A Remembrance Of Loved Ones

Many couples want to incorporate their loved ones into the big day and celebrating the life of those who have passed is no different.  There are various ways to highlight these loved ones in both the ceremony and reception, I have picked a few of my favorites ways for some inspiration. 

#1. Photos.  Probably the most common and the most diverse way to remember loved ones, photos can be used in many ways throughout the wedding day.  This bride kept her loved ones close by putting a photo locket on her wedding dress' belt while others choose to attach a photo locket to their bouquet.  Another way is to set up a special space at the reception with photos and rememberance candles, which a FCW client did for her wedding in April 2011. 

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Williams wedding 4.2.11, photo credit: KRR Photography Ltd.

#2. Ceremony.  It is such a nice gesture to include a short note about all the loved ones both you and your future spouse will miss on this special day.  Another idea is to include any readings or songs that remind you of these people.  Some couples choose to incorporate rememberance into the wedding ceremony by set aside single white roses (or any flower you choose) to give to the direct family members of those who have passed on or simpy having a rememberance table.  If you have immediate family members who have passed on, leaving an empty chair is a powerful gesture.

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#3. Reception.  Having a dessert bar?  Use some of your favorite family recipes and share Grandma/Mom/Aunt Becky's delicious treats with all your guests!  Favors are another special way to honor loved ones with a donation to a favorite charity or cause.  Some charities like the American Heart Association will even gift you special favor cards to explain to guests where the donation is going and why.

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The New Way To Wow With Flowers

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones.  I worked a wedding with Sascha's Catering this past Saturday in Baltimore, MD and now I'm obsessed with re-creating the floral arrangements.  This look is clean, classic and understated with a huge impact yet versatile for many weddings.  Flowers submerged in water with a few candles around the vases for a glowy effect.  So simple, right?  I am always seeking out alternatives for my clients, both aesthetically and financially minded.  I have a feeling this obsession will stick around for awhile, it is cost effective AND fits most decor themes.  Hint: If you want to add an extra punch, dye the water.  If you tell your bridal party early on to keep an eye out for gorgeous clear vases, you'll cut the cost and worry of renting from the florist.  Also, this is a really great DIY idea for brides- aside from buying flowers from your florist & cutting out the arrangement fees, you can search local flower farms and even grocery stores for in-season blooms. 

And the beauty doesn't stop with flowers- you can alternate centerpieces with fruit!  My favorite is lemons, maybe because I adore adding pops of yellow anywhere and everywhere.  Tree branches, moss and leaves are also a great focal point for a nature wedding.  With the immense variety of options, you can tailor your decor to any theme- cherry blossoms for an Asian wedding, roses for a classic wedding or add seashells for a beach wedding.  I hope this helps you think outside the box, I've of course added some images for inspiration.  Enjoy!

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A Rose By Another Other Texture

I am constantly amazed by people's creativity.  Constantly.  In the world and specifically in the wedding industry.  I posted about paper flowers in July and recently I have seen more and more fabulous floral options.  Here are 4 of my favorite new ideas.  Enjoy!

1. Clay Flowers.  As seen in this amazing Etsy shop, this artist manipulates clay into beautiful bouquets!  And the best part?  You get to keep your beautiful bouquet forever!  I am quite a fan of practicality for all event planning and so I am totally in love with this idea.  You may be wondering how real these clay bouquets are and so I've included a picture from the Etsy shop:

 

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2. Fake Floral Runners.   Real petals are rarely allowed at ceremony or receptions sites because when you step on them they become very slippery and are therefore a hazard.  Yep, next to open flames, real flower petals is the next big item that most venues have firm policies against.  Still want that romantic runner down your aisle?  Enter these AMAZING fake flower runners seen in this post.  Ready, set, gorgeous runner!

 

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