Blumz on Blooms

The Prom… Where Flowers and Fashion Meet

2011-03-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Its Prom season and you have probably been burning up the IPhone surfing the web for the “perfect” dress! Will it be the short sassy “baby doll” cocktail evening dress or the flowing fairytale princess ball gown? With so many options and so little time, we decided to do your homework and come up with the seven prom dress trends for 2011. We then paired them with their equally fabulous floral fashions because that is just the way we are! In our mind, flowers to wear and carry are the ULTIMATE fresh fashion accessories. Creatively worn, and we will guarantee that heads will turn and hearts break!

BLUMZ SEVEN RED-CARPET FASHION & FLOWER PAIRS FOR 2011

1. BLING BLITZ… Sparkling personality? Bling is definitely rocking it! Sequined accents grab attention from all angles. From glittery waistbands and necklines to bejeweled skirts and bodices, Bling is Queen! To not be overshadowed, select a corsage or hairpiece boldly featuring “blingalicious” items such as a rhinestone-studded choker with spray roses, a sparkly tiara hair comb with elegant orchids or a pair of dazzling chandelier earrings with tiny fragrant hyacinth blooms!

2. SHORT SKIRT… Short IS the new long for 2011, from fitted short evening dresses to full-skirted baby dolls. Embellished with figure enhancing rushing, bold prints, and awesome beadwork, the cocktail length dress is taunting, “I dare you”! And just think, short styles mean cheaper alterations, better encore opportunities, and more room for flowers!! Just visualize a pair of sassy floral accented killer pumps and a viciously coordinated floral necklace and bracelet!

3. PRINTS A POPPIN… Taking inspiration from tie-dye, retro patterns, futuristic digital prints, and ferocious animal skins; there is a printed prom dress for everyone. No worries about wearing the same dress as your wicked faux-friend, no two prints look identical when made into a dress! With so many colors to choose from, the possibilities for makeup, jewelry and flowers are endless. Take your makeup clues from your favorite dress color and pair it with flowers of the same shade. With busy prints, select simple flowers. For example, a vivid green “composite” rose accented with peacock feathers on a sapphire wristband. POW!

4. NOT YOUR MOTHERS NECKLINE… Mom’s dress neckline seems prehistoric in comparison to the necklines of today. The prom gown designers are doing futuristic necklines similar to those on fashion runways in Milan and Paris. Obviously perfect for the fashion forward prom queen but also ideal for girls with smaller busts, the artistic necklines really frame the shoulders, neck and face. To not take away from the dramatic line, consider carrying a tricked out bouquet of lilies lustrous pearl sprays and hidden fiber optic lights.

5. GREEN INSPIRATION… No, we are not advocating wearing recycled trash bags and banana peels!!! What we are saying is take notes from mother earth… rich, earth tones are totally in so get dolled up in browns, golds, champagnes, and green. They work amazingly on red heads or girls with fair skin tones. Makeup should be kept subtle and neat. Nude or peachy lipsticks and shimmering champagne eye shadow can enhance the evening look. Corsages, bouquets and hairpieces with accents of natural materials like funky feather, wool fiber, and faux butterfly wings complete the ensemble. Channel your inner “forest nymph”.

6. COUTURE le COLOUR… Fabulous fuchsia, screaming yellows, high-voltage blues, phenomenal purples, radiant reds, and other intense hues are tops for the dance floor fashion extravaganza! Whether you are a dark brunette or a tanned beach blonde these colors really pop on darker skin tones. Up the “color quotient” with bold colored flowers that have been further enhanced with dyes and tints. Vividly dyed dendrobiums, “rainbow” roses and lusciously loud miniature callas are perfect paired with colorful decorative wire and bead accents.

7. HIGH/LOW… What style dress best showcases a serious set of legs without losing the drama of a diva train?? The High/Low hemline… high in the front exposing luscious legs and low in the back to keep people staring is not for the frail wallflower. Taking clues from Latin ballroom and French can-can dance costumes; the high/low packs a powerfully exotic punch. A funky fabulous garter of pink mink protea petals placed just above the left knee would add the perfect OOO la la to this tantalizing frock.

With these seven dynamic duos, dancing until morning is all that remains to insure a memorable Prom 2011. Be adventurous and daring when selecting your floral accessories. Select a florist that enjoys the fun and creative nature of prom designs. Listen to their suggestions based on your dress, physique and personality. Then step back and take all the credit for being the trend setting fashion diva we know you are!

