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Find out what the floral choices at your wedding actually mean

Most brides only worry about how pretty their bouquets look, and how well it ties to their wedding themes. We cannot, of course, discount the budget factor, and many brides also make this a priority when choosing the flowers for their wedding. However, wedding flowers hold much deeper significance. They personify the values the couple hold dear, and the choice of flowers can tell your guests a lot about you, as a person.

If you are a bride who values the meaning behind traditions, and would like to choose flowers based on what each one signifies, here is a guide to help you make your choice based on the most important factors.

Love and happiness

Marriage symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter; one that marks the love between a couple, and is hopefully filled with joy. Choose the following flowers to express your joy at stepping into this new beginning in life.

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  • Lily of the Valley
  • Stephanotis
  • Gerbera

Roses are the traditional symbol of love, especially the deep red ones. Apart from them, you can also use the following flowers in your wedding, as a symbol of your love

  • Tulips
  • Myrtle
  • Pansies

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Togetherness, Friendship and Faithfulness

A happy married life means the bride and groom remain faithful, and enjoy each others company for years. As their relationship mellows, a good marriage grows sweeter and deeper. Age shouldn’t distance a couple, but bring them closer. This can be possible only when the couple are first friends, and then lovers; for friendship is one of the strongest human relationships that is unaffected by age.

Fredrich Nietzsche said, “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.”

This is why every couple should promise to remain friends in thick and thin. Make your choice from the following flowers that are symbolic of togetherness, faithfulness and friendship, to make your floral selection reflect this thought.

  • Bluebells for everlasting love
  • Lavender for devotion
  • Violet for Faithfulness
  • Magnolia for Perseverance
  • White roses for unity
  • Gladiolus for faithfulness and honor

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Luck and fertility

Every couple looks forward to a lucky marriage; one that tides over their storms in life and helps them stay together, come what may. As they begin their journey together, they accept good wishes and blessings.

Historically, marriage was the couple’s passport to begin a family together, have progeny and continue their heritage. Although this has changed over time, there still are couples who look forward to having a happy family with children after their marriage. The following flowers are symbolic of good fortune and fertility, and you may like to add these to your wedding.

  • Hollyhock for fertility
  • Bells of Ireland for good luck
  • Iris for health
  • Alstroemeria for wealth, prosperity and fortune
  • Snowdrop for hope

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While these flower choices are popular in weddings, there are many more flowers that you can choose from. We suggest that you take a look at this article on the Flower Expert website, to find out the meanings and significance of more varieties of flowers. Once you have decided what flowers should be part of your wedding bouquet, come visit us at Best for Bride. We can help you create the bouquet that is just right for your big celebration.

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Add a creative touch to your wedding décor with chalkboards

Chalkboards are springing up everywhere. Once limited to the school environment, these are now found in hotels, houses and any other place you can think of. There is a rustic and playful touch to it, which makes it an interesting addition to any venue.

Chalkboards are the perfect choice to add a cheerful, DIY touch to your wedding too. You can use it for anything, from the wedding programs, to seating charts, place cards and even more. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive choices, it also allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding and switch it up or down, should your preferences change along the way. It is reusable, versatile and allows you to get creative. Let us explore more on how you can incorporate this interesting element into your wedding day décor, and make the most of it.

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Chalkboard welcome sign and wedding program

Perfect for a shabby, chic wedding ceremony, display your welcome sign on a big chalkboard in a distressed wood frame. Handwritten displays have an endearing charm, and your guests will feel warmly welcomed to the party and feel at ease immediately, when they set sights on this welcome sign.

Chalkboard direction signs

If your venue is big, and your guests are likely to lose their way between the various locations on-site, consider using chalkboard signs to direct them to where each function is to be held. They are unobtrusive, yet noticeable, so will be the perfect addition to your décor.

Chalkboard Seating chart

Display the seating arrangements at your wedding using chalkboard. Apart from having a big board with the entire seating arrangement displayed, you can also mark the table numbers and use smaller boards as place card holders. There is an added advantage to this. Should any last minute changes in plan erupt, you can easily change it on your chalkboard. It will be minimal fuss, and easy to implement.

Chalkboard buffet dish labels

Individual mini-chalkboard display boards can be used to display the dish names at your wedding reception buffet. The same can also be employed at your dessert buffet. Choose the frame according to the rest of your décor, and you will have an interesting display element that will contribute to the overall effect of the arrangement.

Chalkboards on beverage jars

This is a great idea that has become very popular at weddings these days. Beverage jars have mini-chalkboards stuck to them, allowing the guests to write their names down when they pick their drinks. This way, the jars will not get mixed up, even after the guests return to take a sip after a round on the dance floor.

Random sayings and poems

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If you are choosing chalkboard displays, you might as well go all the way. Put up a few interesting quotes and poems at random places. It will amuse the guests immensely.

Do you have any more ideas of how to use chalkboards at your wedding? If so, do let us know by adding it to the comments below. For more trends and wedding related tips and advice, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.

