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