Congratulations, Adam!

Adam

Congregation Kol Ami

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

On Saturday, we had the honor of celebrating with Adam and his family. The special event's lively tree theme grew out of inspiration from a recent tree planting in Jerusalem, which Adam and his family dedicated in memory of his late Grandparents. 

Hues of bright blues and apple greens were displayed throughout the linens, flowers and other decor.  Tables were adorned with beribboned grass squares, with sprouting blue delphinium stems. Additional tables featured sophisticated chrome lanterns accented with birch branches and lemon leaves. Inside, oversized pillar candles were wrapped with custom-designed paper cuffs--featuring the Jerusalem skyline. A guitar aficionado, Adams sign-in station featured a blue acoustic guitar, with signage that thanked guests for 'playing a part' in his special celebration and beckoned them for their 'autograph'.

Don't Let a Layout Floor You

Photography for La Petite Fleur by Lori Gail Photography

Sure, your venue may say they’ve seated 250 guests, but was there enough space left for 250 dancing queens at that event? Or, were guests bumpin’ you-know-whats as they got up from the tables? Or worse… they weren’t even seated in the same room for dinner? Oh yes, it happens.

No matter how high the ballroom ceiling may be or how short your guest list is, a floor plan is vital to your reception. Think of it as a blueprint to a beautiful time. No, that’s not an overstatement... it’s the ugly truth (if not done right!).

The layout of your event— from cocktails, to dinner and dancing— hinges on not just space, but placement and flow.  As guests enter a space, it should be clear what is occurring where.  The room should have a focal point— be it an escort card display, bandstand, sweetheart table, or vodka bar.  It should also have balance, visual interest and enough space for you and your guests to enjoy every aspect of the affair (without getting too close and personal).

So now that you’re adequately overwhelmed by the prospect of mapping-out your wedding’s layout, let us also tell you that this task involves more than a seating chart. 

But never fear, the how-to on avoiding floor plan pitfalls is right here:

Size matters. And in the event of “an event,” it matters in more ways than one. The size of your guest list, the size of your venue, the size of your dance floor, the size of your tables is all relative. What you want is proportion.  Don’t squeeze too many tables in a room and don’t select too large of a space.

Know what you need to know. Ask your venue how many people it can comfortably accommodate versus maximum capacity. Then, ask how they set-up a room and how many seats it provides for a cocktail reception versus a buffet or sit down. And if given a range, ere on the conservative end. And, be wary of selecting a venue that can “just fit” your entire guest list and don’t ever select a location hoping that 40 people won’t be able to make it.

 

Mix it up. Add visual interest and, subsequently, more centerpiece options, by varying table shapes. Use rectangles with rounds, or even incorporate mission style tables.  Then you can use different, but coordinating, linens in addition to varying centerpiece styles for a bigger design impact.

Beware of bumper butts. Although nothing says chic like a cheek to the back of the head, butt kissing during dinner may be memorable, it isn’t desirable.  And speaking of being too close for comfort, avoid overcrowding tables. If using 60” round tables, then only sit 8 people at each; 72” rounds, 10 at each.

Put pencil to paper. If your venue doesn’t offer floor plans, then ask for the room’s dimensions (don’t forget the dance floor, bars & doors) and draw your own. You can do it all from scratch or search the web for a template.  Then, share this document with your event designer as you discuss flowers and décor, as well as with your maitre de to ensure everyone is on the same page. And if you’re planning on a seating chart or escort cards, you’ll most certainly need the floor plan for reference.  

And just so we’re clear, there is such a thing as too much space. Decorating and filling a room that can comfortably accommodate a 250 person reception, is not the right space for 70 guests. You’ll end up wasting time and money trying to make it intimate.

Spring Cleaning

Image courtesy of DeShelia Spann Photography

If you have been busy readying your closet for warmer weather-- anticipating blush pinks, bright yellows and turquoise-- you are not alone. The gang at LPF is super-psyched for everything the warm weather brings, including lots of weddings. As we prepare for a bustling event season—our moods and sassy attitudes are lightened by the thought of soon working with bright colors, the season’s new crop of flower varieties and, of course, the hottest trends.