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Blumz Helps Getting Your "Cupid" On

2011-01-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

Valentines...
Valentine' Day is celebrated as one of the most romantic days of the year. And as such, couples wish to celebrate this day with fun & creativity. So how do you achieve this annual feat? First of all, Valentine's Day must be memorable and it should leave a wonderful and lasting impression in the mind of the recipient. . Therein lies the challenge. Many people find it extremely difficult just voicing their feelings, much less actually orchestrating a phenomenal celebration. Here is where Blumz can help you. We have developed our "Week of Romance"... Seven days of special ways to let that person know you love and appreciate them. Think of it sort of like the 12 Days of Christmas, but actually WAY MORE affordable!! Check out the description below outlining the entire week.

Blumz... A Week of Romance
Day 1 - Tues, 8th - A Romantic Card (For You to Place on the Seat of the Car before work)
Day 2 - Wed., 9th - Balloon Bouquet - "I Love You" & "Happy Valentines" (Delivered to Work with a note saying "But Wait, There's More!!")
Day 3 - Thurs., 10th - A Cuddly Plush Animal (For You to Leave on the Bed to be found that evening with an invitation to snuggle)
Day 4 - Fri., 11th - Scented Candles Gift Bag (For You to Leave on the appropriate side of the Vanity to be enjoyed together)
Day 5 - Sat., 12th - Pamper Basket with Fresh Rose Petals (Delivered at Home with a note that says, "Relax & Pamper Yourself With a Rose Bath")
Day 6 - Sun., 13th - Chocolates with an "Invitation to Dinner" for Monday Evening for You to Present.
Day 7 - Mon., 14th - Floral Arrangement Delivered to the Local Dinner Restaurant of Your Choice

Believe it or not... All of this can be achieved (including 3 Deliveries, Day 2, 5 & 7) starting at $199.99. For more information, contact us at 248-398-5130. Or visit us at Valentines Day Flowers

Can't swing the "Week of Romance"? No problem. Here are some helpful hints when looking for the right way to express yourself on Valentines.

For Her... Romantic and Personal! are the KEY words. Take clues from her personality, her favorite colors that she wears and her hobbies. What is it that makes her unique and special and how can you incorporate that into what you do? If she loves flowers and you are married, see if you can have the florist recreate her wedding bouquet. Or at the very least, an arrangement containing flowers similar to the ones from your wedding. (Cant remember what they were... dig out a wedding picture!) GUYS! also.. FYI, all the national surveys say that most women prefer roses of any color OTHER THAN RED! I know, its Valentines.. so red symbolizes love.. but it only takes one red rose to do that. Surprise her with a vase of very cool varieties and uniquely colored roses with one red rose in the middle!! Trust us!!! we are the professionals!
Pamper Baskets of lotions, body wash, scrubs and more are always good... and can be lots of fun if you offer to help use them! NOTE! Unless your love is a "work-out" fitness person, stay away from anything that hints of weight loss, working out, etc... Just saying!!

For Him... Keep it Simple, not fussy, fluffy. Guys do like flowers... just remember to make sure they are brightly colored, masculine, designed in a geometrical form (think angles not round). Exotic flowers are always cool. Guys respond to the color red. So keep that in mind when selecting flowers, gift items and more. A Warm fuzzy scarf with a chocolate heart attached. A favorite "beverage" wrapped in red fabric and tied with a festive bow is always a great option. Candles are nice, too provided they are not too "floral" and feminine. Food is always good... Heart shaped cookies or brownies with x's and o's on them in a decorative tin or a heart shaped pizza with his favorite toppings. Electronics are fine, just not very romantic unless you spin it with either a DVD of a romantic movie or a CD of love songs. Guys are fairly simply and easy to please creatures... as long as you don't insult their masculinity! Remember they are little boys inside big bodies!

Looking for more ideas on what to give your loved one on that day of romance, Valentines Day? Here are some suggestions:

1. An iPod with favorite love songs downloaded on it.

2. A CD of romantic songs. Create it yourself with songs you know they love.

3. Air tickets for a weekend trip to your favorite destination. Or a "Stay-cation" at a local Hotel with room service.

4. Jewelry, always nice. Find something unique and special that reminds you of your loved one. On a budget, cruise a local flea market, and pickup something fun and silly together.

5. An entire day with you, which starts with a brunch at home or your favorite diner, a day spent roaming a museum or art exhibit, a romantic movie matinee, followed by a warm candle lit dinner, and ends with both of you gazing at the moon.

