Something blue...

This bouquet was for a small Sunday wedding we had today. It photographs beautifully (I love it when that happens!). We also love it because it has all the traditional elements of a bridal bouquet: white roses, soft looking flowers, white satin ribbon - but then there's just the extra POP of the soft blue hydrangea peeking through. What a sweet way to achieve your "something blue" eh? Enjoy!

A little etiquette goes a long way...

I saw this article on the knot.com today and found it very useful so I thought I'd pass it along! I didn't realize how rude people could be until I began planning my own wedding. If you've encountered any of these situations, I hope this will help you!

Bad Wedding Etiquette Comebacks

Classy comebacks for all those unwanted wedding planning opinions.

Ever been faced with a wedding comment that was so inappropriate it left you tongue-tied? Among the congratulations and well-wishing, you're bound to hear a few remarks that are rude, annoying, or flat-out appalling. Be prepared and you'll leave them sputtering.



"Are you sure you're ready?"


Translation: Coming from an unmarried acquaintance, this sort of question is likely a projection of their own fears -- they're not in a position to make a lifelong commitment, so it's hard to imagine that you could be.


Quick comeback: Exude confidence and leave no room for anyone to debate if you or your fiance is in any way unprepared for what you're getting into: "Absolutely! We are completely in love and ready to be together forever."


"The marriage won't last."


Translation: Whether it's a reflection of their own marriage problems or a past incident that convinced them monogamy is impossible, this person has a knack for souring good news.


Quick comeback: It's easy to get seriously offended by this one, but take the high road and try cheesy humor. Ask if their favorite precious stone is "jaded" or whether they hit any traffic on the Pessimist Expressway that morning.


"Your engagement is too long."


Translation: Any engagement over a year might seem excessive to some, but it takes a lot of time to pull everything together. The person's comment may be out of surprise, not ill will.


Quick comeback: You have a few acceptable options: Explain that the best wedding vendors are booked more than a year in advance, that you're extending the engagement to save more money, or that you have something you want to accomplish (finish your degree, settle into a new job) before you make your marriage official.


"Your engagement is too short."


Translation: While you and your fiance have probably discussed getting engaged for a while, the news might be a shock to some. The person who says this doubts you'll have enough time to plan a nice wedding.


Quick comeback: Reassure them that though your engagement is brief, you set the wedding planning wheels in motion well before he popped the question. Be calm -- if you seem too swept up in the excitement of the proposal, it supports the idea that you're rushing things.


"Is that really the ring you wanted?"


Translation: Almost any engagement ring can elicit a snide remark, whether it's too big, too small, too sparkly, or not sparkly enough. This sort of nastiness undoubtedly stems from jealously that you've been proposed to, and the ring is an object that provides an outlet for them to concentrate all their envious feelings on.
Quick comeback: It's every newly engaged woman's right to show off her rock, but if you get negative vibes from someone, draw focus away from the ring with a simple reply like, "We're both really happy and excited."


"This bridesmaid dress is ugly."


Translation: While it's a cliche for a bridesmaid to gripe about the dress, it still happens. If she's strapped for cash, her disapproval may be in hopes that you'll pick something less expensive. Or she could really think it's hideous.


Quick comeback: Find out why she doesn't like it and try to locate some middle ground. Suggest that she stick with the dress color but then let her choose her own silhouette.


"That's a great idea...I'll do it too!"


Translation: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it's aggravating when a friend steals a unique wedding idea. Take it as a compliment that your ideas are so great; then steer your friend in a new direction.


Quick comeback: Agree the idea would work well in your friend's wedding, but suggest she personalize it to better fit her style. Encourage some brainstorming and change an element of the concept so it's similar but not identical.


"Who is paying for all this?"


Translation: Maybe they're surprised by all of the nice details you've included in your wedding, or perhaps they're wondering how your parents could afford to host such a great party on their own dime. Either way, this one ranks near the very top of the bad etiquette list.


Quick comeback: Unless you're willing to share that info, immediately let the person know they've crossed the line: "I'm sorry, but that's between my fiance and me."



"Am I going to be invited?"


Translation: No need to decipher this one -- this person simply wants to attend the party. Tactless on their part, sure, but don't be surprised when an annoying coworker, excitable neighbor, or wayward cousin asks for an invite.


Quick comeback: Rather than postpone the awkwardness with a dodgy line like, "We haven't finalized the list yet," tell them that, due to a tight budget, you're keeping things intimate and the guest list will be mostly close family.


"How much did that cost?"


Translation: This can be interpreted in a few ways. If the person is planning their own wedding, they're probably asking out of genuine interest because they like what you're doing. If, however, there's no chance they're planning their nuptials, odds are whatever you tell them will garner an obnoxious response.


Quick comeback: A simple "That's none of your business" will suffice, or you could throw them off with some dramatics: "It cost me an arm and my fiance a leg -- next week we're going in for surgery together. Romantic, right?"


"I'm RSVPing...with guest."