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Greek Goddess inspired wedding fashion

Greek Goddesses have forever been the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Eons after being portrayed in sculpture and art, they continue to inspire designers and dress makers.

The main characteristics that personify the Grecian goddess style of dressing include

  • dreamy, ethereal gowns that cascade down in beautiful ripples
  • light, breathable fabric that is soft and breezy
  • unique design elements like the single shoulder drape that can transform any woman into a model of beauty
  • Romantic designs with elusive elements that add an endearing charm to simplistic fashion

The best part about Goddess inspired gowns is that they are versatile, and can serve as the perfect wedding dress for any type of wedding. Be it summer, winter, fall or spring, these are fabulous choices that help a bride transform into a heavenly beauty. Whether you choose to have a vintage style wedding or a beach soiree, there are Grecian dresses that look just the part.

Let us now take a look at some of our favorite Goddess inspired gowns from our leading designer collections.

Alfred Angelo 2516 Modern Fit bridal gown

This dreamy wedding gown from the Alfred Angelo bridal collection brings together many Grecian outfit features in perfect harmony. The pleated criss-cross bodice ends in a scoop neckline with a delicate cutout at the chest. A scintillating waistband structures the flowing pleats and defines the waist perfectly. The flowing chiffon is delicate and dreamy, and you will be surprised to learn that this is in fact not a wedding gown, but a jumpsuit. Isn’t it the perfect choice for a beach wedding?

Alfred Angelo 2515 draped sweetheart wedding gown

This classic design is Grecian inspired in more than one way. The draped bodice is gathered at the shoulders with slender straps and it elegantly crosses over the bust to end in an embellished waistline. The soft skirt effortlessly glides into layers that end in a splendid chapel length train. Elegant and feminine, it is an amazing dress that is just perfect for your Goddess inspired wedding day look.

Alfred Angelo 2510 single shoulder satin gown

Although a slight deviation from the typical flowing fabric gowns, this one-shouldered satin gown is definitely characterized by the most unique Goddess element—the single shoulder strap. Created in luxurious satin, the neckline is accentuated with a double pleat detail, and at the natural waistline is a crystal belt.

It is not too difficult to complete your Greek Goddess look with the right accessories, makeup and hairstyle. But, to nail the effect, you have to pay close attention to your hairstyle. Easy pinups, finger waves and messy beach hair are all chic and stylish, and these dresses also look great with floral accessories. To check out some of the classic, yet contemporary hairstyles for your big day, take a look at this article on the Fashion Style Mag.

So, did you find a dress in this list, that captured your fancy? We have these and many more contemporary Grecian gowns in our bridal collection at Best for Bride. So, visit us today and make your pick.

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Tabletop Elegance: Inspiring Ideas for Show-Stopping Wedding Centerpieces!

You may not give much thought to the centerpieces for your wedding reception tables, but they are more important than you think. Your wedding guests will spend a lot of time at their tables, as they have their dinner and chat with each other. So, these centerpieces will be in constant focus. Their arrangement will reflect the tone of the wedding and set the ambiance.

While some venues offer a few custom centerpiece options to choose from, you can also opt for your own design and find one that is suitable for the theme of your party. Let us look at the different factors you should pay attention to when designing your centerpieces, so you can maximize their effect.

Height of the display

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This is an important criterion to pay attention to when choosing your centerpiece designs. A centerpiece that is too tall will obscure the view of the guests who sit across each other, and it will be difficult for them to communicate. So, your centerpiece should be low. You can still create an impact by designing the centerpieces to be unique and with interesting design elements. The only time you can go with higher centerpieces is when the design is elongated but not broad. This way, it will not obstruct the view, and will allow guests to talk to each other comfortably.

Width or size

The centerpiece should be compact and not spread out. It should be proportional to the size of the table, and the arrangement should be neat and attractive. Depending on whether the tables are round or long, choose a centerpiece that has the right proportions. A single centerpiece or a cohesive group that occupies a circle in the center is ideal for round tables. Well-spaced tall arrangements on a table runner through the center will be good for long tables.

Choosing the design elements

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Flowers and candles are the popular choices for centerpieces. Apart from these, you can also use balloons, crystals, gemstones, jars, pebbles, shells, fruits or anything else that you can think of. The elements you choose should blend well with the theme. A clear vase with shells at the base and floating candles on top for a beach wedding would be appropriate. You can also make use of seasonal flowers and fruits to add color to the centerpieces, and also get them at a lesser price. Ensure you keep the color palette consistent and don’t go overboard with details. It is always the simpler designs that create more impact.

Choose variations for more visual interest

It isn’t necessary that all your tables are decked up the same way. In fact, it is more attractive if each table was personalized differently. Keep the colors consistent and the designs similar, but make slight variations in the arrangement. This will be more interesting. You could alternate two color combinations for each table, or even change the heights and designs of the centerpieces from one table to another. When you alternate styles, the only thing to remember is all the pieces should be tied together with a few unifying factors and not look too distinct.

For more wedding decor tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.