Ruffled Shop

We have to admit, we regularly stalk the Ruffled blog and now, we've started stalking their new bridal shop. Loaded with fabulous gowns, hair accessories, and bridesmaid dresses, we're absolutely smitten. Here's a taste of what they have to offer.

Visit their new shop at www.ruffledblog.com/shop

For the Flower Girls: Ruby Red Party Shoes

If you're looking for the perfect accessory for your flower girl (or a cute gift for your little girls birthday), consider these super cute shoes by Joyfolie. 
Whether she'll wear them at your wedding rehearsal, on the wedding day, or maybe just as something comfy to dance in at the reception, we think your little flower girl will love these adorable ruby red party shoes.

Another great tip: they're made from organic cotton and eco-friendly rubber soles!

{Source: Julie shoe by Joyfolie}

{Vendor Spotlight} Sticks & Stems Floral Studio

Who: Lori Grover from Sticks & Stems Floral Studio, based out of Waterdown, Ontario.

How It All Started

What inspired you to become a floral designer and start your own business?
I got my first job in a flower shop about 12 years ago. An opportunity came up from a designer who offered to train me and I was hooked! I've been a florist ever since. I decided to open up Sticks & Stems while on maternity leave with my son. I knew I wanted a lifestyle that allowed me to have a good work/life balance.

How did you come up with the name for your company?
A brainstorming session with my husband.

Why the wedding industry?
Weddings have always been my favourite part of floral design. I enjoy the freedom of creating different looks and styles. One weekend it may be a rustic, natural look, the next a vintage theme, and then a romantic glamorous affair. I love mixing things up!

How would you describe your floral design style?
Modern and fun with an emphasis on the details.

In your opinion, why is hiring a professional florist so important for weddings?
I'm a big believer in DIY but I don't recommend going it alone with your wedding flowers. If using fresh flowers (and I hope brides out there are) the arrangements have to be made either the day of or the day before your wedding. Brides should be pampering themselves and relaxing, not getting a hand full of rose thorns! The longevity and overall look of the arrangements depend on the quality of flowers as well as proper care and handling. You don't want wilted or browning flowers the day of your wedding. If a bride decides to do a DIY project, I would recommend doing a sample well ahead of time so they know what they're getting themselves into!

How soon should a bride book and confirm her florist?
On average 6 to 9 months before the wedding date. I've done weddings with as little as 1 month's notice and as much as 18 months.

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
I generally make all my designs the day before, so for me the day of involves delivery and set up. Sometimes this includes one drop, and others 3 or 4 deliveries and partially assembling pieces on site. Every wedding day is different for me.

What makes you stand out from other vendors?
Personalized service. I really try to get to know my brides so I have a good idea of their overall vision for the day. I stay flexible with times for consults, and do day, evening and weekend appointments because I know my brides are busy. I do a lot of consultations over coffee, and recently went to the home of a bride with a 2 month old baby. I do whatever I can to make the planning process effortless and fun.

Having Fun And Getting Personal

What trends have you loved, hated, missed and/or are glad have come back?
I love that a lot of brides are mixing things up with the centre pieces. Either doing different designs, varying vases, or groupings on the tables makes things much more interesting.

What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

1. People tend to think I'm very relaxed and laid back, while I'm actually a perfectionist bordering on control freak.
2. If I won the lottery I would still run my business.
3. I've been know to watch cartoons even when my son isn't around.

What tips would you give brides to maximize their budget when picking flowers?

Openly talk budget with your florist. There's no point falling in love with a $100 centre piece if your budget is $25. Try to get an idea of what you want to spend so your florist can suggest ways to sill achieve a great look, while staying within your budget. If you're on a really tight budget, choose one type of cost effective flower and own it! Make your bouquets all babies breath or a mound of carnations. The key to still getting a great, modern look is to use one variety, one colour, and no greens or fillers. Keep it simple and clean.

If you can give a couple only one piece of advice before their wedding day, what would it be?
Try not to stress too much. Remember what it's all about, you're in love! Relax, have fun, and take it all in because the day goes by in a flash.

Final Thoughts

What is new for Spring and Summer for Sticks &Stems?