6. A photo frame with a nice photograph of both of you in the frame. Better yet, take the day making fun photos of yourselves all over town doing the things you enjoy doing. Then put them all in a book to share with captions about each picture.

7. A bottle of favorite perfume.

8. A book of poetry (possibly some you have written) or a romantic novel.

9. Plan a Couples massage.

10. A Decorative box containing hand-made coupons or "passes" to be used as needed for things such as, a free back rub, a favorite meal, an "Im Sorry" card, etc..

There are many valentine ideas and tips but the first and foremost thing to be kept in mind is to create the love ambiance around you and your beloved. Your valentine day gift to your loved one need not be expensive but it should be straight from the heart.

Happy Valentines Day!!
The Staff of Blumz... by JRDesigns
Detroit/Ferndale

Blumz Wedding Trends 2011

2011-01-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

A New Year... a new approach... a fresh outlook. As with the beginning of each new year, the first question on clients lips are "What is the newest trend... the latest and greatest for weddings?"

Weddings in the year 2011 will cover the gamut of looks, colors and styles. However, there are several "trends", if you will, that are common in most areas. Some are a carry-overs; tweaking of trends from last year. Others are newly minted and ready for your approval. Here are a few key trend words for you to share with someone who is planning that "special day" in 2011.

1. Green - Yes, its still strong and growing. Whether it is shades of green color or the desire to be more "green" in planning and designing the event. Green has definitely moved beyond the use of just foliages. With the availability of many new varieties of green flowers and floral materials, the options are many. Green as a concept in planning and design encompasses things as diverse as the use of recycled/re-purposed clothing (which also ties into the trend of vintage), containers, accents and more to the planning of "staycation-moons" (the stay-local option for a honeymoon), use of local farm grown food and paperless (electronic) invitations.

2. Navy Blue/blue - Strong color alternative to the ever popular black. The navy blue tuxedo was even spotted at the Emmys. Navy under artificial light can actually look blacker than some blacks. While white and cream are a safe bet for flower colors, Navy can be comfortably paired with complimentary colors of peach or coral, Pantone honeysuckle, and violets, blues and greens for wonderful colorful options.

Blue is present in floral designs as well. Natural blues are a bit challenging to come by with hydrangea, delphinium, iris, cornflower, and hyacinth being the most common.

3. Vintage/Nostalgia - both as a "style" influence as well as a way of paying homage to the parents and grandparents generation. Use of actual vintage or vintage inspired clothing, vintage automobiles, hair styles, hats, and venues/settings can give an "old world" look to the event. This then is further enhanced through the use of black and white photography resulting in photos with an almost movie set like look. Bouquets of flowers that reflect back to days past bring another level of "realism" to the vintage look. Roses, gardenias, lilies and yes, CARNATIONS, are the flowers that would have been in grandmothers bouquet. Vintage brooches, pins and other jewelry, possibly grandmothers heirloom pieces, can be incorporated into the bouquet for that "something borrowed" requirement as well as provide a way of invoking the presence of a favorite loved one.

4. Floral trim gowns, Feminine silhouettes, and soft fabrics are strong in the dress selections. Yes, pickups are still strong! The full skirt and the trumpet skirt are gracing the aisle this year. Satin sashes of contrasting color and empire waists are giving brides more options when trying to find a dress that flatters a real body as opposed to that of a runway model. Romantic, flowing gowns of chiffon, tulle and lace are popular. Embellished bodices are still very strong.

5. Monofloral displays for reception table centerpieces... one type of flower either singly in a collection of vases, a mass of one type of flower, or each table being a collection of monofloral designs. The look of vases of mixed flowers that match from table to table is tired.

Clean line contemporary looks are still very strong. Use of simple geometrically shaped containers such as cylinders, cubes, and trumpets remains very strong. The use of submerged flowers is weakening. Flowers with high petal counts such as roses, peonies, dahlias and hydrangea can be massed for that opulent, full look.

10 Other strong trend words that are being noticed are briefly touched on below.

1. Man caves - giving the guys a place to retreat to during the reception, ie... a sports theme or nightclub lounge setting complete with TV/video gaming equipment. You may have to go find the groomsmen!

2. Eastern Indian inspiration - is one of the strongest influences particularly in style. The strong colors of red, orange, golden yellow and metallic gold are mixed with lavish fabrics, beading and drapery. (Actual birth ethnicity not required.)

