photo: Mikimoto Pearls

South Sea and Tahitian pearls are great alternatives to classic pearls. Both types of pearls are exotic and are perfect for tropical destination weddings by the beach. While the most common Tahitian color is black (or a yummy chocolate hue), the pearls also come in silver-white, green and peacock colors, purplish and bluish overtones. Tahitian pearls get their bold color from the oyster’s black lips and come the French Polynesian Islands. I recently saw a strand of pistachio green matched pearls which takes years to collect a matching set therefore the price tag goes along with the rarity.

photo: Mastoloni

photo: Adam Neeley Designs

photo: Mastoloni

photo: Aetleier Marisa

Tahitian pearls are so coveted that in the early part of the 20^th century, the pearl was close to extinction; like today, the pearl was such a desired commodity that the oysters were hunted for their shells alone.

photo: Mastoloni

www.neelastro.com

Cultured South Sea pearls are found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, in places like Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. A truly grand pearl, the South Sea pearl is among the largest pearls found in the world; the average size of a South Sea pearl is 13 mm. The size of the mollusk (Pinctada maxima), the length of time the pearl grows in the oyster and the oyster’s environment all contribute to the pearl’s exceptional size.  The pearl’s size is only to be rivaled in color,  ranging from ivory and yellow to a silver-pink,.  Australia’s silver-lipped oyster produces creamy white pearls with a silvery overtone.  The golden-lipped variety of the Philippines creates one of the rarest and most valued cultured pearls.  The Golden South Sea.

If you want to be a more infinitely modern bride, why not indulge! Both types of pearls can add instant edge to a bridal look of luxury while retaining the sophistication of a pearl.

Photo Credit: Junolese

The term “pavé” is French for “paved” and basically describes floral looks that are completely covered with flowers having a relatively uniform profile. Everything is packed tightly together, for a lush, textural look. Wondering where you might have seen this look before? Well, this is the method used when they make those Rose Bowl Parade Floats, but also works well for creating unique wedding arches, centerpieces, pomanders, and escort card flower beds.

Rose Bowl Float Flower Close-ups…

Photo Credit: Studio G

A fabulous pavé floral arch and pomanders down the aisle…

Photo Credit: BHG

Pavé flowers can be all one type–like a mass of carnations OR they can be a mixture of blooms, textures and foliages all similar in overall height. This method is also used when making flower-covered monograms, wreaths, pomanders, and floral ring bearer pillows.

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Zuzu's Petals

Photo Credit: Adam Nyholt, Photographer

Photo Credit: Kuga Designs

Photo Credit: Pepper Design Blog

Photo Credit: Swann Soirees

Photo Credit: Bustled Blog

This look also works for topiary-style designs…

Photo Credit: JSanchi21 on ETSY

Photo Credit: Botanicals, Inc.

The ceremony arch made for Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minnillo’s Wedding last summer is one of my favorite examples of pavé flowers.

Photo Credit: TLC

I’ve even seen some very lush tables entirely covered with pavé flowers and textures…

Photo Credit: Cedar Hill Florist

Photo Credit: The Wedding Chicks

Do you love this look? Are you going to rock some pavé flowers at your wedding? Here is some more decadent inspiration to win you over!

Photo Credit: David Tutera

Photo Credit: Luxe Finds

Happy Planning!

Photo Credit: 5ive15ifteen Photography

Q: What is the proper way in the wedding program to list the best man when there are two? My daughter’s fiancé is having two best men. Do we list the heading as Best Man, and then put both names or do we use the title “Best Men?” Thank you.

A: Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. As you suspected, the heading would be “Best Men,” and they would then be listed alphabetically.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author. She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com

Photo Credit: Google

There are a lot of flowers out there that our mothers and grandmothers might refer to as “weeds” but {surprisingly} some of them can actually function as beautiful wedding flowers. My favorites include Queen Anne’s Lace, Thistle/Eryngium, Scabiosa and Scabiosa Pods. These weedy blooms are totally trend-on and perfect for combining with more traditional flowers to create a unique, textural mix for both wedding bouquets and centerpieces.

