Doing it Differently. Non-Traditional Wedding and Event Planning in New Jersey by Karma Flowers Part 3

So, I am a couple days late. It happens. {forgive me, I was making sure to get the appropriate permissions before publishing others' work.}

But here is the final piece to our three-part-blog-trilogy on designing an innovative, fun and fresh wedding. As promised (I am better at keeping promises than self-imposed deadlines), I will offer some tidbits on photography, videography, and FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGN (but, of course). Here we go...

Photography

What does one do with the picture of the bridesmaids and groomsmen all in a row? You know the pic I am talking about. I have actually never seen one displayed in a person's home. Do they just make it into the wedding album? In any case, you are more fun than that picture. . .the staged bridal party shot. . . and so are your friends. Incorporate your style, your interests, and your passions into your engagement and wedding pics. You will thank me later.

There are two photographer's work that I love and adore, and who have mastered the ART of most visibly delicious wedding photographs. One is my NJ gal, the other based out of NY (although I believe both will travel). I will let their work speak for itself, but you must promise to check out their websites and blogs. . .and hire them so we put an end to stuffy wedding photography forever!

Dana McDonald of DHM Photography, Glen Gardener, NJ

Jessica Lavoie of Jessica Lavoie Photography, New York City, NY

And both ladies have graciously shot some of our own work and we are forever grateful for the beauty they have captured in these photographs...

Jessica Lavoie Photography

DHM Photography

Videography

I think I am pretty good about admitting when I am wrong {my husband may think differently} but in any case, I can openly admit that I was WRONG about wedding videos. I never had one. To me it was about a videographer with a big light shoving a camera in a drunk guest's face and asking them to say something nice about the newlyweds. Ugh. But. . .then I found the work of some AMAZING videographers who truly take a photojournalistic {i just made that word up} approach to filming the big day... and I became a fan.

That being said, you must come to know this guy...

Damon Dietz of Absolute Media Productions. He will turn your wedding day into a the movie of your dreams. And, he has some pretty quirky ideas for many of the different aspects of a wedding. Looking for a nifty way to ask your bridal party to be in your wedding? Check out this Sex and the City themed video he created to do just that. . .I promise if I was more tech savvy I would have downloaded one of his videos to this post, but instead you will have to mosey on over to his beautiful website to watch not one -but all- of his romantically divine {cheese-free}wedding videos.

Floral and Event Design

That's us! Well I could spend hours telling you about the innovative floral and event design ideas we have stored up for all of our potential clients. I have mentioned before how the decor creates ambiance and the ambiance defines the wedding, so there is no question in my mind how important the small details are. Therefore, I thought it may be helpful to offer some floral and event design tips.

#1 Wedding details must be purposeful to REALLY make your big day stand out. Just because something is all over Style Me Pretty or Pinterest, doesn't mean it is right for you and your wedding aesthetic. The last thing you want is a vintage-style wedding that feels like a themed-wedding because nothing is directly personal or sentimental to you or your groom. Here is how to rectify this. . .If you like the vintage style wedding look for ways to incorporate heirlooms and trinkets into the decor. Have your grandmother's china? Let's finally dust it off and use it. Now matter what style you are going for, there will elements you can include to make the wedding very you.

Belle  The Magazine

#2 Bring the inside outside. There is just something about staging a celebration that is taking place amongst the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors but with all of the comforts of the favorite room in your home.

But how do I get a couch and mantle outside you ask? Call us. Karma Flowers is on the verge of announcing our newest, latest, greatest endeavor in event decor {so stay tuned.} We will make it happen for you.

Style Me Pretty

#3 Think beyond the trends. As I was about to type about not wanting to see another bird cage card holder, I realized there is one in the picture I posted above. Great. {My intention was to showcase the dresser.} In any case, there are many that are happening over and over again that they are becoming the puffy-wedding- dress-sleeves and garter toss of this decade. And while ingenuity is often mimicked until it becomes tradition, you still want to be the one that goes out on the limb. The wedding below is full of innovative, creative ideas matched by personal touches, but what I took away was this amazing "Snip and Sip" table where guests could add their own herbs/drink garnishes to their favorite cocktail. Yes please.

Southern Living Weddings

#4 Think outside of traditional FLOWERS. Peonies are gorgeous. So are dahlias and garden roses when in full bloom. Heck, most flowers are. But there are plenty of other fun options out there people. Wildflowers, for one, are stunning when in bloom and if they are in season -can be budget friendly as well. Raw cotton is a lovely option for a more rustic feel and so is baby's breath {shown below} when done by itself.

Karma Flowers

Well folks. That concludes my three part blog-fest. I realized though that I have something to say about wedding planners, invitations, and desserts as well so maybe this isn't the last of me on this topic.

Lucky you. ;)

Doing it Differently. Non-Traditional Wedding and Event Planning in New Jersey by Karma Flowers Part 2

Hello. Thanks for joining us again.

As promised we are going to offer some ideas for incorporating unique touches into your attire, escort cards (seating charts) and favors. Of all of the aspects of a wedding, these three areas have the most room for personal flair so let's ditch the expected and wow your guests with your originality.

Attire
Recently a colleague posted in an industry forum her frustration with what appears to be a dominant  strapless wedding dress trend. Is the strapless trend popular? Of course. Is it always appropriate and flattering? Definitely not. So, I thought it was worth mentioning that there are a TON of sleeved wedding dress options...you just have to look (and dare to be different). Claire Pettibone and Jenny Packham  {personally, my two favorite bridal designers } offer plenty of designs that incorporate sleeves in varying lengths. Check out some of my faves {all Claire Pettibone from various collections}...

