Flower and Event Decor. Ostrich Feather Centerpieces

Chic Downtown Toronto Wedding

2012-01-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

I can't event express how wonderful client-bride, Megan was. Young, sharp with clear vision of what she wanted for her wedding. We booked one year in advance, .... and except adjusting the table count and changing her head table centerpieces from tall to short (overall it was a good idea), her original design stayed in place. I could say a lot more about my relationship with Megan but let see what she had to say about her special day.

Christian and I met, fell in love, got engaged and was married all in under 3 years. Although it was all so fast, it was also so perfect. The two of us approach life with a very light attitude, always looking for fun and new experiences to enjoy in our young lives, living in Toronto, one of the best cities in the world.

Because we always considered ourselves to be the black sheep of our own families, it was only perfect that our half Portuguese and half Canadian wedding should colour a little outside of the lines, too. We tried to defy the rules of formal or quaint, by throwing our guests off with lavish food, a beautiful event space, outstanding decor and an overall great time to show guests that weddings can be colourful and different.

We chose the colours silver/pewter and green for the venue decor. White ostrich feather centerpieces that seemed to shoot to the sky with pin lighting and green up-lights on the sides of the room, the Downtown Toronto chic venue burst with life when you walked into the room. If you had a camera on my face the moment I saw it all come together, it would be wide eyed and in awe.

For my bridesmaids, I put them in cocktail-length pewter dresses with different styles, but for their shoes I had them pick a colour of their choice to wear, green being my shoe colour, of course!

September 11, 2010 was the best day of our lives. Not only was it the first day that we would spend as husband and wife, but it was also a day that represented the quirky way that we are together, and I feel that our wedding precisely represented that.

Knowing Megan's fun loving attitude, I imagine her saying "Here was my dream wedding". Thank you Megan and Chris for allowing us to be a part of your dream day.

Vendors:
Catherine Chen - Sugar Baking www.sugar-baking.com
Denise Belanger - C'est Chic Photography www.cestchicphoto.com
Margaret Woroszlyo - MW Flower Design www.mwflowerdesign.com
Capitol Event Theatre - www.capitoleventtheatre.com
Kelsey Emuss - yourpicturemadeperfect.wordpress.com
Jay Cabral - Cabral Catering www.carbralcatering.com

If you would like to book an appointment and be as happy as Megan was on her day call Margaret at 416-737-1070 or email her at margaret@mwflowerdesign.com

Come and See your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Best Decor Moments in 2011

2012-01-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

2011 was an awesome year for MW Flower Design; the business grew steadily allowing meeting so many fabulous people. It was a special year, full of planning for Natasha’s wedding, one bride who becomes my friend. Her wedding is going to take place at the end of March. I can’t wait to see all the elements that we talked over, changed, redesigned and finalized come to life. In a mean time, in a few weeks sex and the city themed shower is coming.

To be able to do what you love every day is a real blessing, to be able to create and share my passion with incredible couples is beyond happiness. The real joy was to work with so many clients and seeing their happy faces overwhelmed with joy. Each and every event was different and special. From small, intimate events to huge weddings we did it all, and we did it well. At the beginning of the year we decorated quite a few prom parties, summer and fall was full of weddings. It is hard to believe that the 2011decor folder is closed now, and 2012 is getting fuller. I am looking forward to all the challenges that will come, new weddings and events, new personalities to work with.

I want to share some of my favourite pictures for you to enjoy and get inspired.

Anna and Lukasz is opening the door to enchanted travel throughout the year work and challenges.

Vibrant Bridal Bouquet with purple, pink and white flowers framed with soft and feminine ostrich feathers. This bouquet was passion and elaborations with Anna, whose artistic talent was ever present.

Table centerpieces were a combination of white hydrangeas and purple dendrobium orchids. Purple water inside tall vases added colour to the table setting.

Such a fun and happy moment. on streets of Toronto.

Church decor featuring our always popular huge purple flower balls. It was extra joy to do the work there as it is also a place where we go for our Sunday masses.

While Designing this particular groom's boutonniere the bride requested that the grass would be not folded... and here it is the way she wanted and loved.

Elegant rose boutonniere.

Colourful ostrich centerpieces decorated prom party held at Atlantis Pavilion at Ontario Science Center in Toronto.

Black and white wedding held in Bellagio in Voughan

Very tall and elegant feather arrangement that was later on moved to the sweet table.

