The Week In Words

Since the New Year I have made a conscious effort to set more time aside for blogging and have being running on a post a day.  This is no mean feat when you have a full time job AND running a successful business but hey, i love it!  So I have decided to do an end of the week post to highlight what happened on Lancashire Bride during the week.  So here we go...

~ I started the week on a high by featuring the fabulous Ice Maiden photoshoot from Perfect Choice Planning and many other local suppliers and it went down a storm.  Here is one of my favourite pictures.

~ Tuesday brought inspiration boards for the Modern Bride following on from our announcement that we would be exhibiting at The Wedding Carnival on March 24th. 

~ The line up for Slaidburn Wedding Fayre was announced.  This wedding fayre is one I have planned myself on behalf of Slaidburn Village Hall so fingers crossed (eek!) we see a good turn out.  (Remember Brides, it is free parking, free entry, complimentary canapes and bubbly AND the chance to win a Mini AND your wedding chair covers!).

~ By popular demand Blush Rose were also back on the blog, this time with a guide to spring wedding flowers.  If you have a wedding flower question or dilemma, please leave your question as a comment on this post and Blush Rose will back soon with a Q&A session.

~ This week Simply Bows and Chair Covers, also found out that they had been nominated for a The Bridal Magazine Supplier Awards.  To vote for us please click HERE!  

~ Last but not least, I featured this autumnal engagment shoot sent in to us by lancashire photographers Sweetness and Light Photography.

And there folks, is your week in words! See you tomorrow x

Whats In Bloom? A Guest Blog from Blush Rose

My flower features with Blush Rose seem to be going down a storm with you guys so I am so happy to bring you another guest post from the fabulous lancashire florist.  Clare talks to us about in season spring flowers.  When planning your wedding, it's quite handy to research what flowers are in season at the time of your wedding as they will be the cheapest.

"Well Spring will be in the air before we know it.  And we can start to dust off the cobwebs of this cold wet winter and everything is starting to awaken. So here at Blush Rose we will go through what we can expect for the spring flowers to come.

New spring Brides will embrace the start of a new season and all the flower markets will be cascading with all the spring wedding flowers, as you can imagine (they are in stock as we write this blog). Here are just a few on a list of spring flowers that you will come across over the coming months

Narcissus ~ (bright yellows)

Hyacinths ~ (blue, white, pink highly scented)

Freesias ~ (yellow, white, purple pink)

Tulips ~ (all colours)

Ranunculi's ~ (all colours)

This is only to name a few.

So as spring comes to life the colours exploding I have picked two colours and flowers themes.

The first is yellow as I feel that yellow is the best colour to express spring time….."

www.bouquetbridalblogspot.com

"The next is Tulips I love working with tulips and they are so easy to work with if you decide to arrange your own flowers… Buying lots of vases or containers and fill easily with tulips. I remember a bride and groom who adored tulips and they were displayed everywhere. I have to say it looked fresh and magical.

And here is how you could use tulips to style your wedding."

www.bollea.com

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If you have any questions about spring time flowers (or another season) leave your comment below and if we get enough, Clare and I will do a 'Question Time' style feature very soon!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Philosophy Flowers Top Wedding Flower Tips: Part Two

Part 2 of Tuesdays wedding flowers tips is here today.  Remember if you find these useful then pretty please leave your feedback below.  Again, these very helpful tips are courtesy of the talented guys at Philosophy Flowers.

Check out what flowers will be in bloom at your venue on your wedding day. Use the same in your bouquet for max effect.

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Your florist should label who each buttonhole & bouquet is for to avoid confusion.

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Understand what you are paying for and also liable for. Glassware can often be expensive if broken.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Try small unique multiple displays for your top table instead of a usual arrangement.

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Look to book your florist at least 6 months in advance. Popular summer dates quickly get taken.

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Most vases, ornaments and display items can be sprayed to perfectly match your flowers and theme.

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Scale and proportion is key for ensuring your bouquet is perfect for you.

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A delicate wrist corsage can make a lovely addition or alternative to a bridesmaids bouquet.

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How about a modern version of your mothers wedding bouquet for a great idea and a little tribute.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Your florist should supply spare pins and magnets for buttonholes and other items.

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Try a sign decorated with flowers to guide guests to your venue.

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If having DIY flowers, factor in 2-3 days of work and preparation depending on flowers and quantity.

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It takes 2 people to get married. Make sure both of you have a say in the flowers and designs.

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Consider ferns, heathers, foliage & berries as an alternative to traditional buttonholes.
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Ask your bridesmaids what their favourite flower is. If possible you can personalise each bouquet. Whilst keeping to your theme and matching your bouquet of course!
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Winter weddings are becoming ever more popular as couples try to shave a few £££’s of the cost.

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When choosing flowers for your bouquet ask your florist how heavy it will be. You have to carry it!

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Why not use extra flowers or seeds that relate to your wedding as favours & gifts?

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Displays from church could be taken to your reception venue to get maximum effect.

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Why not use your floral table centres as the markers for your seating plan?

For more inspirational picture and ideas please visit Philosophy Flowers blog  http://philosophyflowers.co.uk/blog/ or Facebook page.  You can also follow them on Twitter @philosophyf.

Have a good weekend folks and I'll be back next week with lots of loveliness especially for Valentines Day!

Love Lancashire Bride x

Top Wedding Flowers Tips: Part One

When it comes to organising your wedding flowers, brides are often left in two camps.  The first camp are bewildered and don't know where to start.  The second camp know exactly what they want and how they are going to get it!  However, there is always something that crops up that you may not have thought off.  Whichever camp you're in these tips, kindly provided by Philosophy Flowers,  should provide a helpful guide to get you on your way.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Do as much homework and prep as possible before your consultation.

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Use different styles of table centre around a central theme to add interest to your room.

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Have a 2nd impartial pair of eyes at your consultation for extra help and advice.

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See as many examples of your florists work as possible. Ask if you may speak to past clients.

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Incorporate your ‘something old’ into your bouquet to make it super unique.

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Personalise communal areas at venues with small arrangements to add finishing touches.

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Getting married on the same weekend as other popular events can increase the cost of certain flowers.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

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If possible take a fabric sample of your dress / bridesmaid dresses to your consultation with your florist.

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Young page boys and flowers girls can struggle with bouquets. Try a little basket full of petals instead.

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Candles can make your table arrangements look fantastic. Make sure your venue allows them.

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Be careful when choosing tall table displays. They can obscure your guests view of each other and you!

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On a budget? Don’t skimp on your bouquet its the most photographed. Table centres can be padded out with foliage.

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Present a bay tree, hydrangea or peony bush as a thank you gift. Will last much longer than a bouquet.

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Consider having a extra arrangement for your card & guestbook table to tie in with the others.

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Have details of timings and addresses of where flowers are to be delivered on your big day when meeting with your florist.

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Ask your florist if they can re-package your flowers the day after your wedding for family to take home.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Some flowers stamen leave stains. Lily for example. Ensure they have been removed by your florist.

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Picking flowers that are in season will increase quality, availability and make the most of your budget.

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Choosing one flower in one colour and having lots of them can look stunning.

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Ensure the florist you have your consultation with will be the actual one working on your displays.

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Part two with even more top tips and inspirational pictures with be posted later on this week.  In the meantime why don't you head on over to their blog http://philosophyflowers.co.uk/blog/ or Facebook page. You can also follow them on Twitter @philosophyf. 

If you have found this guide useful then please feel free to leave a comment, the more the merrier!  I strive to write posts that are of interest to brides to be so your feedback is more than welcome, and I am sure Philosophy Flowers would love the feedback too!