A chocolate and fuchsia toned bouquet of calla lillies, roses, feathers and cascading orchids.  We named this bouquet “lolita!”

Designing a Luxe Valentine’s Day Wedding

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest engagement days of the year, and following a Valentine engagement is often the romantic plan for a Valentines Day wedding. But how do you design a glamorous Valentine’s Day wedding without it being cheesy or covered in red tin foil hearts? We’ve got some great suggestions…

Valentines day is traditionally a day of romance – so begin your planning by thinking love, joy, ROMANCE! Obvious color palettes that come to mind are shades of pinks, reds, fuchsia and soft plums. But, never be afraid to step out of the box! You’ve selected a wedding date based on pure, heavenly, first kiss, falling love, good old fashioned love. A romantic setting is key, although you can take just about any space and create that atmosphere with  candles,  old fashioned glass, and tons of beautiful blooms like ruffled rose and ranunculus.  Just skip the giant heart shaped flower wreath on your bridal party table – let’s face it, that did not look good in the 80’s either!

pink rose bouquet

Flowers can be bold and modern when in a bright hue such as valentines red, or soft like a range of pinks, mauves and creams. Dessert bars are still hot and what a great twist to the tradition of giving candy on this day! And of course a dessert bar, when done right, does double duty as décor. Your dessert bar should be rich with truffles, sorbets in soft shades that compliment your bridal party colors, mini cupcakes, candy in the same palette served up in apothecary jars with goody bags for your guests.

Avoid getting stuck in a ‘theme’ with hearts galore. Everyone knows it’s Valentines Day and if they’re spending it at your wedding, chances are they are excited to celebrate YOU, nto a bunch of floating cut-out hearts.

The style of your gown should match the overall feeling of your wedding, whether it be modern and bold or vintage and romantic.  A vintage wedding dress can be stunning, or look for a couture custom-made vintage styled dresses with lace, soft textures and bare arms.

One of our brides holding a all rose bouquet of mixed pink hues…We named this bouquet “Sweet-tart”

gown from custom gownmaker

via weddingbee

The Spanish Ballroom at The Fairmont Hotel, all done up in pink and cream…

A new Reality TV show is being developed – I know what you’re thinking, all we need is ANOTHER reality show.  I thought the same thing until I read more – and this one actually sounds like it might be fun to watch, be for a greater cause, and be educational all at the same time.  Here is the premise:

“Think Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and What Not to Wear for green lifestyles and you’ve got Mission: Sustainable. Prepare to witness the transformation of ordinary citizens who grasp their impact on the planet.

Each show will feature a new individual nominated by friends and family for a sustainability makeover. Depending on the nominee’s lifestyle, three consultants will be chosen from our list of green experts to perform a makeover customized to the individual’s needs, desires, and walk of life.

Our green experts support the changes they propose with hard facts, measurable cost savings, and documented improvements to mind and body; these benefits will be verified by credible scientists, doctors, and financial experts.

Grab some organic popcorn, invite friends and family over, and watch how individual changes add up to a world of difference.”

Intrigued? We  at Bella Signature Design were intrigued enough to jump at the chance to be involved with Mission Sustainable’s Green Carpet Event, when show organizers  called us to ask if we would provide sustainable centerpieces for the premier.  I LOVE to utilize my green side, and the challenge to create 30 sustainable pieces sounded right up my alley!  Being that we err on the side of modern here at Bella Signature Design, my inner challenge is to create pieces that use ingredients that can be utilized again (moss, branches, re-usable containers) with a minimum of cut flowers, yet still provide something fresh and modern.  Think we are up for the challenge?  Find out next week when we post pictures after the event!  Today, you’ll find me out on our beach,  gathering driftwood for the Northwest Coastal Section of tables I am creating.  Tomorrow brings me into the forest to gather sheet moss for out enchanted forest tables.  Want to join me?