The couple had 700 guests and their wedding held at Varde banquet hall in Toronto. Oh, that was a wedding. We crated 80 centerpieces,which are seen below, to decorate entire banquet hall. I love her dress.

Balsa wood bridal bouquet with black feathers and crystal detailing. As soon as Brittney noticed the bouquet she had fallen in love with it. Extra benefit, it will last many years to come.

Beautiful cake sitting on the nest of feathers.

Black and white with turquoise ostrich feathers created stunning decor at the Art Gallery wedding in Berrie.

Vibrant shades of hot pink and purple with accents of white bridal bouquet.

Sage green wedding backdrop. Toronto.

Elegant wedding centerpiece.


Peacock feathers were the main element of decor and Dina. It was transfer and adored groom's boutonniere.

I had to redesign Dina's original bouquet, which by the way was I really wanted to add to my portfolio, however after she had chosen her magnificent fascinator, the original bouquet would not work. Dina looked so spectacular.


I love working with gypsophylia, also known as baby's breath. Here it add adores aisle. Green Satin ribbon adds elegant and refined touch.

Lindsay was such an energetic and lovely client to work with, however she had a very strong feeling about flowers. Here strongest wish about the flowers was not to make them look and feel like... funeral flowers. Uh, I tell you she gave me some stress. Loved the entire wedding decor. Thank you Lindsay for trusting me and making me a part of your wedding.

Originally the bride decided to go with all white centerpieces but after our doing the setup at the golf club she took my advice and tried to bring outside in. The magnificent view outside the reception room was transferred in using green slick linens and white centerpieces had green and soft pink flowers. In addition, 2 different centerpiece height brought movement and additional interest to the room.

Absolutely, breath taking view. Elegant and so romantic wedding flower arrangement.

Wedding Garlands

Meera, who is the owner of Fusia, southasian magazine, got married in a year when the first edition of the magazine hit stands. I had a privilege to work on magazine launch party and later in the year decorate her wedding. What's a year, I also just learned the Meera and Jonathan are expecting their first child!

Head table flowers and decor

Receiving table arrangement. White peonies, roses with addition of pink and purple created elegant flower arrangement.

Original white vases, twigs, flowers and hanging crystals created an elegant setting for the head table.

Tulips, tulips centerpieces. Who doesn't love tulips.

Corporate event decorated with ostrich feather centerpieces.

Christmas party at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Voughan

Red and sparkly head table decor.

Coral roses and feathers and pearls create very elegant bridal bouquet.

Prom party celebrated with style. Black twigs with hanging crystals and kissing balls table centerpieces, elegant and playful. La Jardin in Woodbridge.

Originally, the centerpieces should have hot pink layer at the bottom. That element was changes later in the design, and uh, that change was a good one. Entire decor with spark elements and silver backdrop, sashes created real magical look.

Purple head table decor.

White bridal bouquet with hydrangeas, roses and crystal pins. Very last minute order. Love it, simple and elegant.

Yellow cymbidium orchids bridal bouquet.

Clourful, fall bridal bouquet. Orange, ivory, pink and dark blue berries along with grasses and kangaroo pows are the flowers used in the bouquet.

Dahlias, grass, feathers and vintage brooches create one of my favourite bridal bouquets in 2011.

Ceremony decor. White vases, purple flower balls with addition of ostrich feathers placed on clear stands create modern decor. La Jardin in Woodbridge.

That was quiet a wedding, 50 tables, 50 white and purple ostrich centerpieces.

Our one of a kind table skirt. Frilly, girlish and elegant.

Feel inspired, feel free to contact Margaret to create one design that is all about you and your style; email or call us 416-737-1070.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life.

Yellow Wedding Flowers and Peacock Feathers

2011-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

I always welcome challenges and interesting projects. Alina had approached me to create her bridal party flowers with peacock feathers. She absolutely loved them. We came up with the design that would complement her gown and hair style. Alina was delighted with her bridal bouquet. In addition, we designed simple and romantic, all white, with some spark and feathers, backdrop decor . Alina was the one who created her own centerpiece that looked so lovely and complemented entire look.

Looking for party or wedding decor ideas, overwhelmed with number of choices? Give Margaret a call at 416-737-1070 and we will help you to build your event layer by layer to create the look you and your guests will be talking for long.