3. Chalk board chic - stylish slate signs are popping up to take the place of printed programs, seating charts, menu cards. Elegantly or fancifully decorated, the humble chalk board has left the classroom and has become a "Cinderella" for the reception.

4. Food trucks - having local "street" vendor trucks pay a visit as a way of providing a snack during an outside cocktail hour or a late night nosh is becoming very popular. Particular attention to the reception venues' outside food restrictions are very important.

5. Cocktail length dresses - Raised hemlines are very hot right now for the brides dress, many of which resemble the simple wedding dresses of the 50's. Sassy, fun, chic and meant to actually be worn again (really, not just saying it!) For the right figure and personality, it would be smashing.

6. Honeysuckle - the Pantone 18-2120 has been declared the 2011 Color of the Year... It is a coral pink that actually looks good on many skin tones. Its complimentary colors include a peach, aqua and slate. While Pantone colors affect all aspects of design, i.e. home, fashion, commercial, it will be a strong wedding color.

7. Prohibition chic - a spin off of the Vintage trend.. here all stereotypes of the prohibition era are game for use as inspiration. Think Flapper meets Rum runner! Have fun and plan a theme event complete with "moonshine and bathtub gin" cocktails, Roaring '20s big band music, wing tip shoes and lace dresses. Channel your inner Mobster and Dame.

8. Black swan inspiration - the movie "Black Swan" will bring the ballerina flavor to the party. Romantic ceremonies by candlelight, feathered headpieces (chic and tailored, please!), pale pinks and black, tiaras, ballet slippers and ties, and tulle. (Men in tights, optional)

9. DIY - Do It Yourself, still very strong... but if you plan to do this... please practice early so that you are not stressed from realizing that its usually best to let the professionals do some of the things! Your wedding day is not the day to find out that you can't really make a bouquet!!

10. Rustic - can combine facets of "green", folksy, vintage, country chic and organic. Play around with it but remember, attention to the details is "queen"! Outdoor settings, farms/barns (clean, non-smelly ones!), back yards, river side parks, make for natural settings that work well with this them.

To Talk to a Wedding Professional at Blumz... simply fill out our Wedding & Event Consultation Form
One of our Blumz Staff will contact you to set up a time, date and location to meet.
Also, Check us out on FACEBOOK

Holiday Trends 2010 and a How-To Class

2010-11-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

Holiday Decor Trends...

1. "We Need a Little Christmas"... just like the song. Everyone is tired of the "drag" of the economy. We need to be reminded that celebrating the season is not a bad thing! And decorating for the season is part of that celebration. It doesn't mean you have to blow the budget, just be in a celebratory mood. The decor for this trend is very glitzy, glamorous and sparkly. Golds and silvers mixed with ruby, turquoise, brown and bronze. Pearl white is added for its luster.

2. New Color Combinations... blue and brown, pink and brown, and turquoise and silver are all being paired together for wonderful looks in not just trees, but wreaths, garlands and accent pieces.

3. Traditions Renewed... Always popular, the combination of red, green, gold, but with lime green added for the lively punch it brings. This trend has been around for a few years now. Trends are typically short lived but this combination is turning into more. The use of heirloom and handmade ornaments adds a sense of family and roots, making memories that last!!

4. Lights and the "greening of the holiday"... LED lights continue to grow in popularity not only because of their savings in electrical consumption, but also because the new ones are taking on other colors. No longer are they only the funky blue-white that they started out in. Now there are LEDs that give off a warmer light that more closely resemble the traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, LEDs are more durable, last longer and the price continues to drop!!

Tree Decorating Class
For some hands-on training, sign up for Blumz Holiday Tree Decorating Class. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6:30pm at Blumz in Ferndale. This is a free class filled with fun, sparkle, and laughs!

A Thai Celebration... Wedding

2010-07-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Jerome is an now officially an INTERNATIONAL Designer.. ok, he had traveled to Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and all over the United States.. but this was on the OTHER SIDE of the world!! His design and wedding services were requested by a Thai family that just happens to own a very well respected orchid farm in Thailand. The wedding of Puy and Tu took place in Bangkok, Thailand in April.
The 24hr trip (one way with a lay over in Hong Kong) was the least of the "opportunities" Jerome had to contend with. Communication with the minimally English speaking clients and their families was the most significant other "opportunity". However, thanks to Jerome's ability to charm anyone, not only was he able to communicate.. but in the end, he was "Uncle Jerome" and a member of the family. There is even discussion of a second trip sometime in the future.

