Season is now upon us! 

We have kept ourselves busy during the winter months with a few weddings and of course appointments with our gorgeous new season brides.  Conceptualising, styling, liaising with various suppliers as well as meeting with stationery designers etc. 

It would seem that all things gold and bling are definitely the new thing for the season!  We are enjoying incorporating gold into our flower arrangements and table decor.  I think the use of gold is all about finding a good balance.  It creates an impact if not too overdone as the colour itself can become overwhelming.  I am hoping that all our "gold"  weddings will be stylish and pack a punch whilst remaining subtle.

There are so many new an exciting trends this season and I thought I would share some of my favourites.  Some of these trends were launched last season but have gathered momentum and we will see the ideas below incorporated into a lot of our weddings.

1.  Hanging flower arrangements.  Whilst we will see lots of floral arrangements my guess is that we will see far more greenery and greenhouse effect arrangements.  There is scope for a lot of creativity here and both full and minimalistic arrangements are effective.

2.  Greenery -  in flower arrangements, on its own used in garlands or, once again, a greenhouse effect using different containers to show off ferns, bulbs, herbs etc.

3.  White remains the most popular choice for brides with greenery or with the inclusion of pink/blush. 

4.  Illusion necklines for bridal gowns as well as bridesmaids dresses.

5.  Floral crowns -  whilst, in my opinion, some are only suited to styled shoots (they are heavy to wear and not always practical) I think we will see paired down versions, less flowers and definitely not as heavy.  They are particularly well suited for bridesmaids.

6.  No rules!!  You can do your first dance as you walk into the reception, cut your cake during pre-dinner drinks, dance before the main course.  Whilst most brides still choose to embrace all the formalities it certainly does not matter anymore when exactly they take place.  More and more couples are choosing to ditch the throwing of the garter and bouquet.  It is wonderful that there can be a flexibility and fun element to weddings these days.

7.  Candy tables and, as I would rather, dessert/candy tables remain very popular.  These contribute to the general decor and guests love, love, love them.  They should be stylish and chic.  So many people seemed to jump at the idea of creating candy tables for weddings and there are a lot offering tables that don't reach the standard.  You can be quite adventurous with these tables and can definitely think out of the box with eg. a chocolate experience.

8.  Interactive experience for guests during pre-dinner drinks.   Definitely something worth spending some money on as this is a difficult time for guests (between ceremony and reception).  Keep them occupied with something lighthearted and fun.  Interactive and a talking point.  Wine tastings, cartoon illustrations to name a couple.

9.  Looser and trailing bouquets are definitely becoming more popular. 

Trends come and go and they are interesting and fun.  However, always remember to embrace who you are as individuals and as a couple.  Your wedding should be a reflection of your personalities. 

Thank you to all my 2015/2016 brides who have entrusted their special day to Bright and Beautiful flowers.  We look forward to working with you to create the day of your dreams. 

It was amazing to be included in the Top Vendor Wedding Awards held at the Rockwell 18th August 2015.  It was a wonderful event and Bright and Beautiful, Flowers & Table Decor are beyond excited to have won the People's Choice Award in Elite Floral, Detail & Design.  A proud moment to be counted amongst many, many talented people in our wedding industry.

After being blessed with a really busy 2014/2015 wedding season we were were looking forward to putting our feet up for a break.  This doesn't seem to happen and are busy consulting with couples, sourcing new suppliers, hosted our annual Open Day in June, collaborated with a great team of people on a photo shoot, done flowers for funerals and small functions as well as being nominated to participate in the Top Vendor Wedding Awards.

In our industry we are only as strong as our weakest link and I am totally reliant on fabulous service providers.  Without them we would not be able to provide the service we do.  We aim for faultless styling, attention to detail, quality flowers as well as top class items such as dance floors, lighting, hiring supplies etc.

The biggest stress is availability and quality of flowers.  I have sometimes cried when all my ordered flowers are in buckets ready for arrangements, such is their unpredictability.  Whilst most brides are understanding and are happy for me to use the best quality flowers available on the market others have set their hearts on a particular flower or colour.  I go to extreme efforts to supply, but try to avoid importing because of costs.  I am extremely grateful to the wondeful flower suppliers I work with.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always going the extra mile for me.  I appreciate it that you keep me posted as to availability, let me know when flowers I have ordered are not up to scratch and suggest alternatives.  My flower arrangements always look fresh and so many people will be amazed that wedding flowers are still looking incredible 2 weeks after the event. 