Click to Visit Our Gallery to see more examples of our work that might inspire you.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Royl Wedding Highlights

2011-05-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

You are cordially invited to a short recap of the Royal Wedding. A fairy tale wedding indeed it was, and what I loved the most was the genuine love the couple was showing. I must admit, I wasn’t up at 4 am watching the full coverage, but what I noticed from the start, was that Kate was so truly happy and enjoying every moment that special day, at the same time keeping her composure.

The wedding had it all, the romance, the smiles, the horse-drawn carriages, the handmade lace, the crowds marching so happily and in order to witness THE KISS. In addition, the British had fun all day.

..and he said "You look Beautiful"..OH

Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duches of Cambridge.

This exquisite wedding gown, put together by hand by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, it is a perfect intermingling of tradition and modernity, with a bodice of ivory satin made of hand-cut English lace and French chantilly lace, over ivory and white satin gazar {a sheer, lightweight silk organza with a glaze-like sheen and moderate stiffness}; individual flowers were hand cut from lace and hand-engineered onto the ivory silk tulle to create the design, which features the national flowers of England, Ireland, Scotland, and wales; 58 gazar & organza covered buttons ran up the back.

The veil was made of layers of ivory silk tulle and trimmed with hand-embroidered flowers.

The eight-tiered royal wedding cake was decorated with 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers, including 17 different blooms and foliage for their meaning and symbolism, known as the language of flowers.

That is one of my favorite pictures, and it shows the intricacy of her bridal bouquet. It included myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, hyacinth and stephanothis blooms. According to tradition, the bouquet a bride will be left on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey. The late queen mother began the tradition by leaving her wedding bouquet at the grave in 1923 in memory of her brother who was killed in the First World War.

Isn’t she happy here and the tiara ... Kate’s ‘something borrowed' was the Cartier halo tiara, made in 1936. The new princess Catherine matched the tiara with earrings by Robinson Pelham, a gift from her parents. For the wedding reception, Catherine changed into a second Alexander McQueen gown, and her sister Pippa changed out of her stunning McQueen into Temperley London gown.

A real fairy tale wedding! There will be a long time until the wedding of that caliber. One more thing, they both seemed to be enjoying and being sure in love.

How to Keep Your Bouquet Fresh on Your Wedding Day?

2011-04-28T08:19:00.000-07:00


Bridal Flowers

Recently, I was asked how to keep the bridal bouquet in a perfect condition for the day of the wedding. I believe how you keep your flowers and what you choose as your flowers are two equally important factors to remember to keep the longevity of your arrangement.

Here are some tips to help you make the correct choice for you:

Keeping a bouquet healthy is all about using fresh flowers and keeping them constantly saturated in natural water.

The following steps will help you keep your bouquet lasting throughout your wedding day.

1) Keep your bouquet out of direct sun and in a cool place as long as possible. This is particularly important after the flowers are delivered to its initial location. You may want to move the flowers to the coolest room in the house, like a basement. Never leave the flowers in a parked car as the temperature gets hot very quickly, and the flowers will start to turn brown rather quickly.

2) If it’s a hot day you can mist your bouquet with water. An ordinary plant sprayer will do the job.

3) Choose robust flowers. Good choices are roses, carnations, callas, proteas, and orchids, like dendrobium or cymbidium. They last for long periods of time out of water and can withstand very warm temperatures.

On the flipside, flowers that need a lot of water are hydrangeas and stephanotis.

4) The style of the bouquet can also prolong the life of flowers. If you have round, hand tied bouquet with many flowers packed together, the blooms keep the moisture in longer.

5) In addition to these points, keep the stems exposed in a vase of water as long as you can. Do this before the ceremony and during any other times, such as during the meal, and your bouquet will last even longer.

6) Speak to your florist before the big day to see if the flowers will be sprayed with a special liquid shield to lock in natural moisture. In my opinion, it works miracles!

Final note:

If the flowers are fresh, well-conditioned and hydrated, your bouquet should be the perfect addition to a gorgeous bride during your wedding day.

To see samples of bridal bouquets visit our online gallery

http://www.mwflowerdesign.com/gallery-arrangements.php or Facebook fan page for most recent pictures http://www.facebook.com/pages/MW-Flower-Design
/289883517935?sk=wall

You can call Margaret at 416-737-1070 if you need help in creating your bridal flowers.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to life!

Spring Wedding in Toronto - Tulip Centerpieces.

