems when you are done.
• When you are happy with the position of the berries, secure the stems with a piece of floral wire and cut the extra wire.
• Wrap the stems with 2-3 inches of floral tape, over the wire, to secure.
• Cut the ribbon and wrap around the stems to cover the floral tape. Secure the ribbon in place with pearl head pins.
• Cut each stem straight across about 2-3 inches below the bottom of the ribbon.
• Store the completed bouquet in a vase with enough water to cover the bottom of the stems.
Berry Bridemaid Bouquet Top Tip- Hypericum Berry are available year-round in a variety of colors and last a long time, a great option for DIY flowers.

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 4- Floral Toasting Flutes to Make Your First Toast Even More Beautiful
Materials Needed
• Toasting Flutes
• Moss Covered Wire
• 24 gauge floral wire sticks
• One stem Spray Roses
• Shears and Wire Cutters
Floral Toasting Flutes How-To
• Wrap the moss covered wire around the base of the glass and secure it by twisting end over end.
• Wind the wire up and around the glass until you get to the top. Give yourself and inch of extra length and then cut the wire. Using the extra tightly secure the wire be wrapping it around itself
• Take a stem of spray roses and snip off the most beautiful open bloom you can find. Snip just below the neck.
• Take a piece of floral wire and insert through the stem. Wrap around to secure the wire.
• Slide the wire underneath the moss covered wire and wrap to secure.
• Adjust the bloom so it’s facing upward. Add champagne and toast!
Floral Toasting Flutes Top Tip-- This project idea works well with any tiny flower blooms or buds.
*Psst... check out this super helpful video with complete DIY steps and instructions!

DIY Wedding Flowers Project 5- A Pretty Floral Necklace
Materials Needed
• A wire choker that's a solid ring around the neck
• One stem of spray roses
• 24 gauge floral wire sticks
• Wire cutters
• Floral shears
Floral Necklace How-To
• Take the stem of spray roses and snip off one of the most beautiful open blooms you can find. Snip just below the neck so the stem can be easily hidden behind the flower.
• Take a piece of the floral wire and insert through the bulbous part of the stem as if you are threading a needle. Wrap around the wire to secure and cut the wire to about 5 inches.
• Attach the flower to the choker by wrapping the wire around. Adjust the flower bloom so it points forward.
Floral Necklace Top Tip-- For an alternate look, attach the flower and wire to a velvet ribbon tied around your neck as a choker.

Don't forget to check back to learn how to recreate 5 more holiday-inspired DIY wedding flower projects! And a special thanks to our friends, the talented team of wedding professionals who helped us create the very MARRY Inspiration photo shoot:
Wedding Flowers: FiftyFlowers.com
Creative Direction and Styling: Lisa Waddington, Shindig Creative
Photographer: John Unrue
Videographer, Lighting: Mark LeGrand, Pro One Video
Linens, Rentals, Desserts, Cocktail and Coffee Design: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering
Hair & Makeup: About Face
Bridal Fashion: The Collection
Groom's Tuxedo: Absolutely Fitting
Stationery Calligraphy: Samira Gast
Handmade Candy Canes: Altamarie’s Candies