With every event regardless of size, budget, time of year, an invitation is always a key element in the planning process, a key decision to be made; after all the invitation is somewhat a prelude to the event. The invitation sets the tone to the event; it gives your guests an idea of what’s to come and what’s to be expected. Whether you’re requesting the company of your guests to attend a farewell brunch, a bachelorette party, an intimate dinner party, or a wedding, you want the invitation to impress! You want that first impression of the event which you’re planning to make a statement and nothing will make a nicer statement than a beautifully designed invitation.
I have to confess that I’ve had a very healthy obsession with the amazing designers at Praez Occasions! If you’re ever lucky enough to work with those phenomenal designers, you too will develop a healthy obsession with their work!
Praez Occasions full-service design firm, a true atelier with an unconventional flair for the fine details, committed to helping you announce your life’s most precious moments with exceptional quality and sophistication. Their passion is the expression of your unique vision, style, and taste. Inspired by everything around them, Praez Occasions custom design and handcraft creations that evoke lasting memories, from your Save The Date to your Thank You notes.
I love these planning tips from their website which I think most brides can certainly appreciate. Off course you absolutely must visit their site for more information about their scrumptious invitations.
Planning Advice from Praez Occasions.
We employ a collaborative 3-part process that spans approximately 8-10 weeks, during which we analyze your needs, explore custom styling options, and execute the fine details. For best results, we offer the following tips:
• Start out a minimum of 3 months before the event to provide ample time to achieve your desired results
• Share your ideas & “design wish list”
• Provide details and images of the event site
• Submit venue maps & directions, as they can be incorporated into your design
• Submit images of your floral arrangements whenever possible
• Supply any special wording or phrases that you want to use
• Proofread everything carefully! It costs more to fix a mistake than to do it right the first time
We provide digital proofs on every design via Adobe PDF file by email, and make a physical sample available for final approval before commencing production.
Loving everything Praez Occasions,
Violaine Diogene
“Prisoner of Love!” This is my absolutely, without a doubt my favorite invitation. The title sums it all for me. Can you imagine being the invite to receive such an invitation? What would you think about this wedding? I know I would gasp!
Can you imagine getting this as your Save The Date? I’m giggly just thinking about it!
I just love the peacock feathers in this menu card. What a grand way to dress the tables and make a statement. Do allow your eyes to wonder to the little details of the fine fabric and peacock studs.
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Like your wedding gown, your wedding cake and other aspect of your wedding; your centerpiece should certainly reflect your sense of style, personality and should make an impression on your guests. One of my current bride really knocked me of my seat when she decided to go opposite of everything she’s ever known. I’m talking about completely opposite and every one of her guests will not believe she had this person in her.
I’m sharing this with you because I want to remind you that this is your wedding and you’re able and allowed to do whatever it is that you wants. If’ you’re a bride like Kelsie and you want to just shock your guests upon their arrival at the reception, by all means make it happen. There is no rule to what and how you should do your own wedding decor. Well, you know what I mean. I don’t want you to go crazy with your colors or anything but I just want you to keep an open mind about what’s available to you. Be creative, step out of the box and surprise the most important guest of all; you!
Below are some of the most amazing centerpieces I’ve ever come across. I love, love and I do mean love the very first centerpiece as it just took my breath away. This actually more than a centerpiece as every other table were graced with handmade canopies of birch and vines which featured dripping votives. While mossy pots overflowed with garden flowers with wooden lanterns and votives to punctuate each lush table. Do you hear that? That’s your guests gasping in amazement as they step foot in your reception!
How do you envision your reception décor? Like to contact the florist responsible for such amazing work? Davinci Florist and Stone Blossom would love to speak with you if you”re a bride who can handle these daring centerpieces.
Daring you to be daring,
Violaine Diogene
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Dear ruffle god, all I know is, I’m totally and outerly in love with these ruffle chargers from Crate and Barrel. It is my belief that ruffles should be everywhere possible and now that you’ve made this possible by allowing some genius person to design these charges, I’m grateful.
Now, I just need to justify the need to have a set of eight in every color for my future theme dinner parties.
Grateful for ruffles,
Violaine Diogene
Ok, how incredibly cute is this tuxedo-styled linen napkin? Can you imagine your guest’s faces when they walk up and see this darling display on their plates? I simply adore it!
Violaine Diogene
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I know it’s been a little over a month since I’ve posted a new post but you see I have a great explanation; I’ve been busy with weddings and traveling to design, plan and execute these amazing weddings. I know bloging is part of my job but you know how seriously I take my post and what I bring to you. I would rather not post for months than to post something that I know you would not appreciate or expect from me. I propose that we start our relationship again and start new. So, do you forgive me? Great, I knew you would understand.
Now, for the matters at hand, we’re starting this relationship over with over the top tables and what better company to deliver than Wildflower Linen!
