Happy S pring !
Marcia Jordan
Owner, Publisher
Flowers are blooming and love is in the air! Finally, spring has  sprung! Wedding season is fast upon us here in Hampton Roads and we at the Hampton Roads Wedding Guide wish all happy couples marrying this spring the "Spring Fling" they have always dreamed of!  

For those of you marrying in the Springtime, we have collected a few things to consider along the way! 
Cheers & Happy Planning (and reading!)

Fondly,
Marcia

When Meeting With Your Florist:
When meeting with your florist, inquire as to what flowers are in season at the time of your wedding ( in the  color palate of your wedding design).  We say this for two reasons: 
  1. It is esthetically pleasing to embrace and celebrate the time of year you are marrying.  If you are hosting a wedding in April or May, embrace the spring elements.  Not only is it beautiful, but your guest are also on the "high" of welcoming spring after a long winter.  Choosing flowers that reflect the season will simply add additional joy and an overall good vibe to the occasion!
  2. Choosing flowers and greenery that is season proves to also be cost effective! Peonies in December are going to cost you!  Peonies in April are a much more cost effective flower to incorporate in to your design. 
Learn more?
Learn more about what wedding flowers are in season in this issue of the Hampton Roads Wedding Guide on page 148!

Sweetwater's Bridal Spectacular
Sunday, April 24th @ 5 PM!
Tickets to this tasting event? 

Keeping Your Guests Entertained
Of course the most important reason for guests gathering on your wedding day is two see the loving couple get married! But, what about after the "I do's"?  Today's wedding receptions leave no stone unturned when it comes to keeping guests entertained! The following seem to be tried and true and though often done over and over, never disappoint to engage your guests in the celebration of your big day! 
Candy Bars  Photo booths

Caricature Artists
 
Pictured Here, Local Caricature Artist & Event Designer Janel Keen

See More from Janel Keen, Owner of Vivid Expressions  in this Issue under Partyscapes, Page 164/165

Floral Design:
Choose what's in Season:



 
Kate Middelton chose Lilly of the Valley to carry when marrying Prince William.  While this was a nod to her impeccable style, and also William's Mother, the late Lady Diana, Kate made (though perhaps unknowingly) a very cost effective decision.  Lillie's of the Valley are in season in the month of April; something that is important to consider when choosing your wedding flowers.  

Your Table Centerpieces:  Height, Size, Symmetry? Much to Consider! 

Creating a "Look" to match the "Feel" of your ceremony and reception venue can be tricky.  First and foremost you must consider the space of your reception room.  Is it a grand space with high ceilings such as a museum or hotel ballroom? Or, an intimate setting held at a private club or beach house?  Either way, your centerpieces will be a dramatic focal point of your room.  Be sure they reflect the "feel" of the wedding you are trying to create.  A formal black tie affair will typically  lend itself to a tall/high centerpiece.  Though be sure its height is superior enough to not block the view of your guests.  

Mix it up With Your Centerpieces!
"One way to add visual interest and depth to your reception design
Jennifer La Londe,
Director of Creative Content
is to choose a variety of heights in your centerpieces" says Jennifer La Londe
Director of Creative Content for the Hampton Roads Wedding Guide.  "If you have 12 tables for example, consider doing 4 low centerpieces, 3 medium centerpieces, and 5 high centerpieces".  
Guest Etiquette Plays a Part
La Londe also reminds us that proper etiquette deems it rude to speak to guests across the table from you.  Instead one should make conversation to those seated on each side of you.  Just the same, La Londe agrees guests' view should not be blocked. "It is awkward when guests are not able to see those seated across from them because their view is blocked by a centerpiece".  Lastly she adds, this is particularly important to remember when designing your medium sized centerpieces. "Do a test run," Jennifer states, "place the medium size arrangement in the center of a table and take a seat!"  
Light it Up! 
A great investment of your wedding decor dollar can be on the lighting of your event.  Choosing a lighting package for your event can make a huge impact on the over all look.  The tiniest of lighting goes a very a long way in changing the overall presentation of your ceremony and reception location.  Uplighting of the walls in your reception room as well as pinspotting  your centerpieces makes for a a very dramatic effect. Lighting from strung Edison bulbs, "gobos" (a projected image on the wall or dance floor at your event), or a soft spotlight wash over the dance floor for your first dance all prove to create emotion in the room.  Even more, lighting makes a wonderful impact on the photography of your wedding.  Your photographer will be thrilled you have added a lighting package to your decor plan!  
To find your copy of the Hampton Roads Wedding Guide, the adorable and handy little wedding planning book of Hampton Roads, visit these fine establishments.

Find Your Copy!

Happy Planning!

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