Lots of fun weddings this season. Keep an eye out for new pictures posted on my site and Facebook page.

How can readers connect with you?

• Email: lori@sticksandstems.ca
• Phone: (289) 895-9758
• Website: http://www.sticksandstems.ca/
• Blog: http://www.sticksandstems.ca/blog.php
• Facebook: click here

Corsage Courtesy

Here's a quick tip for those of you who are in a corsage dilemma. Whether it's a prom, wedding, anniversary party or any other special occasion requiring women to wear a corsage, florists usually offer two ways to wear them: on the wrist or pinned to the outfit.

We're big fans having options, so, why not ask your special girls what they'd prefer: wrist or pin? They will appreciate the choice.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart Weddings

Q & A: Bachelorette Party Help

Q: I'm the maid of honour at my sister's wedding and I have no idea what to plan. I'm part of a huge wedding party and everyone has an opinion on what we should do, where we should do it and how we should do it! I'm getting so frustrated and the planning is getting stressful. Do you have any ideas? I need to make a decision fast!

A: Congratulations on being the maid of honour at your sisters wedding. We understand your dilemma, it's hard enough trying to plan a girls night out that your sister will love, but having to make sure everyone else's wish list are included can add major stress to the planning process. Here are two ideas, with two different budgets, that are sure to satisfy a few pallets.

Splurge: If money isn't an issue, organize a girls only weekend in Vegas. Besides the obvious (drinking and gambling) there are tons of fun things to do like getting pampered at a spa, shopping and fun day trips.

Save: If your sister isn't much of a party animal, and Vegas is a no-go, a spa day might be just the ticket. There are many services offered at different price points making it easy to find something that fits every one's budget. From mani's and pedi's, to facials and massages, a day spa can be the perfect setting for some much needed girl time.

Tell us, what's your bachelorette party style?

Fashion Friday: Our Top Etsy Wedding Picks

It's no secret that we love love love Etsy.com. Not only do they offer some amazing deals on items such as accessories and clothing, they have a whole section dedicated to weddings.

We've searched high and low and have come up with a few of our favourite Etsy Wedding favourites, found below.

Tell us, what is your favourite Etsy fashion find?

Items from left to right:

1. Peacock Shoes in Teal by ParisXOX $226.66. Click here for details.

2. Silk Bridal Bouquet (replica of Ivanka Trump's bouquet) by Modagefloral $613.01. Click here for details.

3. Birch Heart Mr. and Mrs.Wedding Toasting Glass Charms by AprilHilerDesigns $10.30. Click here for details.

4. Black and Ivory Monogramed Guest Book by Creativelykept $108.18. Click here for details.

5. Ivory Pearl Rhinestone Bridal Brooch by Eminjewelry $54.60. Click here for details. 

6. Peacock Swarovski Crystal Necklace Sterling Silver by AzureTreasures $28.85. Click here for details.

7. Ivory Faux Fur Bridal Wrap/Shrug by Alexbridal $61.81. Click here for details.

Q & A: What Are My Duties As a Bridesmaid?

Q:  I've been asked to be a bridesmaid in a friends wedding and although I'm honoured at the invite, I'm really nervous and don't know what my responsibilities will be. Can you help?

{Photo Source}

A: Being asked to be in some one's wedding party is a huge honour and we understand how that can make you a bit nervous. Firstly, have confidence that the bride has chosen you because you are a good friend, and she wants to share this special time with you. Secondly, while there are some bridesmaid duties you should take on, remember that most of them are pretty fun and are ways in which you can support the bride during the planning stages. Trust us, she will  need all of the support you can give!

Bridesmaid's Duties

• Helping the bride choose a wedding dress
• Helping the bride make decisions
• Assisting with all pre-wedding parties such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Providing the bride with moral support throughout the planning stages, sometimes it helps to just have a shoulder to lean on
• Make sure you're up to speed on anything wedding related as some people will turn to you for information on where they're registered, when they will return from their honeymoon and other wedding details
• On the wedding day, the bride may need some help directing people to the guestbook or taking care of other things like gifts or clean up after the reception