Archive for the ‘Topaz News’ Category

Glamorous Fall Wedding Ideas

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Do you need a little inspiration for your much awaited fall wedding? Here are awesome fall wedding ideas that will help make this special day sleek and contemporary. Fall is definitely all about texture, glam touches, warm rich colors and so much more. Whether it is your wedding flowers or reception venue, here are wedding tips that pay homage to this wonderful season.

• Textured linens. Fall is really about texture. And this only means that your tablecloths should be something stimulating to the senses-tactile fabrics and visually sophisticated materials such as linen, velvet, silk or even Ultrasuede. Try to use fabric with multiple textures (e.g. organza with chenille embroidery) or maybe try layering two tablecloths.

• Pretty seasonal napkins. Napkins can be a little clever to work on especially for seasonal accents. You can always tie napkins with a tiny millet bundle for a fall appeal. Search for affordable napkin rings in places in thrift shops and even in department stores. Find simple napkin rings in silver, gold, resin and other fall colors. You can always create your very own bands with the use of grosgrain and velvet ribbons.

• Bright accents. For an ultra stunning look, mix neutral hues with sudden pops of bright colors. Try to get custom napkins made from natural fabrics lined with pretty silk undersides. Ask your NY wedding florist for fall flower arrangement ideas as well.

• Dramatic glass. Crystal or black glass will truly add a unique and creative touch for your tabletops just like vases, or onyx crystal goblets. Fill your vase with nice colored flowers to make things more dramatic.

• Metallic color accents. From vintage silver and gold to bronze and pewter copper, metallic accents always make fashionable statements for fall weddings. Gold/silver accessories will help liven up a venue or table setting. Glass vases are great for cocktail table centerpieces.

• Fall aisle. Add that seasonal touch to the wedding ceremony by taking advantage of wheat or grape bunches as your aisle markers. It is harvest time for the vineyards so it would be fashionable to exchange vows under a grape vine-covered pergola.

• Lavish and elegant chandeliers. Add an upscale feeling to the reception hall with chandeliers dripping in vintage gems or Swarovski crystals.

• Mood lighting attractions. LED lighting fixtures are the hottest trends these days. Start the wedding cocktails with a bright sunny effect and end up the event with purple sunsets on the ceiling or walls.

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Wedding Flora Arrangements: The Truth about Roses

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Roses are among the most popular blooms used for bridal bouquets together with stephanotis, gardenia and the traditional lily of the valley. A rose serves as a wonderful iconographic symbol filled with delicate intricacies perfect for a captivating bride. Here are some of your best loved things about the ‘Queen of Flowers’ by your NY wedding florist.

Romance and Roses. Flower designers unanimously agree that when it comes to weddings, roses can be equated with romance. Rose are emotional, vintage and old fashioned even without seeming over precious or something hackneyed. The famed Princess Diana had them on her wedding day and as well as numerous Hollywood brides showing how diverse a rose can be and its versatility in creating statements. Roses are often associated with Chinese wallpapers, cathedrals and even in the fashion industry. Roses are often figured in timeless childhood classics like Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and Beauty & the Beast. No wonder many brides are still looking into these lovely blooms when it comes to their wedding flower arrangements.

A Rose’s Language. The Victorian era paved the way for roses as a form of romance language for many lovers. Orange roses signified fascination, white blooms would mean unity and deep dark red roses would mean true love. Obey the sentimentalist in you and don’t get dissuade with the old taboo. Any rose color you chose is a wonderful expression of your personality, style and emotion.

Quality & Communication. There are more than a hundred types of roses available in the market these days. When talking to your wedding flower designer, try to convey the picture that you would want using words like ‘garden like’, ‘Victorian’ or maybe something ‘architectural’. Bridal bouquets and wedding floral arrangements usually call for hybrid roses that are formally shaped, sturdy, fragrant, and those with pointy centers.

Designing with Rose Blooms. The kind of bloom used in arrangements and bouquets will depend upon what you want and according to region. Classic brides would opt for lavender roses or maybe the immaculate whites such as Bianca, Vendela or Virginia. Contemporary and casual weddings go for offbeat hues such as periwinkle, fuchsia and yellow.

