Jeff Leatham

Although Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky have decided not to speak publicly about their highly anticipated nuptials this weekend, the media has been buzzing about what they are calling “The Wedding of the Decade”. Well, from what I’ve been reading, it seems as if the pricetag for this lavish wedding is as high as the expectations!

It is rumored that Chelsea will be spending $250,000 on… drumroll please… FLOWERS!! According to The Stir, Jeff Leatham, star of the TLC show Flowers Uncut, is the rumored floral designer. Along with his TV debut, Jeff has worked with a plethora of A-Lister’s like Madonna, Oprah (a rumored guest at the wedding), and Tina Turner. He also did the flowers for Eva Langoria and Tony Parker’s wedding. Nice resume’!

Leatham reportedly loves to incorporate long stems, barely tucked in flowers, or flowers that simply lay across the top of a tall clear vase in his arrangements. And his wedding trademark? Bouquets carefully placed on tabletops in a way that even DaVinci would be jealous of his artistry. He says he likes to lay the bouquets (out of vases) on the tables so the guests can easily take the flowers home. I’m curious to what kind of flowers Chelsea has chosen and even more excited to see what Jeff Leatham does with them (and with the $250,000 budget)!!

Lois, "The Corpse Flower"

Sitting at my desk today, I got an email from my co-worker. The email subject line read “stinky wedding”. Well, with a subject line like that I immediately had to stop what I was doing to open it! As I read the MSN article, I couldn’t help but chuckle about this Bride-to-be’s unexpected wedding guest who smells like dead bodies. Yes, dead bodies!

Jessica Zabala plans to be married in the Houston Museum of Natural Science this Saturday, but what she wasn’t planning was that Lois, a rare six-feet tall “corpse flower”, would start blooming in the room right next to where her wedding ceremony would be held. How’s that for a wedding crasher?

The flower is an Amorphophallus titanum, which has only bloomed 29 times in the United States. And as the name suggests when Lois blooms she smells like dead corpses. The rare flower’s dead-body smell attracts the flies and insects it needs in order to pollinate.

According to the article, Lois was about two-thirds of the way to full bloom by Thursday and between 3,000 and 4,000 people were visiting daily to take a sniff. Fortunately for Jessica, it will only stay open about two days, and the smell generally dissipates within the first 12 hours of blooming.

Although many brides may see Lois as an unwanted wedding guest, Jessica has a superb attitude towards the rare flower’s bloom exclaiming, “I don’t need a florist anymore, I’ve got Lois.” Forget orchids, calla lilies, or freesias, Jessica is making her wedding truly unique (and unforgettable I might add) with the rare corpse flower!

Nashville Wedding

So, I was perusing Wedding Blogs the other day when I came across pictures from this Nashville wedding on Style Me Pretty. I’m not sure whether the bouquets were just put in vases for the photos, or if they actually used them as arrangements during their reception… but it got me thinking. I’m sure most of you Brides-to-Be out there are on budgets. And if you’re in the planning process, I would suggest that you seriously consider using this tip to possibly trim down your wedding flower cost. What is this amazing piece of information that I have been withholding from you? It’s not that outside of the box and I’m surprised I haven’t thought of it before, but why not use your bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces for your reception!

If you think about it this actually makes a lot of sense. After the ceremony, what do your bridesmaids really do with their bouquets? It’s not like they need them while they’re dancing the night away and celebrating your nuptials! I’m sure that they would complement your reception décor seamlessly, as the colors and flowers used in your ceremony should also be reflected throughout the entire wedding from start to finish. More importantly, by “double duty-ing” you’ll be saving some money too! Even if the bouquets only serve as centerpieces for the head table.

So you’ve chosen your wedding date, dress, and venue, now on to yet another monumental decision, the flowers. From an early age, every girl dreams of the day that she’ll walk down the aisle. Some envision a church adorned with roses, while others picture a beach with the sun and sand as the backdrop for the big day. Whatever your style may be, there is one constant theme – every bride will be carrying flowers down the aisle.

