Tip - Save Money With Common Colors

If you are trying to save money on your floral budget choose colors for your wedding that are available in the most flower varieties. Pink, Yellow and white are the most common colors for flowers. Blue and purple are the least common colors for flowers. By choosing common colors for your flowers you will insure you have the most selection and the best price.Florals and tip provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of Kight Photography

Tip - Go Green

When choosing the flowers for your wedding consider adding a splash of lime green. Lime green will make any color combination appear 30% brighter and more intense. Bright green will give your color combinations a modern and interesting look too. Tip provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Trend - Floral Ring Pillow

Bored with the standard ring pillow? Talk to your florist about creating a one of a kind floral pillow for your special delivery.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Ring pillow design by Flourish

Tip - Trust Your Florist

Tell your floral designer what colors you are thinking and show them a few pics and swatches, but then let them have some creative freedom to create some designs with flowers and elements that may surprise you. You've selected that florist because you like their style based on other designs you've seen, so trust them to wow you!Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Floral design by Flourish

Dynamite Weddings Workshop!

Thanks to all the Dynamite Experts that participated in the Dynamite Weddings Workshop last Sunday! The brides have given the event great reviews so far, saying things like: "This workshop/class setup beats a regular bridal expo any day. The "hands-on" learning in the workshop, and learning from experts in-person provide a great head start for wedding planning. It was much better than reading advice from a magazine!"

The brides loved the themed tables:

Zen Garden
(flowers by Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design, storyboard by The Memory Journalists, table cards by Stephanie J Designs, dress from Bella Donna Bridal Salon, all tabletop items and chairs from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals)
Funky Chic
((flowers by Visual Impact Design, storyboard by Profinish Design, table cards by Stephanie J Designs, dress from Bella Donna Bridal Salon, all tabletop items and chairs from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals)
Current Trends
(flowers by Flourish Designs, storyboard by Dynamite Weddings, table cards by Stephanie J Designs, dress from Bella Donna Bridal Salon, all tabletop items and chairs from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals)
Outdoor Chic
(flowers by Visual Impact Design, storyboard by Allison Stahl Photography, table cards by Stephanie J Designs, dress from Bella Donna Bridal Salon, all tabletop items and chairs from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals)
Sparkling Glam

(flowers by Blooms by Martha Andrews, storyboard by Sharpe Photographers, table cards by Stephanie J Designs, dress from Bella Donna Bridal Salon, all tabletop items and chairs from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals)
Thanks to The Memory Journalists for capturing great photos throughout the event!

Trend - Minimal Decor With A Big Impact

It's not necessary to have huge floral centerpieces on your tables to create a display with impact. Discuss minimalist options with your florist. They may have some great ideas on working with willow branches and candles or other possible elements. Florists now have design ideas and access to materials way beyond just traditional florals.

Photo provided by Flourish

Trend - Blooming Beauty

Give the mothers of the bride and groom a beautiful floral ring or bracelet to wear on the wedding day, instead of a corsage that could pull on clothing fabric or look awkward.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists
Floral ring by Flourish, contact Shannon for your own floral ring designs!

David Girard Hosts A Wedding Seminar

We are honored to be giving away 3 tickets to the David Girard Vineyards Wedding Seminar this weekend (valued at $75)!! Comment below with your wedding date and tell us, at least one, must have feature for your day. We will select a winner, at random, on Friday, March 6th, so be sure to check back and see if you were selected!

David Girard Vineyards is hosting a wedding seminar for brides and grooms and invite you to meet a small showcase of vendors they support. Come enjoy the view and wines produced by this amazing venue. The event will be this Sunday, March 8th from 12:30 - 4p.m. For more information or to get tickets, visit David Girard Vineyards.

Check out all the Dynamite Vendors that will be participating at this upcoming event!!

A Day to Remember
Allison Stahl Photography
Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Flourish Designs
Luxury Limousines
The Memory Journalists
Mr. DJ Service
Profinish Design
Real Weddings Magazine

I attended this event last year, as a guest, and it is a must for brides! See you there!