Out of the Box Rose Uses. Design a rose filled loot bag as bridesmaid gifts by adding on rose scented lotion, potpourri, lotions, colognes and etc. Scatter a generous amount of rose petals on the floor for the couple’s first dance. And don’t forget to sprinkle a handful of rose petal into the tub for the honeymoon night!

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Wedding Flower Expert Tips You’ll Love

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Wedding flowers have always been a part of a couple’s “A List” when it comes to preparing things for the big day. Here are some tips from wedding experts in getting those lovely wedding flower arrangements.

• Don’t forget to do your little ‘research homework’. Interview several NY wedding florists as you would do to any professional just to make sure you have the same vision for your wedding day. It would be important that you feel comfortable working with your chosen wedding florist. Find someone that listens to your needs and wants. Try to establish a special connection with your wedding florist. A person who shares your visions will be able to execute the type of floral designs you desire even without you articulating every detail.

•    Try to go local! Choosing your wedding flower arrangements based on date and destination will not only save you some cash but is also an awesome way of giving a nod to your locale.

• Create a doppelganger. Do you love the pretty look of hydrangea but could not afford this expensive bloom for maybe 10 flower centerpieces? You can always go for carnations instead. They are nice and less expensive flowers that when bundled, may mimic the ethereal hydrangea look.

• Think outside the flower vase. Break away from the classic flower vases and change how your flowers would look. Think about utilizing flower pots, wooden boxes, Moroccan urns and other vintage vases for your flower centerpiece arrangements. Don’t hesitate to match those ‘flea market finds’ and other family heirlooms for that unique and charming touch.

•    Think outside the flower box! If you’re not entirely a flower person, then you can always try to jazz up your flower arrangements with other creative stuffs like feathers, seashells, branches, decorative wire, and so much more.

• Choose a color and then design the flower scheme. Every florist would want to give you those cutting edge designs even when you want to stay on a budget. Give them your wedding color preferences instead of the flowers you want. Your NY wedding florist can recommend you flower options that you can help you save money.

• Don’t lose the greenery. Your foliage is something that can be considered as a best friend. Ask your NY wedding florist to integrate foliage with unique silhouettes and textures for spectacular flower arrangements. The addition of foliage is something less costly compared to those blooms and thus stretches your wedding budget.

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Winter Wedding Flower Arrangements

Monday, November 29th, 2010

There is definitely no shortage for wonderful ideas that could help reflect the winter season on your big day. Here are some of the most popular wedding flower arrangement tips that could help you make your winter wedding the most exciting season of the year.

Romance with Winter Whites. White wedding themes have always been associated with winter but an ‘all white’ color palette does not mean that you have to stick with those stark and modern white flower arrangements. Many stylish grooms and brides are now getting into the trend for that soft and vintage effect comprised of ivories, creams and pale blush colors. For your blooms, you can always a classic mix of white orchids, tulips, amaryllis, anemones and calla lilies. This interesting combo can create that effect of gently colored and textured flowered bouquets that appear elegant and lavishly romantic.

The Tactile Accents. Your NY wedding florist can also add a certain dimension for your centerpiece by mixing a touch of sage green lamb’s ear to silver Dusty Miller leaves. Experience some kind of frosty effect that shows the winter season while breaking up an all red or white color palette. You may also opt for similar design to be applied on your bouquet. Try to carry a ‘single flower cluster ‘as you walk along the aisle and you can keep your bridal bouquet interesting by integrating some of these small bursts of texture and color. A mass of tulips, roses or anemones would look great!

The Rich and Festive Red. Decadent reds have been immensely popular for wedding flower arrangement use in the months of December and January. Some of the best red blooms for the winter include amaryllis, anemones, roses, gloriosa lilies, cymbidium orchids, and calla lilies. Many floral designers are now using mono floral arrangements wherein a single kind of flower is bundled tightly and made into structural displays throughout the banquet. You can also go for variegated table centerpieces. Select from a broad palette of shades ranging from deep orange and ruby to wine and plum. This can help design a much more rich and intriguing effect to your guests.

Think Beyond Flower Bouquets. Try to come up with ideas outside the flowerbed and bring out those unique non floral elements such as hypericum, pepper berries, and snowberries for an added touch and a winter season appeal. There are brides who add some dramatic feathers to their bouquets and some boutonnieres as well.

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10 Wedding Flower Inspirations

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Put a twist into the traditional wedding flower arrangements and be inspired with some of these sweet ideas.