Who is Wildflower Linen you ask? Well, Wildflower Linen is the leading designer and producer of specialty table linens and chair covers for event rentals. Yes, I said rentals. If you don’t believe me, take a look at their website www.wildflowerlinens.com to view for yourself. Wildflower table linens and chair covers are sought after by everyone from discriminating brides and noted event planners to acclaimed designers and celebrities who is looking to add the utmost in style and elegance to their function.
Well, you know the rules; my favorite is always listed first and yes, I love this stunning, over the top gold and cream display. I can imagine that this linen was chosen to compliment a bride’s gown. I can see the overlay features the loose lined ruffles from a gown and perhaps the silk underlay is the inspiration from a simple ball gown? What do you think?
My second favorite just spoke to me because of its timeless and elegant beauty. Everything about this table screams romantic. From the colors, to the appliqués, to the loose layers and ribbons across the chair covers makes my smile and imagine the kind of bride who would pull this look together. Where do you think the inspiration came from for this table? What about the other tables? Would you ever use such grand table linens?
Inspired by table linens,
Violaine Diogene
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This morning I came across (via WeddingChicks) the most darling spin on the ever so popular Alice in Wonderland photo shoots/theme weddings. The spin on this theme is the use of the stunning, vivid purple which takes this theme to a level of certain of romance. The bride wore a very romantic gown by Rivini and her bouquet composed of all Orchids is simply exquisite!
To read more about this theme and for more information on the vendors, visit WeddingChicks.
Well, what do you think of this theme? What do you think about the colors that were used? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
In my search for a truly inspirational tablescape for a destination wedding to take place at the breathtaking Seaport Hotel in Boston, I visited one of my very favorite sites and came across this simple, elegant and luxurious tablescape designed by the one and only; The Wedding Library out of New York!
Seriously, this tablescape is simply amazing to say the least. It speaks volume to the bride who wants to make a statement but wants to keep it clean, simple, scrumptious and luxurious. What do you think about this table? Can you picture your wedding with this kind of décor? You know I would love to hear your thoughts.
Inspired by The Wedding Library,
Violaine Diogene
I love the very simple, white orchids on the clear acrylic table and chair. There’s something so stunning about the contrast between the color arrangements. Notice the several different lengths of glasses on the table which adds simple drama.
Seeing the whole table from a few feet away really allows you to take in how truly beautiful it is.
I love the brown chargers under the crisp white entrée plate with the dark cream salad plate. The colors are simply stunning. Did you notice that the only linen on the table is the white napkin? I love that.
I simply adore how all the very simple details were attended to. Instead of a traditional napkin ring, they used this very modern, crisp platinum sea seashell to keep the napkin in place.
This simple little statuette of the sea horse simply finalizes this tablescape.
Ok, this is almost kind of embarrassing to admit only because I’m a wedding planner and all, but I’m not exactly, no scratch that, I’m not a flower expert at the very least! There, I said it and yes, I’m breathing in sight. Now, don’t misunderstand me, I LOVE flowers and I absolutely love picking out a few flowers to make an arrangement but I couldn’t tell you about their names, meaning and all that, and that’s fine because I leave figuring out what’s in season and what’s what to my favorite floral vendors.
Because I don’t know much about flowers, I’m thinking it’s a great idea to for us to educate ourselves about these wonderful, simple pleasures of life. On Brides.com there’s this amazing Flower Finder and it’s a great place to get all the flower facts your little heart can handle. I’m thinking in the next few weeks, I’ll feature 10 flowers per week for us to get to know.
You know the deal, let me know your thoughts on this post and if you find it useful.
Happy flower learning,
Violaine Diogene
Muscari
These delicate, tightly clustered flowers, also called grape hyacinth, burst from bulbs in spring; small-headed, with supple stems, they’re easily wired into head wreaths for flower girls.
Color
purple, blue
Style
beach casual, classic, romantic
Cost
$$ = medium price
Season
spring
Size of Bloom
small
Hyacinths
This winter-to-late-spring bloom has a strong scent and a fresh-from-the-garden appeal; use the stems in small centerpieces or planters, or pluck a couple of individual flowers for a boutonniere.
Meaning: constancy
Style
beach casual, classic, romantic, modern
Color
red, blue, yellow, pink, orange, white
Size of Bloom
large
Cost
$$ = medium price
Season
winter through spring
Alliums
Like fluffy lollipops perched on tall sticks, these perfect globes of tiny petals create eye-popping displays, but don’t put them directly on your buffet-they smell a bit like onions.
Meaning: unity, humility, patience
Color
purple, blue, white, lavender, violet
Size of Bloom
large
Season
summer
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Hydrangea
Gardens burst into life with these poufs in late summer and fall; in shades from pink to lavender to green, they look modern when massed in bouquets and large arrangements.
Meaning: devotion
Style
beach casual, glamorous, classic, romantic, modern
Season
year round
Size of Bloom
large, medium
Color
blue, pink, green, white
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Sweet Peas
Skinny stems mean you can gather these frilly favorites in a bouquet, and it will still be featherlight. More good news: While it looks delicate, this early spring bloomer is deceptively hardy.
