Best Wedding Trends For 2012
Make me BLUSH
This year we are seeing many new trends for weddings and also a few trends brought over from last year. In 2012 we will begin to see a change in wedding color themes. Brides are going for a more classic, elegant look, incorporating soft neutrals like Cream, Beige, and Blush with trendy, bright pops of color, especially in the spring and summer. Popular choices for accent colors are racy red-orange, fresh lime green, and cool royal blue. As always, black is still classy, tasteful and always in fashion.
Gorgeous Gowns
2012 has big plans for wedding gowns. Kate Middleton made a huge impact on brides-to-be with her gorgeous lace gown. Necklines are moving up and sleeves are getting longer. Brides are taking a more modest approach in their dress choices. Brides want to feel more romantic and elegant in their wedding gowns. Trends for gown material are leaning toward lace, embroidery, and soft tulle. Vera Wang is one of many designers who are adding these classy touches to their latest collections. Aside from lacey necklines, mermaid skirts and corset bodices are also on the radar for 2012. Luckily for the Bridesmaids, they are getting a fresher look as well with unique dresses and shoes for each lady.
Keeping It Green
Invitations are getting a new look with the use of vibrant colors and non-traditional designs. Many are “going green” with recycled, Earth-friendly materials. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are also looking greener as the traditional décor is being swapped for reusable products and more couples are enjoying DIY projects. Brides and grooms are looking for more local specialty foods and produce farms.
More Decor
Anything that hangs- chandeliers, frames and creative lighting
Rock the Reception
2012 wedding receptions are donning a vintage look with a bit of modern flair. The typical reception tables are being replaced by French industrial furniture and settings, using softer colors like Ivory and Taupe. Long tables mixed in with rounds keeps the room interesting. Experiential stations to get your guests involved have become very popular- like photo booths and paparazzi type photos.
Let Them Eat Cupcakes
Wedding cakes this year will get a huge make-under. Couples are choosing smaller cakes, cupcakes, and miniature desserts to serve to their guests. These desserts are great since you can get just enough for all of your guests, while still having a variety for everyone to choose from. Cupcakes are not just for kids anymore, becoming an amazing gourmet treat. You can easily incorporate the theme of your wedding into mini desserts. They are an easy and fun way to serve your guests something delicious without overfilling them. Who wants quarter pound of cake sitting in your belly when you are trying to dance the night away?!
Late night munchies
Serving a 4th course for the late nighters keeps the reception going. Gourmet food trucks with little snacks are the perfect end of the night treat!
Snazzy Photos
Photos are also changing. One big trend that is emerging for wedding photographs is using props and backgrounds to add more fun to pictures.
Fetching Flowers
Big wedding bouquets in Denver are making their way back onto the scene accompanied by lots of great textures and lovely hues. Also, many Denver flower shops are creating centerpieces that are less cookie-cutter and more mix-matched, adding a charming visual to the atmosphere. Looks for florals that are coordinating and not so matchy matchy.
This year you have so many options to choose from to make your wedding an amazing and unique event. Show off your personality and make it a day to remember!
Corporate Gift Giving 101
Many companies have established guidelines for giving and receiving gifts in the workplace. Consulting your company policies and procedures before deciding to send gifts to your co-workers is always a good idea. Also, think about cost. How much do you want to spend on a particular gift? You don’t want to go overboard, but you do not want your gift to appear too small. Find a good middle ground in your price range and begin planning your gift from there. Some of the most popular and acceptable office gifts are flowers, plants and gift baskets. All of these choices look stylish while still being kind to your wallet. Also, buying multiple gifts may allow for a discount!
- When choosing a floral arrangement for a coworker you should always keep in mind what message you are sending with your purchase. You will not want to send Peggy in Accounting a dozen red roses, because it could be construed as an inappropriate gift. However, if you were to send Peggy a beautiful Amaryllis or an arrangement of winter blooms during the holiday season, this would be quite fitting and there would be no awkward moments in the break room. Another idea would be a flower centerpiece. It could consist of Holly, winter berries, red flowers, pine cones and holiday greens candles nestled in the center. The recipient could use their gift to adorn their mantle or as the focal point of their family table during a holiday feast.
Gift baskets are a wonderful gift to send to a company, team or group of people. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide exactly what to send in a gift basket. Especially, since there are so many selections and combinations available to you. Find out what types of food your recipients enjoy and choose a basket that includes those fares, such as a Chocolate Lover’s basket, a fresh fruit and nuts, a gourmet snack or cookie assortment, or a coffee and biscotti collection. My favorite choice, also the most popular among customers, is a basket of all Colorado goodies like Chocó love Gourmet Chocolate bars, Carmel corn from Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company, Boulder Water, Buffalo Bill’s Trail mix and Snacks and Bear Meadow Winter Spiced Tea.