Mythical Maids. Instead of using bouquets during your wedding, get pretty delicate wreaths for your bridesmaids and let them wear it as a hair dress. Think about fairy princesses and ancient goddesses-blossoms or greens can do the magic. You can try using yellow daisies, stalks of wheat or stephanotis. Offer your maids cute and tiny purses to carry with them down that aisle or ask them to clasp their hands immaculately as they process.

Petal Power. If you want an aesthetically stunning send off, furnish your wedding guests with nice paper cones or maybe teeny baskets filled with flower petals to throw instead of using confetti or rice. These items can often be uncomfortable especially when it falls down on your dress! Get a memorable escape from your guests while getting showered with a fragrant floral cloud.

Choose your wedding centerpiece. Sometimes, even the simplest blooms can look fabulous if arranged in multiples. For your wedding centerpieces, ask your New York wedding florist to arrange bunches of Queen Anne Lace and variegated ivy. Get that elegant, rustic and natural look for these centerpieces. You may also cluster flower filled vases (you can also use jars, milk bottles).

Your groom’s flowers. Stylish grooms and groomsmen nowadays are trying to walk on the wild side, studding their individual lapels with mini sunflowers, calla lilies and etc. Exotic boutonnieres look nice and sexy and will definitely refresh an exhausted tux get up. For your groom, design something extra special and then accent it with a ribbon that represents his personality- stripes for chic, polka for lighthearted and plaid for preppy.

Tied and true. Try to show a little stem. Unstructured and ribbon tied bouquets are in the trend, often in monochromatic and vivid hues. Wrap your bouquet with brightly colored ribbons or sumptuous fabrics like velvet, organza or satin.

Added wedding floral arrangements. In your reception hall, decorate freestanding tables with floral accents. Add low bowls with red roses, cylindrical vases with calla lilies or tall vases with cherries.

Best finishing touch. Whether you opt for tussy mussy Victorian era arrangement or a fabric wedding bouquet wrap, make sure you come up with something unique. Cover your handle with a velvety fabric, braid another one around the handle and develop something with a corset style. Talk with your New York wedding florist about his/her suggested presentation ideas.

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Top Questions you to ask your Wedding Florist

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Selecting the best wedding florist is oftentimes a very tedious task. You want everything to be perfect and smooth flowing during the big day. Here is a list of questions that will guide you when it comes to choosing the best wedding florist. Let your florist know the things you need and you want.

What is included in your contract agreement? Ask a final quote that includes set up, delivery, transportation fees and etc. Never hesitate to also inquire about the overtime charges, taxes, gratuities and cancellation penalty fees. Make sure you don’t miss any hidden fees or charges that might annoyingly surprise you later.

How are the wedding flowers transported? Do your wedding flower arrangements need climate controlled transportation? Try to have your flowers delivered maybe an hour before the photography shoot. This will help guarantee fresh flowers during the ceremony and as well as the reception.

What are some of the seasonal flowers during your big day? Seasonal flowers are more inexpensive compared to the exotics and non seasonal blooms. They may also come in varieties to match your wedding’s color theme.

What is the company policy regarding deposits & final payments? This essential question will let you stick to your budget. Many NYC wedding florists require deposit upon transaction and the remaining balance to be paid two weeks before the wedding.

Has your florist worked or decorated in the same wedding venue in the past? Your wedding florist may have ideas and suggestions for you. There are also others who examine the place first and then offer their own suggestions.

When are the flower arrangements created? You want to make sure you only get the freshest flowers during this momentous event in your life. Asking this question will give you an idea how fresh your floral arrangements will be during the ceremony or reception.

Can you see a sample portfolio of your wedding florist’s past creations? Browsing over your florist’s portfolio will let you know how creative and talented he is. This will also give you more ideas for your wedding day décor.

How prepared is your wedding florist if something goes absolutely wrong during the wedding? Try to find out what your florist’s action plan is if ever your choice of flowers won’t be available during the wedding day. Ask how he or she can ensure its coverage? Feel free to tell her some of the possible flower options you would want as substitutes for such unexpected event.

