PETALS STEMS & LEAVES
PRESENTS FIVE 'BLOOMING'
GOOD TIPS ON MAKING
YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS UNIQUE

Flowers can be a key element in the design of a wedding and if you're striving to make your overall design unique there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps one of the most important things is to hire a professional. While DIY flowers (a.k.a running to your neighbourhood Costco, buying flowers in bulk and tossing them into a vase) will likely be easy on the wallet, if you're not savvy on the specifics of your desired florals not to mention how to arrange the flowers appropriately, maintain their look for hours on end or create that unique factor that you're after...well...you're more likely to be left with a simple arrangement that lacks lustre as well as some thorn pricks and a lot of frustration.

Nicole North, the uber-talented owner and designer at Petals Stems & Leaves -- a Custom Floral and Event Design Studio -- says that one thing to remember is that wedding flowers should reflect your personal style. After all, you want the flowers to make you happy right? While some couples may reflect their personal style in choosing a certain colour scheme or specific flower, others may use a central theme or a flower that rings sentiment such as "the one" that the Groom had used to propose to his Bride or that flower that always sat on Grandma's dining room table.



Nicole also encourages couples to stretch the boundaries of what is traditional -- you don't have to have what everyone else does! Let your floral designer get to know you as they'll be able to suggest flowers that will suit your taste as well as make constructive suggestions.


Colour is also one of the most important elements that affects the overall appearance and sets the tone.

"Couples need to coordinate -- but not necessarily match -- and consider all aspects of the wedding in relation to colour", Nicole explains, "Aspects such as the Season, the Bridesmaid Dresses, the linens, the cake, ceremony and reception locations and, of course, their flower choices".


With the ability to add beauty, depth and interest to even the smallest of arrangements, texture is a must and as important as colour. However Nicole advises that texture doesn't have to be focused only on the flowers. The foliage in an arrangement or even the container that holds the arrangement can create texture as well.


And last...location, location, location! Taking the location into account is of huge significance.

"I know that I've mentioned this in the colour aspect, but it's not just the colours at your location that you need to thing about", Nicole says, "Take into consideration the style of venue. For example is the location contemporary or art deco? Also consider the surroundings such as how tall the ceilings are and whether there are windows in the room".



When it comes to flowers for a wedding the possibilities are endless. Whether your personal style is sophisticated and elegant or funky and wild, flowers can accentuate the little details and aid in carrying through the overall ambiance from the ceremony to the bouquet toss.







Petals, Stems & Leaves is a Custom Floral and Event Design Studio founded by Head Designer Nicole North. Her passion and dedication has earned Petals, Stems & Leaves the reputation of being the best of the best. Nicole and her team create distinctive and imaginative events that easily incorporate into any setting and make your event truly memorable. www.petalsstemsandleaves.com

A FEW WEDDING THINGS
WE HEART RIGHT NOW
(FASHION EDITION)

Support for those flying solo at The Bridal Shop...



While having a gaggle of opinions thrown at you about your chosen wedding gown (or any formal dress really) by your Bridesmaids, friends and family may seem overwhelming to some, having to make a decision about the dress all on your own can make you want to crouch in the corner of the dressing room and cry. Enter Fashism.com -- a super duper cool site that lets you upload a photo of yourself in your selected dressing room garment, add a question and get answers from online users (read: unbiased strangers!) who will tell you whether they like it or hate it.



Grooms who let their personality shine = pure awesomeness...



There's nothing more awesome than when a Groom puts his sneakered foot down and just says "NO!" to traditional wedding attire. If you're unsure as to what we're referring to, we're talking about the same old black tux, tie and vest. Whether it's going with a collarless suit, formal meets informal jeans, bold coloured ties and accessories or going sans suit altogether, This Planner personally hearts men who take their Bride's lead and let their personalities customize their wedding attire.




Supportive Garments. Because no one wants boob-rolls...



Gals, you know what I'm talking about. Those unsightly rolls at the bustline that can make any Bride feel all blubbery inside. Shapeez provides an awesome solution to this problem with its 'Ultimate Long' shaper that prevents rolls at the bustline (and shapes your torso as well...Bonus!)



