Colors Speak Volume

Just imagine being in a room that's all black or all gray or white with no other color accent. What would you do? Add some color, colors creates vibrancy, warmth also expressions of OH WOW, Lovely, magnificent, awesome and so much more. Just the right amount of color can completely transform a room. Choose bright colors as accent colors for that pop. If you're going for the understated look, just a hint of color in your napkins can make a big difference. Or go with a full single color floral centerpiece. Remember colors are not limited to enhancing the room but can be your Bridal bouquet, Bridal party attire, Cake and so much more. Here are a few color combinations.

Black, Ivory and Sunflower will express gratitude to your guests.

Buttercup and Brown shows, I am relaxed.

Clover and Firecracker. Expression of warmth and comfort.

Cornflower and Silver.

Thoughts of travel.

Fuchsia, White and Pink. Love is in the air.

Garnet. Memories are made of this.

Ginger. Spicy, Hot, Embellished with emotions.

Mango and Turquoise. Very Romantic.

Emerald and Gold. Looking to the future with wealth.

Lavender and Purple. Expressions of Royalty.

When choosing colors to set a mood. It's always suggested that subtle colors are best. For eg. Teal and Copper; Dusty Lavender and Cameo; Scarlet and Aquamarine . Play with colors but try not to go for a monochromatic look. When using very bright colors, the use of Gold, Silver or Ivory can make a statement. When using different shades of the same color. Choose focal points, that the eye can gravitate to. Red is always Symbolized as a color of Love, but did you know the same sentiment is added to Yellow.  Overall Enjoy yourself and colors always makes everything a little but brighter...

  

The Language of Flowers

As you begin making decisions about flowers, you might incorporate those that have special traditional meaning. In the early 1900's romance was often communicated with flowers. A young man would present a red rose, which symbolized love, to a young woman. She would return a purple pansy, which silently relayed the message you are in my thoughts. Traditionally no words were spoken , that would commit either party during this courtship, so knowing the language of flowers was of paramount importance if an accord was to be reached. 

Today it is a charming idea to select flowers and even herbs, that convey special floral messages between the Bride and Groom.

Spring Time Flowers

Apple Blossoms                     Iris                                       Larkspur
Cherry Blossoms                   Lilacs                                   Peonies
Daffodils                                 Lilies                                     Sweet Pea
Dog Wood                              Lilies of the Valley              Tulips
Forsythia                                Jonquils                               Violets


Summer Flowers

Asters                                    Geranium                            Stock
Calla Lilies                             Hydrangea                         Queen Anne's Lace
Dahlias                                   Larkspur                             Roses
Daises

Fall Flowers

Asters                                      Dahlias                             Shasta Daises
Chrysanthemum                    Marigold                           Zinnias


Flowers that are readily available year round are those are grown in greenhouses but that are not rare or difficult to grow, these include:

Year Round Flowers

Baby's Breath                        Daises                            Orchids
Bachelor's Bed                       Gardenias                        Roses
Carnations                             Ivy                                  Stephanotis
Delphiniums                          Lilies 

Although the advances of modern technology have resulted in the year round availability of flowers. Formally hard to get flowers, you can still cut costs by using seasonal flowers that are in bloom locally. They don't need to be shipped, they can be cut close to the time they will be used and tend to be hardier than blooms forced in a greenhouse, out of season.

Following is a list of flowers.

Acacia - Friendship     
Forget me not - Remembrance
Agrimony - Gratitude                                 Freesia - Innocence
Ambrosia - Love Returned                         Gardenia - Purity
Anemone - Expectation                              Heliotrope - Devotion
Apple Blossoms - Hope 
Ivy - Fidelity
Aster - Elegance                                          Larkspur - Laughter
Azalea - Temperance                                 Laurel - Peace
Baby's Breath - Innocence                         Orchid - Rare Beauty
Bay Laurel - Glory                                      





Parsley - Beginnings                
Calla Lily - Beauty 
Rose - Love     
Daffodil - Regard
Sage - Immorality    
Daisy - Gentleness        
Thyme - Courage            
Tulip - Passion  

Parents attire in a wedding.

Mother's and Father's of the wedding couple. This is your children's day, but you have the right to shine too. Parents and Stepparents should choose clothing in keeping with the style of the wedding. Comfort matters as well, since you're likely to be busy for the entire event, So select garments that feel and fit as good as they look.

Mothers

Fashionable Mother-of-the-Bride (and the Groom) outfits. Whatever the formality are generally easier to find today than in the past. When even youthful mothers were expected to appear matronly. No one now expects mothers to look anything other than their age, still  there are a few issues of dress etiquette to remember.

• Try not to wear colors that are the same as or very similar to the bride or bridesmaid's dresses. If you want a light color look for pastels and light or medium tones than white.

• It's preferable that mothers wear different colors, so consult with the other mother and or stepmother about color. Hopefully, everyone is on good terms, and you can discuss your plans so that each mother will be both distinctive and comfortable with her choice attire.

• The length of your gown or dress is your choice, even for formal weddings, long dresses and skirts are fine for any wedding from noon on. Mother's of the Bride and Groom do not have to wear the same length, tough many do, feeling that the same length creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.

• Gloves and Hats or Headpieces are normally worn for formal weddings but are optional otherwise. So be guided by the Bride's preference and any religious requirements. Gloves are worn for receiving lines but can be removed afterward and are always taken off when eating.

Fathers

When they participate in the ceremony, fathers and stepfathers almost always wear the same outfit as the groom's attendants. This is also the case for any man who escorts the bride down the aisle.

When the father of the groom doesn't have an active role he can either match the formality of the of the male attendants or "dress down" a bit. Choosing a tuxedo or dark suit instead of more formal attire, but if the groom's father is to be in The receiving line, his outfit will often conform to that of the brides father or groomsmen.

Here are a few tips for Monogramming Gifts

Traditional monograms for married people consist of three initials. The Bride's first initial, the Last name initial and the husband's First initial, but today with couples using both last names and some wives keeping their maiden name. Monograms can be a bit more complicated.

Initials in a couples monogram generally include first names, however a middle name can be substituted if that is the name a person uses. The initials of a nickname is not normally included in a monogram.

For Single women. 

First , Middle, Last          H M J

First Name: Hyacinth; Middle Name: Mayfield; Last name: Johnson

For a single man. 

First, Middle, Last    J A H

First Name: James; Middle Name: Albert;  Last Name: Haymer

A married couple:

Initial of Wife's first name; Couples last name; Husbands First name. H H J

When having a wedding gift monogrammed, givers should be guided by the way the couple intends to write their names. If you aren't sure of the correct monogram. You might check with the couples parents, or one of the attendants or with the couple directly.

Impressionable monogrammed gifts are always talked about between the couples and their parents. It shows that you were thoughtful in you gift giving and places you head and shoulders above the rest.

Monogramming Linens: 

Many people today prefer the Single Last name Initial or Hyphenated Initials. The other monogramming choices are also appropriate for towels, dinner napkins. For bedding, Sheet and Comforted sets. Pillows and cases. Three letter monograms gives a finished look.

Monogramming Flatware:

If silverware is monogrammed, a triangle of block letters. Last name initial below, the first name initials of the bride and groom. Above works well on modern patters. If a single initial is used, it is the last name of the groom. When monogramming silver flatware, the monogram is usually placed so that the top of the letter is towards the end of the handle, in other words when the piece is on the table, the initials should be read by the diner.

"Good manners reflect something from within, an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self."