When your family owns an orchid farm... it is safe to say that ORCHIDS will be used at the wedding!! and boy were they! The flower list for the wedding started with 35000 stems of loose orchids. Thai weddings, unlike traditional American weddings, are very colorful. Utilizing a team of essentially non-english speaking assistants, Jerome was able to take all of this from initial planning to reality within 8 very short days.

Additionally Jerome was treated to trips to the farm to see how the orchids are produced, harvested and packed for shipping; sightseeing the local markets; and visiting many temples
and other sites of interest.

The Thai assistants were shown how the designs were to be constructed and Jerome supervised their actions all while also doing the more demanding designs himself.

The workroom was located in a non airconditioned room at a very large hotel in Bangkok. Thank goodness, fresh orchids hold up extremely well in warm, humid conditions.. not the same can be said of Jerome!

The traditional Buddhist ceremony took place complete with orange draped chanting Monks and ancient customs.

Later that afternoon a ceremony took place at the hotel that involved pouring "blessings" symbolized by water upon the newly married couples hands by family and guests. Jerome was honored with taking part in this event.

Brilliantly colored mokara, dendrobium and aranda orchids were used to create lush floral trees for the reception centerpieces. Towering 8-10 feet tall, the trees were quite awe-inspiring.

The cake table was draped with orchids. The 9 layer cake provided by the pastry chef at the hotel came with its on floral embellishments pre-decorated. A cupcake display was also a part of the dessert presentation.

Thai wedding reception dinners are traditionally served buffet style with people eating as they please and not necessarily being "seated" in reserve style, meaning there are more guests than there are chairs... people mingle, eat and mingle more.

Large display photos were festooned with orchids and large floral displays were created for the stage.

Later that evening the reception took on more of a party atmosphere with MANY photos being made, lots of food consumed and American music.

We wish Puy and Tu much happiness, good health, prosperity and love in their life together. Blumz and Jerome were most honored to be a part of their very special day.

Prom Floral Trends 2010

2010-04-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Prom Floral Trends 2010

Prom Season is here! If you are a parent of a teen aged child, then we're sure that you've known this for a few months. Like everything else in fashion, there are a few solid Prom 2010 trends, and we've come up with some awesome florals to wear with those trends in mind! Before we discuss the trends, though, let’s review some basic design styles.

A traditional corsage is worn attached, whether by pin or magnet, to the upper left chest area (over the heart). When wearing a strapless number, it can be placed right at the edge of the neckline. For the more daring, a shoulder corsage can be worn on the bare shoulder, but it does require a more specialized frame and in most cases double-face tape (it works, just ask any beauty show contestant!).

A wristlet is worn on the left wrist like a watch or bracelet. With all the wonderful jewelry-like accessories available now, the bracelet portion of the wristlet can be not only ribbon or elastic, but pearls, rhinestones or even metal making for a great keepsake afterward.

An arm cuff is worn, clamped around the bicep (upper arm) and can be very fun. The framework is made of soft, usually colored, aluminum wire that is simply bent around the bicep to hold it in place.

Flowers may also be worn in the hair, depending upon the hair style. the flowers and accents are attached to either a framework of wire, a barrette, or a hair comb. It is very important that the style be decided early on so that the floral designer can create something that will work with the greatest of ease.

Now, back to the Trends, some general tips are, first, stay away from large roses and thin ribbons. Both are over done, and this important event deserves some extra pizzazz! Small orchids such as the dendrobium or miniature cymbidium make great flowers to wear and hold up for a longer period of time. Ps, don't forget the guy! Young men are known for wanting attention! Coordinate the boutonniere to the corsage and add a little “bling” for the dude, too!

Bold print dresses

It used to be that when you walked into a prom it was like diving into a vast sea of sparkly, pastel tulle and shiny satin, however this year, we are seeing a ton of incredibly colorful prints on the girls. With that in mind, we suggest that your flowers be just as bright as the dress but monochromatic (one color and its tints, tones, and shades). Enhance the corsage with textures to play off the print instead of a using spectrum of coordinating colors that only confuse the issue. Add some swirled wire, feathers, or rhinestones (nix the fluffy tulle ribbon, though! This is not your Mothers Prom!) to give it a definite structure against such a patterned backdrop.

