Ah, the language of flowers … and it seems that since time began, they’ve been rich in symbolism and of course, romance. I’ve always been intrigued with the women of the Victorian era and how they used to make and wear Tussie Mussies- small bouquets of flowers- with the intention of communicating a certain message to let’s say, a potential suitor … So mysterious and romantic.

Here are 12 pictures of wedding flowers, the meanings associated with them, their season and general pricing PLUS  tips on how to choose your wedding flowers.

5 Tips – How to Choose Your Wedding Flowers
1. Choose local & in season- if possible. By going with local and in-season flowers, you’ll probably save money {no shipping}. You’ll also be supporting your community and the flowers will be available when you want them.
2. Carry your look – coordinate your arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres by color, formality and style-  for a look that flows.
3. Consider your wedding budget – work with your florist to realize your dream while staying within your budget.
4. Reflect on the natural decor of your venues – a garden wedding will probably be “naturally” decorated and not require a lot of extra flowers. The same could be said for a very ornate indoor venue. Also, if your wedding is on or near a holiday {i.e. Christmas, New Years} your venue might already be decorated. Ask the venue’s event coordinator before ordering your accessory flowers.
5. Consider the meanings of the flowers- is there a certain message that has special significance that you’d like to set apart and communicate … hope, devotion, etc?

 How are you choosing your wedding flowers? 

images: real flowers via The Knot

Ah~ The father/daughter dance … The dance that grabs at everybody’s heart strings and leaves them reaching for the tissues. How are you deciding on THE SONG? Will it be sweet? sentimental? funny? cute? a mix? a song that the two of you share?

Which from the 11 songs below is your favorite?

Here are 11 awesome father-daughter songs … some true great classics as well as a few surprises!

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman

My Girl by The Temptations

Hero by Mariah Carey

Drive by Alan Jackson

Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison

Turn Around by Harry Belafonte

You are the sunshine of my life by Stevie Wonder

Kind and Generous by Natalie Merchant

Somewhere over the rainbow by Israel “IZ”  Kamakawiwo?ole

Here comes the sun by The Beatles

Daughter by Loudon Wainwright

Love love “Tupelo Honey” by Van and Mariah’s “Hero” always always makes me tear up. Oh, and “Kind and Generous” by Natalie couldn’t be more fabulous!

Got a favorite?

Updated with your recommendations

- The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

- Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

- My Wish by Rascall Flatss

- Daughters by John Mayer

- I loved her first by Heartland

Photo by Scarlett Lillian Photography {from Wendy & Jamal’s gorgeous wedding}.

Double or single? Do you use one or two wedding invitation envelopes? Confused? It is confusing.

Let’s decode it.

So, why DID they use double envelopes WAY BACK WHEN?

The town crier, while effective for some time, eventually became the least favorite option for announcing a wedding event. Anyone in ear shot was invited- which I’m sure got rather expensive.

Fast forward to the stamping of a family crest or emblem during the middle ages to the 17th century and Ludwig Von Siegen’s invention of metal plate engraving … Those that could afford it, would have a courier hand deliver their wedding invitation or rely on the postal service to deliver it. Either way, the invitation was sure to arrive either dirty or damaged. And, however spotty, the postal service had regulations on addressing items. Aha- if they used two envelopes, it would serve a two-fold purpose: the outer envelope would protect the invitation from grubby hands and travel as well as display the address- so it could get where it was supposed to go. The inner envelope would ensure a pristine arrival.

So, why do they still use double envelopes TODAY?
Is it necessary? Not necessarily. But, there are good reasons for using them.

Double envelopes are still used with more formal weddings. But, the main reason to use two envelopes, is so you can be absolutely clear about who you are inviting to your wedding. This is especially pertinent if you are keeping a strict guest list for budgeting reasons or you’re hosting an “adults only” event. It’s entirely up to you and how traditional you want to be, but read this post if you want more help with wedding invitation etiquette and addressing envelopes.

In a traditional double envelope set: the inner envelope is embellished with the liner, holds the invitation suite, and is specifically addressed with first names. The outer envelope has the stamp and is simply addressed.

for example:
{outer envelope} Mr. and Mrs. Brady and family {if children are invited}
{inner envelope} Mike and Carol {with kids listed on line below} Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, Cindy

At MagnetStreet Weddings, we call the envelope that is included with each invitation- a Mailing Envelope. And, you can choose a mailing envelope liner to coordinate with your mailing envelope. Potentially, you can have up to three envelopes with your invitation suite. The outer {Double Envelope}, the inner {Mailing Envelope} and the RSVP Envelope. {Sometimes the RSVP envelope gets confused as an inner envelope- but it isn’t}

While you can choose an envelope for your RSVPs, did you know that they will mail by themselves? Read on how you can save postage costs by sending RSVP Postcards- without envelopes.

Decoded in a nutshell. Whether you choose 1-2-3 envelopes, be sure to take a fully assembled invitation to your post office for weighing and the postage cost for every invite you send out.

Fun Fact:

Sheer vellum overlays are still used with invitations today. Initially, it was to protect the invitation from getting smudged from the ink used in the printing. Even though there is no more smudging, we like it simply because it’s pretty.

Happy Friday!

I love good drama! For instance, creating a dramatic, romantic space in which to say your wedding vows, kind of drama. We chatted about exchanging vows under dreamy coverings such as arches, trellises, giant trees, etc. in this blog post … all amazing~ but what about the wedding Chuppah as a favored focal point idea for the ceremony? Not only can they be a beautiful ceremonial focal point, they are also rich in symbolism.

Originating in Jewish culture, a Chuppah is a canopy {or covering} tied to four poles that are either secured to the ground or held by honored family or friends. The canopy symbolizes the home the couple will build together. It also represents the presence of God over the covenant of marriage.

Chuppahs can be simple or elaborate and placed indoors or outdoors. What do you think about {renting} building and decorating a Chuppah for the ceremony?

info source: The Wedding Yentas

images: Wedding Wire