Let's Talk Wedding Flowers - Boutonnieres, Pocket Squares! Sixth Post in a Series

Trio of boutonniere possibilities…. The Big Fake Wedding @ Willowdale Estate Photo by Hourglass Photography… Designs by Maureen Christmas AIFD CFD EMC of Floral Notes, Acton, MA

In addition to bouquets, the world of personal flowers includes boutonnieres, pocket squares, and assorted styles of corsages. This post addresses flowers traditionally thought to be for the guys but there’s no reason a gal couldn’t wear them.

Boutonniere - the word is French for buttonhole flower. As far back as the 16th century, they were worn to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. It became fashionable to leave the top button open thus forming a lapel and then the flower was pinned to it.

The possibilities for what comprises today’s boutonnieres are endless. I love being inspired by the buckets of wedding flowers waiting to be put into bouquets and centerpieces. From these, I create boutonnieres personalized for your wedding. A simple rose, add some greenery and perhaps a touch of gold penny cress and you have a timeless classic. Not your style? I can use seed pods and foliage to create a natural look.

White rose boutonniere with waxflower and gold pennycress by Maureen Christmas AIFD CFD EMC of Floral Notes, Acton, MA

Rustic charm wrapped in paper covered wire

Ready for a Cape Cod Harbor wedding

Fall wedding at the top of Killington, VT

Are you into cooking? making beer? golfing? I can personalize your boutonnieres with sprigs of rosemary, hops and even golf tees.

Boutonnieres with hops grown by the couple. Wedding at Harrington Farm, Princeton, MA

Another option, shown in the first photograph is a pocket square. It is made of foam core or heavy weight card stock and gets tucked into the jacket pocket. Flowers and other ‘bits’ are glued right to it using s special floral adhesive.

Who wears a boutonniere? For your wedding, it’s customary for the groom, the groomsmen and dads to wear them. The granddads are always pleased to be remembered. If there are brothers not in the wedding party, it’s nice to think of them as well. The officiant is another person to consider. I particularly enjoy making tiny boutonnieres for ring bearers - even pinning them to the back of their jackets between the shoulder blades out of their reach if they are really young and likely to be held in someone’s arms.

Let's Talk Wedding Flowers - After the Ceremony - The Reception! Fifth in a Series of Posts

A fairy tale setting created with elevated designs of rich colors in gold candelabras. A garland, mercury glass votives, floating candle and petite vases with flowers bring the interest to the tabletop. At The Mansion on Turner Hill. Photo by Carly Michelle Photography.

Centerpieces are composed of two part - flowers/foliage and hard goods/containers. The same flowers placed low on the table in a container that is not visible or in wooden box or in a mercury glass compote (a dish/bowl that has been elevated) have three distinct feelings to them. Flowers and hard goods work together to achieve your vision.

There are low and elevated centerpieces. Elevated centerpieces are great to add drama and impact when your guests walk into the room - especially if it is large.  I’m careful to use containers that are clear or slender enough that they don’t block the view across the table.  I can design flowers atop a tall glass vase or I can rent candelabras we select together and flowers are place on top as well as cascading down them. Calla lilies, orchids, amaranthus and ruscus are my favorites for the cascade. A combination of elevated and low centerpieces is always a hit. As elevated centerpieces have more cost involved, I frequently suggest using the less expensive trio of floating candles as a third centerpiece option to average costs out. (FYI - Certain cities/towns have restrictions on open flames).

The low centerpiece in a gold compote from the same wedding shown above. Extra-special blooms and detail is used here as they are easily appreciated by the guests. The Mansion on Turner Hill. Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Let the vibe of the venue direct you. You’ve chosen it for a reason. Is it rustic or a natural setting? A rustic venue begs for seasonal flowers such as tulips in the spring and sunflowers in the fall. To me, rustic means lots of texture. Garden roses, soft greenery including ferns and grasses, daisies, carnations (the growers have bred some incredibly unique and unusual colors!), chrysanthemums, love-in-the mist, waxflower, seed pods, phlox, zinnias, astilbe, pussy willow and other seasonal branches are all excellent choices. Birch containers, twig stands and wrought iron are great places to start your design plan. Or perhaps lanterns and galvanized tin containers. A rustic venue doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant. I’ve frequently used mercury glass compotes in conjunction with wooden boxes (sometimes trimmed in lace) to achieve a ‘Rustic Elegance’ look.

Jewel tones and luxurious textures describe this fall design. The Barn at Gibbet Hill.

Popular at many venues are the appearance of farm tables. These give the opportunity for extending the flowers down the table. A garland or greenery with candles and lanterns are another option.

