I have a friend who is a florist, and he said people who insist on a certain type of flower often pay more because those flowers are out of season. Ask the florist what will work for that season, that venue (inside or outside), the size of arrangements. He was very good at staying within the budget.
Daughters wedding was absolutely perfect Saturday, went off without a glitch. 70 degrees without a cloud in the sky in rural Vermont. Lots of family, friends and med school classmates, ended up at 120 guests of 90 or so we’re from out of town. I am so honored that so many people came from out of town to attend their wedding.
I ended up on a 28 hour flight from hell home, but all is okay, my daughter is married to a great guy, she has told me my job as a mom has been great. That’s all I need.
Wonderful @CottonTales.
So happy to hear that is was a magical day, @CottonTales. What a wonderful thing for your D to share with you.
Sounds perfect, @CottonTales.
@CottonTales, your daughter’s comment made me tear up a bit - what a lovely thing for her to share with you.
Congrats, @CottonTales!
@twoinanddone - thanks for the in-season tips. Should yield better flowers at a more reasonable price. We will need a florist, so it is a matter of optimizing choices.
I have been reviewing lots of reception photos at the venue on-line. Like what candles can do for an evening table as they help with table centerpieces. Some suggest long swags of greenery and flowers as a price conscious alternative; not sure if that works for round tables or is indeed more cost effective. So much to learn.
travelnut, my d opted for lots of candles, on mirrors and minimal flowers compared to what the florist suggested. Also, her bridesmaid’s bouquets are going to be re-used on the head table, instead of getting even more table decorations. Our venue did have some candle requirements, so check. If your venue is a popular wedding spot, there may be a wedding the day before or day after. You can always ask if another wedding would care to share the decorated trellis. A teacher near us was able to save $$ when she “shared” a floral trellis. Would have made me nervous, but worked out for her…
We are using a combination of candles and flowers…on round tables. We haven’t quite figured out exactly what we are doing. But the center will be a large hurricane lamp with candle…and sea glass about 3 inches up. Around will be 8 or so votives in colors to match the sea glass. Flowers will be hydrangea…which match those colors too.
We are also using the bridesmaids flowers on tables…but not sure exactly whew yet.
Tables have ivory long clothes, ivory short cloths…and ivory napkins. We will have brushed silver charger plates at each seat.
Glad I was able to talk airline prices/deals and got DD and FSIL to purchase their airline tickets (they had enough airline points for one free overseas ticket - so two flying for price of one, and the purchased tickets were reasonable price - about what I paid last year; Atla to JFK to Zurich).
Now a dress detail - I believe we will need to have a ribbon loop for her dress train (for dancing later), as the dress back is not one to have a bustling up. DD will be home mid-June and we will work it out.
I’m so wound up from such a fantastic wedding. It was everything and more that she dreamed. I am just over the moon for them.
The wedding venue: http://torpedofactory.org/
The rehearsal dinner: http://theblackwallhitch.com/alexandria/
Torpedo factory is a fun venue. We toured it when we visited D.C. A few years ago. Glad it was a great celebration, @VaBluebird!
Congrats to all of you, @VaBluebird! What a fun venue! I’ve been there before but not for an event.
Wow, both beautiful!
I’ve been to the Torpedo Factory a couple of times and never realized that it could be rented out. What a unique venue. Congrats.
Not sure yet what the wedding plans are, but las night, at the site of their first date many years ago, he got down on one knee, and she said yes. :x
@jym626, congratulations to your son! Best wishes to the happy couple.
@VaBluebird, that’s a fantastic venue. So happy for y’all.
Congrats to your family, jym626. What an exciting year - an engagement and a grandbaby.
Congrats, jym626. How exciting!