May Flowers

April showers bring May Flowers ...... 

As we say Good-bye to April and Hello to May the Events By LB Smith team, thought it would be the perfect time to take a new look at our favorite wedding flowers, their seasons and meanings. It is our hope that as you start to make choices regarding your wedding day floral designs, you can get some great ideas from this post to make an informed choice.

Wedding Flowers 101

The first thing to consider when thinking of the design of your bouquet, altar flowers and center pieces is the time of year you will exchange vows. Flower availability and price is dictated by seasonal popularity, growing season, size and color just to name a few. The same flower may have a different price point at different points of its season.

But never fear ! There are enough beautiful flowers in every season to make your bouquet as beautiful as you are. Let’s examine the Options …..

Roses are one of the most widely used wedding flowers. Colors include Red (meaning love), Pink (meaning admiration & sweetness), and Yellow (meaning friendship & delight). Rose are available year around and are usually very affordable for most wedding couples.

Hydrangea (meaning understanding and devotion)  is another year around floral option, the hydrangea is known for its lush and bold appearance. They can be found in white, ivory, blush pink, sage green, purple, blue and antique red (seasonal).  Now for the cons; this flower should be supplied with a constant source of water. DIY brides should steer away from this option, a professional florist can better preserve this flower.

Bell of Ireland (meaning good luck)is a very recent trendy choice. We love them in modern arrangements. Clear vases filled with several dozen stems can make a huge impact on your guests, with-out emptying your wallet.  Easy to design with, available year round and budget friendly.... who could ask for anything more? If GREEN is in your color palette they should be a real contender in your event day floral plan!

Peonies (meaning happy life, happy marriage) were grown in China as far back as 1000 B.C. and still occupy a prominent place in Chinese culture. Peony colors include red, pink and white. Peonies are available December through June and they are most accessible during spring months. Peonies are pricey flowers but brides are demanding these big bold beauties more and more. 

 

Stephanotis (meaning happiness in marriage) are used mostly in bridal boutiques as an accent. Its glossy white color is always glorious, especially when designed with bold colorful flowers. This flower blooms between May & October.It is ideal for summer weddings as it can tolerate warm climates very well. The Cons; this little flower is very expensive and sometimes brown before the end of the day.

Orchids  (the meanings of orchids include love, beauty, luxury, and strength)evolving through an intricate and interesting history. Since ancient times, orchids have been celebrated in China for their beauty and fragrance, and appreciated as symbols of nobility, friendship, and refinement. Orchids are always in season, they are often shipped from warmer climates such as Thailand. Yes they are expensive. Lady slippers, Phaleanopsis, and Cymbidiums are most expensive, whereas there are other less costly options. The possibilities are endless when designing with orchids.   

Yes!! We've saved our best for last, the queen of them all !!

Calla Lily also known as arum lilies (meaning Majestic Beauty, Regal). Calla Lilies are available all year round BUT there are wide variations in price.  These flowers are normally more expensive than others. Calla Lilies bloom from early spring through summer which is the best time to buy. Calla Lilies come in a variety of lengths, colors and sizes.The versatile Calla Lily is truly beautiful to behold. 

Thanks for Visiting Our Blog Post ... Happy Planning , Sincerely LB  ;-)

Visit www.eventsbylbsmith.com
We can help you create your ultimate event plan & design!!

Colorful Ambition

There’s no better way to inspire an amazing sensory experience than to design your event space with colors that reflect your personal style and aesthetic. So long gone are the days when one or two colors represent a concept, a theme or an idea. As an event / wedding planner and designer, I always encourage my clients to implement an array of colors to present a well- crafted palette of modern sophistication.

A professional event designer’s greatest resource is the creative use of color. But be assured that even for a beginner, reaching beyond color limitations is a lot simpler than it may appear. I often ask my bridal couples to describe the things that inspire them personally and spiritually. Your inspiration can be derived from art, music or nature. Once you've discovered your inspiration, select a central, signature or dominate color. Experiment with complimentary colors to complete your palette. Ideally, three to four additions to your central color will do the job.

When choosing a color palette consider the following ….

Will your event take place indoors or outdoors? Moreover, what time of the day it will be?  Don’t forget to consider the light source and how it can complement or diminish the overall look of your event-scape. Natural light can be a great asset.

How many guest will have the honor of attending your event?  The number of guest is important to consider when designing. The larger the guest list the more space you need to accommodate for. Understated colors can get lost in a grand space, where they would otherwise work magically in a smaller, more intimate space.

What season will your event take place in? Though the rules have changed, cool colors are still associated with spring and summer and warm colors are usually reserved for fall and winter.

Still need a bit more direction when considering your color palette … We've got you covered! The Best in the Business, Mr. Preston Bailey (Yes! I’m paying homage),  has a free online tool that will engage and inspire your color palette to new and wonderful heights. Visit www.prestonbailey.com and click on " the color palette picker" to get started. Discover your Colorful Ambition!

Thanks for Visiting

Happy Planning   ; )

Sincerely, LB 

You May Be Seated..........

 

 

Its All about the Chair !!!! Welcome to Our Blog!!

From the Simple to the extravagant …. If you are looking for a way to elevate your event to the next level, this blog post is for you!! ITS ALL ABOUT THE CHAIR. One of the most Frequently requested trends in the event and wedding industry are  designer chair adornments. Yes, that’s right!  The chair is becoming one of the most important accessories in event design. Where the emphasis used to be placed strictly on table scape and floral arrangements, the chair design is the new Table scape. The days of covering a banquet chair with a white fabric and sash to tie it in a neat bow (Although still adorable and many times very necessary)  is quickly fading into the distance. The primary purpose of the traditional chair cover was more out of necessity to cover an eye sore of a chair , the design elements of the covers was a secondary thought.