No matter what flowers you choose to carry, there are a few wedding bouquet trends that all brides should be aware of…

Monofloral or Assorted

The bridal bouquets of today are very different than to those of yester-year. Today’s hot bouquets fall into two categories: the monofloral (otherwise known as the single-flower) bouquet and the assorted bouquet. The “monofloral” look compliments a more contemporary bride, as the bouquet only consists of one type bold, structured flower such as the  mini calla lily. For a more romantic genre, roses are ideal.

Bouquet of Peonies, Hydrangea, and Hypericum

On the contrary, assorted bouquets are made up of a number of flowers. In recent years, these whimsical creations have become even more prominent as brides form unique floral combinations. Creativity is at its peak, as brides are no longer just settling for just roses or just gerbera daisies in their bouquets. They are combining peonies, hydrangea, and hypericum for a more romantic texture.

Mix & Match

If you choose to create an assorted bouquet, mixing and matching is a must! The most memorable bouquets are those that incorporate both greenery and flowers. Greens like bupleurum and ming fern add depth and texture to any bouquet. Additionally, fillers like the ever-popular gypsophilia (baby’s breath) and/or wax flower will flatter a bouquet of mums, mini calla lilies, orchids, and hydrangea. Of course this same rule applies to monofloral bouquets as well, as lemon leaf seems to effortlessly compliment a neat bouquet of assorted roses.

Tied or Au Naturel

Typically, those brides who choose to carrying monofloral bouquets prefer the “au naturel” look of exposed stems. However, the rulebook goes out the window when it comes to having your flowers’ stems methodically bound in ribbon or freely descending. Many brides today are carrying assorted bouquets with their natural stems exposed to ad a playful touch to their ensemble, as tied bouquets are very polished. Both approaches are aesthetically pleasing, but also have to express your personality and overall theme of the wedding. To enhance a tied bouquet, many brides are adorning them with family heirlooms, such as a locket passed down through generations, and pendants.

Gorgeous Pink Bouquet

Using Different Shades

Today’s brides are doing something with their wedding flowers that would have been a bit unconventional in past years. Instead of using a variety of colors for their floral arrangements, they are sticking to a multiple array of hues of one particular color. For instance, choosing pink as the color of their choice and then incorporating light baby pink flowers as well as hot pink flowers into their bouquet. By doing this, a bride adds both character and individuality to their bridal bouquet.

Bouquet Shape

It seems as if no one can touch the round bouquet in popularity! Round bouquets compliment the wedding dress just enough that it doesn’t take any deserved attention away from the bride. They are clean and elegant! However, cascading bouquets with a modern twist seem to be making a comeback. The cascading bouquets aren’t as large as they once were, but still sport that “upside-down teardrop” shape, which creates movement. Ultimately, this aspect of the cascading bouquet creates just a tad bit of drama as you walk down the aisle

Creative Bouquet

Think Outside The Box

Innovation is what will make your bridal bouquet memorable. Although many brides want their bouquets to be traditional in the sense that they use flowers, adding other “outside the box” nonfloral elements would only enhance your bouquet. For instance, berries, feathers, seashells, pearls, or crystals would give any bride’s bouquet that extra “Wow” factor.

Flowers are a home run!

Therefore, in honor of Mrs. Dodd and all of her efforts to establish Father’s Day, it’s a must that flowers be incorporated. The times have changed, so sporting a white or red rose this Sunday may not be ideal. However, you can incorporate flowers into your Father’s Day celebrations by making a flower arrangement for your table for dinner, or even adding flowers to a coffee mug for Dad.

Stunning underwater centerpieces!