Bright colors

While black, white, or pastels are strong, traditional favorites, this is the year of the BRIGHT COLOR. We are seeing a lot of deep, saturated colors. To work with these colorful threads , the color palette of your flowers to wear should be up the same alley. They don't necessarily have to match the color of the dress though. Use a complimentary saturated color, such as orange with blue, hot pink with lime green, or regal purple on gold to add more drama and pop. These flowers to wear can be a bit bigger and wilder since the dress is simpler. To add even more drama to this simple backdrop, have some floral jewelry, ie. a funky asymmetrical hair piece, a necklace or choker, or even a ring. It will stand out because it's different and will definitely be the talk of the night!

Always keep in mind, flowers to wear should be treated like jewelry. They are worn to accent, compliment and add interest. The piece should also be easy to wear, not get in the way, and be beautiful. So for this Prom Season, dare to be different and express your individual taste.

Valentines Tips for Success... Spicing Up the Holiday

2010-02-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day 2010....

Our shop is filled with heart cut outs and will soon be stocked with red roses as far as the eye can see! Let me tell you, there will be about four pots of coffee consumed that day, per person. We know that Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year. In our experience, we’ve noticed that people tend to neglect the day of love when it falls on a Sunday. There are a few reasons, but we’ll spare you the business logic. Your brain doesn’t need to be functioning on high when you’re reading this. Sit back and relax and let us give you some advice on how to make the love-y stuff that we all enjoy last a tad bit longer.

Ladies and gentlemen, we know that almost everyone loves to get flowers at work. Trust us, our delivery guys spend more on gas that day than they do on almost any other day of the year. You can still get the same (if not even better) response when Valentine’s Day is on a weekend by doing one of two things. Listen, we’re spelling it out for you. Write this down!

Option One: Send the flowers on Thursday with a card that says “Dear Love, I just couldn’t wait three more days to say that you are the most beautiful, amazing, person in the world.” If you have “surprise” Valentine’s Day plans, have us incorporate a little hint or riddle to Sunday‘s affairs. Going out of town to the weekend? Let us theme your flowers around the destination! Why Thursday? Well, if there are any absent coworkers that day, your significant other can still show off your amazing efforts when they are back in the office on Friday. Ah ha! Genius, I know.

Option two: Have us send them on the Monday after your Valentines weekend activities. Write this down again people. Have the card say “Just because Valentine’s Day has passed, doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t shower you with the love you deserve every day of the year.” Now, your significant other can keep them in the office for all his or her friends to envy for an entire workweek! Talk about your major brownie points.

Valentine’s Night- “Spice it up baby!”

A girl friend of mine asked me the other day why Cupid represents Valentine’s Day. She said, “Love is supposed to be sexy. The last thing that comes to my mind when I think sexy is a chubby naked baby with wings.” Ha! We’ve realized that flowers have kind of taken the Valentine’s role of sweet, cute, and thoughtful. Oh no. We can have way more fun than that! Here’s the Cosmo cover story version of flowers.

· Did you know? If a woman wears red on a night out, a man is likely to spend more money to attract her. Apparently men subconsciously associate the color red with sex. Hmmm. Explains the red lipstick, too! So, let’s start arousing those visual senses with some sensuously dark crimson toned flowers i.e. dark long stem roses. The second color that is most associated to sex is black, which followed by dark purples-the perfect flower for this the dark eggplant mini calla lily.

· Nix the baby’s breath accent. Baby’s breath is a softer fluffier flower. We want to stay far away from the fluff and use more structured flowers to mimic the long lines of the gorgeous human body.

· Ask us to put your arrangement in a vase with an hourglass shape. It will mimic that sexy shape that we kick our behinds at the gym for.

· Have us do a black satin or animal print ribbon cross wrap on the vase to make it look like it’s wearing a corset (perhaps this is similar to your lingerie!).

· So, you know those rose petals that we throw on our beds or bedroom floors? The night before put them in a zip lock bag with some cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon (the sticks aren‘t as messy though) and stick them in your refrigerator. Cinnamon is a natural aphrodisiac, and now, it’s fused to the velvety touch of rose petals…mmmm. Imagine rolling around in those! For an even stronger scent, set Red Hot’s on the night stand next to your flowers, or have us hide a few in the petals of the roses. Then, you can suck on a few while you’re in bed and kiss that cinnamon power even farther.

· A final touch, there are these handy little waterproof LED lights called Acolytes. Drop one into the flower vase when you turn out the lights for a little glow in your otherwise dark bedroom. Go for a classic clear night-light or spice it up with a sultry red glow. Your flowers themselves will even glow. It’s the modern alternative to candles.