Trio of glass bowls connected with twigs are brimming with premium blooms in this design perfect for a farm table. The Country Club, Brookline, MA

A lemon leaf garland with gold lanterns on a pale green runner defined the head table. Sprigs of dried raffia greeted each guest. Brewster Academy, Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro, NH

Are you celebrating in a garden? (or a tent in a garden?) If your ceremony is also here, this is the perfect time to use columns to elevate large designs dripping with flowers. I can guide your selection to the appropriate style. For example – if your wedding colors are all pastels, I have the perfect lacy wrought iron columns to harmonize with the mood of the flowers. Wrought iron or stone urns (or those that look like iron or stone without the weight) would be beautiful. For the tables, stone containers mixed with mercury glass (okay – I admit I have a bias towards the look mercury glass can add to a table!) would be very ‘Garden Chic’. Wooden boxes and clear glass would also be appropriate. My favorite flowers for this look are garden roses, hybrid tea roses, spray roses, hydrangeas, lilies, seeded eucalyptus, love-in-the mist, carnations, lisianthus, alstromeria, stock, astilbe with assorted greenery including plumosa, pittosporum, and fern. Greenery can be hung around the tent to bring the outside in.

Flowers in lanterns, compotes and wooden boxes are ready to be placed in this garden wedding. Mercury glass balls unite the box design with the compotes.

Hydrangeas, hosta flowers and leaves, lilies, love-in-the-mist, tree fern and eryngium are right at home in a stone container.

So, what about ballrooms and country clubs? Each one has an individual personality that I take into consideration when developing a design plan.  Sparkling clean glass with fresh greenery and flowers will always be a great choice as is mercury glass (what a surprise!). There are excellent ceramic containers ranging in style from the traditional to a more ‘City Chic’ look. A combination of elevated and low centerpieces is always a hit. As elevated centerpieces have more cost involved, I suggest using a trio of floating candles as a third centerpiece option to help average it out. (Certain cities/towns have restrictions on open flames). If your venue has an old-world charm to it, combinations of previously mentioned flowers would work well.  If it is modern or urban, I like to add tropical flowers to give it a contemporary edge.  Tropicals mixed with temperate flowers provide lots of interesting looks.

A mix of crisp, clean elevated and low designs are the perfect mix at this golf course setting. The International, Bolton, MA

Trio of floating candles with floral accent. They can be used with or without the mirror. Greens could also be added at the base. Brae Burn Country Club

There are so many less traditional options for venues. Breweries, wineries, the seaside, art museums, science museums, historic houses, libraries, mountaintops, rooftops(!), and even Fenway Park to name a few.  Each have a unique vibe and I would love the opportunity to put my experience and interpretative skills to work to make it extraordinary for you!

Let's Talk Wedding Flowers - After the Ceremony - Cocktail Hour! Fourth Post in a Series

The ceremony is over and you are officially hitched! Congratulations! Let the Celebration begin!

Trio of roses and greenery in wrought iron urn - the perfect cocktail table accent that won’t blow away! Courageous Sailing Center, Pier 4, Charlestown, MA

The first stop is the cocktail hour.  One of the reasons many couples are having first looks or delaying the start of the cocktail hour is so they can join in with their friends and families.

Decorations for the hi/lo tops can be as simple or elaborate as you like. It’s an area that can be a bit playful and more relaxed. For the athletic couple, dig out some of those old softball/baseball cards, put them on a stick and tuck them in a bud vase with some greenery, in a small design or even in an apple or artichoke.

Are you into craft beers? Collect bottles and add a few stems - hops bloom in late summer and would be a fun touch. Consider these options – glass vase with a single large flower and perhaps a rustic or gold wire accent, trio of glass vases with flowers, wrought iron urn with roses or greenery, flower floating in glass, small, short clutch of flowers leaning in cube, small lanterns and objects special to the couple such as a stack of books.

Use your cocktail hour to show your personality and give your guests a hint of what’s to come.

Petite clutch of flowers in embellished glass adorns cocktail table at the Omni Parker House.

Wrought iron urns with artichokes, seeded eucalyptus, roses and other flowers are lined up for the cocktail hour. The Country Club, Brookline, MA

Garden rose ‘Tess’ and cymbidium orchids are among the exquisite blooms enhanced with gold accents. The Mansion at Turner Hill. Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

A beautiful rose, plumosa fern and twigs wrapped with decorative wire. Shaker Hills County Club

Together these create a centerpiece; separately, they can be used on cocktail tables perhaps with a few scattered flowers.

