Although I didn’t use any tropical themes in my wedding, I still think it’s an easy and beautiful way to transform your special day into a dreamy island wedding. I envision the bride holding a big beautiful hibiscus as a bouquet and various shades of tropical flowers lining the aisle. I’ve also seen brides wear these gorgeous blossoms in their hair with a lei of flowers around their neck. The result is sweet perfection.

These island inspired cards complete the look adding floral flair for a tropical wedding.

By guest blogger: Rick Bucich

If you’re like me, you struggle with ways to cut your wedding costs. After things like the reception site, caterer, florist and photographer have been booked, invitations ordered and seating chart planned, both patience and budget have been severely tested. You’ve likely cut some corners already but don’t want to overly compromise on your special day.

I must admit that I’m partial to expensive flowers, having worked with a florist while in college. However, with over 150 guests in attendance, we had to make some sacrifices. A nice compromise I found was to place colorful fruit punch in glass bowls on each table. We picked up the inexpensive bowls at a local department store and provided them to the caterer in advance. They provided the punch and ladles and the florist floated edible flowers creating both colorful and functional centerpieces!

In the end, everyone was happy because we were able concentrate our budget on a few very stunning floral pieces.

In the eighties, a white wedding referred to a popular Billy Idol song. Today it signifies a popular color choice for couples look for a chic, modern theme. Why save white only for your dress? White goes with everything and when used consistently adds light and fresh style to your wedding.

Adding a hint of gold or silver transforms a refreshingly white wedding into an elegant affair. Here’s a few invitation design options for couples wanting a white theme.

Yesterday I posted pictures from a vibrant orange and stunningly blue themed wedding. What I didn’t tell you was all the extras they included that really made their wedding stand out. The couple incorporated several surprises in the night that was a big hit with guests. One thing they did was rent a photo booth. A popular trend at weddings these days, guests practically ran over one another to get their pictures taken. Here are a few more pictures and one of Wedding Paper Divas’s own orange and blue creations.

I went to another wedding this past weekend and it really showed me how color can bring energy to an event. The bride chose deep blue with vibrant orange to create a bold, modern look. Orange tones brought a sense of fun and liveliness while the brilliant blue brought a contemporary and formal contrast to everything from the bridal party’s dreamy blue dresses with tangerine sash to the tables decorated with bright orange blooms and sparkling blue napkins topped off with juicy orange daisies. Nothing about this wedding was ordinary. If you’re looking for a way to infuse excitement and liveliness into your wedding day, add this color combo into your decor.

I just had my third and final bridal shower. I must say they were all tons of fun and I’m so grateful that I have friends and family who wanted to do this for me. If you’re throwing a shower for someone you love, here’s a great idea for you and her guests.

Taking inspiration from my post on Kara’s cupcakes, why not match your shower invitations with cupcake favors? Here’s a few that would go together nicely!

Planning my wedding has gotten me suddenly noticing and appreciating every floral arrangement available. When I saw these luxurious floral pieces I had to share it with you. May it inspire and help you to create beautiful arrangements for your wedding! These are from a well-known, and talented floral company in California called Asiel Designs.

Some brides find selecting flowers to be one of the more challenging tasks when planning their wedding. In addition to having hundreds of options to choose from is the fact that each flower has a distinct meaning. As you try to find the perfect flowers for your event, below are the meanings from today’s most popular flowers choices. We hope these flowers help inspire your wedding planning!

Calla Lillies represent “magnificent beauty”

Image from InStyle Weddings

Mock Oranges represent “deceit” and Sunflowers represent “adoration”

Image from InStyle Weddings

Orchids represent “rare beauty”

Image from InStyle Weddings

Peonies represent “A Happy Marriage” and Tulips represent “A perfect lover”

Image from Elegant Bride

Roses represent “love”

Some other popular flower meanings are:
• Dahlia: Instability.
• Forget-Me-Not: True love
• Hibiscus: Delicate beauty
• Lily: Majesty, Innocence
• Lotus Blossom: Estranged love

I love flowers. Who doesn’t? But they sure are expensive. Although we are on a tight budget, having a few blossoms was important to me. For those of you looking to keep costs down, do some research to find flowers that are in season during your wedding. For example, peonies, tulips, lilacs and daisies are great for spring weddings, while chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, iris and zinnias are in bloom during summer. Dahlias like the ones below are available in fall, and daffodils, hollies and of course poinsettias are available during winter. There are also a variety of flowers that are available all year round like carnations, roses and orchids. Check with your florist for the best deals of the season.

I took a few photos while I was in Hawaii of centerpieces that I really liked. Not sure how much these would cost but they would match perfectly with my green color theme. Don’t you think they look so fresh and modern? Another way to incorporate flowers as a wedding theme is through floral stationery. I went to one wedding in Boston where the bride used dahlias like the one below on everything from her save the date cards to her invitations. And these vibrant blossoms were peppered throughout her ceremony and reception, from her cake to the centerpieces and everything in between.

A great idea would be to incorporate a favorite flower which can be weaved through the entire theme. Whatever flower you choose, I think that overall having a single element will make a huge statement about your wedding.