What Are You Holding Down the Aisle?

The Wedding Bouquet is a very important detail that you will want to put a lot of thought into.  Your bouquet will not only compliment your dress, but it will show off your personality and of course tie yourself into the Wedding Décor.  In 2014, we are seeing a lot of new and exciting Wedding Bouquet Trends that you should consider when ordering your floral masterpiece!

Neutral Toned Bouquets

This year, neutral tones are taking over regarding Wedding Décor, and it doesn’t fall short with Wedding Bouquets as well.  Pastel pinks, purples, greens, yellows and creams really compliment each other well, and there is no denying how romantic they are.  For you Vintage/Country/Boho Brides, this color scheme would be a perfect choice for your Bridal Bouquet!

Bling, Bling, Bling

This trend is absolutely fabulous!  We are loving the incorporation of bling into the Bride’s bouquet!  There are many different ways to enhance your bouquet; it is up to you and your florist which choice you would like to go with!  You can sprinkle glitter over your bouquet, incorporate glittered flowers throughout, or even stick gems/diamonds throughout the bouquet, whatever you choose it is going to be stunning and will definitely stand out! 

Cascading Bouquets

Containing flowers into a bunch is not your only option… let your floral flow!  This new trend of Cascading Bouquets is beautiful and also adds a touch of romance.  Once again, for you Vintage, Country/Boho Brides, this trend would be perfect for you to consider!  As you can see below, cascading bouquets are gorgeous and absolutely unique!

Variety Flowers

Do not just pick one flower and stick to it!  Choose a mixture of different flowers for your bouquet and let it become your very own!  Some trending flowers to consider are Hydrangeas and Peonies!  Hydrangeas add volume and a modern touch!  Peonies are for you summer brides and run a little bit on the expensive side, but they are absolutely breathtaking!  Incorporating these and other flower options into one bouquet will be stunning and purely yours!

The Ombre Bouquet

The Ombre is not just regarding hair anymore!  From the Bridesmaid dresses, to the linen and the Bridal bouquet, the Ombre has incorporated itself into all parts of the Wedding Décor!  Ombré is the unique effect you see when colors gradually fade into each other!  It is eye-catching, memorable and will definitely enhance your beautiful wedding!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

A Decorators Perspective

Who lights the candle?

It is hard to be invited to a friend or family members wedding as a designer, I am always working on the weekend. On a rare occasion few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding as a guest. It’s a different world when you get to be a guest, enjoying a Raspberry Lime martini and tenderloin on a crostini, with a dollop of crème fraise.

Oliveaire Design Studio

I heard a chime signaling me up into the ballroom, and as I entered I was……… not sure what I was.

There were beautiful flowers, the lighting was just perfect and linens had set the stage for an elegant dining experience. But, the candles surrounding the centerpieces and floating in the tall cylinder were not lit. At that moment I saw the bridesmaids and the Banquet Captain approach each table to light the candles. Unfortunately not all of the wicks were to ready to be lit, so the whole process was a bit challenging. 

Oliveaire Design Studio 

This experience got me thinking about the pampering each of our Event Designers and Creative Director at Oliveaire strives to provide for our brides and grooms. We work to make each wedding a perfect day for our clients, and how this is truly an “Oliveaire experience”.  But enough about that. 

Oliveaire Design Studio 

I want to share some tips for the brides who are interviewing florists, or already working with a florist, to prevent some of the issues that may potentially arise on the day of your wedding:

1. If you have candles that are part of your centerpiece, and they are being provided by the florist, ask them who will be responsible for lighting them, and when they will be lit. You want to make sure that they are lit in your room photo shots, but are not lit so early that they burn halfway down by the time your guests enter the room.
2. The glass container that these stunning floral centerpieces reside in, are they yours to keep, or for guests to take home? Most of the time, unless written in the contract, glass containers are a rental item, and they are picked up at the end of the night.
3. Will the florist come back at the end of the wedding night to pick up all the glassware?  Your venue may dictate this policy.  They may want all vendors to clear out all items and inventory by certain time.
4. Will the boutonnière include two pins, and will there be extra pins sent? Also, will they be individually labeled with the bridal party members’ names on it?  This will avoid any confusion as to whom the flowers belong too.
5. Is a sample floral centerpiece included?  This will give you the opportunity to admire your vision, as well as make any changes to your floral design in advance.