Meaning: delicate pleasures
Color
purple, red, lavender, pink, white
Style
glamorous, classic, romantic
Season
fall through late summer
Size of Bloom
small
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Peonies
This voluptuous, ultrafragrant flower has a fleeting season—late spring to early summer. Bunches of these chubby, old-fashioned favorites are beautiful placed in pretty pitchers.
Meaning: bashful
Style
beach casual, glamorous, classic, romantic
Color
red, burgundy, pink, white
Size of Bloom
large, medium
Season
late spring
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Roses
These are the classic long-stemmed roses that you see in the florist’s shop every Valentine’s Day. A perennial wedding choice, their petals can be plucked to carpet the ceremony aisle.
Meaning: love and passion
Color
red, yellow, pink
Style
glamorous, classic, romantic
Season
year round
Size of Bloom
medium
Cost
$$ = medium price
Lenten Roses
When is a rose not a rose? When it’s this five-petaled flower—more accurately called helleborus—that blooms in the Lenten season; it adds a springy bounce to bouquets.
Color
purple, pink, green, white
Season
early winter through spring
Style
beach casual, glamorous, bohemian, romantic
Size of Bloom
small
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Gardenias
With a scent to swoon for, this stem less flower can be floated in water or wired into a bouquet; though edges turn brown when handled roughly, it’s a stunningly retro-glam hair ornament.
Meaning: joy
Style
glamorous, classic, romantic
Size of Bloom
large, medium
Season
spring, summer
Cost
$$$ = expensive
Color
white, ivory
Eremurus Foxtail Lillies
Each stalk of this long-stemmed spring flower can have hundreds of star like florets; it can last for up to three weeks in a vase, so it’s great for make-ahead arrangements.
Style
beach casual, glamorous, bohemian, modern
Size of Bloom
medium
Cost
$$ = medium price
Season
spring, summer
color
yellow, pink
A perfect day in the office for us at André Winfrye Events is when we make a bride’s day by showing her something completely new and she has her “WOW” moment. Today, such a moment came when I introduced one of my brides to a new concept of cake stands! Yes, I said cake stands!
My bride Melisa is planning her dream wedding which will reflect truly her personality and style. Melisa is sexy, fun, stunning, elegant with a hint of funky and I love it. Everything so far as far as her décor goes is out of the norm and I thought her cake stand should be the same. And that’s when I logged onto Raise the Cake to show her what I had in mind for her amazing cake. Melisa was floored by these beautiful and amazing work. These are not your average cake stands!
With these amazing work of arts, you will see how your wedding cake will take center stage with these custom cake platforms. Brightly colored and textured cake stands can match your wedding theme and feature the attributes of your confection, making an elaborate tiered cake even more so or enhancing a small, simple design with added height and interest. Raise the Cake allows you to design your stand by selecting a fabric, color and embellishing it with an assortment of broaches, ribbons, pins and buckles.
As you know, it’s my great pleasure to show you my personal favorites in anything I recommend! I had a hard time choosing between the platforms but the first platform had me at the first sight of burnt orange, soft satin fabric and beautiful broach. What won’t this go with? You can tie this look into your wedding gown, your chair covers and anything else your amazing heart feels like. My second favorite features the stunning silk dark green fabric with hand-cut flowers and tiny little green crystals. Can you see how stunning your cake will look being displayed on one of these pieces of art?
As always, I what do you think of these cake stands? How are you displaying your cake? You know I would love to hear from you.
In love with anything wedding,
Violaine Diogene
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By now, I trust that you know how much I love to make a statement. I love accessories that screams elegant, I love a dress that is classic and certainly I love flowers that are bold and colorful. Some of the most memorable events I’ve attended included the nicest centerpieces that will remain with me for the rest of my life. When going through my photo album of the weddings that I’ve been fortunate enough to plan, I went on the knot to see what else I can show you to bring your creative side out.
Below are some of the nicest arrangements I’ve ever seen and it is my hope that these arrangements will inspire you to think out of the box when it comes to picking your centerpieces.
Did you just ask if I’m going to tell you which ones are my favorites? Don’t be silly, off course I am! What kind of planner would I be if I didn’t tell you which one truly had me at first sight? The first two are most definitely my personal favorites. Wow for the first centerpiece for being one of the most creative centerpiece ideas I have seen in a long time! Heffernan Morgan Designs designed this masterpiece by using classic lampshades and glass vases filled with water and small strands of white orchids. In each lamp was a pink light bulb which provided the soft glow. To finish them off, each centerpiece was lit from the bottom up using a mirrored light box. A fairly involved set-up, but very scene-setting!
My second favorite was achieved by using three cylinder vases were filled with sea glass and LED light cubes which provided that stunning but soft glow. Your eyes can’t help but stare at blush cymbidium orchids, cream peonies, white hydrangeas, lisianthus, and roses.
Well, what do you think of these centerpieces? How will you use these to inspire your décor? Did you choose your centerpieces already? I would love nothing more than for you to share your pictures and your thoughts with me.
Hoping to inspire you,
Violaine
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