2011-04-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Meera and Jonathan who got married this past weekend! Their ceremony and reception was held at Le Jardain in Woodbridge, Ontario. Fuchsia was the colour of the day, complimented by black overlays and black backdrops with sparkling features such as mirrors under the centerpieces!

I don't remember the first time I met Meera, but I had decorated the Fusia Magazine launch event in 2010, and the theme was also fuchsia. Meera is the editor of Fusia Magazine.

Meera and Jonathan's wedding day was a very windy and rainy day, but the spirits were high and vibrant like dozens of spring tulips that I had brought to their venue for the centerpiece. As the guests seated at their tables, the one-of-a-kind custom table numbers and bright tulips welcomed them in.

By the way, it takes a certain skill to make sure that tulips are open for a specific day!

          Delivery and Setup Time

Pink Tulip Wedding Centerpiece

One of a Kind Table Numbers

Room Full of Tulips - Table Centerpieces

Fuchsia Black and Ivory Setting for the Couple

Pink and Orange Tulip Bridal Bouquet

Happy Couple

Fabulous Cupcake Cake

Black and White Head Table Decor with Touches of Fuchsia

Head Table Arrangement

Groom's Boutonniere - Ivory Rose with Fern

If you need help with your wedding decor give Marga a call at 416-737-1070 or email wedding details to get a quote.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Alternative for Peonies. What is Cabbage Rose?

2011-04-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Rosa centifolia or Cabbage rose is a huge rose with very large blooms that made them famous. Each bloom has so many petals that they do actually resemble cabbage. It is an excellent choice for bridal bouquets, especially in cases where bride loves peonies and they happen to be out of season at her wedding date. The roses are very fragrant and come in white, pink, and red. The petals are tightly packed, making the rose one huge ruffled bloom.

If your wedding is months when peonies are not in season and you love the look give Margaret a call at 416-737-1070 to see how cabbage roses could make you happy or email me your questions.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Thank You Note That Makes Me Belive in What I Do

2011-03-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

I love what I do, and I get exited with new opportunities, products, designs. I always loved colour, texture and things pretty. Each time I see the happy couple, or the wedding decor well executed, I feel energized and ready for more designing challenges.

The recent thank you note that had arrived in my mail box made me supper happy, and added even more energy for the wedding season that is about to start.

Dear Margaret,

Because of you, my wedding was spectacular! Thank kyou so much for all of your help, advice and good times helping me create the special feeling I found because of you.

With Love,

Megan & Christian

If you require help with your wedding or event decor give Margaret a call at 416-737-1070 or email me your questions.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Sophisticated Birthday Party Celebration

2011-03-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I want to share the details of one special event that I had a privilege to design at the beginning stages of my business. Gaitree was a friend of a girl that I had met on the wedding set up for my neighbor. Gaitree was organizing a party to celebrate her 40^th birthday. It is how my experience with ostrich feather centerpieces has started anyway. We worked together to style the celebration for her close friends and family. The fabulous birthday girl wanted an elegant affair with décor details in all areas of the reception venue, including touches in bathrooms as well. The chosen colours were classic white and black with a modern twist.

Going through these photos was really nostalgic for me - this was THE Event that influenced my design 'career' in many ways and gave me a lot of confidence. We needed to create ostrich centerpieces, bar arrangements and fabulous designs to be placed around the room. Each table setting was adorned with a small vase with white rose. All the design elements turned out great, and the place card table set up become the source of inspiration on Bride.ca and it can be found here.

It was an evening to remember. Gaitree {who was the star of the night} was surrounded by her family and friends, and yes, I also was there to take part in the celebrations. It turned out that one of her uncles was my neighbor.

The picture tree that I created turned out to be the center of attention. Through the night the guests would come and check all the pictures. It was a custom creation of black twigs, crystal and personal photographs.

Oh, one more exciting news here, Tracey, who introduced us, is getting married the upcoming summer, and guess, we are going do her wedding décor. Can’t wait, can’t wait.

It was a fabulous celebration. Enjoy!


Black ostrich feathers create strong statement framing the picture tree that become the focal point and center of attention.

Black ostrich feather arrangements

White ostrich centerpieces and a few cylinder vases with white flower ball adored the guest tables


White ostrich centerpieces brought element of fun to the celebration.

