Bridal attire
Q & A with Michelle Linhares-Teixeira, manager and seamstress at Ana’ s Bridal Boutique
flowers
Q & A with Marybeth Ouellette, owner of Flowers by Mother Nature
When to book: Once a bride and groom figure out their date and their ceremony and reception locations, they can start to meet with a florist to go over their ideas for style and colors. The couple should book as soon as possible because available dates and even some of the flower types become limited the later you wait to book.
What are some ways couples can make their flowers stand out? My favorite part of my profession is meeting with couples and really talking to them about their vision— sometimes they are similar and sometimes they differ. It is my job to make it all happen and this is where my creativity soars. From color choices to design statements, it’ s all about making it their own day! My suggestion would be to go to your florist consultation with both ideas and an open mind. If you find a good florist match, they will be able to incorporate every personal touch and take your visions to another level.
Which flowers work best for each season? I have used so many unique combinations over the years, but some have been more popular than others:
When to shop: We highly recommend brides start looking one to two years in advance.
Does it help or hinder a bride to already have a specific type of dress in mind? We usually ask them to come in with some kind of base idea, but if they don’ t have one it’ s fine. We have had customers who come in and purchase the exact style they had in mind while others choose the complete opposite. It really boils down to how the gown looks / feels.
Are any particular styles trending this year? Styles are all based on how the customer feels in the gown and what they want for their look. That ' s why most gowns start one way and then we customize the brides’ ideas into it. All of our gowns end up being one-of-a-kind. Plus, styles and trends change so often and fads fade— we really think your style should be based on your tastes, venue and theme.
◆ For spring: Cherry blossoms, tulips, hyacinths, lilacs and peonies.
◆ For summer: Calla lilies, ranunculus, gerbera daisies, peonies, garden roses, Queen Anne’ s lace and candytuft.
◆ For fall: Dahlias, mokara, sunflowers, sechium, hypericum berries and fall-colored calla lilies.
◆ For winter: White Casablanca lilies, white stock, white mondial roses, lisianthus, white tulips and green textures.
What trends have you noticed lately?
◆ types of flowers: Fresh-from-the-garden, seasonal flowers and lots of texture including pods, berries and grasses.
◆ structure: Free form, round handheld and regal cascading bouquets with bright colors.
◆ pALETTE: Subtle pinks, peaches and the traditional white and ivory hues.
◆ personal touches: I have incorporated, charms, brooches, vintage handkerchiefs and pieces of lace from a loved one’ s gown— really anything that is special to the couple.
How can couples ensure that the day-of delivery and setup goes smoothly? It is very important to synchronize your schedule; letting your florist know the correct timing for the wedding prep, the ceremony and the reception is crucial to making the day a success. I visit every venue weeks before the big day to make sure that my design team and I are prepared. And, of course, I always check in with the couple the night before to make sure nothing has changed.
What mistakes do you often see brides make? Booking multiple appointments at multiple shops. The more brides look around and search, the more they feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what they are truly looking for. Unfortunately, some end up with the wrong choice because they eventually give up and settle for any old gown. Don ' t hesitate to purchase your gown at the first boutique you visit just because it’ s“ early” in the process— when it’ s the one, it’ s the one.
What other wedding collections do you offer? All the attire! Dresses for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girls and other guests and even tuxedo rentals for the guys. We also offer in-house custom alterations, basic alterations and we accept outside gown alterations as well.
KATIE TEIXEIRA PHOTO & ART
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY ' S ENGAGED 2018 | 25