Another variation using the wrought iron urn. These are available for rental. The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

Floating orchid with grass accent in glass cube. The Exchange Hall, Acton, MA

The Big Fake Wedding – New England - Part 2 – Tables

Please see Part 1 for the Moodboard for The Big Fake Wedding held at Willowdale Estate

photo by @goldenauraphotography

Back to the Big Fake Wedding New England 2018 - As the bride didn’t want any typical centerpieces, I designed a centerpiece for a round table in a concrete container that I dry brushed with gold paint.  Grapevine balls, moss, polished stones, succulents and painted gold leaves were tucked around flowering and foliage plants, such as orchids and anthuriums, that are typically found in a conservatory. Taking the table to an upscale (as opposed to a rustic) direction, I selected textured, clear glass plates rimmed with gold. A rose, resting on moss that lined a gold edged glass pyramid, brought color to each place setting. The perfect green linens provided by @xothegirls and unique printed designs of table number and menus from Jen Pepper @thechattypress finished the look.

photo by @goldenauraphotography

photo by @goldenauraphotography

My second table was a beautiful long farm table which begged for an elevated ‘jungle’ of orchids and greens. Phalenopsis and dendrobium orchids were tucked into a garland of greenery which extended down on to the table. Hops grown in my yard hung playfully. The table number was suspended from this in a floating gold edged frame. Additional plants and flowers in small glass vases were on the table.

photo by @hourglassphotography

photo by @emilyteresaphotography

Floral Sydenstricker plates were put on ivory china with a textured rim in a trellis pattern.  At each setting, there were song lyrics or a title along with the author in floating glass frames and echeveria in a glass teardrop. Once again, thanks to Jen Pepper @thechattypress and @xothegirls for printed materials and linens.

photo by @goldenauraphotography

The Big Fake Wedding was a great experience. All the vendors developed quite a camaraderie working in the crazy heat and then ridiculous downpour to pull this together. I would recommend any of them.

Photography: Emily Teresa Photography, Hourglass Photography, & Golden Aura Photography / Videography: Brian Nelson Films / Venue: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA / Day-of Coordination: Tasks@Bey Event Planning / Floral & Event Design for Bouquets & Boutonnieres and Tables 1 + 8: Floral Notes / Floral & Event Design for Ceremony Backdrop & TAbles 2 + 7: Orly Khon Floral / Floral & Event Design for Head Table & Tables 4 +9: Jasper & Prudence Floral & Events / Floral & Event Design for Registration & Tables 5 + 10: Designs by Sheila / Floral & Event Design for Tables 3 + 6: Tasks@Bey Event Planning / Hair: Beauty By LM / Makeup: Makeup by Kira / Invitations: JKF Design Co. / Desserts: Miam Miam Macaronerie / Doughnuts: The Dapper Doughnut / Cake: Pure Glamour Cakes / Event Rentals: XO The Girls / Marquee Letter Rentals: Your Love in Lights / Marshmallow Favors: Malvi: Marshmallow Confections / Sparkling Wine: SOCIAL Sparkling Wine / Table Stationery: The Chatty Press / Transportation: Skedaddle / Travel Agency: Seabrook Travel Center / Wedding Vow Art: The Standard Canvas / Guest Shuttle Service: Michael’s Limousine / Hotel: The Boxer Boston Hotel / Ballroom Dancing: Ballroom in Boston / Band: Hot Mess Boston / Ceremony Musicians: Hot Mess Boston / Menswear: Blank Label / Jewelry: Delezhen

Let's Talk Wedding Flowers - The Ceremony! Third Post in a Series

Ceremonies take place in many different locations and flowers can enhance them all!  

Flowers can be on the altar for a church wedding. (I will be sure to check with the church for their rules and guidelines). Aisle markers can be placed on every few rows. A welcoming design can be placed at the entrance and even handrails can be adorned with flowers. All these flowers can usually be re-purposed at the reception. 

Less traditional venues can use flowers to define the ceremony space. Arbors can be decorated with fabric, greens and/or flowers. If your venue has a gorgeous view such as a city skyline or the rolling vista at The Crane Estate, I have towers available that don't interfere. These can be moved to grace the entrance to the reception. A pair of designs on pedestals or lanterns with flowers can mark the start of the aisle.  Lanterns can also be placed along the walk - either hanging or on the ground.

Each location will have its own personality that I will explore (either on site or through photographs) to make your ceremony space extra special.

Let’s Talk Wedding Flowers - the Bridal Bouquet! (and what your gal pals carry!) Second post in a series

photo by Carly Michelle Photography

You have your venue and selected your dress. The mood for your wedding is moving from concept to reality! Your wedding bouquet will be the jewelry on your vision.  It continues to set the tone of the day. The photos of you with your bouquet will become one of your iconic keepsakes.