Additional decor elements, like mirrors, disco balls, candles and white roses in small vases were used to bring texture and colour to the tables. In addition, mirrors and silver chargers created layered look, complementing black table linens.

The corners of the reception room were decorated with one of a kind arrangements of black sparkly twigs with hanging crystals. Numerous red and white flower balls hang from the brunches. It created the visual interest beyond the tables.

Another table was decorated with twigs and crystals. The arrangements were framed with black ostrich centerpieces. The guest had the opportunity to write best wishes and to post on the tree.

Hanging Crystals Added Spark to Black Twigs

Midnight Food Table Was Decorated with Tall Arrangements of White Twigs, Feathers and Crystals


Table Details. Small Vase with Black Rocks and White Rose

Click to Visit Our Gallery to see more examples of our work that might inspire you.

Fabulous Reception Vanue in Toronto - The Arcadian Court

2011-03-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a venue with class and elegance, the beautiful Arcadian Court at downtown Toronto should be on your must-see list. The vaulted forty-eight foot ceilings, marble floors, grand columns and gorgeous crystal chandeliers make this a truly stunning setting for every event.

The galleria overlooking the two-story ballroom is a fabulous venue for pre-reception cocktails, and the ballroom itself can seat five hundred with a dance floor, six hundred without.

Located on the eighth floor of the Simpson Building at the corner of Bay and Queen, the Arcadian Court has been hosting special events and weddings years.

The Arcadian Court opened in 1929. There were number of different renovations over the years, and The Arcadian Court has been almost entirely restored to its former glory.

Website: www.arcadiancourt.ca
Phone: 416-861-4517
Location: 401 Bay Street, Simpson Tower, 8th Floor, Toronto

We had a chance to decorate prom at that location and it is truly spectacular place.

Black and White Ostrich Centerpieces Looked Particularly Well with Tall Ceilings and Ornate Chandeliers


White and Black Ostrich Centerpieces For the Prom Party


Tall and Full Ostrich Feather Centerpieces

To visit our gallery that could serve as inspiration for your location click here or contact Margaret to see the ideas bloom to life. margaret@mwflowerdesign.com

Royal Wedding Design Challanges

2011-03-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

The wedding of times is coming in a few weeks, and anticipation is growing. Everyone wants to know what Kate Middleton will be wearing on her wedding day. Fashion designers try to come up with diffrent ideas for the royal wedding.
I love the shoes designed by top creators for the princess. Admire it. Love it. Use it as an inspiration for your wedding day.

Monolo Blahnik has created ivory silk pump with organza lilies of the valley and sea pearls. I love it, don't you.

Giuseppe Zanotti, a black stiletto with large sapphire centerpiece with diamonds. Wow, can you walk this shoes?

Rene Caovilla, designed satin sandal with marabou feathers and Swarovsik crystals. This shoe is so sexy.

Cesare Casadei, came up with the idea of silk pump with jeweled straps and floral details. Very elegant yet simple.

Georgina Goodman, she designed antique lace pump with pearls, where the heel is also pearl inspired. So feminine.

Which one design do you like the most? Which one would Kate pick?

Sexy Black Calla Lilies

2011-02-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

There so many flowers out there that capture our imagination and senses; however, deep purple flowers, and especially eggplant mini callas are must have for so many brides. I love working with them, they always bring elegance to any arrangement, and look super sexy in modern compositions.

Black calla lilies are show stopper flowers. They are not black in color, only deep purple, and the darkest shade is called black calla or Schwarzwalder. They originate from South Africa and are mysterious and elegant.

Arrangements with black callas will always be noticed, regardless of composition style and other flowers used. A dozen black calla lilies simply placed in a vase will instantly bring modern chic.

If you want to highlight the dark colour of the flower contrast it with soft pink and add white to additionally highlight the velvety black calla lilies.

Imagine groom’s boutonniere with black calla intricately finished as the ultimate look of an elegance.

Brides love calla lilies in wedding bouquets, whether it is a simple bouquet finished with satin ribbon, or for the extra drama, finished off with black string of pearls.

What about mixing them with tulips? White, yellow, or purple tulips would look great together with black callas.

One quick advice, steams of callas will close after 20 minutes without water so re cut the flowers under running water.

Enjoy the pictures everyone and if you want to find out how you could use that magnificent flowers give me a call at 416-737-1070.