Inspirations 'pop up' all over the place during the Spring. You see them in the magazines on your doorstep, emails in your inbox and spotlighted in store windows throughout malls and boutiques. As such, the trends and styles we see our brides accessorizing with, serve as inspiration for us when designing their big days.

So when selecting your attire for your special day, make to choose something that reflects your personal style. We love to see quirky accents like a fun colored shoe, or fancy clutch to add a touch of whimsy to otherwise 'stayed' traditional elegance.

And for the guys, try buttons or wire around boutonnieres to add a special flare. You can even consider a fun patterned ribbon or a vintage tie clip.

Don’t be afraid of bright colors-- if not with your shoes, or jewelry, try it with your flowers or invitations. Blooms are for a bride, after all, the most precious accessory next to your hubby-to-be. Give yourself the color, and have your bridesmaids all carry white. Or, give them each a different bouquet in varying shades of pink for an ombre-like effect. Then, gather all the varieties, for your bridal bouquet. Of course, the white bridal bouquet is fabulous, but consider mixing it up by adding a vintage brooch either in the blooms, or on the stems.

Photo by SAS Becker for La Petite Fleur

And let’s not forget paper… the possibilities are limitless. If you're event is taking place in the Spring or Summer, be sure to select a color pallette that feels light and crisp. Have fun with your invitations-- choose a pop of color for the lining of your envelope. Or, choose an all white invitation, with a reception card that features a surprising pattern or design element.

Then, get savvy with your summertime style infusion and select a signature drink that boasts a color fro, your palette. 

Color can play a pivotal part in a posh party, so pull one (or two in) for punch and panache! 

Burgeoning Blooms...

Beware: Big Doesn’t Beget Beauty

More flowers don’t give you more look— rather, they just give you more to look at.

Now, please don’t misunderstand us. We’re big on blooms… in fact, they’re at the root of almost everything we do (wink, wink)!

Courtesy of Smirnov Weddings for La Petite Fleur

A tall arrangement doesn’t necessarily mean high-style, so don’t blow-off collections of containers or centerpieces that utilize accessories, like specialty candle holders, when considering your centerpieces. And flowers are inherently beautiful, so the right variety, color and cylinder can make an impression without being over-the-top. So for a simply sophisticated look, stick with a cluster of uber-chic alliums in a pilsner vase and finish off the look with an assortment of cubes with floating flowers and candles.

Photo of Bouquet Designed by LPF, Courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

And as far as bouquets go, pretty and proportionate are the priorities. You invested some serious style energy (not to mention money) into your gown, so don’t be tempted to select flowers and, ultimately, a bouquet, that will mess with the dress. We implore you to share a picture, not just a description of your dress (and your bridesmaids’ dresses) with your florist to design a bouquet— sized for your stature— that complements, rather than competes with, your look. So, if your gown has intricate detailing, particularly flowers on the bodice— a bloom with clean lines, such as a calla lily, will offer just the right juxtaposition to be petal perfect.

However, at the root of our message is that size matters just as much as the beauty of the individual blooms. So whether you’re talking personal flowers or reception decor, ensure you discuss proportions with your florist because too sparse a look is just as un-fabulous as too much look.

Pattern Up Your Party

Photo courtesy of SAS Becker Creative Photography

Now, when we say “patterns,” we’re not talking about china.  We love when our clients transcend the stand-alone color palette for their wedding by infusing their décor with damask, swirls, caning and, even, textured fabrics.  It adds character and class. 

Patterns aren’t limited to stripes and polka dots, nor are these designs restricted to the preppy look any more. Alternating white and pale pastel stripes, and color-on-color oversized dots can be used to evoke a vintage look.  Meanwhile, wide stripes in a deep tone-on-tone presentation offer a sophisticated impression.  Of course, we also love damask in every size and color, especially because it’s fabric inspired, and goes so well with rich florals.