So what kind of bouquet do you want? Should you get? Your bouquet should be in proportion to you and the style of your dress.  Popular right now are the bouquets with lots of greenery and lush flowers.   These can get big so make sure you hold it low so you aren’t lost behind it!  Softer versions of cascade bouquets are appearing. Round, hand-tied bouquets are still on the scene. I like to make these with the flowers at various heights and lots of texture to add interest.  Simple wreaths with flowers are another trending style. Floral purses (purely decorative) and wrist bouquets (they are attached to your wrist and can be quite dramatic for that special first dance!) are a different take on the traditional flowers.

As a floral designer, I can make you something unique that you won’t see everywhere else.

Photo by @VictoriaHeerPhotography

Trending are bold colors mixed with paler tones.  Unlike a few years back where a bouquet of red roses could look like a bull’s eye against a white dress, the combinations are elegant and have an organic feel. They look fresh from nature despite needing a level of skill to achieve this un-fussy look!

Assorted greenery with flowers in a range of whites is a classic look that is clean and refreshing. This color combination can be made in any of the styles previously mentioned.

You may have heard the Pantone color of the year is Ultraviolet. While we may see some of that this year, it will likely take a couple of years to show up in the bridal world. (Think Devil Wears Prada and how Andi’s sweater was that special blue from a collection a few years earlier that finally trickled down to daywear). Marsala was the color in 2015 and we are seeing more of that this year mixed with blush and apricot.

photo by Carly Michelle Photography

What about your ladies? There are the same bouquet options, they are just made smaller than your flowers.  It’s perfectly fine and common for these to be a different style than what you carry.  If you have a large group (I’ve done up to 10 bridesmaids bouquets for one wedding!), smaller bouquets can be created to accommodate your budget.

The finishing touch for the bouquets is the treatment of the handle. Stems exposed, completely wrapped or partially wrapped are all options. Streamers are another trend.  I have a collection of hand-dyed chiffons and silks that I augment my double faced satin ribbon collection with for an ethereal effect.  Be careful of one or two long streamer hanging down the front of your gorgeous dress. A bunch of streamers at assorted lengths will look better in the photographs.

If you have questions or would like to know more, please use the Contact Us page or the button on the Wedding Page. I hope to hear from you!

Let's talk wedding flowers! - First post in a series

Lush greens and muted colors are the perfect flowers for a wedding in the courtyard at Willowdale Estates.

There are many facets to wedding flowers. In a series of posts, I will discuss them.  Today’s post focuses on my booking process.

You’re getting married!!! Congratulations!

The when and the where will be first on your mind. Then come all the vendors that will bring those spaces to life and record the event.  Flowers are such an important part of this. They help set the mood, add warmth and will be in so many photos. The bridal bouquet will be photographed the most. Your guests will be looking at your centerpieces for 4 hours! So where do you start? When I initially talk flowers with a bride/couple, I ask for key words to describe her/their vision.  Natural Elegance, Country Club Chic, City Sophistication, Rustic Casual, Traditional Formal, Modern, Contemporary, Beachside, On the Lake, Romantic, and Ethereal – these are all starting points. Without even realizing it, you’ve considered this when you chose your venue. The right flowers and containers will bring your concept to life.  I’ll write more about specific flowers and styles in a future post.

Like venues, floral designers get booked up as well.  There is only so much space, so many assistants and most importantly – so much time in each shop.  As a specialty studio, I generally take only one event a day and sometimes, depending on the size, only one event per weekend. I deliver the wedding (with assistants if needed) so that I can make sure the flowers are as perfect as when they left the studio. As a National Garden Club flower show judge, I’m very particular how everything looks. 

SO – when do you select your floral designer? If you like my work, I recommend you call as soon as you know your date.  When we talk, I get a sense of the scope of your wedding and go over details. This is so when we meet, the time is spent on ‘show and tell’ of the items I’ve pulled from inventory based on our conversation.  I’m aware of how precious and limited time is for couples so I meet anytime, day or evening, 7 days/week.  Ideally, we would meet after you have selected your dress/suit and preferably after you know what style/color your attendants will be wearing.  I’ve had brides set on one idea and then go a totally different direction after shopping for dresses! What if it will be awhile before you go shopping? I appreciate that it is a bit of a quandary if you think you want to me to create your wedding flowers but we haven’t had a consult in person yet. I hope our conversation, images on social media and glowing reviews would put your mind at ease and you feel comfortable booking me prior to meeting in person.  A retainer reserves the day in my book and is applied to your total.

I truly love to educate and help couples through the flower portion of their planning.  I’m frequently told it is the most enjoyable and relaxing part of their planning!

Dahlias, calla lilies and anemones are among the flowers bringing elegance to this upscale farm table.