Now, turn on some sensual music. Combine it with that lacy number in your top drawer and you’ve got yourself (and your lucky lover) an arousing… florally erotic…sexy Valentine’s night… with each of your five’s senses peaking!

Author
Dawn McCreary, Events Designer, Blumz... by JRDesigns

Finding the Right Wedding Florist

2010-01-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

You’ve got the ring, you’ve set the date and now its time to talk flowers. How do you find the right wedding florist for your special event? Choosing the right blooms to decorate your very special occasion requires a few basic decisions and a few realizations.

First, be realistic with your budget and expectations. It's ok to want your wedding to look like something out of Oprah's magazine or Martha Stewart's book, but that is only realistic if you have the bank balances that those two ladies have to work with. And even though there are "calculators" on web sites such as www.theknot.com that are supposed to tell you how much you should spend on flowers, cake, etc., these are only general calculations and are usually very minimal when compared to what young women often visualize for their weddings.

So how do you select the right floral source? Do you go with the well-established "wedding" flower shop or do you trust a friend or associate that likes to dabble in flowers and is willing to help you with yours as a favor?

Basically flowers can come from many sources. The source you select should be based on your expectations and needs.

Do you expect full service with several consultations, delivery, set up and rental items, or are you planning simple bouquets and flowers to wear that you or a friend can pick up the day of the event?

Are your tastes in reception flowers less complicated such as daisies in a simple vase or are you wanting raised and low centerpieces requiring a skilled and talented floral designer? Knowing the answer to these and many other questions requires you have a clear theme or "look" in mind and then selecting accordingly.

Here are a few questions that can help you in selecting the right florist/ floral source for you and your budget.

Is the wedding formal or casual? More formal weddings usually require more experience and training of the florist. Their knowledge in design, materials, event planning, venue requirements, and execution of the plans is priceless to insure a less stressful and more beautiful event.
Casual weddings for the most part are not as "detail" oriented (unless it is a casual affair in theme but highly detailed and orchestrated in actuality). They may not require as much floral presence and therefore may only require minimal arrangements of non-structured design.

Are the flowers desired readily available with very few restrictions? If you are getting married in September and you REALLY want tulips, then you need to be dealing with a professional florist that specializes in wedding and events. Yes, tulips are available in September if you are willing to accept the costs and their limitations.

However, there are certain things that you would need to be aware of when making those decisions that a professional floral designer would be able to assist you with.

If your flower requirements are very open to interpretation and you feel comfortable just going with what is available the week of the event, then you may not require the services of a traditional flower shop.

Is your budget very generous or restrictive? The answer to this question is highly subjective and relative.

Whether your budget is generous or restrictive, a professional florist will be able to give you many suggestions on how to make that budget give you the most value for your dollar.

Never assume that you cannot afford a big name florist. Most are just as willing to work with a bride whose budget is slim as they are with a big ticket wedding. Simply ask if they have any minimum requirements and what your expectations are. Just remember, keep your expectations realistic.

After you have answered these questions, shop around. Do an on-line search of florists in your area and look at their web sites to get a feel for what they can do and have to offer. To what professional organizations and associations do they belong? What is their educational background and how many years experience do they have? Select the three that most fit what you are looking for and then contact them about setting up an appointment to meet with them.

As you meet the floral providers, treat the consultations like you would job interviews. Is this shop right for the job? Does their "look" reflect your style? Does the person you are speaking with understand your expectations? Do they have a good reputation in the area for excellent work, personal service and professionalism? Are they able to provide references and vendor information besides just floral? What other services do they provide that may make it easier for you, such as linens, invitations, cakes, etc.?

Finally, go with the florist that you feel understands your desires, that are willing to work with your budget and with whom you feel a personal connection. When it really get down to it, when comparing apples to apples, most floral shops of comparable abilities, products and levels of service, will have comparable

prices. It really does boil down to finding someone with whom you connect.

Once you find that floral shop, trust them and listen to their recommendations. They are the professionals and have a professional stake in your wedding. Yes, it is your day, but it is also their name on the flowers. Communication is crucial. Allow them to guide you in what flowers are in season, what designs are going to look best for a given situation, and how to make your wedding day as beautiful as possible.

Once you do that, relax and allow the professional to do what they do best. Enjoy the day and know that you have selected the right florist for the job.

Now go and be a beautiful bride.

Written by Robbin Yelverton AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Co-Owner of Blumz... by JRDesigns, Floral & Event Professionals
http://www.blumz.com

Wedding Trends 2010

2010-01-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

To all of you ladies, AND gentlemen who got an engagement ring for Christmas, CONGRATULATIONS! Here are a few of this year’s projected wedding trends.