Il Vestito Nero...Ti Amo



While it has a long way to go before it's widely accepted on the runway to wedded bliss, This Planner will forever love shunning the Queen's personal style and welcoming with open arms the sexy, bold and beautiful aura of the black wedding dress.




Pumps with Personality...



Way back in the day, a Bride who wore her sneakers or her army boots under her gown was not only making a personal statement but was creating a fashion hoopla. Today, more and more brides are stepping away from the traditional matchy-matchy white wedding shoes and opting for more personality whether it's in their brand choice, colour selection or structural style.

DYSFUNCTIONAL DESSERTS: Break away from the ordinary Baking

Photo source: The Bleeding Heart Bakery

Cakes, cupcakes, cookies and doughnuts have been a wedding and event dessert staple for quite some time. And so to see these desserts cross over to the...er...dark side of traditional baked goods would not only be a shocker for some guests, but a refreshing change for others.

Now when we say the 'dark side of traditional baked goods', we mean it. We're talking flavours that you would never even think of combining like bacon, peanut butter and chocolate or avocado, candied rose petals and wasabi peas. Yup, you read that right.

For your next function, grab some totally brazing inspiration from these daring dessert gurus hailing from Portland, Chicago and, of course, New York City, and challenge your caterer or cake designer to come up with their own badass flavours and concepts.

ET LOFTE LOVES:
Bleeding Heart Bakery in Chicago

Bleeding Heart is the ultimate badass in baking. Whether it's their creatively-flavoured doughnuts (think sweet potato topped with cream cheese glaze or cinnamon sprinkled with coffee beans), crafty cupcakes (like the bacon peanut butter chocolate cupcake) or super cool cakes (This Planner freaked over their tattoo cakes!), these edgy sweet-masters know how to stun.

Photos from The Bleeding Heart Bakery

Bacon Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcake

Tattoo Cake

Maple Bourbon Bacon Doughnut

ET LOFTE LOVES:

Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon

Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain praised this doughnut-duo for their "nonconformist" flavours. From the 'Arnold Palmer' (a vanilla doughnut sprinkled with a lemonade or iced tea dusting), 'Double Bubble' (a vanilla iced doughnut with bubble gum dusting and a bubble gum on top) and 'Maple Bacon Bar' ('nuff said) to their signature 'Voodoo Doll' (a raspberry filled doughnut covered in chocolate frosting and served on a pretzel stake), these guys are cursed with raw talent.

Photos from Voodoo Doughnut

Captain My Captain Doughnut

Bacon Maple Bar

Voodoo Doll

ET LOFTE LOVES:
'The Carnival' from Abe & Arthur's in NYC

This uber chic restaurant in New York City catered by Executive Chef Franklin Becker has been highlighted in the press for it's famous dessert, 'The Carnival'. Warm ricotta doughnuts and cinnamon funnel cake chunks are set in a Ferris-wheel-like stand and paired up with strawberry and caramel filling. Guests can either dip their donuts or create their own doughnut holes with their choice of filling. This Planner fell head over heels for this concept as it would be an incredibly interactive (not to mention delicious!) dessert option for a table of guests to share and enjoy.

Photo Source: Abe and Arthur's Restaurant

Designers and Culinary Professionals alike are coming up with creative and favourable concepts every day. Rather than play it safe, become a dessert delinquent and offer your guests an opportunity to get daring with their dessert.

'CAUSE IT AIN'T JUST ABOUT THE BRIDE ANYMORE!

They’ll be standing at the altar too and yet so often the Grooms seem to fade from the wedding planning equation. Everywhere you turn from magazines and web sites to TV and tradeshows, wedding planning seems to be directed to the Bride. Over the last few years however men have begun to climb out from the backseat and take an active role in the planning of their wedding. But where do they go for inspiration and ideas when their interests are seemingly under-represented in the wedding industry?

Enter The Groom Show (www.groomshow.ca) – the very first wedding show in all of North America that’s just for the Groom. Held on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from Noon to 5 PM at the Erin Mills Convention Centre, The Groom Show understands that wedding planning is for Grooms too and provides an entertaining program that’s free from lace, roses and sparkle.