As a professional planner I love this movement. We are now designing with beautiful pieces of art that compliment a more sophisticated chair such as the chiavari.  It makes perfect sense to provide your guest with an upgraded sense of elegance by offering a comfortable and ultra-stylish place for them to sit. After all that’s where they will spend most of their time with dinner and in-between dancing. These uniquely designed chair covers, jackets and adornments are available in an assortment of colors, fabrics, and dimensions. The character and textures that these styles bring to your event captures your individual style and adds a flare of exclusivity. It simply births new life to the event space, thus taking the industry by storm, as we in the event planning world try to keep up with demand.

 

The Good News is that most established event and wedding planners have the inside track on how you can get your hands on these beauties . The great news is that most brides can afford to splurge a bit on their perfect chair adornments without breaking the wedding budget bank. Be sure to plan ahead to ensure that your selections are in stock and that they will arrive on time. I hope you are inspired by these designs. Please visit us at www.eventsbylbsmith.com so we can help plan and design your special day. Happy Planning ; )

                                                              Sincerely , LB

Picture Perfect

After you’ve said “YES” and before you say “I do” there is so much to think about. The venue, the dress, the flowers, the guest list, the hotel accommodations, the menu, family politics, and it goes on and on.  It is very important to style your event according to your personal interest, let your surrounding be your inspiration.

With so many things to consider to make the day of the wedding perfect, couples often overlook the need to preserve and plan for the memories of the day. Long after the flower arrangements have wilted, after the last glass of champagne has been drank and years after your flower girl is a beautiful bride herself you will have your precious memories not only to remind you of your wedding day but to tell the story of your journey and the legacy of your family.

With that being said I encourage my couples to invest in their photographs by researching and hiring a trained, experienced photographer to capture all of your sacred moments. There are several styles of photography offered these days the possibilities are exciting.  Pictures are powerful! REMEMBER a picture is worth a thousand words. Let’s examine the options.

Traditional
Tradtional wedding photography can be recognized as formal color photos where people are posed and looking toward the camera "say cheese". Traditional photography still has its place in the modern photography; however it is expected to be less in demand in the coming years due to the higher demand for more illustrative and photojournalistic styles of shooting. Photographers who work in a tradition style typically lack the creative edge that we see in modern photos. Traditional style photography is posed and usually pre- planned to follow a photography check list to the letter. There will be a lot of direction or coaching by the photographer.

Photojournalistic – This the art of capturing the moments as they take place. Identified as being more raw, realistic and factual, stemming from newspaper photography. Think of it as a movie that tells the story without words. The photographer will be unnoticed in most cases.   

 Illustrative and Artistic The latest trends in wedding and event photography is Illustrative and Artistic wedding photography. These terms are often used in relation to the other. When thinking of an Illustrative style it is important to understand that color, texture, and lighting play big roles in this method. Usually the professional behind the camera is the ultra-creative type. They see things or possibilities others have overlooked. Where there is not opportunity to capture a rare moment they create opportunity. These styles embody the eye of the beholder rule the ‘Artist’ or photographer will key in to his or her own creative cues to create magic. This style is unique, modern but timeless. Depending on the photographer – there may be a great deal of interaction with you and your guest - or there may be none. If you are considering this style check out the portfolios of particular photographers to see if their style is reflective of the type of work you would like showcased in your memories. This type of photography can produce cutting edge and stunning wedding photographs as a superb and individualized record of your big day. It might be considered a little risky by some brides who prefer a more traditional approach.

Whatever your choice you will be Picture Perfect on your Big Day!! Happy Planning!!

Sincerely LB

Dance on Top of the Table : Tablescapes 101

The Term Table Scape for all intents and purposes simply refers to the design elements that are arranged on tables creating an oasis of color, flare, and texture. Of course the presents of a fork and a plate is not the complete picture when it comes to the ultimate table scape. Though, the functionality of forks and plates are a must we should look beyond the norm! To master table scapes there are three major components of the design that should be considered.... functionality, theme and cost. While flowers are the most commonly used item when we think of what can and should be a part of a table scape. I challenge you to think beyond the "flower" and incorporate an artistic balance that will allow your design to look as if it is dancing on the table ; )

Everyone loves the finer things in life... a beautiful table scape design is a must have in modern events. You can create a look that reflects your personal style, complements your theme, and amazes your guest.

Tip #1 - Make it personal - Create an experience... add elements that include your guest in the design - photos are a great way to accomplish this. Another Great way is the customize napkin bands/ holders ... wine glasses ... and even menu cards with guest names.

Tip #2 - Add your favorite things - If you are a fan of literature or art ... use frames to showcase some elements of your hobby, passion and personality.

Tip#3 - Use what you have in your home... Think of ways to complete your designs with simple items that you already own. This saves time and money. This idea is especially effective for small dinner parties or celebrations.

Tip #4 - Layer your design - All great designs address color, theme, and texture. To add texture you can choose to use linen that has a pattern or a unique material that is intriguing to the eye and to the touch. If you use frames: mixing up a variety of finishes and sizes add an eclectic feel. Use risers at different levels to draw the eye in and out of your multi-dimensional masterpiece.

Tip#5 - Lighting - If you choose to use cost effective candle light or you go for the more costly professional up lighting. It helps make it all magical. Lighting is a very vital element to creating the perfect table scape.

Happy Designing - Sincerely LB

Visit www.eventsbylbsmith.com
We can help you create your ultimate event design!!