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

Designer Wedding Gowns and Flower Bouquets

2011-02-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

I admit, I love wedding gowns, and here is a new star on the horizon. Anthropologie just launched their exclusive wedding brand BHLDN on Valentine's Day. From the first glance, I've absolutely fallen in love with the ruffle dress, so right away the question came to my mind. What type of bridal bouquet would work well with the dresses? Bridal flowers should reflect the likes and personality of a bride, however, the bouquet needs to complement the dress as well.

Let's try and have some fun along the way!

Tell me if you like the flower dress combination that I have created! Would you choose differently?

The bridal bouquets created by MW Flower Design If you need help deciding what type of flowers and bouquet style would work with your dress, give me a call at 416-737-1070 and we will design your special flowers.

WeddLuxe Magazine on Stands

2011-01-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

I am a great fun of WedLuxe magazine. It is a fantastic source of inspiration.

WedLuxe Winter/Spring 2011 from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

If you would like to incorporate any idea from the magazine into your wedding decor contact us for the consultation. http://www.weddingessentials.ca/cgi-bin/protectedfiles/ftpsite.cgi Email me at margaret@mwflowerdesign.com or give me a call at 416-737-1070 to see the ideas bloom to life.

2011 Runway Bridal Bouquets

2011-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

Now is the time of the year with multitude of runway and wedding shows. Most of the time the runway bridal bouquets are understated, and yet always work with the dress, oh, it should be the ultimate goal in creating bridal party flowers,.. to make it work with the dress. A few bouquets from the Spring 2011 show caught my eye.

The following, all white, lily bouquet is all time classic, and added bonus..... nice strong scant.

My old time favorite, gypsophilia or baby's breath. It always brings to mind youth and freedom, could be very suitable for young brides.

That particular one is simple and yet very elegant.

For mere bridal flower ideas follow the link to our online gallery or visit our Facebook page to find more inspiration.

You can reach me at 416-737-1070.

Wedding Mistakes to Avoid by The Knot.

2010-11-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

This article comes from The Knot and brings great points to consider for anyone planning a wedding.

10 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid By Meredith Bodgas

I can ad a bit more to the first point on the list. I had weddings booked one year in advance. What I do, especially for bridal flowers, I leave some small details to be updated short before the wedding date. However, it happens that some brides are so sure about their initial choices that we do not have to make even a single update.

1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices.
When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.

2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone.
Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn't final. And it shouldn't be: Friends you're close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.

3. You will regret it if you skip videography.
Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you'll see things you may have missed on the day.

4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress.
Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn't mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you're not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations, too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well.

5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors.
You're choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it's tempting to control every detail so you're guaranteed to love the results, but you won't have the time, and you certainly don't have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And, you know what? They almost always will.

6. Think hard before you pick your attendants.
Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you'd trust to be there when you most need them. You don't know new friends well enough yet to be sure they'll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you'll likely regret.

7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans.
It's so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more opinions you're going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that you're changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma's cookies, they won't be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that's not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grand finale.

8. Seriously, stop booking your salon appointments last.
We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don't want your 'do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylists will likely get to you late if you're last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants'. It's not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated (read: quick) hairstyle if she's pressed for time. That's not an option for you.

9. Don't even think about speeding through photos.
Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn't enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you'll look more relaxed in your pictures (and those first few never come out as well as you hope). Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.

10. Avoid "hiring" a friend instead of a pro.
Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn't mean he'll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won't leave home without her Flip — this doesn't make her a videographer! Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don't you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?

Give us a call 416-737-1070 or drop us a line at margaret@mwflowerdesign.com if you are ready to talk about your decor, even if it's a year in advance. I will be happy to brainstorm your wedding. Currently, I am working with Natasha and her wedding on March, 2012. IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE.

Margaret @ MW Flower Design
www.mwflowerdesign.com
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Sandra's Wedding Flowers with Feathers and Crystals

2010-10-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

I was so exited when I met Sandra who contacted me for about flowers for her wedding that took place on May 15, 2010. She was so seet and I loved working with her. She came to me from quite far to talk about her bridal bouquets and church decor. Sandra had general idea what she wanted, but needed help to put all the details together to create the look she had imagined and ultimately loved.

The silver feathers used in Sandra's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages proved to be difficult to find, but I was able to discover a place that had huge variety of different feather products.

In the church, we used flower cones accentuated with burgundy ribbon to adore the pews along with alter arrangements that added personal character to overall look.