I have worked with freelance florists and Jose, Fabulous Flowers has assisted Bright and Beautiful over the last couple of seasons.   I am extremely happy that a very special florist, by the name of Joy, has joined me.  She has been the flower industry for 27 years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise with her. I look forward to lots of happy moments spent together as we work with flowers and pour our love in to floral arrangements.

My set up team, even if I say so myself, are the BOMB!  These guys rock.  Trustworthy, efficient, reliable and the list goes on.  When I look over my shoulder to find them with a bottle of windolene in one hand and a cloth in the other wiping down every single perspex chair in the venue, without asking, I am just amazed.  Cutlery always neatly placed, glasses and chairs stand in rows like soldiers, they fetch, they carry, they smile and nothing is too much trouble for them.  It is nerve wracking packing all our arrangemens in the back of the truck and setting off to the wedding venue.  No breakages, everything perfect.  All I can say is I LOVE you guys. I don't know what I would do without you. 

The rising cost of flowers and petrol is a huge challenge.  Unfortunately, as a result of blogs, Pinterest, FB brides-to-be are building up unreaslistic expectations.  However, if you are upfront and open to suggestion there is no doubt that beautiful arrangements can be created.  Give your stylist/florist a chance to show you what can be done with what you have to spend.  You may be pleasantly surprised.  Try and be flexible and listen to suggestions we have. Keep in mind that delivery/set-up costs need to be factored in as well as the hiring of vases and other table decor items, if required.  Please take a look at our PRICING guideline on our website.  This should assist you when planning your budget.

As always, we look forward to the new season.

I was motivated to put my penny in after reading the blog post below:

http://theeverylastdetail.com/6-things-wedding-guests-will-hate/ and after lots of google and plenty of laughs it would seem that there are definitely top guest peeves.  Regardless of country or season they are all very much the same.  I would like to ditto and highlight, from my own experience, what tops making guests uncomfortable.

Yes, it is your day and you deserve to have the day of your dreams.  Keeping your guests happy plays an important part of a successful day.  These are the top five things, that in my opinion, make guests uncomfortable.

1.  Absolutely, at the top of the list is keeping guests waiting too long between the ceremony and dinner i.e. pre-dinner drinks.  It really doesn't matter what entertainment you provide to keep your guests occupied.  Anything over 1 hour 30 mins is too long.  It is the major gripe that we need to deal with as co-ordinators.  Agitated guests pushing to be seated.  How much longer do we need to wait?  On our side we are trying to keep everybody happy until we have candles lit and are ready for seating.  After all, we want all guests to experience the "wow" moment we have been working on for months.  This is an issue that needs to be dealt with alongside your photographer before your big day.  It is discourteous to keep your guests standing around too long, plain and simple.  We all know that you want to get as many amazing photographs as possible but an experienced photographer should be able to manage a do-able schedule within a 90 minute period.

2.  Not having a seating plan.   The first thing guests look for when arriving at the reception is the seating plan.  People relax when they know where they will be seated and with whom.  You do not want anxious guests.  You want happy, relaxed guests that are not worried about scrambling into dinner and finding a seat.  I would go as far as to say that I favour both a table number as well as a personalised place setting for each guest.  Seating guests swiftly and as effortlessly as possible is definitely what we strive to do.  We allow 20 mins to seat guests.

I always advise my bridal couple to ask their photographer to take some shots mingling with the guests just prior to seating.  30 mins before we are ready to seat the guests we start lighting candles.  This is an ideal moment for the bridal couple to sneak a preview of the venue - flowers and decor that have taken months to plan.  It is also a moment to take a breath before the "second" round of events.  You can also avail yourselves of an opportunity to "freshen up" whilst guests are being seated. 

3.  Outdoor weddings in South Africa during the summer without adequate shading, water etc.  Everybody is so conscious of not being exposed to excessive sunlight.  Nobody plans to be seated in the baking sun for over 30 mins all dressed up to the nines!  If you are planning an outside ceremony you should ensure that you have organised adequate shade cover for guests, water upon arrival, sunscreen and also ensure that your celebrant is sensitive to the fact that your guests are outdoors. By the same token, sitting shivering in the cold is also unpleasant.  Ensure that you have planned and are sensitive to your guests needs.  It will be much appreciated.

4.  Speeches that are too long are simply just plain boring and awful.  Momentum is lost and no matter how clever, witty and eloquent your speech makers are, anything over 40 minutes is insufferable!  Sorry, I am being so blunt but, fortunately or unfortunately, I am just saying it as it is.  It is common knowledge that the majority of human beings can only concentrate for 40 mins, so anything longer means you have lost your audience.  Guests do not want to hear about school achievements etc.  Keep speeches relevant and in the here and now concentrating not on individuals but the couple.

