| A few months ago, I was talking with a | | | | To find other decorations: |
| bride-to-be who was lamenting the fact that she | | | | 1) Those garden and decorating magazines might |
| could not find the exact look she wanted for her | | | | help here as well. |
| wedding and wedding reception. None of the | | | | 2) Again, visiting model homes might help. Or, |
| flowers, floral arrangements or decorations that | | | | does your town have a design center where all |
| she had found in her colors were what she really | | | | kinds of local remodeling contractors, designers, |
| wanted to use. I asked her where she looked for | | | | and construction type vendors have showcased |
| ideas, and she shot back a look at me that | | | | their ideas and wares in one location? Some |
| seemed to say, "Well aren't you stupid." Of | | | | towns have these, and they're great places for |
| course she had poured over bridal magazines and | | | | finding ideas, samples and color swatches. |
| consulted a florist and even a wedding planner and | | | | 3) And regular women's magazines - the ones |
| bridal consultant. None of that had helped in her | | | | usually read by your mother, your aunts or |
| quest for what she considered the perfect | | | | grandmothers and found near the grocery store |
| flowers and decorations for her wedding. | | | | check-out line - often have decorating ideas in |
| Perhaps she wasn't really asking for my advice. | | | | them. Who knows? You might just find something |
| After all, it had been many years since I had a | | | | there. (You don't have to admit to finding what |
| huge formal wedding. But since I have planned | | | | you want in magazines whose readership is over |
| many large events myself over the years - for | | | | 35!) |
| church, for clubs and for sales organizations - I | | | | Still not finding what you're seeking? How about |
| couldn't help but offer these ideas for finding the | | | | contacting a local art school and asking for some |
| right flowers or decorations. | | | | help? The teacher might recommend a student |
| To find flowers: | | | | who could sketch a few of your ideas, and that |
| 1) Look through seed catalogs. The pictures there | | | | would help you present them to your florist or |
| are always great places to find what flowers | | | | wedding planner. |
| might be available. | | | | Just remember this: |
| 2) How about garden magazines? They always | | | | 1) Bridal magazines and bridal consultants are not |
| show all kinds of plants and flowers and how they | | | | the only sources of information about flowers and |
| might be used inside and outside the home. | | | | decorations for weddings or other celebrations. |
| 3) Decorating magazines or regional magazines | | | | 2) It's your wedding, and that means you're the |
| often have floral arrangements in the pictures of | | | | one(s) who should have the final say inwhat |
| dining or living rooms, or even in the bathrooms. | | | | flowers and decorations you use, even if it means |
| Have you looked at those? | | | | doing something no one else has ever done. |
| 4) If you have time, why not visit a few model | | | | Haven't found what you want for your wedding |
| homes? Their designers often have created some | | | | décor? Well, where have you looked? Don't |
| beautiful arrangements. | | | | give up until you've looked everywhere! |