Gift giving during the holidays is a wonderful gesture that can brighten any employee’s, co-worker’s, boss or client’s day. Although choosing a gift should not be done haphazardly, do not fry your brain trying to find the perfect gift. Remember, it is the thought that counts and everyone enjoys flowers!
Are you naughty or nice to Poinsettias?
Are you naughty or nice to poinsettias? 
Not only is Santa coming to town but so are poinsettias! Whether you receive one or give one as a gift, knowing the proper care of your blossoming beauty will help it last long through the holiday!
Here are a couple of tips:
- It’s a wrap!- Remove all packaging and sleeves once inside. This allows free air flow around the whole plant, reduces humidity, prevents disease and allow in needed light
- Baby it’s cold outside! Monitor temperature They are highly susceptible to damage by chilling and never should be exposed to temperatures below 50F. Chilling-injury symptoms include- bluing or whitening of the bracts- usually appear within two days of exposure. Plants should be maintained at 65-75F.
- Oh sunny day! - Display them in high light (but not DIRECT light) and remove any lower leaves that have yellowed, browned or dropped.
- Wet their whistle- Keep the soil moist- Poinsettia are very sensitive and will not recover if allowed to wilt. Check plants daily and water when the surface of the soil feels dry to touch. Discard excess water in pot as plants left sitting in water may suffer root rot.
Follow this list and check it twice and your poinsettia will have a long lasting life!
Fabulous Flowers for Winter Gatherings
Most of the time, the flowers we see most during the winter months are those traditional poinsettia plants positioned at the front doors of homes and retail shops. Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice deep red poinsettia too; but if you’re planning a special holiday gathering or even a winter wedding, you may desire a little more pizzazz.
Some of the most beautiful flowers in Denver for winter weddings are ranunculus. These delicately elegant blooms grow in white as well as vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, yellow and purple. For wedding bouquets in Denver, we might suggest a bouquet of dazzling white ranunculus with a touch of deep green foliage to accent. A nice suggestion; but our main priority is to listen to your distinct needs and then exceed them.
There’s something special about white during the winter months, especially when you throw in a splash of color to add visual interest to your floral arrangement. This is true whether we’re talking about a wedding bouquet or a centerpiece for your holiday meal – or even if we’re just looking at the special floral arrangement you place on your bedside table! Other popular white flowers include gerber daisies, white or pale pink roses, calla lilies, mums or freesia, a fragrant favorite! Orchids are also highly sought after for winter weddings; loved for their delicate beauty.
Not every winter gathering needs to be dressed in white and silver. There are no rules that say you cannot delve into deep colors for any special occasion. From December through February, rich and aromatic reds are extremely popular for use in centerpieces, bouquets and even wreaths. Some of the best options to give you a blast of romantic red are roses, calla lilies, anemones, amaryllis, and cymbidium orchids. Any of these flowers may be bunched tightly together for a modern, structural display or may be inserted into a bed of greens, a loose wreath or a full bouquet. Remember that the red palette includes far more than the standard ruby red you might initially envision. Red flowers in Denver may also include hues of deep red, blood orange and wine.
To have the most fun with the fabulous flowers in Denver, mix colors and textures for the highest degree of chic play. There is no limit to the various complimentary flowers or natural elements you can use; we incorporate all sorts of interesting combinations in our wedding bouquets in Denver! There’s nothing that says you have to stick with any particular color, flower, or even that you have to stick strictly with flowers in your focal point arrangements. Today, feathers are a hugely popular addition seen in a wide variety of floral arrangements. Another unique touch would be to use winter berries, such as snowberry, hypericum, ilex, and pepper berry.
There are so many ideas to make your winter florals totally amazing, we could write about it all day! Rather than do that, I’ll just encourage you to come by and see what we can create together.
Wedding Trends from the Royal Wedding
I recently attended the Wedding MBA, an all industry conference with fantastic presentations what I love- Weddings! I was excited to hear about some interesting trends we will start seeing that have been influenced by the Royal wedding.
- Fashion – Turning to a more modern classic style. We will start see influences from the styles of the 40′s and 50′s. Kate’s dress was glorious with lovingly embroidered English lace sewn by the Royal School of Needlework. Gowns with sleeves- long and capped are becoming more popular.
- After you- Processional order. Did you notice that the brides attendant and flower girls entered after the bride? English brides have only one adult attendant (as a witness)and it is custom to have many young bridesmaids instead of adult attendants. It is intended that the one attendant adusts the train and veil for the bride.