5.  Large floral arrangements that totally block being able to see and converse with people opposite.  Weddings are the one time when magnificent large flower arrangements, candelabra etc. can be used as table decor.  For once in your life you can be over the top but make sure that your stylist/florist is sensitive to the comfort of your guests by not having humungous flower arrangements blocking free flowing conversation.  If we are setting a rectangular table we place taller/larger arrangements in front of the side plates and not directly opposite the place setting.  Arrangements should be on thin stemmed tall vases above eye level.  It is even more important on a round table that arrangements are either below of above eye level.  Candles flickering directly at eye level should also be avoided.  Ask your co-ordinator to be aware of any decor that is obstructing conversation between guests so they can remove or re-position it with minimal fuss.  Even though it is extremely annoying to find that an arrangement blocks your flow of conversation it also enfuriates me when guests sit down, take it upon themselves to remove an arrangement and place it on the floor.  Very rude and ungracious. 

Having touched on the issues of what guests dislike I think a blog post should be devoted to guest etiquette.  The behaviour of invited guests astounds me at times.  I will leave you with this thought, until next time......

I love vocabulary and learning new words.  Last week whilst perusing my Facebook newsfeed I saw an interesting post by Francesca's Flowers, Australia.  MERAKI.   I found the word fascinating so immediately started reading the post and doing some further research on the meaning of the word MERAKI.  At last, I have found one word to describe how I feel about flowers, my business, brides and creativity.

I am so lucky to be able to follow my passion as a career path.  I have often tried to express how I feel when working with and creating flowers for special occasions, particularly weddings. 

Definition :  may-rah-kee (prounounced may-rah-kee);  Greek, adjective

To put "something of yourself"  into what you're doing

Often used to describe cooking or preparing a meal, but also refers to arranging a room, choosing decorations, or setting an elegant table.  There is no English equivalent for this word.  Meraki is, unsurprisingly, untranslatable.

Creating flower arrangements and table decor is not just a job/career for me.  In doing so, I share some of myself.  Most often we share something of ourselves with those that are close to us and we love.  Of course, I am often able to do this, but over the years I have discovered that my heart is much bigger than I could have ever imagined.  During the course of styling and conceptualising wedding flowers and decor I  meet with clients several times prior to their wedding day thereby establishing a relationship with them.  I am able to explore their personalities and, over time, discover something of their essence.  It is of utmost importance that your wedding is a reflection of who you are as a couple.  You want your guests to be able to relate to your chosen flowers and decor.  They need to see your personalities reflected.  This makes guests feel comfortable and part of a greater picture, other than just attending a beautifully set up celebratory occasion.  Guests at your wedding should be chosen, almost as if they are extended family.  These are people that mean a lot to you.  People that are going to form and be part of your future as a couple.

Working with you, meeting with you, chatting and communicating with you helps me to understand you as a couple.  Your vision, your dreams, something about your family, your values and so on.  Styling and conceptualisation is not just waving a magic wand but rather something that evolves as we work together to create the day of your dreams.

I have, many times, expressed how proud I am to be part of what is an extremely creative talent within the South African industry.  There are so many really amazing floral designers and, I believe, we each have our niche in the market.  Couples are able to peruse websites, facebook pages as well as magazines to spot a style that resonates.  Take your time to look at our work.  If you can, try and remember, that I am not just doing a job.  I pour my heart and soul into each wedding.  I like to feel comfortable with you and like you to feel comfortable with me!  MERAKI -  I will leave a little piece of my soul, creativity and love in my work because I pour my whole self into it.  I hope that my love and happiness shows in my work.  I hope that the gracious being of my soul shines through into my work.

Footnote :  Many thanks to Francesca's Flowers for sharing the word Meraki.  Is it not wonderful that so many of us enjoy following a passionate career path?  www.francescasflowers.com.au/

As the engagement ring is placed on the finger girls start thinking about their wedding dress for the special day!  So often the man in your life is left to his own devices selecting a suit for himself and his bestmen.  Whilst there are some very capable and very fashion conscious men out there a large majority don't seem to put enough emphasis on wearing a well fitted suit and so often badly fitted suits, hired from rental companies, are worn and they definitely don't hit the mark.

