Tips for choosing the perfect designer for your wedding.

Ever since the wedding reality show craze I've often been asked "Have you worked with any Bridezillas or uncontrollable couples??" and thankfully my response has always been, "No!" I must admit that I've been so lucky with the couples that I've worked with over the years. They have all had their own visions, opinions and expectations but each of them has gracefully allowed me to do what I love and create the perfect décor for them. Some are more involved than others, some have a clear vision from the onset of exactly what they want while others were looking to me to take the lead and design something specifically for them. In either situation I've loved the chance to design and redesign the look until it's just right. After all, the flowers and décor can help transform any space and set the mood for the day. So while you may know exactly what you want or you may not have a clue...here are some tips on choosing someone to help you create the perfect look for your special day.

• Remember, it’s your wedding there are no rules regarding the décor.
• Choose a floral designer that you trust and allow them the freedom to be truly creative and make decisions that you are sure to love.
• Learn the difference between a “florist” and a “floral designer”.
• Reflect your personality, the design and décor should show your style.
• Make sure to see a sample of the centerpiece or table design.
• Think about elements other than just the centerpiece; linens, lighting and other special touches make the difference and can complete the look.
• Gather inspiration and do some research before you meet with designers to have an idea of things you like and don’t like.
• Meet with more than one designer to find the right fit for your style and budget.
• ENJOY the process, choosing décor should be fun and you should be thrilled with the outcome on the big day!

Pantone Color of the Year 2011

A few weeks ago Pantone introduced honeysuckle as their pick for the 2011 color of the year. I had been meaning to post this quite some time ago and for one reason or another it got pushed back. Ironically a client emailed me today and referenced honeysuckle as one of the colors for their upcoming event, so I thought it's time to post some inspiration!

Here are just a few ideas...

ranunculus, nerine,green snowball viburnum accented with feathers and satin ribbon wrap

garden roses, spray roses and calla lilies

ranunculus, peonies and calla lilies

And while we're talking about Pantone colors, you have to check out this over at design*sponge...love it!

Nyssa & Chris...the final outcome! Part 2

cocktail reception in foyer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel

combination of captain romance calla lilies, cymbidium orchids and pink hydrangea

all images by Carlos Andres Varela

Nyssa & Chris...the final outcome! Part 3

all images by Carlos Andres Varela

Nyssa & Chris...the final outcome!

the pictures are here from nyssa and chris' wedding!
finally you can see how beautiful everything looked thanks to the wonderful images captured by the fabulous Carlos Andres Varela.

white and ivory bouquet for Nyssa, a combination of white calla lilies, white lisianthus, garden roses and akito roses

bridesmaids bouquets, a combination of lavender spray roses, dark pink lisianthus, orchids and lily grass

simple white calla lily boutonniere for Chris to coordinate with Nyssa's bouquet

the newlyweds as they exit the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral!!

check back tomorrow for more images from the reception at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

vintage picnic

i love when a couple comes to me with a fabulous idea for their wedding. we chat about it and together we can come up with the perfect look.

l & d had seen a previous wedding i designed and like the look but want to take it in a bit of a different direction. the original wedding definitely had a more natural rustic and organic feeling. galvanized steel buckets filled with soil, craft paper lining the tables and a homemade quilt for the chuppuh canopy. the bride's friend made jars of pickled rhubarb for the favors. all of the elements fit perfectly together and suited the couple just as well.

a somewhat similar vibe with a bit of twist is the idea that l & d came to me with, "vintage picnic". i love it and i'm so excited to create the look. to get inspired (and to make sure we were all on the same page) i did a quick search for some images that might work and was so excited with what i found. there are a bunch of great vintage picnic themed engagement shoots out there but here are a couple that stood out to me. here is a beautiful engagement shoot from caroline tran and another one here from jackie wonders. both just make me want to pack up and go on a picnic...the idea of a picnic on a warm day with someone special seems like the perfect anecdote for the 12" of snow nyc is supposed to get in the next day or so...enjoy and think of warmer days.

here are a few other images to take the theme a bit further...

1st row Adrienne Gunde Photography; Sweetest Occasion; Madison Belle
2nd row Perpixel Photography via Delightfully Engaged ; A Piece of Bliss ; Adrienne Gunde Photography via Ruffled
3rd row The Butterfly Cottage ; A Long Far View ; Just My Cup of Tea

Engaged??

image courtesy of paloma's nest

year after year engagements over the holidays are ever popular. my best friend's husband proposed on Christmas, hard to believe that 1 and 1/2 kiddies later (she's due in March) that is how it all began! well, actually it started about 10 years before that but let's not get technical....

it does seem like the perfect time for an engagement, there is so much excitement in the air with the holidays and who could ask for a better gift??

to celebrate all you newly engaged couples and scouring the internet for inspiration we would like to spread the love. all couples who book Blade to style their wedding floral & decor by March 1st, 2011 will receive a
complimentary personal flowers for the couple.

yes, that's right, i said free! well, actually i said complimentary but you all know what i meant and doesn't it sound so much more fun to say free!!!!

contact me for all of the details and to book a time for a consultation.
anne@bladenyc.com
or call
917-723-3577
or request a quote

*some restrictions apply and minimum order is required to receive free bouquet and boutonniere.