- Arrive in style- Brides and Grooms will arrive and leave- maybe not in the 1902 State landau carriage in which the happy couple set off from Westminster Abbey in – but in transportation that makes a statement
- Sweet Slices - Cakes will feature the couples initials on one of the layers and this is where the bride and groom will cut the cake.
- Repurposing- Kate walked down the aisle to an avenue of maple trees and a sea of seasonal British flowers and foliage. The trees, plants and flowers were sourced from the royal estates and other English growers.. The inspiration for the flowers was that everything is sustainable and renewable. After the ceremony, the couple has asked that the plants and flowers be donated to charities or re-planted.
- Farm to Table – Most of the food that was prepared and served at the Royal wedding such as the meat and veggies were sourced from the Queen’s gardens and estates.
Pick one or all of these trends and add a twist to make your wedding unique!
Colorado Wedding Venues– A few hidden gems!
Our fabulous wedding specialist, Katie Carrera, joined other members of the Association of Bridal Consultants for the monthly “Fact Caravan” last week. Starting early in the morning, it was a busy day of visiting unique and interesting wedding venues. Take a peek at some of these Colorado gems from right in your backyard to Estes Park.
Lakewood Country Club
First stop was Lakewood Country Club. Michele Smith, the Director of Catering gave a tour of the facility showing off the beautiful banquet rooms and ceremony locations for seating up to 225 guests. Beautiful grounds and with onsite catering, this is the whole package.
Piatti Restaurant
Next up, Piatti Restaurant! ABC Members were served a delicious 4 course lunches with Tina Overbay, the special events coordinator. Piatti is the ideal venue for private parties, receptions and rehearsal dinners. They offer several menus at different price points, as well as an extensive wine list to compliment your menu selections. Piatti features several areas for your banquet needs.
Venezia Terrace:
This outdoor area holds up to 32 seated and 60 standing guests and lets you enjoy the beautiful Cherry Creek area from its glass enclosure.
Tuscan Dining Room:
Accommodates 32 seated and 60 standing guests. When the French doors are open, the large “L” shaped room can accommodate 60 seated and 120 standing guests.
Peaceful Valley Ranch
Your western adventure! Located in Lyons, Peaceful Valley is one of Colorado’s oldest and largest guest ranches. What a great western venue! There are 4 wonderful ceremony sites. Take either a 4 wheel drive vehicles or ride horseback to the small chapel on the property. The European architecture is has an old world feel with great view of the mountains. Ceremonies can be held at the mountaintop, meadow or the dance hall as well. Receptions can be held in 6 different areas of the ranch
Lodging is available in the year round Bed and Breakfast or rustic cabins with fireplaces!
www.peacefulvalleyweddings.com
Wild Basin Lodge
Nestled within an ancient valley carved by glaciers, The Wild Basin Lodge lies at the entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park and is situated at 8,300 ft. The lodge affords the quintessential mountain experience in luxurious comfort.
There are two wonderful mountain settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Whether by the rushing banks of the St. Vrain River or in an aspen grove ringed by majestic peaks, each site comprises a truly unique setting. The large reception rooms comfortably accommodate moderate to large sized groups. Handcrafted wood and stone craftsmanship creates an air of casual elegance throughout the lodge.
The Wild Basin Lodge, a leader in ‘green’ practices, has a published green statement, routine energy audits and a policy of using only organic ingredients and foodstuffs whenever possible. So Colorado!
Aspen Lodge- Estes Park
Beautiful outdoor views! Providing a variety of locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions, the Aspen Lodge has the perfect setting for either a formal indoor wedding reception or a relaxed outdoor mountain rehearsal dinner.
The outdoor area is easily dressed up for a wedding celebration or dressed rustic for those more informal wedding receptions or rehearsal dinners. With fairy lights and an open air fireplace, the setting will feel magical set among a forest of aspens and evergreens. The deck is situated perfectly to offer views of Beaver Lake and Longs Peak and perfect for a smaller ceremony.
The romantic Longs Peak room is a mountain paradise. Constructed of lodge pole pine, it offers a vaulted ceiling, a great room fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows with majestic views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Just lovely!
Estes Park Condos – Estes Park
Estes Park Condos offers a romantic and memorable setting for your wedding or reception. The beautiful gazebo, nestled in the midst of Ponderosa Pines and the running waters of Fall River is the perfect site for a secluded ceremony. Great place for a destination wedding with wonderful lodging for a longer stay. Wedding packages are available and can include everything from a tent reception to hair and makeup!