It is well worth your while to see a consultant when choosing a suit for your wedding.  It should be considered an investment for your wardrobe and you may as well get it right.  I was happy to take my son to Rozanne, Moi Styling to pick out a suit (not for his wedding!) and whilst there we chatted about suits, weddings and some of the bad suit etiquette we see at various weddings we are involved with.

Here are some pointers :

1.  Suit jackets -  the bottom button on a suit, if a 2 or 3 buttoned jacket, should always be left undone.  This facilitates the fit of the jacket and doesn't restrict movement.  If you have a 3 buttoned jacket you have the option of only buttoning the top button but you may button the top two. On a lot of photographs only the bottom button is buttoned and this causes the jacket to "bulge" around the midriff and makes the jacket look ill fit.

2.  The placing of the boutonniere  (see notes on boutonniere below)

3.  The length of pants.  A good tip is to stand on a table without shoes.  Tuck the hem of the pants up so that they are just touching the floor.  This should be the perfect length and just right when you put on your shoes.  Of course the width of your pants and the type of shoe you are wearing also needs to be taken into consideration.

4.  Length of jacket arm sleeve.

The boutonniere has a long history.  A lot of grooms/bestmen are opting for not wearing boutonnieres or are adopting funky ideas instead.  Whilst I have no problem with these ideas eg. badges, rosettes they still need to be properly placed on the lapel of the jacket.  Very often because it is a badge or rosette it is placed on the pocket or above the pocket and, quite frankly, it just looks wrong!  I really did not think I would need to point out that the stem of the boutonniere should be placed down.  A ladies corsage is pinned with the flowers down!!

The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel of a man's suit jacket.  A good jacket has a sturdy buttonhole that should support the weight of the boutonniere.  It sometimes has a latch to keep the stems in place but if not the stem would have been bound and finished attractively by your florist making it easy for you to pin onto the lapel. 

Tradition was that the groom's boutonniere should be slightly different to those worn by the bestmen and, of course, the choice of flower/flowers should be the same as those used in the bridal bouquet.

I like small compact boutonnieres and do not like some of the overdone corsage, small posy type of boutonnieres as I find that they can look somewhat overwhelming.

Navy blue suits in various shades, light through to dark navy, are trending for weddings.  Understandably, one cannot expect each of your bestmen to buy the same suit but do watch out for ending up with an array of different navy blues.   Unfortunately, whilst the eye is quite forgiving photographs really pick up the differentiation and it is just something, I think, you should be aware of.  It is for this reason that perhaps the groom buys himself a good suit and the bestmen hire their suits.  When hiring be specific about fitting and there is no reason why they should not see that the length of the pants is correct as well as the length of the jacket sleeve.

Your suit jacket should end above the top of your wrist bone.  Your shirt sleeve should end at the base of your hand and when fitted some of the shirt cuff will show.  When not fitted properly long jacket sleeves result in you looking sloppy whilst showing too much cuff makes your jacket look as if it is too short for you. 

Growing up my mother always used to say "don't let your clothes wear you, wear your clothes" and, even though I am a woman, I believe the same applies to men.  Men who wear and take ownership of the suit they are wearing, attending to the most flattering cut and tailoring, always look masculine and in control.  They look confident, debonair and handsome.  Most women cannot resist a good looking man in a suit (even better in a dress suit)!

Shape up guys and dolls and don't leave the fitting or buying of suits to the last minute.  Ask your bestmen to take the matter seriously after all you all want to look dashing.  If you feel you are unable to pull it off yourself ask for help.  As mentioned, Rozanne from www.moistyling.co.za  will be able to do a great job of dressing you for your wedding.  She does not charge for a consultation and you will be surpised at the well priced suits she is able to obtain for you.

Good luck. 

Colour is a very powerful and simple tool which can be used to create atmosphere and ambience  This applies not only to weddings but any occasion you are planning where you want your guests to have a WOW experience.

People tend to limit the use of colour to flowers, linens, stationery, ribbons etc.  Of course, this is a great way to use colour, but I would strongly suggest that you can introduce your colour scheme in other ways that will definitely keep your guests talking!

Most people tend to deal with flowers & decor as a separate issue.  By  simply working with your chef, catering company or venue and discussing how your colour could be incorporated into the menu will add unexpected elements of fun and keep guests enchanted with not only the visual experience but the celebratory experience/occasion in general.

Lighting also creates an amazing atmosphere and something as simple as putting colour filters onto up lighters in the corners of a room can make an incredible difference.  Soft candlelight, coloured light and filtered light is more flattering, calming and will undoubtably enhance the general ambience.  This need not be expensive and most DJ's will be happy to assist with some spot lights and colour filters.