From unique ideas and products to exceptional wedding professionals and entertainment, The Groom Show is everything a guy could want for his wedding. In addition to “man-to-man” seminars held in “The Man Cave” (such as "Getting the Biggest Bang for your Wedding Buck", "How to Be the Groom Your Bride Wants You to Be", "Breakfast in Bed" and more), one-on-one chats with outstanding professionals in the industry and free espresso all day, The Groom Show also features a Gaming Room where Grooms can out-race or out-golf their Best Man, beer and liquor tastings, incredible ‘guy-friendly’ Door Prizes (including Tuxedo Dollars towards Andrews Formals, a Honeymoon Prize Pack for Jamaica and more!) and a “Fashion for the Modern Man” runway of the best formal, destination and honeymoon fashions for men (not to mention exquisite lingerie and jewellery for his Bride-to-be).

With every up and coming wedding, another Groom follows their Bride-to-Be from boutique to boutique, attend Bridal Show after Bridal Show, flip through Bridal Magazines and watch wedding programs on TV. For the first time in North America, Grooms can now have a place to call their own! Join your fellow Groomsmen at The Groom Show April 17th at the Erin Mills Convention Centre and Get Your Groom On!

SWEETENING THE DEAL:

KICK THAT CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN TO THE CURB WITH THESE SUPER SWEET ALTERNATIVES!

Don't let the name fool you -- Double Chocolate Fountain is not just about, well, chocolate fountains. Of course, this company prides itself on the ability to have 2 different types of chocolate cascading down elegantly styled tiers in a variety of colours. But that's not what caught This Planner's eye. It was the uber adorable alternatives to the fountain that this company provides that made her do a little happy skip.

That said, This Planner thought she'd share some sweet alternatives to the ho-hum tradition of candy buffets and chocolate fountains (because let's face it, a chocolate fountain regardless of looks or flavours is still...yup, a chocolate fountain).

SWEET BBQ STATION

Ok, how sweet is this twist on the traditional BBQ? With mini "sweet" sliders made of chocolate ganache sandwiched between sweet buns and fries sculpted from bite-sized funnel cakes and mexican donuts (otherwise known as churro), how could you go wrong? Toss in some toppings like carmel "mustard" sauce or strawberry "ketchup" sauce and you've successfully provided a sensory twist for your guests!

Photo courtesy of Double Chocolate Fountain

S'MORES STATION

Alright, so S'mores stations at weddings and events aren't exactly cutting edge. They've actually been around for a while but gosh darn it! They are so fun! With this no-campfire-needed station, guests can build that classic graham cracker, chocolate and melted marshmallow goodness on their own or with the assistance of Double Chocolate Fountain.

Photo courtesy of Double Chocolate Fountain

HOT CHOCOLATE STATION

Know what goes well with a 'sweet table'? Sweet beverages! Using an amazing variety of flavours from Milk Chocolate, Mint and Caramel to Banana, Mocha and Peanut Butter, this station recreates the traditional hot chocolate chocolatini style complete with a wide array of toppings including cookie crumbles, whipped cream and mini peanut butter cups.

Photo courtesy of Double Chocolate Fountain

FUDGE PUPPY STATION

Hot Belgian waffles coated in your choice of chocolate or caramel, topped just the way you like and served on a stick? Oh heck yes! Whether it's white chocolate, milk chocolate or caramel and whether you like sprinkles, whipped cream or cookie bits, these Belgian beauties which are made right on the spot will definitely make for a sweet interactive treat for your guests.

Photo courtesy of Double Chocolate Fountain

APPLE STATIONS

Candy apples set at each place setting as a Favour? Soooo yesterday! Creating customized candy apples on-site? Sweeeet.

Whether your guests like their apples coated with candy or with caramel, this interactive station will bring out the kid in all of them. Apples are dipped in the coating of your guests' choice then sprinkled with a vast range of toppings from assorted candies to chocolate chips.