Sandra looked beautiful and was very happy and cheerful bride on her wedding day.

I love her wedding pictures, didn't she looked fabulous?


The arrangement of white dendrobium orchids and bells of Ireland. Grace and Beauty.

Ivory vendela roses accented with crystal pins were used in bride bouquet. At the base a layer of silver and burgundy feathers added colour and texture.

Pew Arrangements

Happy Wife!!


Guest Book


Church Arrangement

Sandra took a moment to pink boutonniere for her feather and helping her mother with the corsage, which worked perfectly with her gown. It was an emotional moment, isn't so sweet?

I absolutely loved Sandra's bouquet. Simple, yet so romantic. Trendy details added charm to the bridal bouquet and worked perfectly well with the wedding dress.

That is my favourite picture of the couple. Don't you love it?!

The fabulous wedding pictures are curtsy of www.manifestophotography.com

If you wish to book a consultation to get help defining the flowers for your wedding or other event please call Margaret at 416-737-1070.
www.mwflowerdesign.com
margaret@mwflowerdesign.com

Come and See Your Ideas Bloom to Life!

What are the boutonnieres and corsages?

2010-08-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Many times during consultations, I see confused brides about boutonnieres and corsages.
Boutonnieres are the flowers for the groom and other men. Corsages are flowers for women. There are two types of corsages; a pin on, and more and more popular, wrist type. I use pearl bracelets that adds a lot of charm and is soft for the hand, while creating wrist corsages. Typically, corsages are bigger than the boutonnieres and are made out of flowers used in the bridal party bouquets.

When it comes to wedding flowers, the bridal bouquet usually gets the most attention. While a great deal of thought needs to be given to this most important bouquet, the flowers worn by the groom and his attendants are equally significant.

A boutonniere, named after the French word for buttonhole; oh, I know a lovely English wedding planner who uses the term buttonhole and she sounds so sweet, is a single flower, or grouping of flowers worn on the lapel. The flowers often coordinate with the blooms used in the bride's bouquet and are chosen to suit the colour scheme of the wedding. A boutonniere, perhaps even more than a bouquet, must be sturdy enough to last for hours, through the ceremony, photographs, dinner, and dancing. The boutonniere doesn't have to be limited to only flowers. It can be made out of herbs, feathers or crystal flowers.

The biggest challenge, as I see it, is how to attach the boutonniere or to pin on a corsage. I supply 2 corsage pins. Some attention should be paid as to what is the front of the boutonniere. When it is delivered, with pins in it, it’s most likely that that part with pins should be worn outwards.
Also, please give some consideration to the size and think how it will look on the photographs. Once I have seen a fabulous boutonniere, however, when the bride and groom were together, the boutonniere was on the same level as the bride's face and it competed with her. So as you can see sometimes such small details play a role. Talk to your flower designer or decorator and always think how the flowers will look on the pictures.

You can find more examples in our website gallery
http://mwflowerdesign.com/MWFlowerDesign/gallery-arrangements.aspx

Butonniers by MW Flower Design and Weddingbells

2010-03-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

MW Flower Design was asked to create boutonnieres for the spring issue of the Weddingbells magazine. We are particularly happy with the purple one. You can find the flowers on page 70 in the magazine.

Stay tuned, we are going to be featured in the summer issue again, with bridal bouquets and a centerpiece.

MW Flower Design and Wedding SOS.

2010-03-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

We had a pleasure to work with the fantastic people from Wedding SOS. The wedding was decorated with ostrich feather centerpieces and the bride and groom were delighted with the decor.

Meet the host of the show Jane Dayus-Hinch and the decor provided by MW Flower Design. Don't they look good together!

The theme was black and white using feathers. The head table was decorated with lots of details, like mirrors, candles, and the pears draped the front of the table. The seating was flanked by two black arrangements and in the front was a cake sitting on a top of black feathers.

Here is what the producers said about the decor afterwords:

"Margaret's work elevated a basic banquet hall into a grand ballroom. It was an elegant, stunning setting that delighted the bride, groom and guests. Thanks again for everything!"

Jessica Vander Kooij
Associate Producer/Assistant Director
Wedding SOS
Nextfilm Productions Inc.

If you would like to see the sample of ostrich father arrangement and discuss different option give us a call at 416-737-1070.

www.mwflowerdesign.com

margaret@mwflowerdesign.com