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The Case For Silk Fowers     By Patricia McKenzie, all rights reserved

I do a lot of online research.  Once-in-awhile I search for articles on silk flowers, just to see what is new.  Most of the time my search brings up old articles and old posts which have very little in common with the updated silk arrangements of 2008.

Am I biased?  Well I have to be because designing silk bouquets and floral arrangements is what I do.  I have to believe in their value and I have to love what I do. 

We all know the benefits of “silks”:  allergy free, items can be viewed in advance of the big day, flowers are never out of season (well not exactly, I will get to that), can have any flower type and color match, they don’t wilt and can last forever.  But there are some unrecognized facts and some myths that should be dispelled.

Myth 1.  Silk flowers are cheaper (as in cheap).

Beautiful silk flowers are not cheap.  Cheap flowers are cheap.  Can quality silks be less expensive than fresh flowers?  Yes and no.  Certainly if you live in the North and you want tropical flowers in winter you will not only save a bundle by going with silk, but it is much more likely that your choice of flower will be available.

Myth 2.  Silk flowers are never out of season.

Not exactly.  When I am doing an entire wedding I travel to an out-of-town wholesaler where I can purchase large quantities in bulk.  However, when I am doing small orders I use local suppliers, and of course the prices are higher.  Although some common flowers can be found year-round, such as roses, even silk flower suppliers tend to stock seasonal merchandise: fall flowers in Fall, Spring flowers in Spring.

However, although it takes more work on the part of the designer, you are much more likely to get the flower you want when using silk.  Fresh flowers which are out-of-season would have to be imported and are extremely costly.

Myth 3.  I can have any silk flower I want, in any color,  with a moments notice to my designer.

No and no.  Unless we owned our own warehouse, a very big warehouse, floral designers could not possibly stock every flower known to man (or woman) in every color.   I personally make an all out effort to give all of my customers exactly what they want, which often involves visiting many suppliers.  However, if you really want what you want, then you are more likely to get it if you plan ahead and book ahead.

Myth 4:  Silk flowers do not look real, I want them to be real.

Maybe if you took some silk flowers and tied them with a ribbon they would not look “real”.  However, Floral Design is, well, design.  Floral Design is an art.  A good designer does not just purchase flowers and stick them into a bouquet holder and add some ribbon.  A good designer uses techniques to create bouquets and arrangements which are comparable and can often exceed the quality of designs using fresh flowers.

Fresh flowers are indeed beautiful and there are many, many fresh floral designers who are masters. However, silks can be more easily manipulated into unique designs: They bend, don’t break, don’t wilt, can be worked on longer because they don’t die.

My full-size bridal bouquets require about 15 hours to create.  My large arrangements can take anywhere from 30 to 40 hours. 

In Favor of Silk: Just The Facts

Fact 1.  Silk flowers are not always silk.

Although they are still referred to as “silk flowers” modern-day silks are also made from composite materials which adds to the realistic look.

Fact 2.  You can get a design which is totally unique

Silk flowers allow room for creativity.  For example: A bride on a tight budget could probably get a unique bouquet for the same price she would have to pay for a simple bunch of fresh flowers.

Fact 3.  Not wilting is a big deal

I often record the series, “Platinum Weddings”, on the WETV channel.  I watch the episodes when I have time so I can keep up with the new trends in wedding flowers. Of course, the couples on this show have unlimited amounts of money to burn but its a good chance to see some beautiful flowers and settings.

I was struck by two episodes regarding fresh flowers.  In one episode the bride spent $250,000 on fresh floral arrangements, causing the groom to exclaim, “250,000 and tomorrow they’ll all be dead”.  In another episode the ceremony arrangements at a hefty price of $500 each, arrived wilted, with some flowers dead.  The wedding planner had to turn the flower arrangements to their best side so the dead flowers wouldn’t show so much.

 As I said, Not wilting is a big deal.  Consider a beach wedding in the hot, hot sun.  If you had planned to use your ceremony flowers for your reception, they might not make it.

Fact 4.  They really can be exquisite.

A master designer can make a bouquet or floral arrangement that can exceed your expectations.  And you can preview them ahead of time to make changes or design other decorating elements around them.