Photo courtesy of Double Chocolate Fountain

Of course, chocolate fountains are still considered classic edible-entertainment by many...as classic as candy buffets , but if you want to give guests an experience that's different from the hum-drum, these creatively sweet interactive stations will not only let out your guests' inner children but will give new meaning to the term "eye-candy" while doing it!

MODE FUNCTION
DRESSES UP THEIR 5 BEST TIPS
FOR UNIQUE DECOR FOR YOUR EVENT

Weddings and events are constantly evolving and fortunately the rules have changed in terms of tradition. This is not to say that traditions aren't important but the truth of the matter is that you have to be happy with the look and feel of your event. That said, creating a look that is unique yet personalized to you is important. After all, it's a reflection of who you are.

The ever-so-talented Event Design Specialists at Mode Function -- Jeffery Crawford and Michael Alonso -- have comprised below their top 5 tips for designing a wedding or event that reflects what matters to you:

Understand the Mood that you want to create.

Are you looking to create a romantic fairytale environment? Are you chic and sophisticated or do you appreciate a more casual look? According to Jeffery and Michael, understanding what mood you want to convey to your guests is the foundation for creating a look that is all your own and they suggest that browsing through Google Images or a wedding magazine will help if you're unsure of what mood you're after.




"If you're the type of person that gets bogged down with all that wedding decor then why not look to other areas of design for your inspiration", Jeffery says, "We find a great deal of inspiration from hoe decor interior design, fashion and art".

"Collect inspiration or 'mood' pictures", Michael suggests, "Once you have a healthy dose of pictures that speak to you, match them up in groups with similar styles or colour pallets and create a 'mood board'. Then rate the 'mood boards' to narrow down your favourites".

All Photos courtesy of Mode Function

Add elements that reflect you and your personality, celebrating what is important to you.

Are you a photographer? Why not showcase your talent by way of being a background for table numbers? Did you meet your fiance in Paris? Add some Parisian fare to your menu! Adding in subtle nods to your life's passions puts your personal touch on things. You can also use your passions to build an entire theme around what makes you happy. If you're an outdoor enthusiast with little interest in frills, base your theme around the great outdoors. Mode Function suggests selecting elements like earth tone linens, centerpieces that incorporate branch details or even the simplest of touches like placing a leaf on each of your guests' napkins.

Know what you like and dislike.

The so-called "rules" of weddings and events have changed so never feel that you must play it safe and follow what tradition dictates. If you're not a flower person, don't feel obligated to use flowers in your decor. There are an abundance of options out there that can serve as your primary decor element. For example, why not opt for an Ice Sculpture Centerpiece of your initials in place of the more traditional floral-based centerpiece?

Know your budget!

You may not know how much things cost but you definitely know how much money you are comfortable spending. If you find that budget is an issue, pick a few elements from your "wish list" that will offer the most impact and run with it.

"Creating the right environment for your guests does not always mean quantity," Jeffery clarifies, "Selecting the right quality of elements will go much further in creating that right environment".

Be consistent and follow through.

Once you have unlocked the overall vision of your decor repeat the elements. If you are doing a nature inspired theme for example, ensure that you have elements of nature repeated throughout your wedding or event from start to finish. If you a "bling" look then add hints of "bling" to your bouquet as well as your centerpiece, not just either or. If you are using pink as one of your colours then make sure pink is continued throughout the entire wedding or event.

"But be sure to not overdo it" cautions Michael, "use your elements thoughtfully. Too much of a good thing could tip the balance of tasteful to tacky".

Mode Function's best tip? Spend some time putting together your thoughts and ideas and most importantly, be creative. Enlist the help of your family and friends with whom to discuss ideas.

Often one idea leads to the next and by the time you are done you will have a clear vision of how you want your wedding to be. Also, keep in mind that enlisting the help of professionals will go a long way in pulling your ideas together and delivering your vision. Professionals are experts in decorating weddings and events and can definitely help you on the path to eventful bliss.