In order to maximise a guests experience and ensure a lively atmosphere you need to set a pace.  Little touches, little experiences and elements of surprise throughout the day/evening will pay bigger dividends than too much of one thing.  If your guests are happy and having a good time your occasion will definitely be a success.

Happy planning!

~Neva Ward~

occasion (noun)

A particular time, event, ceremony, celebration

celebration

may refer to party, festival, feast

Reflecting on the meaning of the word occasion I realise that I have only experienced three great occasions in my life.  My marriage and then the birth of my two boys.  We have, however, had many celebrations in our home - birthdays, christmas, school leaving, graduation etc.  These are always marked by good food, wine, friends and family which usually results in a party!

A wedding is a one-off (or should be).  A particular date and time is selected which creates an event, a ceremony takes place (religious or secular) to solemnise the moment and thereafter a celebration takes place.

I have often had a couple telling me they just want to have a party.  I quite understand the feeling that the day should be fun and enjoyed by all, but at the same time it is definitely not just a party.  It is an occasion where two people are making a life long commitment to eachother.  Serious stuff.  The guests are witnessing the promises that are being made and true friends and family should be present, not mere acquaintances.

I personally cannot get my head around having carnival and circus themes for a wedding.  Yes, it would create great decor opportunities and elements of fun but for me best suited to an engagement party or milestone birthday.  A wedding is a once off opportunity to do all things grand.

It is the opportunity to wear the most beautiful and stunning dress you can find, to compliment it with a beautiful hair style to have your groom looking ultra sexy in an immaculate suit, debonnaire with a boutonnaire!! When can you ever do this again?  Along with this goes a certain sophistication and good food, wine, dancing, flowers, soft lighting, candles, music, friends and family will be the formula for the celebration of the occasion.  Nothing needs to be over the top but what you choose should be done immaculately and befitting to the occasion.

By all means introduce something quirky, something fun and/or something unexpected but I say embrace the moment.  This special day is truly a once in a life time.  So special.

Whether you decide to have a breakfast or a lunch or a conventional dinner/dance just take the opportunity to make it an occasion.

With the cost of living escalating we are seeing the return of smaller more intimate weddings. Couples are being more discerning when compiling their guest lists and it is no longer acceptable for unmarried/single guests to expect to drag along partners.  When you consider that an average wedding is costing between R1,000.00 - R1,500.00 per person it is very ungracious to expect the couple to include long lost cousins, relatives and all work associates on their guest list.

When you receive a wedding invite in the post (it is wonderful receiving things in the post), it will give you a "taste" of what is to come.  Time, place, formal, informal.  Be polite and RSVP timeously and when the great day arrives guests put on your glad rags too!!

~Neva Ward~

I am a girl who has a lot of favourite things.  Anything beautiful, well made and expensive is probably on my list.  Why is it when I see a pair of shoes I like, I just know I am not going to be able to afford them?

We are now headed towards the 2014/2015 wedding season.  I am enjoying seeing smaller more intimate weddings and next season brides are warming to the idea of including gold and bling into their decor.

The last wedding I did the styling and decor for is always my favourite wedding.  However, these are a few of my personal favourites for the new season:

1.  GREENERY

It is refreshing that brides are once again happy to incorporate greenery into their flower arrangements.  I love greenery as, in my opinion, it makes floral arrangements look fresh and natural.  The inclusion of greenery reduces costs and the voluptious clustered type flower arrangements are, for the average bride, not cost effective.

2. STATIONERY

I am mad about beautiful stationery.  Well designed stationery contributes hugely to decor.  From the moment you receive a wedding invitation in the mail the tone is set for your wedding. It is an easy way to bring pattern, colour and theme to your table decor, as well as possibly some fun.  It is a great way to individualise as in personalised menus, place names, menus, thank you's attached to bonbonierres etc.  It adds sophistication and occasion and I value its contribution to table decor so highly that I ask brides-to-be to even consider reducing floral arrangements on the table to make sure decor includes fabulous stationery. Remember table decor is made up of many different components.

3.  ILLUSION NECKLINES, BACKLESS DRESSES AND DETAILED BELTS

I have this "thing" for backless dresses or dresses with very low, scooped out backs.  I am particularly enjoying lots of cut out lace detail on the back of dresses.  The back view of your wedding dress is really important as during the ceremony most people will be viewing you from behind.  Illusion necklines always make a dress look so feminine and pretty and the addition of detailed belts with pearls, crystals, fabric flowers etc., stunning.