Underwater flower arrangements are a current trend in centerpieces. Not only are they extremely easy to make, they are very inexpensive and will add an elegant touch to your tables at your reception! If you decided to create them the day of the wedding, they will last long after the big day, giving you the opportunity to adorn your house with them or even give them away for your guests to enjoy. Almost any kind of flower will work for these arrangements, except for ones that produce a lot of pollen, which can cause the water to look cloudy. Orchids and tulips are both extremely popular and shape well under water.

For a truly striking arrangement, use multiple cylinders in varying heights in the center. You can either use the same kind of flower in each vase, or choose different flowers in the same color palette. To enhance your centerpieces, place a layer of stones, pebbles, beads, marbles, or crystals in the bottom of the cylinders. You can also add lit floating candles to the tops of the arrangements to add to the romantic atmosphere.

Here are the steps to create your underwater masterpieces!

Step 1: Place stones, pebbles, beads, marbles, or crystals (of your choice) in the bottom of each vase. Create a double layer of whatever your choose.

Step 2: Choose two to three flowers for each vase. Then, cut each of the two to three flowers to varying heights. Hold each group of flowers together by placing a rubber band around the stems about a half-inch from the ends.

Step 3: Slip a fishing weight inside the rubber bands on each arrangement that you make. This is used to weigh down the flowers so they won’t float up in the water-filled vase.

Step 3: Push the stems of a group of flowers down into the stones on the bottom of each vase. Be sure the rubber band and weight cannot be seen.

Step 4: Fill the vases with distilled water. Fill the water to within 1 inch from the top of each vase. Float a candle on top of the water in each vase. Keep in mind that plain tap water can be used if desired, although sometimes it can be cloudy or create bubbles in the vase.

Step 5: Place small tea candles around your centerpieces and enjoy!

If you are looking for a way to really make a statement with your wedding flowers, underwater flower centerpieces will certainly do the trick!

As Memorial Day creeps towards us, we all have to prepare for all of those summer holidays, pool parties, and barbeques with family and friends. Although your garden may be in full bloom, don’t forget to incorporate flowers in your decorations, both inside and out!

4th of July Barbeque

Make your summer barbeque more memorable with floral arrangements on the tables. They say that color affects the way a food is perceived to taste. In fact, certain studies have shown that brightly colored food seem to taste better than bland-looking food. In lieu of serving a colorful spread; simply make some flower arrangements to place on the tables along with your dishes. The flowers will not only enhance to look of your food, but they will add an ambiance! Remember to use bold colors when choosing your flowers and a more neutral table cloth. This small detail will make your flowers pop even more on your table.  Lastly, if you’re having a 4th of July barbeque, be sure to continue the red, white, and blue theme to you flowers!

Gorgeous place setting at an outdoor dinner party!

If barbeques are too casual for you, try hosting an outdoor dinner party. Start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres around six or seven o’clock so you can soak up the last bit of the summer sun. Then light some candles on your table and around your outdoor dining area and serve dinner! Flowers will only add to the sophistication and elegance of your dinner party.

Flowers are not just for your table. They can also be a decorative accent for you to wear! Try throwing a Hawaiian Luau and make homemade leis. The ladies can also wear flowers behind their ears in traditional Hawaiian fashion! Not only is this a great way to incorporate an “arts and crafts” aspect to your event, as making your own personal lei is a great way to get children of all ages involved, but it also transforms a typical summer barbeque into a memorable experience. Also, don’t forget to garnish your dishes with orchids!

Simply adding flowers to your pool is a great decoration.

For those of you that are the host of pool parties, decorations are key! Flowers are an easy way to add color to your pool by simply cutting the flower where the head meets the stem and then letting the flowers float in the water! Gerbera daisies floating in your pool would definitely enhance a fun atmosphere. Whether you are celebrating the 4th of July or a birthday, a personal touch like that is not going to go unnoticed by your guests. Even if you are having an outdoor event, adding flowers to your pool will create a elaborate atmosphere!