Photo courtesy of Wren and Field Photography

For sure, patterns can infuse traditional affairs with unexpected elegance and more casual or outdoor events with sophisticated fun. However, be aware that patterns can easily go awry. So, when you find yourself devoted to a design, refer to these rules for keeping your stripes straight and your cirques from swirling out of control.

• Find inspiration. For a bride, this can be as easy as looking at your gown or talking through your and your finance’s personal style with your event designer.
• Resist a rainbow connection. Don’t mix pastel and primaries, or vibrant with muted tones.
• Be mindful of your color palette.  Use related colors to tie the patterns together. Choose distinctively different designs-- like a wide stripe and a paisley in the same palette.

And now you probably want to know the right places for patterns in your party décor. Read-on you reception renegade:

• To start, the place and medium can be unexpected.  Let a pattern in on the action with your bouquets.  Blooms themselves can bring a design to the table, like the Vanda orchid, which appears to have polka dotted petals. Or, confer with your floral designer regarding ordering a custom ribbon to wrap your stems.
• Then remember, your stationery can say a lot about your event’s style, so it’s the perfect place to debut a damask with a specialty paper. Talk with your stationery designer about paper selections and/or designing a logo for your event that uses an element that you’d like to feature throughout your affair—from invitations and table cards, to a dance floor wash and linens. 
• Finally, flowers and décor are primed for pretty patterns. Talk with your floral/event designer about playing with (or on) the patterns from your stationery suite for to accent your room décors—from the linens and centerpieces, to the place settings and table cards—your reception offers a myriad of marvelous opportunities to infuse patterns and, subsequently, character.

La Petite Fleur is Blushing with Pride!

It’s official… La Petite Fleur is a 2011 ­­Winner in The Knot Best of Weddings!

The Knot Best of Weddings List is a special section in The Knot magazine and on TheKnot.com and is a must-have for couples when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources in their city.

So naturally, La Petite Fleur is blushing with pride!

And how does The Knot know the who’s who in the wedding biz in cities across the nation?  Well, each year, this leading wedding resource asks recent brides to rate and review their wedding vendors to compile the “best of wedding pros” list.

So how did it all happen for LPF, you ask? Well, you see, it went a little something like this:

The proposal: “Will you review us,” asked LPF of its client with sincerity?
The reply: "Yes,” said our brides (and grooms) enthusiastically!
The engagement: Couples logged-on to theknot.com following their weddings and posted glowing reviews.
The big day: On March 17th, LPF received a 2011 Pick Knot Best of Weddings award for Philadelphia/Delaware!

What now? La Petite Fleur lives happily ever after—designing weddings and events— as a proud 2011 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings!

And for us, the best part about being a “best of,” is having been picked by our very own brides and grooms… not to mention industry peers as well!

So in the end, what we really want you to know is how grateful we are for the couples who partnered with us on their special days because, as you can see, they are special to us, too!
 

We’re “In,” Again! (Oops, we did it again)

Our design team prides itself on being in tune with clients, in front of trends and once again… in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog with the fall wedding of Amanda and Wes.

When the artful eyes of Style Me Pretty’s editors caught a glimpse of the “Green & Aubergine Scene” La Petite Fleur made at Huntingdon Valley Country Club for this couple’s wedding, they wanted to see more.  And then, what they wanted even more was to share the event’s design with all brides- and grooms-to-be. 

And we, well we were smitten with the idea of showcasing not only one of favorite looks, but one of our most collaborative (and beautiful) couples! 

So with the help of Lori Gail photography, and Lorraine Dailey Weddings, we are “in” the prestigious blog with detail shots of Amanda and Wes’s delicate blooms, vibrant pallet and stunning style—which against the lush, classic backdrop of Huntingdon Valley Country Club— is both a bride’s and a designer’s dream!

So what are you waiting for… an invitation to the blog? Well, you’re in luck (even if you’re not Irish). 

We, the design team of La Petite Fleur, formally request the honor of your presence at the wedding of Amanda and Wes as seen on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog.   

And while you’re at it, be style-forward… send these stunning scenes from Amanda and Wes’s big day to every former, current or soon-to-be-bride you know. Believe us, they’ll want to be in-the-know about who and what is in… style.