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    Sweet 16 Theme Party Ideas to Adore

    Monday, August 30th, 2010
    Sweet 16 Centerpiece and Party Theme

    Sweet 16 Centerpiece and Party Theme

    Sweet sixteen celebrations are special occasions meant for a girl’s 16th year birthday. These birthday celebrations have been so popular it became an inspiration for several movies such as ‘Sixteen Candles’ and ‘Super Sweet 16’. Every teenager wants to throw a lavish sweet 16 birthday party full of pure absolute fun. During the olden times, a sweet 16 party was celebrated formally as an immaculate celebration of a girl’s virginity but today, it is already known as the ‘coming of the age’ celebration. Choosing the best theme for this festive celebration can be quite tough. Before even choosing your party’s theme, make sure you have already decided on a venue. Do you want a house party or have it in a restaurant? There are indeed plenty of things that you’d have to consider when organizing this event such as invitations, party favors, catering service, sweet sixteen flowers and so much more. Here are some sweet 16 party themes to help you get started.

    The Princess and Castle Theme
    Every girl dreams of becoming a princess, maybe at least for a day. This party theme has the ability to animate the birthday celebrant and her friends as well. Don’t forget to mention the theme in your invitations. This will help your guests prepare and dress properly to your event. As the birthday celebrant, you can choose to portray the Snow White, Cinderella or Princess Aurora character and enjoy a night full of enchantment and fun.

    Splash your Way to the 16th Year
    You can always choose to have a pool party or a beach party. This is indeed something you can call ‘a coming of age party’. Have your friends ready for fun under the sun. Make sure you have your sunscreen and swimsuits ready for the beach fest! Fill your tables with sweet sixteen flower centerpieces and scatter some seashells with it. Get an open bar caterer and have their baristas make cocktails and pina coladas for your guests.

    The High School Musical Rave Party
    This is probably one of the most popular party themes nowadays. Make the venue festive by putting on High School Musical Banners and prepare functions such as musical karaoke and several games such as hot potato and dance freeze.

    A Festive Mardi Gras celebration
    Long swirling streamers, brightly colored balloons and beautiful masks represent a fun Mardi gras celebration. Secure nice colorful necklaces and playful feathered masks for the guests to wear during the party. Get a live band to play during the party and feature carnival games.

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    Home Floral Arrangement Ideas

    Thursday, August 19th, 2010
    Home Floral Arrangements

    Home Floral Arrangements

    A nicely placed floral arrangement inside a living room adds charm and flare to the room’s design. Flowers always add a bit of color and aura to the home. Some of the most common types of flower arrangements deal with triangle-shaped sprays inside a basket with oasis. Nowadays, this traditional way of arranging flowers is considered dead and out of style. Make sure you don’t order those stuffs these days. Meanwhile, there are many modern home floral arrangements these days that will definitely stand out in any setting. Clean floral arrangements, elemental, ikebana and prop based arrangements are some of the many choices that you have today.

    How to identify an old fashioned home floral arrangement?
    There are two basic schools of thought when it comes to traditional flower arrangements. The Neo Victorian era features arrangements with a tussie mussie or maybe hand tied bouquets. They may appear like an old fashioned silver container, romantic and soft. On the other hand, the 1950s school of floral arrangements involves with something that you may have flipped in an old book of flower arrangements placed like a spray.

    What are ‘clean’ flower arrangements?
    Clean floral arrangements are those which are made up of a single flower type and a neat glass vase. Clean flower arrangements highlights the beauty of that one flower type and makes people appreciate its color and value more. You can always ask your NY wedding florists for flower suggestions with this type of arrangement. A dozen of tulips of lilies aesthetically placed in a glass bowl gives that elegant touch to your living room.

    What are ‘jewel tone’ flower arrangements?
    Jewel tone flower arrangements were indeed a fad during the early and late 1900s. Jewel tone arrangements make use of the colors purple, green, gold, orange and other rich color tones. Many jewel tones resemble the color of an emerald or an amethyst.

    What are modern flower arrangements?
    These days flower arrangements take on a divergent path from the clean ones. The flower bouquet usually starts with a clean arrangement and then added with several elements. You can add in peonies and antirrhinums. The whole concept revolves around using flowers beyond their normal context.

    What are some of the latest trends in floral design?
    There are many modern and exciting floral design trends hitting the market these days. Herbs are getting into the trend and people are doing away with all the vases. Contemporary flower arrangements are cleaner, unique and more creative.

