I have to be honest and say that sometimes DIY weddings work and sometimes they don’t. However, this wedding was a perfect collaboration between the bride, a DIY mother-of -the-bride, and me, the wedding floral designer.
Megan picked out a beautiful rich plum/purple and ivory/champagne color combination for her winter wedding theme. She had visions of incorporating evergreens, unusual flowers and lots of textures into her floral arrangements.
To save some money, Charlotte, the mother of the bride, created silk flower arrangements for the ceremony aisle at the church, for the reception tables at the Country Club of Fairfax, and for the silk toss bouquet (brilliant idea for a wedding keepsake!). Selecting fresh flowers was easy. For a unified look, flowers were selected by matching them to photos of the silk floral arrangements Charlotte had been created, photos of the plum bridesmaid’s dresses, and a sample plum table napkin.
DIY Silk Flower Arrangements
Silk flower centerpieces on lanterns created by a Do-It-Yourself Mother
Plum bridesmaids dresses that was matched with fresh flowers
Silk toss bouquet provides a wonderful wedding
Matching fresh flowers to compliment silk flowers
The fresh flowers available at the end of December, even after the holiday rush, resulted in a few floral surprises that were not anticipated. For the bridal bouquet, I used Picasso calla lilies, soft plum Amnesia roses, ivory milky way roses, eggplant toned ranunculus, and light silver roses with ivory French tulips, plum astrantia, and purple tipped alliums. Evergreens included ming fern and a variety of eucalyptus.
Bridal bouquet with fresh flowers that match all the silk arrangements
Bridal theme flowers including ivory queen Anne’s lace and white lisianthus were used for the compliment for the bridesmaid’s bouquets.
Fresh flowers for the bridesmaids bouquets
Bridal party with fresh flower bouquets
The deep plum ranunculus was perfect for the groom’s boutonniere and majolica spray roses were perfect for the groomsmen.
The welcome table arrangement included bridal theme flowers and greenery in a large gold urn, as well as tillandsia for additional textural and soft grey-green tones. It served as a lovely backdrop for the photo albums of the bride and groom and Mr. & Mrs. sign.
The cocktail tables featured the eggplant carnations, deep burgundy scabiosas, and ivory spray roses — giving each flower a chance in the limelight.
Reception décor included a sweetheart table arrangement with fresh bridal theme flowers and greenery.
The wedding reception also featured mantel décor with branches with dried autumn leaves, champagne silk flowers and ribbon attached to the existing faux greenery. Many fresh flowers were water-tubed and inserted to stay alive for the evening in the existing faux greenery and fresh evergreens incorporated throughout to bring the décor to life.
Designing a Mantel with Silk and Fresh Flowers
The cake table at the other end of the room, showcased Charlotte’s handmade bridal cake decorated with silk flowers and greenery. It seemed that there was nothing that this Mother-of the bride couldn’t do and her love for daughter and contribution to the day was unmistakable.
Amazing DIY Wedding Cake
The sparkling bridal shoes and jewelry for the start of the day reflected the overall excitement of the holiday season. A sparkler send-off was the perfect end for the perfect wedding day.
Details from the Day
After all the festivities, both the bride and mother of the bride could not have been more gracious. I received a lovely “thank you” photo from the bride and groom:
The mother of the bride shared her perspective – a huge compliment from one artist to another –
“Kim is a floral artist, not an ordinary florist. Her floral designs in arrangements, bouquets, and mantel decor for my daughter’s wedding were absolutely beautiful and beyond expectation.”
For more information about how we can collaborate on your DIY wedding – contact me or email thegardenstudiollc@gmail.com.
Photos Credits:
Venue: The Country Club of Fairfax, Fairfax, VA
Photos: Roman Grinev Photography
Cake design: Charlotte Berry, Mother of the Bride
Table centerpieces: Charlotte Berry, Mother of the Bride
Fresh floral designs: Kim Helfgott, The Garden Studio