 

And for gosh sake's grooms, stand up for yourselves. Let's ditch the penguin suits for the gentleman. Unless you are truly having a black-tie affair (and even then you have options), you CAN divert from the vest and tails. Suits are a clean, refreshing way to show your man's style and in navy, gray, and even seersucker in the summer, they are super hot. May we even suggest drawing some influence from It's a Brad, Brad World {yes, I watch it. don't judge...}

So I am sure you think I would have something to say about bridesmaids dresses. Listen, they have made major motion pictures based off how silly of an idea it is to have your best friends dress in matching outfits on your big day. If you still think it's a good idea, I am not going to convince you otherwise. And for good reason. It's a tradition and sometimes traditions prevail. But, I would think about selecting a color or a palette and allowing your girls to chose dresses that flatter their own figure. If you are sold on identical dresses, look for them in unexpected places like Anthropologie. Better yet, let your besties wear what they want and honor them with a matching floral boutique or shawl.

Escort Tables (Seating Charts)
Yay. One of my favorite parts of a reception. Why? It totally sets the tone for the rest of the night. Think about it. You only get one chance to make a first impression and that little card with your guests name and table number communicates to them how the next five hours of their lives -and your wedding- will go. The white folded cardstock with a generic font doesn't scream you. In doesn't even say you. Be creative.

Now I gave you a real doozy in yesterday's post under entertainment. But here are a few more I adore.

The Directory

Fun and Sassy

Open Seating {love!}

The Favors
Long after you've popped the bubbly and got your grove thing on, your guests will retire to their rooms or homes with sore feet, photo booth pics, and a small token of your appreciation. Let's have that token NOT BE a small picture frame or the wine bottle stopper thingy. Instead, give a gift that keeps on giving...

Make a donation.

Who doesn't need a chalkboard horse?

And now for the shameless plug...sorry. had to. we just think it's so cool.

The Seed Buffet

Well friends, that's all for now. See you tomorrow with photography, videography, and FLORAL AND EVENT DECOR!

Doing it Differently. Non-Traditional Wedding and Event Planning in New Jersey by Karma Flowers Part 1

Time and time again we get couples that come to us for their floral and event decor needs and say
"We want different, so we came to you."
Call us different. Call us quirky. Call us non-traditional - we love it. {and hey, we are just happy that you are calling us}

To know us personally is to know that we design the same way we live our lives. A little high end, mixed with a lot of budget bargains. A little city (where we work) and a lot of country (where we live). A little refinement and a whole lotta homemade. . .but all in all, definitely different.

So we thought we would share with you some of our favorite wedding and event details that can make your big day a little less like everyone else's.  We intend on delivering these ideas in three parts throughout the week {venue, entertainment, attire, seating charts, favors, photography, videography and flowers and event decor}

Venue
Last year we designed a wedding ceremony in a bookstore in Brooklyn {a store that was open to the public 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony.} We also did one at an inn and on a farm. All of which had their own quirkiness and personal anecdotes that made them anything but a traditional wedding.

This year, the docket is similar. The venues include a lake house, a farm, two apple orchards, a barn, and a vineyard. We couldn't be more thrilled. People are stepping outside the typical wedding venues and saying their vows in more intimate, personal spaces. And too think, not one of those weddings is more than a half hour outside of the Garden State. Be still my ♥.

Here are a few suggestions for thinking outside the traditional wedding venue {none of which we are currently working with, we don't intend to give away our bride's secrets just yet}...

The Barn

The Raritan Inn, Califon, NJ

{what do I have to say? with a real barn, the possibilities are endless. you have use of the inside and outside which can be hard to find at a more traditional wedding space}

The Museum

The Hunterdon Art Museum

{imagine changing out some of the art with pics of you, your fiance and the fam! if you are an artist or just an art lover, think of a museum or library for your big celebration}

Your  Own Backyard
{Look how spectacular you can make an at-home wedding}

http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-catie-bens-vintage-inspired-backyard-wedding/

{the homemade touches in this wedding tie in perfectly with the fact that it takes place at their home. even the most barren backyard, when done correctly, can feel like an oasis}

Choose a place that means something to you and your fiance, someplace that says something about you as a couple, as individuals and that will set the tone of the evening for your guests. You will be amazed at how quickly your creative juices will start flowing when you are INSPIRED by where you will be married.

Entertainment

Now I am not talking about the music. That is a whole other ballgame. What I am talking about are the extra elements you add to your big day to keep guests entertained. No garter toss necessary here! (whew)

The Photo Booth

SoCo Foto
{yes this is a vintage airstream converted into a photo booth. and yes this just intensifies my obsession with all vintage air streams. i swoon. someone please bring this to the east coast}

Yard Games

{yes, you can do corn hole. and what a fun game it is. but mix it up with something super original and one that your friends haven't already mastered!}


Involve Your Guests

http://greenweddingshoes.com/category/real-weddings/backyard-wedding/

{engage your guests in the decorating. this is a great seating chart idea where guests are asked to bring their escort arrangement to their table to help decorate it! it gives your guests a sense of involvement and the creativity will begin}

Yay for different! Look how refreshing it can be. Do not underestimate how even ONE of these original, personal touches will stick with your guests long after you are back from your honeymoon. And it makes the whole day -and all of those dollars- really worth it.

Tomorrow we'll share attire, seating chart, and favor ideas. See you then.