All you brides to be, your day will be breathtaking.  At the end of the day you will have transitioned from Miss to Mrs.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),

Olivia

Blending Cultures

So what is this fixation upon Bollywood-style and other exotic weddings?  First and foremost it is the opportunity to do something different and daring.  The rituals, Indian music, vibrant shades of orange and red, beautiful saris and the tradition of henna-painted hands, etc. add an element of spice to a well-worn formula, a bit like ethnic food and music would to our daily lives.  Chicago has always been ahead of the times when it comes to a cultural twist on events.  Take a stroll down Devon St. and see all the beautiful
Indian & Pakistani Influences.

Here are some style tips if you would like to add a cultural Indian influence to your wedding event:

Style Tip 1       
Using Metallics in your invitation adds unexpected sparkle, and sets the tone for your magical day.

Style Tip 2
Get creative with your centerpieces.  Cultural weddings are amazingly colorful events.  A floral elephant is a work of art that people will be talking about for months.

Style Tip 3
Use crystal and jeweled accents in your décor to instantly add glam to any room and transport your guests to a faraway place.

Style Tip 4
Pick a colorful sari if you are comfortable wearing one, the colors are limitless.  If not embellishments such as a colored sash, or ruffles and flowers on your traditional wedding dress count can really add an exciting element to your event.

Style Tip 5
Snake jewelry is not only a must-have fashion trend, but also worn for good luck and good health. 
Perhaps, there is an underlying myth that these culturally rich marriages are more stable because non-western cultures have superior family values.  In any case Bollywood inspired weddings have enormous crossover appeal into our western society, and it is easy to add an element of rich culture to your wedding if you desire.  

The most important element to remember; a Bollywood theme has one aim and objective, and that is fun! Find some great entertainment and go out there and have fun with your culturally infused ideas.  

Bridal Bliss For Now (BBFN),
Olivia

Here Comes the Bride...

Ladies, you've found the right guy, he found the right ring, now you must truly find “The One.” Your wedding gown of course! Many brides find selecting their wedding gown the most FUN part of planning their wedding. So, first and foremost, take some time and ENJOY finding your gown, the one that will bring a tears to your eye, and probably mom’s too.

Your dress will set the tone for your wedding so keep that in mind as you hit the racks. As you search here are some helpful hints to know before you hit the store:

Style

All kinds of words are used to describe the shape of a gown. Hopefully this will help you know what you’re looking at.

The Ball gown/Princess shape is traditional, poofy, and what comes to mind when you think of a Princess getting married. There is typically a more fitted bodice but the skirt is big big big. This style is flattering on most and favored by those who want to camouflage their hips.

Empire/Babydoll: This gown will have a “flowing” feel from just below the bust through to the floor. Girls who want to enjoy food on their big day, without worrying about their tummy showing may want to look at this style of gown.

Trumpet/Mermaid/Fit n Flare: This gown is going to be fitted through the body to somewhere between the hips and the knees, and then it will flare out some. Each dress will vary in just how fitted it is and how much volume comes with that flare. This cut can give the look of curves to those with a more athletic build or accentuate the waist of a bride who wants to work her curves.

A-Line: This style is very similar to the Ball Gown or Princess shape, there is a fitted bodice, however there is less volume in the skirt. This is a universally flattering style.

Sheath: This style of gown is pretty fitted throughout the gown from top to bottom. This gown will highlight hips and probably won’t leave a lot of room for enjoying a big meal on your wedding day.

Other things to think about are the style of neckline (strapless, halter, sweetheart, etc.), length of train (if any), and amount of beading and lacework you are comfortable with.

