Rich, warm and inviting. As a wedding color combination, you really can’t go wrong with red and orange. And we just love these simple place settings and flowers; it’s perfect for a DIY shower or wedding. It also demonstrates that just a little color can make a big impact.

Tablecloth and Chairs rented from West Coast Event Productions

Tags: Color, orange, red.

Looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding? Opt for eco-friendly centerpieces such as succulents and/or cacti and the earth (and your wallet) will thank you. I went with a mix of succulents and cut flowers for my centerpieces and it was one of the smartest wedding decisions I made. After the big day my new husband and I replanted all of my centerpieces and one year later, my Southern Californian garden is filled with big, beautiful succulents. (I actually had too many plants and had to give some to my sister who now has them in her garden.)

Call me sentimental, but I love the symbolism of these plants growing in the garden that my husband and I built together. Every time I see them I think of our wedding and how special it was. And because you can cut and replant these succulents, I give them to friends and family all the time. It’s a simple act that makes me feel like I’m spreading joy.

My centerpieces then:  

Tags: Centerpieces, Eco-Friendly.

Spring is in the air! I love these inexpensive wedding bouquets featuring fresh spring flowers…

A mixture of green cymbidiuum orchids and white roses for the classic bride.

Pink and yellow daisies, mixed with irises, white roses, and green poms lend a whimsical and casual feel to this gorgeous bouquet.

Layered pink roses, hydrangea, and peonies give this monochromatic bouquet a rich texture to add to its romantic essence.

Classic white roses and hydrangea ensure that this bouquet will stand the test of time.

Images courtesy of Jeret Slack Photography

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There are a lot of things going on over here, but I wanted to give you a sneak preview of a lovely lily of the valley bouquet from next week’s real wedding of the week…

Photo by Little White Dress, Coordination by Alison Events

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You still have time to submit your entry for the Do It Yourself Wedding Challenge and win the $500 grand prize, or $250 runner up prize. We open entries from anyone - brides, grooms, vendors, friends, family - all are welcome. The contest ends next week, so submit yours now!

Here’s one of my favorite entries so far, from the very talented bride mhudnall :

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Materials:

• Purses purchased from http://www.myglassslipper.com and dyed to match the girl’s dresses.
• Floral foam blocks
• Orange soft touch orchids purchased from Stats
• Various silk flowers and greens purchased from Michael’s.

Tools:

• Knife (To cut down floral foam)
• Scissors 
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Assembly:

• Take the empty purse, and cut down your floral blocks using your knife to easily fit inside.

• Cut down your flowers to the right length and begin inserting flowers in the floral foam securing the flowers into the foam with the hot glue gun after it is in the place you desire.  Be sure to place the larger flowers in first, and then add smaller flowers and filling.

• Once the flowers are set up as you like, create a duplicate pattern on the other side of the purse so the arrangement looks the same from either side.

Because the flowers are silk, these can easily be made in advance.  If you do make in advance, I suggest covering with a plastic bag to protect from dust.  

Final shot of the flowers in action.

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I am in love with these bouquets from Erin over at Rosenow Florals in San Francisco. They are so edgy!

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Now that it is officially fall, I thought we could celebrate with some red floral inspiration. I was particularly inspired by Mandy’s use of red roses, and how she mixes different colors to create texture and contrast. Mandy Scott was the superstar behind the flowers at my wedding. You can read more about my experience here.

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