* Carissa, from Sugar and Spice and... will be showcasing her tasty desserts (they're truly tasty, ask me for my testimonial :I) and giving one lucky couple the top tier of a cake to take home and enjoy!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - White Knight

Doesn't your white knight deserve a classic white boutonniere to compliment his striking appearance? Check out these timeless pieces.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Contact our dynamite florists today to discuss your bouquet and boutonniere options:

Blooms by Martha Andrews
Flourish
Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design
Visual Impact Design

Trend - Designs Aren't Just For Florals

Flowers aren't the only thing welcome in a bouquet or centerpiece any more! Many brides and grooms are opting to include other elements that make them unique: twigs, thistle, moss, branches, leaves, feathers, jewels, monkey tails, berries, etc. There are so many options. Don't limit yourself to seasonal blooms. Ask your florist what other elements they can include to make your floral designs one of a kind.

Check out a few samples from our Dynamite florists: Blooms by Martha Andrews, Flourish, Lilygrass and Visual Impact Design

Photos by The Memory Journalists and Flourish

A Special Bouquet of Dynamite Florists!

We just wanted to say thanks to our Dynamite florists for their generous efforts in creating stunning, unique floral designs for all our events! You always exceed our expectations and continue to impress DW readers and event visitors as well. A big thanks to Blooms by Martha Andrews, Flourish, Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design and Visual Impact Design.

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists & Sarah Maren Photography

Fall For Love - Guest Blog Post For Wishpot

With Fall on the brain, it's hard not to get wrapped up in all the amazing colors and fun you can have! We recently submitted a blog post for Wishpot's wedding blog and included lots of cool, colorful pics and some awesome favors. Check out the blog post here.Don't forget to vote for Wishpot in the 2nd Annual Open Web Awards, Social Shopping category. We just did!

Photos courtesy of (row by row): The Memory Journalists (www.memoryjournalists.com), Blooms by Martha Andrews (www.bloomsbymarthaandrews.com), Allison Stahl Photography (www.allisonstahl.com), Allison Stahl Photography, The Memory Journalists, The Memory Journalists (florals by Visual Impact Design(www.visualimpact-design.com), Allison Stahl Photography, Sarah Maren Photography(www.sarahmaren.com), The Memory Journalists, The Memory Journalists, Flourish(www.flourishdesigns.com), The Memory Journalists, Flourish, The Memory Journalists

Ring, ring. Hello?!

Why have your ring bearer carry a basic white pillow to present your rings? Take a look at these creative alternatives for ring bearer pillows! Too cute! Your presentation can tie into your entire wedding theme. Photos provided by (clockwise from top L): Muscari (first 3), Alexandra Frankel (design by Blooms), Tyrabelledesigns, True Love Photo (design by Flourish), Portobello, Muscari

Trend - Flower Girl Baskets Updated

There are so many options nowadays when it comes to flower girl baskets. Flower basket designs include more flowers being used to create the basket than flowers sitting in them. They're another unique element that ties in color schemes and texture. A popular adaptation to the flower girl basket is the idea of having a floral “kissing ball” or pomander made for the young ladies to carry. Many churches will not allow petals to be scattered, so florists are creating something different and eye catching. Flower girls love this idea!

Photo credit (clockwise): Blooms by Martha Andrews, True Love Photo, Alexandra Frankel Photography, Flourish

Themes - Hawaiian Reception

Laurie and Eric married in January 2008 in Hawaii with about 25 or 30 close family and friends attending. They decided to throw a Sacramento reception for about 150 guests, the month following. They love great wine, fabulous food, travel and they especially enjoyed snorkeling. Laurie and Eric wanted to bring back some of the Hawaiian feel to Sacramento, so a wonderful tropical experience was created in the middle of downtown Sacramento at the Sterling Hotel. February 2008

Walls were uplighted in blues and a moving water pattern on the ceiling made it feel like everyone was “under the sea.” Guest tables were covered in an iridescent green/blue table linen, and the head table, positioned in the center of the room, was covered in a shimmery ivory linen.

