Uniquely YOUR style bouquet

When country super-star, Miranda Lambert, walked down the aisle to meet her cowboy, and fellow country super-star, Blake Shelton, she not only rocked her stellar cowboy boots, she carried a brooch bouquet designed from pieces given to her by her bridesmaids. InnCredible!

And Miranda is not the only bride choosing to walk 'flower free'. As 'green' trends gain in popularity, couples are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, and for some, bridal bouquets are taking on a whole new look. In fact, if you can imagine it, you can probably bouquet-it!

Brooch bouquets are by-far the most popular twist on the traditional flower bouquet. And while these bouquets are gorgeous, they can also be a wee bit on the heavy side. It is reported that Miranda's bouquet weighed about 5 pounds! But, does any bride really care when she's carrying a bouquet this beautiful!!! Nope, not one little bit!

If you're not 'into' brooches, how about buttons? We all have button jars at home, right? How sweet is this? Love it!

Another big trend this year is paper flower bouquets. In fact, the latest edition of 'The Knot - Northern California' has an entire page devoted to paper bouquets. Lovely! And, I can't even tell these are paper, can you?

And while we're talking about paper, let's not forget the most popular paper art, origami. If you love origami, here's the perfect bouquet! And, I don't know about you, but to me, those look like dollar bills. Talk about a 'head start' on marriage!

Pinwheels are hugely popular too...and if your theme is centered around this fun childhood favorite, why not carry that theme through your bouquet? Darling...darling...darling!

Love feathers? Well take a look at this InnCredible bouquet...it's so whimsical!

Every year the butterflies come back to Pacific Grove, California, but you can have them with you on your special day with a fab butterfly bouquet. Don't you just love this! It's so bright and colorful.

And, if you're a crafty-girl, you might want to consider this fun felt bouquet complete with button centers. All I can say is...too cute for words! We have some of this style of awesome "flowers" in the shop now!

If you really want to go DIY, this ribbon bouquet might just be your 'cup of tea'.

All you non-traditional, edgy brides might want to consider an awesome metal bouquet...

Love the look but want a bit more glam? Well, add a few pearls! Simple and elegant!

Getting married at the beach, then how about carrying a seashell bouquet as you walk down the sand to meet your husband-to-be! What a beautiful look!

And I couldn't end this blog post without mentioning one of our favorite trends...succulents. If you're using succulents on your tables, why not carry this campy bouquet?

The good news about these bouquets is that they will last virtually forever! Well, accept for the succulent bouquet, that is...

Just remember, the choice is always yours. Pick the bouquet that fits your personality, the theme of your wedding and your colors, and enjoy your big day!

thanks to inncredible events

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618

3030 N High St

Columbus, Ohio 43202

m-f: 8a-6p sat:: 9a-5p sun:: 10a-4p

tips for green events!

Going Green for your event

Tip #1

Think Simply.  The less design elements you use, the easier it is to make the event green/organic or sustainable.  Now, simple doesn’t necessarily mean sparse or even cheap for that matter (although if you have a budget in mind, simple can make it easier to save money).  But simple and less complicated usually means less travel for all the materials and more control over where they came from, how they were grown or made, etc.  By using 10 dozen organic roses grown in CA for example, it is easier to control the green idea than if we chose 10 different kinds of flowers.  Some of these flowers could be organic, others may or may not be and others may be grown outside of the US.
Simple can also help prevent headaches.

Tip #2

Use what you love.  This means follow your heart when you design your event.  What’s most important to you?  If what is most important to you is that there are candles in every corner and on every table, then that’s where you can focus your green time.  How can you make candles sustainable?  What are the least wasteful or least toxic varieties?  How can they be incorporated into your design so they really show up?  What do you do with all those leftover candle holders or votives once you are done?  Not only will it make your event more green, but it will make you happy when you are done, because you’re looking forward to how beautiful it will all look once it’s put together.

Tip #3

Look on Craigslist.  Or, your local goodwill or salvation army store.  There are many finds to be had that have already been used and loved by other people.  Reusing items is probably the most sustainable thing we can do in our world today.  It’s way better than making new organic stuff and breaking down and re-processing old scrap stuff like plastic and metals.  I know: that 70′s inspired dress may not be what you imagined for a bridesmaid dress, but there are some things that we actually like vintage.  Vintage vases, plates, shoes, hats, fabrics, chandeliers, tea cans, napkins, etc.  For more modern items used for weddings and decor, you can find other brides or grooms who are selling it or giving it away on craigslist, which is a great alternative to buying it brand new.
Now, this may all take a little more time than you have.  So it’s best to start early.  Or, find a local wedding planner or event designer who has time to find these things.  Some of us also collect items like this especially to rent out for events.

Tip #4

Stay close to home.  Yes, it’s actually easier to plan an event that is in your own back yard.  It’s easier to find locally sourced food, local artesans, locally grown flowers, etc.  It’s also better for the air and that global warming business.  Who knew.  If you do have to travel, avoid taking your whole extended family, less is more when it comes to driving and flying.  And, take a look at carbon offsets and tree planting programs.  Although it’s sort of like blowing carcinogens and carbon smoke into the air and then growing a tree to clear it up, it’s better than nothing.

Tip #5

Use what we already have.  One of the best ways to stay simple, green and even stay on a budget is to use and reuse what is already surrounding us.  Why not create a lovely arrangement using photos from your family collection.  Or ask friends to bring a token of your relationship to the ceremony to help decorate the altar.  Maybe you decide to do a photo booth, so ask your friends and family to bring weird hats, scarves, boas and masks or cheese heads they may have to the reception so others can use them as costume.  Too often we go out and purchase unnecessary stuff, and it could be just as easy to just ask around and it may be even more fun!   Plus, when it’s something of a homework assignment, many guests will be inspired and enjoy helping out in the fun.

Tip #6

Stay at one place.  This day and age more and more people are opting to have their events in one location.  This is great because if you do it right, you can use decorations that will make one location festive, and so reducing the amount of decor that needs to be used for a separate venue for your ceremony.  You are also inviting guests to come and stay at one place, so they don’t have to drive to two different places, often driving around looking for parking at both, which reduces the carbon footprint and saves your guest’s a little stress.  For a bride and groom, staying at one location can also mean less stress for you, so you don’t have to worry about driving around and getting to the reception on time. It also means more time for pictures!


re-posted from gorgeous and green

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com
EcoFlora on facebook
614.266.1618

Vintage jewelry for your wedding party

These are a few AWESOME creations from my Eco-Chic Craftaular neighbor, The Dark at Heart.

Couldn't you see your bridesmaids wearing these??

(obviously they wouldn't be exactly the same, but still So charming.)

Check out Jessica's etsy page!

Some vintage pieces may have signs of wear...this adds charm and history...please continue to tell their story. I hope you will be able to enjoy these pieces as much as whomever else wore them did!

Soon to come are some super cute Bow ties from Peat and Repeat!

EcoFlora

Unique floral design using organic and sustainably grown flowers

www.ecofloradesign.com

ecofloradesign@gmail.com

EcoFlora on facebook

614.266.1618