Flowers for Formal Events

Hosting a formal event usually ends up being more expensive, and the flowers for such an event will prove to be no exception.  Formal events are often accented by flowers such as roses, orchids, and calla lilies in clear glass, crystal, or metal containers.  An arrangement of only one or two types of flowers in a simple design will lend itself well to a formal occasion.  If you have a tight budget but you love those all-rose centerpieces, think about adding some greenery (as pictured in the photo below).  Pretty lemon leaf tips are a perfect accent to the roses, that way they will still look full but you will use fewer flowers. 

flowers by Bluebells ~ photo by Snapp-Shot Photography

An all calla lily bouquet is simple but elegant, and works well for a formal wedding:

bouquet by Bluebells ~ photo by Krista A. Jones Photography

Your Event, Your Way

The type of event you are hosting may influence the type of floral decorations you choose, but is always easier to plan a wedding or party if it fits your personal style (then you're sure to love everything about it!).  When it comes to choosing the flowers follow the same guideline - if you love hydrangea, make sure your florist uses hydrangea; if you hate roses, request that they not be included in your arrangements, there are plenty of other flowers out there.  This is the 21st century and brides (and party hostesses) are really thinking outside the box, making their events truly unique.  So instead of feeling like you have to do something this way or that way...Remember:  This is your party, and it should reflect your personality.

Why Focus on Flowers for Your Event?

While some may believe that flowers are a nonessential (or frivolous) element of an event, they are actually one of the few aspects of the day whose essence will be perfectly captured in photographs.  Looking through photo albums years after a wedding, you may see pictures of food, flowers, and musical entertainment, but of the three, the flowers are the only component that will be perfectly captured by the photographer.  The tastes and sounds of food and music will be lost after the day is over, but the beauty of the floral arrangements will be preserved in many pictures and will be a source of enjoyment for years to come. 

flowers by Bluebells ~ photo by Julie Napear Photography

The Last Rose of Summer

September is here, wrapping up Summer and bringing in the crisp coolness of Autumn.  While it has become one of the busiest months for most wedding vendors, Bluebells has enjoyed a very long, busy wedding season beginning in April and going to mid-November this year.  We are so excited to be part of so many couples' special day!

While it often takes weeks (sometimes months) to get professional photos from the weddings we've done, here are a few of our own amateur shots to give you a glimpse of some of our August weddings.

Two Bridesmaids' Bouquets: Stock, Roses, Lisianthus, Freesia, Craspedia

Bridal Bouquet of David Austin "Juliette" roses, Tuberose, Stock, Delphinium, Lisianthus, "Emely" Roses

Bridal Bouquet of Lisianthus, Hydrangea, Roses, Freesia, Queen Anne's Lace, Dusty Miller, and Scented Geranium

Bridal Bouquet of David Austin "Miranda" roses, Lisianthus, Ranunculus, Spray Roses, Hydrangea, Snapdragons, Astilbe

Want to see a few more of our August weddings?  Visit the blogs of Julie Napear Photography and Abby Grace Photography to see two of our spectacular August 4th events!

We owe a lot of our success to the two great local wedding networking groups in which we participate:  Hunt Country Celebrations and Shenandoah Wedding Professionals.  If you are planning a wedding or event in the Northern Virginia/Shenandoah Valley area, be sure to visit their websites for a list of reliable, experienced event vendors. 

Don't forget to visit us on Facebook!

July Weddings at Bluebells

Usually the slowest month of the year, this July was one of our busiest wedding months so far!  With three weddings each weekend, we were kept busy enough to balance out the slow summer weekdays.  We were also busy ordering holiday merchandise for the shop, which will start arriving in September...it's hard to believe it's that time of the year again!

 As if July wasn't busy enough, this past weekend we brought in August with a bang, closing the shop to work on 3 amazing weddings which took place at the Black Horse Inn (Warrenton, VA), Rappahannock Cellars (Huntly, VA), and The George Washington Hotel (Winchester, VA).  Photos coming soon!

Here is a peek at just a few of the bouquets we made for our July weddings...

Bouquet of David Austin roses, Stock, Queen Anne's Lace, Sweet Peas, Snapdragons, Dusty Miller

Bouquet of Stock, Roses, Dusty Miller, and Sweet Pea

Bouquet of Hydrangea, Delphinium, Chamomile, Snapdragons, Hypericum Berry

Bouquet of Hydrangea, Roses, Lisianthus, and Nigella