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    Bar Mitzvah Centerpiece Ideas

    Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
    Bar Mitzvah Floral Gallery

    Bar Mitzvah Floral Gallery

    The word ‘bar mitzvah’ literally means as ‘son of commandment’. Every Jewish boy goes through a certain bar mitzvah ceremony when he reaches his thirteenth birthday. This not only serves as a transition to adolescent life but also to the classic Jewish traditions. An important part of the celebration is the reception. There are many mitzvah party themes for you to choose from using symbols such as tefillin, tallit and the Torah. Here are several bar mitzvah centerpiece ideas to add a festive touch to the party.

    • Candy and peanut centerpiece. A bar mitzvah is known as a celebration and at the same time a social event. Food is a mainstay in any bar mitzvah party. Oftentimes, guests always get hungry even before the food is ready. This is the time when a peanut or candy centerpiece comes handy. A glass bowl filled with candy and peanut varieties or even mints is a nice way of entertaining guests while food is prepared. Tie a nice ribbon at the jar’s mouth and place it at the middle of the table. This beautiful centerpiece will help satisfy the guests’ appetite while waiting for the food to be served.

    • Mitzvah flowers. A certain bar mitzvah is a welcoming event of a boy into adulthood. A beautiful flower centerpiece is a great way of symbolizing this moment. Get a pretty little vase and then fill it with a variety of flowers. Each flower represents a different part of life. You can always ask the advice of your NYC wedding florist for flower centerpieces. Or better yet, have your florist do the entire mitzvah flower preparation. Fresh and fragrant flowers would indeed charm in the table setting.

    • Sparking light centerpieces. A young adolescent experiencing his very own mitzvah is considered as the light of the entire family. Making use of light centerpieces show how much the family feels and cares about him on this special day. Scented candles can add a wonderful charm and aroma to the venue.

    • Poem centerpieces. The bar mitzvah is a memorable day in the life of a Jewish boy. Add more meaning to it by putting on poem table centerpieces enclosed in small frames. Research mitzvah poems and quotations for the party and then creatively frame it. You can make your very own poem for your son or research a variety for each table. This is also a good way of entertaining your guests.

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    Sweet Sixteen Flowers: Make your Centerpieces Stand Out!

    Monday, August 2nd, 2010
    Sweet 16 Centerpiece

    Sweet 16 Centerpiece

    A sweet 16 celebration a woman transcend from being daddy’s little girl to being somebody’s girl. Every sweet sixteen party detail should be taken into careful consideration to make it more memorable and something to cherish in the future. Choosing the right sweet sixteen party flowers is a very crucial task. Table centerpieces help create a festive mood and theme for the party whether guests are requested to be in casual or formal attire. Here are some tips and ideas for your sweet 16 table centerpieces.

    Never go wrong with flower centerpieces. Party flowers always make good centerpieces. A flower’s scent and aroma adds a romantic touch to the event. Flower centerpieces are also beautiful additions to the entire theme of the party. For centerpieces, you need several flower bouquets that match the party’s theme. If you are organizing a much more formal party, try using white and red roses. Red can signify love and passion. White roses are good representations of purity. Other popular options for sweet 16 party flowers are pink and white bouquets. Pink is a popular color among female teenagers. You can also let your NYC wedding florist list some flower arrangements for you. Let them do all the hard work while you only pick the flower centerpieces that best suits your theme.

    Tiara centerpieces add a touch of creativity to the party. Putting up a pretty ‘sweet 16’tiara on each table gives out an eccentric touch to the party’s theme. The tiara gives out a cooler and more relaxing mood on each table. Tiaras have always been used as a symbol for that sweet sixteen experience. Scatter a couple of pink rose petals around the tiara to make it look more elegant and wonderful.

    Add a little glow to the party with candle centerpieces. Floating candles can make great table centerpieces. Color the water according to the party’s theme to make the centerpiece more unique. Floating candles and rose petals also make a good combination for a more romantic table centerpiece. You can also try glass vases filled with seashells or some fancy colored stones that match your theme. Pour an ample amount of water on top of those stones and sprinkle flower petals in water. Flower petals have been proven safe to use beside lit candles.

    Don’t hesitate to ask your NYC wedding florist for more sweet sixteen party flower arrangements and ideas.

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