See the new casual Wedding Hairstyles at: http://www.TheBouquetBoutique.com/flowerhair.htm

Check out our page on 2008 Wedding Cake Trends at: http://www.TheBouquetBoutique.com/flowercakes.htm

Bold bright colors.  Metallics and the latest from Paris: Black. http://www.TheBouquetBoutique.com/weddingtrends.htm

The Casual But Elegant Wedding

By Patricia McKenzie all rights reserved

The casual wedding offers unlimited possibilities for the couple who wants something uniquely their own.  But what if your heart also longs for enchanted, and regal?  Can the casual wedding turn the bride into a princess-for-a-day?  Can you still have the glitz and the glamour?  Here’s how to break from tradition and still achieve a fairytale wedding. 

When freed from the heavy, poufy gown, the structured church to reception hall setting, the tux and cotton-candy bridesmaid dresses, and the huge, burdensome bouquet, the wedding gets to fly on light-weight wings.

 The Beach Wedding.  A beach wedding need not be about bikinis and flip-flops.  Elegance can take center stage in any setting.  Imagine long, flowing, gauzy dresses, hair in updos,  rimmed with flowers and crystals, billowy white canopies that catch the sun.  Think wind and easy movement; the flow of tides; the drama of crashing waves.  Think whites and soft pastels or radiant splashes of tropical color.  Catch the sunlight with the use of glass and beads, then drift into sunset with low, romantic lighting.  It’s all about comfort, fun and steamy romance. 

A Garden Will Do Just Fine.  The garden wedding shouts Victorian lace; flowers in shades of pink, lavender, soft blues or muted yellows and orange.  Think dresses that move elegantly in the breeze; white jackets; comfortable shoes.  Bring out grannies china and cover the tables with linen.  Go for gourmet finger sandwiches; lush deserts; the gentle movement of a garden fountain.The garden can be your own back yard with a little attention to detail.  Flowers can be purchased fresh or custom-order silk arrangements.  The canopies, tables, chairs, linens and even the fountain can be rented.

  A Picnic In The Park.  Park venues are there for the booking and can be turned into the equivalent of a day in the country.  Why not sundresses, parasols, gingham,  open spaces.  How about a sprawling buffet, and pretty girls in ponytails.  The elegance comes into play when the entire look is pulled together.  Remember the old movies of the 30’s and 40’s?  No matter if the setting were a horse farm, a ski resort, or a cruise ship, the clothes, hair and the accompaniments were in perfect sync with the surroundings…giving it all that “rich girl” feel.

  The Casual Winter Wedding.  Why not blend in with the weather instead of fighting it?  Who says you have to wear a strapless formal gown, in Vermont in February.  Who says that indoors must be all indoors or in a huge ballroom?  Fun-filled ski lodges;  quaint bed and breakfast inns or novelty dude ranches all make for an exciting celebration.  Churches with simple reception rooms are another nice alternative to the stuffy ballroom, especially if they include a nice garden or courtyard for quests to stroll.The glitter and glitz can be added with velvets, satins and heavy lace.  Fireplaces, hot toddies, thick puddings and brilliant color against a snowy background all bring a memorable elegance to any winter setting. With a little imagination and planning, a casual wedding can be elegant, charming and fun for the couple and their guests.   

The legend of Cupid and Psyche.

In Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus, who envied the extrodinary beauty of the mortal girl, Psyche.  Venus sent Cupid to destroy Psyche, but instead he fell in love with her.  Although Psyche was entrenched in a grand lifestyle by Cupid, she was forbidden to gaze upon him because he was a God. 

Eventually Psyche’s sisters convinced her to look at Cupid, telling her he was a monster.  When Psyche looked upon Cupid, she was punished with abandonement.

Psyche searched for her lost love and was directed by Venus to accomplish a series of difficult tasks.  Venus tricked Psyche and she was put into a deep sleep.  When Cupid discovered his lifeless love, he restored her.  Psyche was forgiven by Venus and the other Gods and their love was blessed.

A happy ending.

Here’s a list of some spooky places to visit:

1. Myrtles PlantationThis Louisiana hotel was built on an ancient Indian burial ground.  Rumor has it that ten murders have been committed here.2. Queen Mary HotelOnce a cruise ship, The Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, California, hosts special events and tours to cash in on its reputation for unexplained occurrences. 3. Crescent HotelThe Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is said to be a hotbed of ghostly sightings. 4. Stanley Hotel Steven King’s “The Shining”  was inspired by his stay at the Stanley.5. Le Pavilion HotelThis New Orleans Hotel boasts at least four ghosts.

BOBBING FOR APPLES

After the Romans conquered the Celtic territories, the festival of Samhain was combined with Feralia, which commemorated the passing of the dead, and Pomona which honored the Goddess of fruit and trees.

The apple was used to symbolize Pamona and may explain the tradition of bobbing for apples.