The flowers were outstanding! The use of tall trumpet vases filled with crystal gel and fuchsia LED lights were topped with large monstera leaves, white orchids (with hanging clear crystals) and the bottom of the vase held a perfect fuchsia catelaya orchid. The stacked wedding cake was beautifully decorated with more orchids and sat atop a glass pedestal with floating orchids and white LEDs. Icing seashells encircled the layers; they were the same design as the wedding invitations. White sand, seashells and candles adorned all tables. Fresh leis were worn by the guests (flown in from the islands).

The buffet was a feast that included a whole roasted pig (this was the one main wish of Eric), and also teriyaki grilled chicken, fresh stir-fry vegetables, jumbo prawns, tropical rice pilaf, and even Chinese chicken salad served in “take-out boxes” with chopsticks!

A continuous playing loop of their wedding photos displayed on a flat-screen monitor, so everybody could see how beautiful their Hawaiian wedding was on the beaches of Oahu. Because the couple is into music and wanted a “rockin’ party,” the evening started off with a Polynesian drum group and two Tahitian dancers who thrilled the guests with several dances. The evening ended with a packed dance floor as guests were entertained by a 10 piece rock band. Laurie and Eric said their Hawaiian wedding was beautiful, but their Sacramento “Hawaiian” reception was the most fun they’ve ever had.

Coordinator: Lora Ward, A Day to Remember
Reception Photography: Sam Wood, Sharpe Photographers
Reception Videography; Phill Sheffield, Sheffield Multimedia
DJ/MC: Doug LaVine, Music on the Move
Flowers: Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, Flourish
Band: Bust-A-Groove
Hawaiian Drummers & Dancers: Hula Halau 'O Ka 'Ano 'l Pua
Cake: Ettores
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Sacramento Theatrical Lighting
Invitations: Pfeiffer Event Planning

Spotlight On Interview - Flourish

We were able to ask some questions of Shannon with Flourish, a Dynamite Vendor, to get to know her better. We wanted to share her answers with you all. Enjoy!I also like to create… paper crafts. I make a mean birthday card! I also have fun, when I can find the time, scrapbooking my family photos. I enjoy the textures and colors of the different papers and embellishments.

My first job ever was…a Soda Jerk for a fifties themed diner. I would go home after a long shift smelling like ice cream and soda. The restaurant gave out free Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum. That summer I got 7 cavities!

The biggest wedding I ever designed for… was an Indian wedding just this past March. There was 750 guests at the ceremony and 550 guests at the reception. It was overwhelming! The colors of the fabric and flowers we used were so beautiful. The bride and groom were gracious and totally appreciative of every wedding professional’s hard work.

My favorite flower is… Peonies. My husband and I had our wedding in May so I could carry peonies down the aisle. They are an amazing flower. In the bud stage they are the shape and size of a ping pong ball. When they burst into bloom they are a multi-petal heady scented floral extravaganza! Sarah Bernhardt and Red Charm are my favorite varieties of peonies.

The easiest item to incorporate into floral designs… beads, baubles and gems. Sparkly jewelry inspired items are so much fun to put into the bridal bouquet. I also love to personalize the bouquet by adding a piece of fabric from the bride’s dress.

Gardening at my house is… Almost non- existent. We have a huge yard and it is mostly empty. I am not great at growing plants. Most people think, because of what I do, I should be a great gardener. Not so! I have a tendency to forget to water my plants. Currently, I am growing some plants I can use for my designs. So far I have four different scented geraniums, hydrangeas, Lambs Ear and Needlepoint ivy growing pretty well. I am also growing tomatoes for the first time! Those are for eating, not designing.

When bringing a housewarming gift I usually bring… a plant or flowers. They can warm up even the most barren of places. You can put a gorgeous orchid on a moving box and suddenly it feels like home.

When I go to the wholesale market… I am always looking for something new and different. Most of my brides trust me to choose accent flowers that match their theme and give their designs something no one has ever seen before.

My first wedding was… about 20 years ago. The bride was my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend’s step- sister. The bride had heard, through the grape vine, that I worked at a flower shop. Little did she know I was just a glorified bucket scrubber. I worked so hard on that wedding! I really didn’t know what I was doing so I caused myself a lot of double work. Everything went well in the end but I really sweated that event.