My mom always told me, “Try not to wear a lot of white before Memorial Day, and definitely no white after Labor Day.” Whenever I heard this mantra I knew that summer was approaching! Fortunately, this fashionable maxim does not apply to flowers. It actually may be the opposite! If you’re planning a wedding for the summer season, here’s some advice…

Seashells enhance this tropical bouquet.

When you are planning a summer wedding, let the aspects of the season guide your wedding flower choices. Try to personify the cool summer breeze, the colors of the red sky at sunset, or the warmth of the sand in your floral arrangements. There are lots of ways to incorporate the ambiance of summer into your wedding flowers. Punchy colors, cool greenery, and playful accents give summer wedding flowers a little kick. Something as simple as adding shells to your beach wedding bouquet will add elegance to your summer wedding!

Remember that smaller bouquets are appropriate for most summer weddings, as larger bouquets tend to wilt more easily. You also want to keep your flowers looking light and natural, so stick with bouquet shapes like organic, round, or small cascade. A loosely tied bunch of white daisies makes a perfect summer wedding bouquet.

Try not to choose off-season flowers. When you select your flowers, choose varieties that are blooming in the summer. Flowers that aren’t in season for summer are more likely to wilt and discolor in the heat. Flowers that are seasonal in your area or in similar climates will work best.

Calla Lilies

Here’s a list of some summer flowers…

Alstroemeria: Also known as a Peruvian Lily is available in yellow, purple, and violet. They are beautiful, exotic looking flowers.

Chrysanthemum: These summer blooms come in large and compact varieties. Colors range from white, red, yellow, purple, pink, and orange.

Gerbera Daisy: These friendly flowers will add brightness to any wedding bouquet or centerpiece. They come in a variety of beautiful colors like vibrant yellows, pinks, and oranges.

Sunflower: Sunflowers epitomize summer! Large or small varieties make a terrific summer wedding flower arrangement.

Rose: The traditional wedding flower! Roses don’t always have to be red. They come in a variety of shades and colors.

Orchid: A tropical flower in many exotic colors including white, pink, and purple. A lovely selection for a beach wedding.

Calla Lilly: A gorgeous bloom in an amazing array of colors from white, pink, lavender, red, yellow, orange, and many more. 

Bright punches of color for summer!

Lastly, don’t forget to always have fun with color, it is summer of course! Summer wedding flowers can be as bold and bright as you want them to be. Combinations of vibrant brights will make a poised statement at your wedding, or mix brights with pastels for a more subdued look. Color combinations like coral and turquoise, orange and light green, and hot pinks with lighter shades of pink look fresh for summer!

And probably the most important advice, make sure to keep your flowers fresh! During the summer months you’ll be dealing with a lot of heat and humidity. Remember to keep a watchful eye over your wedding flowers on the big day.  Make sure that bouquets and centerpieces get plenty of water and are spared from extreme heat conditions as much as possible. Keep flowers in refrigeration or air-conditioning as long as possible before you walk down the aisle.  Also, place bouquets into water when you’re not using them.

Matching corsage and boutonniere!

It’s that time of year again…

As high school students across the nation prepare for the most exciting event of their high school career (besides graduation). Yes, it’s PROM SEASON!!

Times have changed and the modern-day proms have little resemblance to the proms of yester-year. Most proms today are held in elaborate banquet halls where teens arrive in lavish limousines dressed to the nines. Girls flaunt their handcrafted updos and manicured fingers, as they dance the night away.

Although the prom may be a Cinderella moment for all the young ladies out there, the price tag for this extravagant evening can cause havoc with parents and threaten to bankrupt a household budget. From the dress, the shoes, the hair, the nails, the limo, the prom ticket, the tux, and the roll of film you’re going to need to capture the “pre-prom pictures”, you could spend a small fortune. Not to mention, you still need to get her a corsage and him a boutonniere!