ABOUT MODE FUNCTION:

Mode Function Event Design Ltd. -- founded by Event Design Specialists Jeffery Crawford and Michael Alonso -- is a design based Decor Company that uses the latest trends in floral, textile, lighting, furniture, art and design to develop decor for events and weddings. With innovative style and creativity, the skilled team of designers will create an atmosphere for your wedding, themed event, social soiree, gala or corporate event. With an attentive boutique service that encompasses client vision with flawless execution, Mode function will capture the imagination of your guests. www.modefunction.com

ARE CHAIR COVERS A THING OF THE PAST?

There seems to be a sentiment that's spreading throughout the wedding and event industry that leaves one to wonder the fate of one of the most classic decor elements in event design.

Chair covers are so passe.

With a plethora of alternative seating options popping up in events and weddings, the classic form of covering up unsightly chairs and adding to the overall look of an event seems to be in danger of extinction.

Implementing a wide range of trendy seating from "chiavari chairs" to more geometric options like ottomans, more and more Planners, couples and Designers are changing the way we view where we should be resting our behinds at events.

To This Planner this change in design is both refreshing and somewhat saddening. While I agree that traditional covers like chair wraps that drape along the floor and tie at the back are quickly losing their elegance status by adding bulkiness to design in a time that demands sleek modernism; I also feel that breaking free of the traditional dressing altogether to follow the latest trend may be a mistake. After all, chair covers like the classic stretch cover and the "Kelly" can still cover up ghastly banquet chairs while adding smooth sophistication and texture (depending on the overall design of course!)

(From Left to Right) Black Stretch Chair cover by Chair Decor
Rhinestone Kelly by Have a Seat

And then there's those chair covers that defy our traditional notion of Chair Covers like these babies from Preston Bailey:

Photos courtesy of Preston Bailey

At the same time, This Planner is stoked to see new materials and a unique line of thinking be shared with one of the most overlooked elements in bringing a vision to life. By moving on from traditional notions of seating the sky seems to be limit as we incorporate elements that we encounter everyday to park our tushes.

Chiavari chairs seem to be still one of the most popular alternatives to chair covers. Available in a significant range of colours from white and black to silver and mahogany, these chairs have the versatility to give off both a sleek appearance or a more charming aura.

Photo courtesy of Haveaseat

Ghost Chairs are quickly becoming one of the most utilized chair options for events due to their sleek appearance and their ability to match virtually any colour palette.

Photo courtesy of Contemporary Furniture Rentals

Couches are also a popular choice for seating when paired up with sleek glass tables or table linens, sophisticated table accessories and colourful uplighting. By combining computability with style, couches give events a loungy yet suave feel.

Photo courtesy of Contemporary Furniture Rentals

Ottomans are on the rise as alternatives to traditional seating. From simple fabric-covered blocks to more wider, bench-like styles, ottomans are adding that modern geometric touch to the sleekest of events. TIP: if ottomans are your desired choice of seating be sure to have some traditional chairs for those with back issues, small children, etc.

Benches paired up with long rectangular tables can give off an intimate, communal feel. Whether accessorizing the benches with coloured padding or leaving benches bare for a more rustic appearance, benches are a fabulous space saver while blending the past with the present.

TIP: Like Ottomans benches don't have a backing and so be sure to have more traditional seating for those with back issues, etc. You may also want to have some cushions available for those who find the "rustic" bench slightly uncomfortable.

Photo courtesy of Princess Sassy

Arm chairs have recently inserted themselves into the line-up of seating choices alongside the couch and the ottoman. Albeit rather bulky in design, arm chairs can come in a variety of colours and fabrics from deep felt to metallic plastic and showcase a somewhat contemporary yet regal design to an event.

Photo courtesy of Contemporary Furniture Rentals

And of course, opting for truly unique seating options will always be This Planner's top choice. Some of our favourites? Wine barrels for a vintage-style event at a winery, bean bag chairs arranged around coffee tables for a relaxed, yet colourful Bar Mitzvah and our all time fave -- an eclectic grouping of antique and modern chairs collected from numerous sources arranged at rectangular harvest tables.

But with the growing sentiment that chair covers are a thing of the past, what's next to be tossed into the passe pile? Chiavari chairs?