AHHHHH……Ending the evening at the lovely ……Della Terra
Della Terra is a place where natural beauty and romantic design are brought together to create the perfect secluded mountain venue for your wedding ceremony and reception. Hosting only one wedding at a time, you are assured your wedding will be intimate and exclusive. Two exquisite locations are available as the perfect setting for this memorable day for you and your guests: The Celebration Place, an indoor ceremony and reception area, and The Devotion Place, an outdoor ceremony area. Beautiful mountain views! Guests can enjoy unique themed guest rooms or rustic cabins for a real Colorado feel!
Floral and Fashion
This Summer – The Fashion of Flowers
Flowers seem to always play a role in fashion whether it’s a floral print, ruffles that resemble petals or a floral adornment. This summer’s style is no different. Designers like, Valentino, the founder of one of Italy’s leading fashion houses , showcased his runway collection with flounces and ruffles with a floral inspiration from couture to ready to wear.
You know I am a big fan of flowers so this is very appealing to me. Rosettes are turning up everywhere and this definitely a look I love. Here, these rosettes adorn apparel, purses and hair pieces. Take a look at ETSY.com to find these little treasures.
You’ll find other great pieces at Anthropologie- another favorite. They have incorporated a few flower adornments to some of there “so sweet” shoes and casual hats. Flouncy dresses with floral accents are just so ultrafeminine.
This fashion statement has been embraced by many designers, from couture on down. We are seeing this influence in the floral industry as to the type of flowers that our customers and brides are choosing. Floral design trends usually follow what happens in the fashion and interior design industry so it’s natural for us to see requests for more garden roses, peonies and ranunculus. All of the beauties have lush , soft, frilly petals that resemble ruffles. From strappy shoes to exquisite hair pieces, brides are adding floral accents to their style and creating a look that is soft, feminine with a bit of whimsy!
Shop Tour
Come on in…..Take a shop tour and meet the staff!
Not only stocked with the freshest flowers, Amore Fiori also works with local artisans to fill up on custom jewelry, paintings and other accessories! Tokyo Milk lip balms, candles and perfumes have been a big hit becuse they have such unique and interesting scents like, Dead Sexy!
Ideas for a Vintage Inspired Wedding
During my floral consultations, I always ask a bride what she would like the look and feel of her wedding to be. In the past, I would get answers like – “simple elegance” or “classic elegance”. Recently when I ask the question, I am more and more hearing “Vintage”. There are variations to this though. Brides are wanting -“Rustic Vintage”, “Modern Vintage” “Retro Vintage”. All of these vintage inspirations have so many clever little details that can truly make your wedding unique.
A few ideas :
When working with your florist, ask them to incorporate an antique piece of jewelry into your bouquet. How meaningful to have a piece from a mother or grandmother included in your bouquet. Vintage inspired hairpiece can always be adorned with a few flowers for a fresh look to a vintage piece.
Eclectic vessels will always give that vintage feel to florals. Whether it is rustic, like the birch covered container or retro, like the vintage paper covered containers, you can create a look of old times past. Antique milk glass vases will certainly do the trick . Have your florals created with soft pastels and neutrals. They are the perfect colors to create this look!
Here antique silver vessels had been collected by the bride and her mom. Using soft pink roses with ivory hydrangea, freesia and lizianthus, we created a collection of different pieces for each table. Fresh blueberries added a unique touch to each fo the pieces.
I love this style! It has been fun creating new ideas and designs for each bride’s unique vintage look that seems to be popular right now!
Tips and Ideas for Wedding Aisle Flowers and Décor
Double Duty:
A fantastic way to make the most out of your wedding flowers is to incorporate your ceremony and aisle decorations into the reception. This is a great reuse of your wedding florals, especially if your ceremony and reception are in the same location. Here, the first picture the vases of submerged orchids with a floating candle make your aisle illuminate and then can easily be reused as a centerpiece for each table. In the second photo, the arrangement that was tied to the chairs can be placed into a vase for centerpieces by your florist. Other aisle décor that is already in a container, such as the third photo, just needs to be reset to the guest tables. Use larger decorations to adorn the head table or stand next to other tables, such as the gift or food tables. When planning your aisle décor, think of ways that you can reuse those pieces and work with your florist to create a piece that will have a dual purpose.
Patterned Petals:
I love this look! Make a real impact with this new trend of patterned aisle petals. Make sure to use colors that will contrast the ground for the greatest impact. Create your own design or even a monogram.
If you are planning a wedding this year, check out our portfolio at Amore Fiori and let us show you how we can incorporate these ideas into your wedding!
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