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo Credit: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design

Photo Credit: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design

Photo Credit: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design

Photo Credit: Precious Pear Floral Design

Photo Credit: Sophisticated Floral Design

Photo Credit: Southern Weddings

Photo Credit: Grey Likes Weddings

Photo Credit: Lila B

Photo Credit: Cori Cook Floral Design

Do you plan to include some chic weeds in your wedding?!

Photo Credit: found on WeddingByColor.com

Q: We mailed out our “save the date” notices about a month ago. Last week, our financial situation changed drastically. As a result, we need to cut our list to about 25% of our guests. We have been calling people personally to tell them the news. Thankfully, our friends have been very understanding of the situation, which is wonderful at this awkward time.

However, a friend we haven’t told the news to yet sent us a wedding gift. What is the proper way to handle this situation? Should I return the gift immediately, then call her to let them know I shipped it back and why I sent it back? Or should I call her to tell them news and offer to send the gift back?

A: Your situation is not uncommon. You actually have a number of options. The first is to proceed with your wedding as planned, just with fewer guests. The second is to keep the number of guests, but to rethink the actual wedding/reception. It sounds as if you have already decided on fewer guests, which leaves you calling those who are now disinvited. As for the friend who has already sent the gift. Call her immediately to let her know the new wedding plans and ask how she wants you to proceed. (You can send the gift back or return it at a store near you for a credit to her account.) If she is truly a friend, she will understand. Be sure to thank her for her thoughtfulness and well wishes either way.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author. She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com

Photo Credit: Jason Walz

Q: With our daughter’s upcoming wedding, the cost of which will be split between us, the groom’s parents and the bride (not the groom), how do we decide how many people each side is entitled to invite? Does the bride’s family still have the final say on how many guests are invited and how many of those guests are the groom’s side?

A: Generally, in the interest of peace and future interactions, the groom’s side is giving approximately the same number of seats as the bride’s side, even when the bride’s side is paying for the wedding in full. However, with that said, there are many factors to consider. The number of invited guests is dependent on the size of the wedding, the seating capacity of the reception hall, the cost per plate, the size of each side’s family, and what is deemed equitable by those paying for the wedding.

You, your husband and your daughter should sit down and talk about numbers. Decide what might be a fair number of guests for each side, and then approach the groom’s side to discuss.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author. She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

As a florist, fresh flowers are of course my favorite thing to work with–but lately I also am loving fabric, lace and ribbon flowers–especially when mixed in with real blooms! I also love seeing them worked into necklaces, wrist corsages, ring pillows and fascinators. They have a much more unique, one-of-a-kind look than silk flowers, they hold together better than dried flowers, they are fancier than paper flowers and they last way longer than fresh flowers–so what’s not to love?! I have collected some of my favorite fabric flower looks below. There are some made of satin, organza, felt, lace, ribbon and other miscellaneous fabric materials–but the one thing they have in common is they are all awesome!!!

Did I mention I have included some DIY projects below on how to make them? Well–I did, so ENJOY!

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Krumpets Designs on ETSY

Photo Credit: SolBjou on ETSY

Photo Credit: Autumn and Grace Bridal on ETSY

Photo Credit: Likron on ETSY

Photo Credit: Petite Peanut on ETSY

Photo Credit: RiRiFisch on ETSY

Photo Credit: SolBjou on ETSY

As promised some Do-it-Yourself Projects…(click on the images to jump to the tutorials)
DIY felt flowers:

Photo Credit: Craftiness is not optional

DIY ribbon flowers:

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

And just some more eye candy made by yours truly…:)

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

Striking the perfect balance between rustic and elegant, this DIY Twine Embellished Invitation is ideal for an outdoor or country wedding. The ensemble consists of heavyweight cream colored card stock, bold European flap envelopes, and silk screened Japanese pearlized paper, all wrapped up like a present in natural hemp twine.

In the tutorial below, you will find all the tools you need to create this invitation, or to inspire you to create a unique design of  your own. Let’s get started!