Trend Number One
Giant explosions of flowers are out. Earthy landscapes are in. Branches and trees encompassed by moss and small pots of greenery or herbs are the big trend starting to peak around the corner. Top that with a few white dendrobium orchids blooms and you have yourself a stunning table piece!

Trend number two
Roses, roses, roses. I’m very tired of the same old red or white tight, round rose bridal bouquets. Aren’t you? Well, that’s great because tight and round is out and loose and “just picked ” look is in! A rose will always be a lovely classic flower to be incorporated in almost every bouquet, but the front runners this season are hydrangea, peonies, and orchids. Along the same lines, a wristlet corsage is becoming a thing of the past and more and more mothers are carrying nosegays (or small loose bouquets) down the aisles.

Trend number Three
Blumz staff all would agree that most of the wedding favors we receive (and trust me we get a lot throughout the year) are either lost in our shop somewhere or were eaten. The favors that were eaten were almost always well loved! The little trinkets…well like I said we have them somewhere. A huge trend right now is to give a favor that is meaningful and useful. When I say meaningful and useful, I mean for example paying tribute to the couples heritage ie. chopsticks for couples of Asian decent. Who wouldn’t love a pair of chopsticks for a fun night in with some yummy take out?
Another huge thing (and our personal favorite!) is to make a donation to charity in the name of the couples’ guests. A great way to do this and get a little something back is to purchase fair trade or eco friendly items from websites like thehungersite.com who donate food or money from your purchase. You get the best of both worlds because you get an actual item for your favors and a donation is made! Don’t forget that we would love to package and pretti-fy your favor for you so it can double as a favor and a added touch to your overall table décor. Nothing finishes off a table like a little more splash of your wedding color.

Also, know that we at Blumz are ready and eager to help you in the planning process. We have everything from tuxedo rental, linens, invitations/menu cards, favors, flowers, decor, and pretty much anything else you may desire for your wedding (we can even officiate your service!), and yes, there are financial benefits when you use us for more than just flowers! Just Ask!!
(Contributed by Dawn McCreary, Blumz... by JRDesigns)

Valentines Day!!! Blumz.. or Bust... How to Avoid the 1-800 RIPOFF

2009-02-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

How many time have you been sitting at the your computer , at work or home, late in the afternoon or evening, and realized that you need to order flowers for a special person, occasion, or purpose?? It seems so easy just to "google" flowers, find a "1-800", "FlowerPro" or "SameTime" florist, call the 24hr Service or web-order the flowers and forget about it... But did you know when you do that, all you are doing is paying someone else to turn around, and place your order with a REAL florist and then charge you for doing it!!!!!

This is a prime example of why it is so important to develop a relationship with a good LOCAL florist and do your ordering through them. As a professional florist with a real "brick and mortar" flower shop, Blumz... by JRDesigns, we get the less than pleasant experience of dealing with clients that have ordered through an "order taker" and then they feel like the didn't get their full moneys worth. And that is true! The "order taker" charges you a fee for handling your order, but they don't fill the actual order. They don't even touch the flowers. They are simply a room full of "phone operators" waiting to take your order but with no intent of actually filling the order themselves. Once the order is taken and your card charged, it is then relayed to another business that must fill it for the value of the item sold. The Receiving Florist must do this, all the while only being paid a percentage (usually only 70-75 % of the total) of the actual amount charged. Then the "order taker" also charges the customer a handling fee for providing this "service" as well as a delivery fee.

The best way to order flowers, is by dealing with a reputable local florist that you know and trust. That way if there are any challenges with the order, the way in which it was handled or filled, you have someone that you can go to. Because they know you and value your business, they will take care of your order better than this anonymous company that has no relationship with you. If you must call a shop that you are unfamiliar with, ask them if they are an actual florist that has its own design staff and will be filling and delivering the order. Find out if they have a website that you can go look at to get familiar with their work. You can also go through www.flowershopnetwork.com or www.localflowershop.com to find a truly LOCAL florist. While on line check out for reviews for the florist in question, too... see what others are saying about the business.

So find a reputable local florist. One that has their own website, too, so that you can still order with them, even after hours and know that the order will be handled with the greatest of care. Get to know them, and support their business. Place the order with them and then let the PROFESSIONAL do what they do best!.

Visit us at www.blumz.com to see our website.