Translation: Some people think that it's fine to tack on a "plus one" to any wedding invite. Though it's definitely a wedding etiquette faux pas, you should give your guest the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to an innocent misunderstanding rather than a snobby "I don't go anywhere without a date" attitude.


Quick comeback: Call as soon as you receive the offending RSVP and gently explain: "I'm sorry that it wasn't clearer, and we're excited you're coming, but our guest list is packed so we can't include a date for every guest."


"I want to make a toast."


Translation: They want the world (or at least the reception) to know how proud they are you tied the knot. And a minute in the spotlight satisfies any extrovert tendencies they might have.


Quick comeback: Say that you're flattered by the offer, but you want to keep the toasts to a minimum -- just the parents and honor attendants. If a close family member really wants to speak, you should consider letting them say a few words at the rehearsal dinner.



"So when are you going to have kids?"


Translation: The joy of a wedding leaves some people overly enthusiastic about the next huge life event: starting a family. Curiosity about baby plans is natural -- most people keep those thoughts to themselves, while others prove to be significantly less reserved.


Quick comeback: Even if you have a clear plan about when you want to start having babies, be vague in discussing a timeline. Try, "We'd love to be parents someday, but we're taking things one step at a time -- starting with the wedding."



-- Miles Stiverson


Find the full article here.

Justin & Leah

 Brrrrr! Justin & Leah's special day was a chilly one! You just never know what you're gonna get in April on the Central Coast! Luckily, both their ceremony and reception were indoors. They got married at Mountainbrook Community Church in SLO (this place is great for large indoor church ceremonies- tons of space!). And their reception was inside the barn at Santa Margarita Ranch. DJ and Officiating services provided by the always charming and professional Andy Morris. The tasty food was provided by Sheila and her well-run crew from Phoenix Fine Catering. We LOVE working with some of the best professionals this county has to offer! But enough about us, let's get back to Leah and Justin....

Leah added a locket and her Grandmother's brooch as personal touches to her bouquet.

The mothers of the bride and groom carried small, simple rose bouquets instead wearing wristlets or corsages...that's definitely a new trend we're seeing more and more of!

The bridesmaids' bouquets included sunflowers, gerbera daisies, white freesia, roses and tulips.

We love the monogram initials on the barn- so cute!

Every time I come to Santa Margarita Ranch, I can't HELP but take a few pictures of the gorgeous property...and the looming clouds made for some fun shots yesterday!

Now we're down at the church in San Luis Obispo setting up one of the longest aisles we've ever done (which I think is great because the long walk gives you more time to really absorb the moment and appreciate the importance of the event)

I had to stop and snap a photo of the view from up there! Mountainbrook is located up by KSBY- amazing views...you are completely surrounded by nature. Very peaceful and private.

We loved the personalized touches of this ceremony....the aisle runner and unity candle both had the "happily ever after" line with their names and wedding date!

Back to the ranch for the reception! The staff on the ranch always does a cute little set up on the vintage movie theatre billboard...love it!

The couple placed photo mobiles in the window arches all around the barn with photos of them as children all the way through their engagement pics. Excellent touch!

The two types of centerpieces were a low round arrangement with the same flowers as the bridesmaid's bouquets, and then glass cylinders with white and yellow orchids and fiberoptic lights. We also added little LED votives around each to give the romantic feel, without the actual flame (which the SMR people don't allow due to fire hazards).

Such a stunning final product!

It was such a pleasure to decorate this beautiful cake. A close family friend made it...who doesn't even do this professionally - can we say mega-impressive?!

Here at Festive Designs, we love to find creative ways so stretch a couple's budget! As you can see, we took all of the ceremony decorations, and repurposed them at the reception. Pay for them once, use them twice! Fabulous.

The End.

...and we hope they DO live happily ever after...

Flower Care Tips!

Hey All, so I was cruising the website of our friend and fellow industry professional: Michael Quesada of Kaleidoscope Flowers in Santa Barbara- and found these great tips I thought I'd pass along. If you're ever in Santa Barbara and need flowers- check them out!! Thanks for the great advice guys!

(some of Mike's FABULOUS work above!)

How can I make my flowers last longer?

Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer.

Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!

Essentials for your flowers

Keep them in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit; 18 to 22 degrees Celsius), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, direct drafts from a ceiling fan, and the tops of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)

When your flowers arrive in wet foam

Keep the floral foam soaked in water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

When your flowers are arranged in water

Keep the vase filled with water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.

When your flowers have woody stems and branches

(such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac)
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening.

What is floral food and why use it?

Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. It is one of the best—and easiest—ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good.

Have an Egg-cellent Easter!

Okay forgive me for the cheesy title, I couldn't resist. I just wanted to share a super cute idea with you all!

Tiny egg arrangements are relatively easy to make, and mega impressive! Melinda makes them with her floral design students at Cal Poly every spring. You can put them in the fancy egg cups like Martha does here or just place them back in the cartons, nestled in easter grass. They make great presents for your Easter host, or centerpieces for your kitchen table. Just make sure you plan ahead and start saving your eggshells early!