Color:

White, Bright White, Diamond White, Antique White, Off-white, Champagne, Ivory... Who knew there could be so many shades of the color your groom will inevitably call white?

Think about the colors you typically wear because they look best against your skin tone. If you find yourself wearing more cool tones you will most likely find yourself happiest in more of a “white white” gown. If you tend to go warm in your clothing and make-up you will probably want one of the softer versions of white. Many shops will only have a sample gown in one color, but they can order it in a few so try on the sample and look at their swatches.

Party:

I’m not going to dive into Bridesmaid gowns, I’m talking about the entourage of ladies that all want to go dress shopping with you. Remember that every person you bring will have an opinion on what you should be looking for and ultimately buying. Bring a few ladies who are close to you, who will be honest with you, and that’s it. No reason to let all those voices get in your head and sway your decision. You know your style, your body and what you like, you will know your gown.

At the Bridal Gown Salon:

Be open to trying on gowns that are different than what you imagined. You may think you “know” what you want, but you have most likely never seen yourself in an actual wedding gown before. Step outside of your comfort zone and try on something different. It won’t hurt anything and you just might surprise yourself.

Be honest with yourself, and your sales consultant, about your budget. No reason to fall in love with an $8,000 gown if you budget is $1,500.

And finally, as my friends on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” would say, think of your dress like your fiancé, once you find “The One” stop looking!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),

Olivia

The Color to Inspire All Our 2013 Brides

To All the Newly Engaged Couples!

Congratulations! Now it is time to stop looking at your beautiful ring on your finger, and start planning! The wedding planning literally process starts at yes…

Now I know that as a young girl, or from attending the vast amount of friends and family weddings you've given yourself a foundation of how you might want your wedding to be - but we all know that as we grow older that image we all have been so focused on changes as style, colors, and fashion continue to be recycled and influence our daily life. That being said, as we wind up the summer weddings, we begin to look at whats to come next year. 

I am pleased to announce that next years color is….MINT! And it is as cool as a scoop of gelato and can be mixed with brighter or softer colors to make a wedding event truly memorable. According to the Head of our Design Studio here at Oliveaire - softer palettes from bridesmaid dresses to wedding decor is what all brides are asking for. Matching it with a beautiful bright orange can brighten the palette with jewelry, lip stick or even floral decor and wedding invitations. Soften the palette with a deeper purple or rose gold and a soft beautiful pink can make and enhance the night away in the same way. 

Source: Greenweddingshoes.com

Source: Bowtieandbliss.com

Source: Thebridesguide.com

There is so much you can do with your focus on this color to make it a fresh hint of just everything to tie your wedding together - even by making a signature drink out of it. As the fashion industry recycles, you’ll find the vintage trend become the trend to keep your eye out for. Color can truly define the atmosphere of your wedding, but choose a color that is you and one that is versatile...maybe that color will be mint. Anything you choose will be beautiful, because that day is all about you, my brides. 

BBFN,
Olivia

Color of the Year

Our design studio team is busy working away on designs for brides throughout 2012. Our head designer takes time with each and every couple to truly bring their vision to life. Luckily, she took time from her busy schedule to sit down with me and talk the trends she’s seeing for 2012.


Color
The color of 2012 is… Purple! In every shade from lilac to plum to violet our brides can’t get enough purple. There are so many blooms that come in amazing shades of purple. Here are a few of our favorites:

We were somewhat surprised to learn that shamrock/kelly green has been sneaking its way into event design this year as well. We are using more green linen than ever before, and using green more often in lighting design as well. We have also been incorporating some green blooms into centerpieces and bouquets.

Moving Forward
Each year Pantone releases their color of the year, and in the past few years the release of that color has been making the news. However, it typically takes a couple of years for that color to filter it’s way into wedding and event design (thank you for pointing this out to us Sasha Souza). So while Pantone has said that Tangerine Tango is the color of the year 2012, we think it’ll be a year or two before we see requests for orange dresses, bouquets and linen.

We’re anticipating seeing lots of pink as we move into 2013.

What colors are you using in your wedding design?

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia