Non- traditional Bouquet Ideas

Flowers are gorgeous, and there are so many ways to make a unique arrangement that is beautiful and expresses your style.

But what if you are not a bouquet, or a flower person? What if carrying flowers just isn't for you?

Here are a few ideas that I think make great alternatives to a floral bouquet.

1) Carry a special book. It could be a small prayer book that's been in your family, or your favorite poet, or the novel that you and your fiance discussed on your first date. Find something with a beautiful old binding, or have it covered to compliment the look of your wedding.

2) Make a "bouquet" out of something besides flowers. It may still look like flowers, but it will be a unique piece of art. I've seen really beatuful ones made from fabric, and GORGEOUS ones made out of brooches and other old jewelry.

3) Carry a beautiful or funky accessory: a parasol, a clutch or handbag, even a fan. There are so many great vintage treasures out there just waiting to be found and incorporated into your special day. Or you can go sleek and modern too. The options are endless.

4) Carry just a copy of your vows, folded and tied with a ribbon.

5) Carry nothing. You are both offering yourselves, and that is the most important thing.

Whatever it is you decide to do, it's a great idea to either make a note in the program about what you are carrying and why, or if it fits into the ceremony and your story, have the officiant say a few words about it. That way your guests will "get it" and you'll be able to share your uniqueness and creativity with everyone.

The look of silk for the price of... not silk?

I am a silk lover. Dupioni. Shantung. Even silk satin, although I prefer something textured. However, I do not love how much silk costs. It makes me very sad, and somewhat cranky.

However, I have found three great designers that make alternatives to silk that look very much like the real deal. If you know fabric, you will of course know the difference, but what these alternatives offer is an overall look that is similar. A couple of differences: The synthetics tend to be a little stiffer (which can be good if you like a fabric with more body), and don't have the same sheen as the silk. Color options are going to vary of course, in general (like with any more unique fabric) they will be a little more limited than say, a straight up satin.

Here are my faves:
Wtoo Shantung: It's a poly shantung, and there are some very cute short styles ( as well as long) that i like.

Alfred Sung Dupioni: One nice feature of this line, is that pretty much every dress that is available in Peau de Soie is also made in Dupioni (and vice versa) for the same price. They have some great options if you wanted to mix styles.

Jim Hjelm Dupioni: I love Jim Hjelm's color palette, and the dresses tend to be a little more high style.

How do you Decide?

I heard an interesting comment recently about deciding on a wedding gown. The person pointed out that buying a wedding gown is, and is SUPPOSED to be be, an emotional purchase. That doesn't mean everyone will cry, but what it does mean is that you are using different criteria to make the decision than you do most purchases. As you shop, you should pay as much attention to how you feel as what you think. Your brain may tell you that a gown looks good on, but if it doesn't make your heart beat a little faster, then it's probably not the one for you. It may sound a little trite, but I firmly believe that if you really listen to your own inner voice, you will know when you find "the one." Sometimes that voice isn't easy to hear amidst what can be the chaos of dress shopping, but if you narrow it down and just take some time, one dress will stand out from the crowd.
So, allow yourself some emotional space when you shop. Don't try to get in every store and include every friend and family member possible. Choose your stores carefully, and choose your shopping companion(s) even more carefully. Make it easy on yourself, so that you can find a gown that is truly "you."

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