Materials Used for Twine Embellished Invitation Suite
European Flap Invitation & Response Envelopes – Color Perla Matte
5 1/4 x 7 1/4 (A7) Invitation Envelope
3 5/8 x 5 1/8 (A4) Response Envelope
Pre-Cut Cards – Perla Matte 111lb Card Stock
5 1/8 x 7 (A7) Invitation Card
4 1/4 x 5 1/2 (A2) Reception & Direction Cards
3 1/2 x 4 7/8 (A4)  Response Card
Japanese Pearlized Paper 8 1/2 x 11 – Pattern Ginko Green
Hemp Twine – Color Natural

Additional Tools
Paper Trimmer
Microsoft Word
Printer

All materials for this invitation ensemble are available at lcipaper.com.

1. Download Printing Templates
Start by downloading the printing templates file below, which includes properly sized Microsoft Word templates and printing instructions.
Download Printing Templates

2. Customize Printing Templates
Next, customize templates by changing wording, fonts, and colors.

Note: The fonts on the featured invitation are Tangerine (script) & Cambria (small caps style).

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

3. Print Cards & Envelopes
After customizing, print cards and envelopes using your home printer.

Printing trouble? Check out these tips on printing custom card and paper sizes.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

4. Cut Decorative Layers from 8 1/2 x 11 Sheet
Cut two 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch decorative layers from one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. For straight, accurate cuts, a paper trimmer with built in measurement works best.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

5. Arrange Cards to be Tied
Next, arrange the cards in your invitation ensemble as shown below. From bottom to top:

• Invitation Card
• Decorative Layer
• Reception Card
• Directions Card
• Response Card & Envelope

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

6. Tie Twine Around Ensemble
After arranging your cards, secure them with twine.

• Cut approximately 40 inches (3 1/4 feet) of twine
• Center the twine over the invitation so that there is the same amount on each side
• Wrap the twine tightly around the middle of the 5 1/8″ side of the ensemble and bring around to back
• In the back, cross the twine and twist 90 degrees so that it is parallel to the 7 inch side; bring to front
• Secure in the center of the front of the ensemble using a square knot. Tying a standard knot or bow will not keep the twine tightly in place.

Photo Credit: LCI Paper Company

Questions?
If you have any questions about this design, please leave a comment below.

Photo Credit: found on cactuscreekdaily.com

Q: I am the groom’s father. His mother and I are divorced and both remarried. Most of the groom’s guests are from out of town (family). The reception seating chart has the groom’s mother, her husband and two younger children seated with me, my wife and our two younger children. Is this not just a bit tacky?

A: This is exactly right. While you may no longer be married, you and your ex-wife will always be your son’s parents. If there was a difficult situation (if one of you had not remarried or if one had cheated on the other resulting in the divorce) then you would not be seated together. But if that is not the case, I am sure you and your ex-wife can put aside your differences for a few hours for the sake of your son. Keep in mind; you only need to sit for the actual meal. Other than that, you should be mingling. Welcoming your family and introducing yourself to your new daughter-in-law’s friends and family. Take the high road. Your younger children will learn from your example and your son will be forever grateful.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author. She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com

Photo Credit: Brian Kinyon Photography | Kio Kreations

As a boutique wedding florist, I am totally excited about this year’s trend towards TEXTURAL, colorful bridal bouquets. I cannot wait to make a ton of beautiful bouquets using mixed materials–from fancy flowers to pokey pods to chic succulents to winding branches–the possibilities are endless! And fear not brides–color is your friend. A textural, colorful bouquet will totally pop off your dress in photos–so feel free to keep the dress silhouettes more simple and sophisticated and leave the rich textures for your bridal bouquet!

Here is a collection of some of my favorite textural bridal bouquets. They are AMAZING!

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Joel Cookston Photography | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz Photograph | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Tara Etrheim | Kio Kreations & RBK Creations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz | Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Kio Kreations

Photo Credit: Tonya Peterson Photography

Photo Credit: Anne McGowan Photography

Photo Credit: Flowers by Snapdragon Studio

Photo Credit: Elegance and Simplicity

Photo Credit: Brida and Bloom Flowers

Photo Credit: Ashley O'Dell Photography

Are you embracing the trend towards texture for your bridal bouquet?