3.  FLOWER GIRLS

All wedding should have at least one flower girl dressed in layer upon layer of tulle and wearing a flower crown/circlet.  The cute factor is always a winner.

4.  FLORAL CROWNS

Floral crowns, circlets, flowers in the hair are so popular at the moment and we are seeing them in every form on Pinterest, Bridal Magazines and our own brides embracing the trend.

5.  CANDLES, CANDLES, CANDLES

I have always loved using masses of candles and they remain one of the formulae for stunning decor.  A combination of different height candlesticks, candelabra and a variety of candles adds so much interest to table decor.  I try to endeavour to have candlelight set at 3 different levels.

6.  LIGHTING

There is some inspirational lighting effects available.  A lot of venues have beautiful chandeliers but venues with high ceilings cry out for imaginative lighting.  The addition of some up-lighters, which are relatively inexpensive can transform a room. 

7.  HANGING FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Not much to be said -  I am crazy about them!!  I will not be loosing any opportunity to include them in decor this season.

8.  BLING/GOLD

I am enjoying introducing touches of bling (glitter) or touches of gold into the decor for weddings.  Nothing like a bit of glitz for glamour.  Brides are much more confident using gold this season.

Finally -  much of your decor will be affected by your choice of venue i.e. the location of your venue and the room or area where you plan to hold your reception.  All aspects of your decor need to fit the venue style. To a very large extent your choice will dictate your decor choices.  Bear that in mind when selecting your venue.  Think carefully before signing on the dotted line.  Do not rush even though the venue may tell you there are 5 people who are interested in booking on the same date!!  Have someone looking over the contract with you and sit down in an unstressed environment and systematically work though your day and what your requirements are and what, most importantly, is your highest priority for your decor.

We have completed our last wedding for the 2013/2014 season.  I have, as always, enjoyed each and every wedding that we have been involved with and the range of styles and decor.  Each wedding was unique and reflected the personalities of both bride and groom. 

We now look back and reflect on our business.  Are we competitive within the current market?  Is our standard consistent and do we offer a top class service to our brides?  These are just two of many questions we will be asking ourselves as we prepare for the 2014/2015 season.

My aim is to be intimately involved with each couple from our first consultation through to their wedding day.  I am relentless in trying to find the right style to best reflect them as a couple and to work within the specified budget.

Everyone has been affected by the current economic situation, world-wide.  In my opinion, it is now more important than ever to work out a budget for your wedding and stick to it.  It is much appreciated when couples are transparent and honest about their budget.  It makes it much easier for all involved.  However, there also needs to be a more realistic approach to the cost of flowers and decor for weddings.

Consultations, styling, sourcing various items, ordering flowers, collecting flowers, floral materials, delivery, set-up and labour are all part and parcel of our preparations for a wedding and needs to be factored in.

We need to see more simple and/or minamalistic floral arrangements.  So many brides do not want to use greenery but I would suggest that this is something that should change.  Greenery helps to fill out and enhance flower arrangements.  It helps to create a more relaxed and "just picked" look which is very on trend at the moment.  I will continue to emphasise that great table decor is not only created with flower arrangements but also relies heavily on candlelight and, of course, beautiful stationery (menu's, placenames etc). 

Bright and Beautiful have purchased some lovely glass containers and still have a great selection of white ceramic vases.  All our vases are used exclusively for Bright and Beautiful brides and are not hired out. 

Soft and romantic is still the most popular choice for weddings.  Blush pink, white and cream seem to top the list for the new season. 

Our team remains the same and we continue to only take on between 12-14 weddings in the season (September - April). 

I urge interested couples to take advantage of our free, non-obligatory consultation.  It is not possible for me to give accurate quotations based on pictures sent to me via e-mail.  After our consultation, where I will be able to ascertain your requirements, budget etc., I will put together a detailed quotation for you.

We continue to offer a set-up team for "do it yourself" brides.  This will be charged at a set rate and includes one consultation with the couple to collect all necessary information regarding their requirements as well as making a detailed sketch of venue layout, sketch of decor on tables, set-up on the day, staying at venue to assist (only if necessary) and break down of decor (only if necessary).

And to answer my own questions!! Yes, Bright and Beautiful remains extremely competitive within the market.  We always use top quality flowers and give our clients value for their money and yes, our standard is consistent.  We go beyond the call to see that our decor is faultless.We pride ourselves on our attention to detail.  All bridal couples and weddings are dealt with professionally regardless of size or budget.

Happy wedding planning!

~Neva Ward~