When I buy flowers for my home, I buy… flowers that make me happy. Sometimes it is a bunch of tulips that have a ruffled edge to their petals. I will grab a couple of bunches of tuberose because I can’t resist their fragrance. I love to pick-up some happy looking gerbera daisies during the gloomy season. In the fall who can say no to dinner plate sized dahlias and branches of colorful leaves?

If I wasn’t a florist, I would be… a photographer. I am in such awe of my photographer friends’ talent for capturing the little moments that make an event so special. I just bought my first “real” camera and I am loving it. When I catch a great action shot it is such a rush! I recently went along with one of my photographer friends to help shoot a wedding and I had a blast. About 30 of my images actually made the cut and went into the bride’s proof album.

Two items necessary for any floral design are…creativity and water.

My favorite movie is… “Singin’ in the Rain” I love this movie. Gene Kelly was an amazingly talented and gifted dancer. Debbie Reynolds was so cute and funny in this movie. I need to go watch it again!

If I could donate more time, I would… work more at my children’s school. My kids love it when I volunteer in their classes. Teachers need all the help they can get.

Something overrated in floral design concepts…is the DIY wedding flowers trend. Designing your own wedding flowers is a HUGE undertaking even for the most ambitious bride. I don’t think brides have a clear concept of how much time and effort goes into planning and executing wedding flowers. There are so many things to worry about on the wedding day, the bride and her family shouldn’t have to worry about the flowers too. Leave (ha!) the flowers to the professionals.

Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Tip - Create A Style File

Every bride should have her very own Style File. A Style File is an organized place to put anything that inspires you and illustrates the ambiance you envision for your wedding. Start with a binder, accordion file or even a plain envelope and whenever you come across an inspirational element place it in your Style File.

Some good places to search for inspiration:
* Media- magazines, Internet, books
* Fabric stores- ribbon, trim and fabric samples
* Paint store- paint chips can be wonderful for choosing colors and combinations
* Farmers Markets, gardens, plant nurseries- take pictures of textures and colors in nature
* Scrap booking stores- paper samples can also be great color tools

File your inspirational pieces by category. Some categories are: Theme, Color Scheme, Bridal Party Attire, Hair and Make-up, Ephemera (invites, save the dates, menu cards, programs- anything made of paper), Ceremony Decor, Reception Decor, Flowers, Food and Cake and "Must Take" Photos.

Don't be afraid to share your ideas with the wedding professionals you are considering. A good professional will be as inspired by your Style File as you are.

Tip and photo provided by Flourish

Trend - Floral Sculptures

Floral sculptures are making the scene at wedding receptions. Pomanders, topiaries and highly stylized shapes can introduce the unexpected to your reception décor. Use hanging pomanders of varying sizes to decorate the exposed beams and ceiling of your reception site (for added “bang” mix with Japanese lanterns). A flat rectangular platform covered in button mums would make a fabulous base for your wedding cake. Large topiaries fashioned from carnation blooms and displayed in roman urns would make an eye catching entrance to your reception room.

Trend and photo provided by Flourish

Trend - Flex Your Floral Colors, Save Your Floral Budget

Colors for weddings are moving away from the mono-chromatic look of repeated use of all one color. Instead shades of color in either warm or cool tones are making a new statement. To give your wedding a fun, tropical and romantic feel use a warm color palette of red, orange, hot pink and golden yellow. To give your wedding an elegant and soothing feel use a cool color palette of blue, lavender, purple and mauve.

The added bonus of using several shades in the same color family is your florist has more flexibility when choosing flowers to decorate your event. This can be a budget saver. It allows your floral designer to choose flowers that are plentiful and at the height of their season. This approach will translate to more beautiful flowers at a less expensive price.

Trend provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Tip - Paint Chips Help Share Your Color Theme

Recently I had a bride come to our consultation with a small stack of paint chips. She made a trip to the hardware store and developed the color scheme for her wedding. I thought this idea was brilliant! When she met with me she brought a sample of her bridesmaids' dresses and the coordinating paint chips to illustrate the color palette for her event. The more visuals you can share with your wedding professionals the better. It will keep everyone on the same page and makes sure the wedding in your dreams is your wedding day reality!

Tip and photo courtesy of Flourish