This year, try saving some money by making your own corsages and boutonnieres! Moms, I know what you’re thinking, “One more thing I have to do!” Well, let this be an opportunity for your daughters and their girlfriends to give you a hand and make their prom flowers memorable! Try having a “Corsage and Boutonniere Party” where a bunch of you get together and make custom corsages and boutonnieres! Here’s a fantastic video to show you that it’s not as hard as it seems Project Green Prom: How to make your own corsage.

Prom Perfection

Ladies, we all know your date is supposed to get you a corsage. But as my dad always says, “If you want to do something right, you have to do it yourself.” Make his life a little easier by making your corsage for him, this way you know that you’ll like it and it will compliment both your dress and his tie perfectly! Remember, the prom is all about the experience and fabulous memories you’re going to make! I think that this would be a perfect way to make your prom even more memorable, while saving money.

Just some closing advice, in a nod to the Latin elegance, 2010 prom trends call for larger flowers, especially exotics. Boutonnieres offer complementary splashes of color against solid backgrounds. Have fun creating your prom masterpieces!!

Mother's Day Flower Arrangements

Every first Sunday in May we celebrate a day for those special people in our lives that willingly do our dirty laundry, make us chicken soup when we’re sick, and basically keep our lives in order (even after we leave the nest). That’s right, your Mom.

This year, instead of giving her the traditional gift of jewelry or chocolate, go that extra mile and show mom that you really care with a homemade, personalized flower arrangement! I know what you’re thinking… “Why make something that I can just buy at a florist?” Well, your mom didn’t buy hungry man dinners every night and pop them in the microwave, did she? I bet she took the time to make your family a home-cooked meal with her own personal touches. Why not apply this principle to your gift giving this year!

All mothers love a freshly cut flower arrangement. And I’m sure she’ll be both thrilled and impressed that you actually took the time to make her a personalized arrangement instead of just calling a florist to do the work for you. Plus, you’ll be saving money!

Don’t be afraid! You don’t have to be a flower expert to create a bouquet or unique arrangement from scratch. Nobody can make homemade cookies without a recipe, so here are some helpful hints when you’re making that special gift for mom…

1. Let your creativity flow. Don’t second-guess your inner flower arranging voice. If someone advises you, “Don’t put yellow flowers with blue flowers” and your mother likes blue and yellow flowers, mix them together. Throw the rulebook out the window.

2. Be careful when choosing your flowers. You want your arrangement for your mom to be unique and personalized for her, so if you know that your mom loves sunflowers, make sure to incorporate them in the arrangement.

3. Simplicity isn’t a bad thing! Don’t overwhelm yourself or your flowers trying to come up with a lavish combination of different types of flowers. You could use multiples of the same kind flowers. Simple arrangements are elegant and easy to do!

4. Remember that bigger isn’t always better. Small arrangements can make the same impact as a large arrangement. Try making two smaller arrangements for both your mother-in-law and your mother, this way you kill two birds with one stone.

Creativity is key!

5. Think outside the vase. Every flower arrangement comes in a vase of some kind. When choosing what to put your flowers in make sure it’s something unique. Don’t go too outside the box here, but something like a coffee mug or glass wear would be a great substitute (and they can use it after the flowers are long gone). This will make your arrangement even more memorable.

6. Keep an eye on your water. Flower arrangements are not static; you can’t just make them and expect them to be beautiful. You want to make sure that your flowers are well hydrated and the water is clear. Cloudy water is a sign of bacteria infestation; so if the water is cloudy, make sure to change it.

7. Don’t forget about the bouquet! All flower arrangements don’t have to be in water, to make it easier for yourself you can just give your mom a bouquet of her favorite stems. However, make sure you keep your flowers in water until Mother’s Day.

8. Remember that there is no “perfect” flower arrangement. Imperfections give floral arrangements originality. As long as what you created makes you happy, it will make your mom happy.

Follow these hints and I’m sure that you will be the envy of all of your siblings this year! And not to mention, score big bonus points with mom.