Summertime Party Ideas

The temperatures are rising and we find ourselves right in the height of summertime. It’s time to throw on your favorite tank top and shorts, call up your closest friends, and host a fun-filled backyard party. Whether you’re hosting a large bash or an intimate affair, here are the trendiest ideas in summertime décor for your next get together.

Arabian Nights: As you’re serving marinated kabobs, dips served with fresh veggies and pita chips, and sipping on a cool drink, they’ll be transported to the Middle East at your Arabian Nights themed summer gathering.

The key to the décor with this theme is seating. Stock up on plush, comfy outdoor pillows where guests can lounge on your back deck. This theme is perfect if you don’t already own a lot of patio furniture. These inexpensive plush seating pillows can be combined with your existing patio furniture. Simply cover your existing patio furniture with slip covers and cushions in the bright color palette of your party.

After adding some flair with outdoor furniture, the transformation of outdoor living space to Arabian party venue continues with the addition of lighting. You can stock up on colorful paper lanterns at places like the dollar store and craft stores such as Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. You’ll can combine your paper lanterns with simple white holiday string lights covered in gauzy fabric for a more muted and romantic lighting.

To complete your theme, consult Peachtree Petals for flowers and summer plants to add to the ambience. Think about a night-blooming jasmine variety to fill the air with sweet scents in your Arabian Night.

Tiki Bar: You might not have the opportunity to travel to your favorite beach spot this summer, but with your friends by your side and these decorating ideas, you can bring that spot to you! Transform your backyard living space into your favorite Tiki Bar.

Start by adding some simple but clever Polynesian touches to your party space, like a raffia skirt around your buffet table. You can find these skirts at your local craft stores, or you can simply make your own. Once your buffet table has been given some festive touches you can display your spread that enhances the island vibes. Think fresh tropical fruits, lots of shrimp, marinated meats, and of course the mai-tais. Use banana leaves, bamboo skewers, and toothpick umbrellas to decorate the food itself as you serve it to your guests.

The staff at Peachtree Petals will help provide the right type of lush vegetation and live orchids to mix with whole pineapples and coconuts to create the perfect Tiki Bar centerpieces. Turn on your island music, and voila!

Christmas in July: If you find yourself humming “Jingle Bells” all year round, and itching to host your next Ugly Sweater party, this Christmas in July themed party is for you. While a Santa in a Speedo might not be possible, these party tips will get you rockin’ around the Christmas tree even in July.

Start by setting up your Christmas tree. Pour some play sand (found at your local hardware store) around the base, and decorate with seashells, starfish, and plastic palm trees. You can create unique centerpieces by forming Christmas trees out of Styrofoam balls and hot gluing on seashells. Be sure to use a plastic starfish at the top for the Christmas star! Next hang stockings next to beach balls and loop Christmas lights with garland and brightly colored summer flowers.

When you've got your décor set up, you can focus on your menu. Try deep frying a turkey outside and serving an icy cranberry flavored cocktail. For dessert serve your traditional family recipe for pumpkin pie, or have guests decorate their own gingerbread beach houses.

Whether you're throwing one of these themed bashes or one of your own, Peachtree Petals is here to help with your summertime party décor. Peachtree Petals has been Atlanta's preferred florist for years. With professionally trained and FTD certified staff, simple all-inclusive pricing, and free delivery to the Atlanta metro area, Peachtree Petals is the easy choice to create unique arrangements for your party. Contact Peachtree today online at www.peachtreepetals.com, or by phone at 678-336-1195.

Popular Wedding Flowers In July!

Summer weddings are magnificent to behold. Whether your wedding is indoor or outdoor, you are going to enjoy the beauty of the weather and the liveliness of nature all around you. If your wedding is in July, this is a great month to have a wedding!

With everything you have going on to make your wedding to be all that you've imagined it to be, you can not forget your wedding flowers. You wedding can be even more memorable with the touch of beauty that your wedding flower and floral decor will bring. With so many decisions on your hands, it may be challenging to decide on the right flowers for your wedding. Here are some popular wedding flowers in July that you can select from that may be exactly what you are looking for!

Hydrangeas - These beautiful flowers are wonderful and bring a quiet elegance to any wedding. This flowers comes in large clusters of flowers, therefore, it doesn't take much of them for your wedding. They are great for July because they appear so soft, lively and full. They come in a variety of colors, such as white, green, blue, and pink.

Poppies - There is not a more simple and sweet flower than the poppie. This is a versatile flower, therefore, can be used for wedding floral decor and wedding table centerpieces. You can use them within slender vases for an Asian appeal. Cut poppies do not last long, therefore, keep this in mind when choosing this type of flower is you are considering not throwing them away after your wedding.

Roses - Of course, you can never go wrong with the number one flower in the world--the rose. It is beautiful, versatile, modern, and elegant, all in one. Roses come in a large assortment of colors, such as white, purple, red, yellow, peach, pink, hot pink, and lavender. They are perfect for wedding corsages and wedding boutonnieres. Also, because they are available year-round and have so much variety, you can get roses for an affordable price.

Gerber Daisies - These are perfect for a July wedding because gerbers have a very fun appeal to them. They radiate joy, beauty and life! They are so colorful, which you can choose from burgundy, yellow, white, red, pink, and more. These are great for mixing with another primary flower such as lillies and roses. Also, you can select these for a delightful wedding floral decor, fitting for your summer wedding.

You do not have to look any further to find the most popular wedding flowers. Peachtree Petals is well-known leader in wedding floral and decor services. From wedding bouquets and wedding centerpieces, Peachtree Petals can provide all you need for your July wedding. The Atlanta Florist also offers free floral wedding consultations and is willing to discuss all of your wedding floral needs. We would love to be a part of your big moment. At Peachtree Petals, we love our brides! Please visit us at www.peachtreepetals.com or call us a 678-336-1195 today!

The Best Summer Wedding Dresses

There's nothing like having an amazing wedding dress to put your guest in awe of your beauty, not to mention your husband-to-be. A woman looks her most beautiful on her wedding day! It is only right that she has the most beautiful wedding dress to match.

Right now, it's summer and if you are having a July wedding, you don't want to just wear any dress. There is something called heat all around, and you must be aware that your body could potentially respond the wrong way if you are too hot in your wedding dress. This is just one of several reasons why the right wedding dress matters. Most wedding dresses can be worn year-round because most brides have their wedding indoors. However, summer is summer and there are still some that are better than others to choose from.

Below are some great tips when it comes to choosing the best summer wedding dress for you.

Fit - You definitely want to have a wedding dress that allow you movement during the summer. You also want a light and airy dress. You want to remain cool, therefore, do not choose a dress with long sleeves. Strapless wedding dresses are versatile and spaghetti straps work well, which have the look of a strapless gown as well. Halter tops on wedding dress can be worn, however, if you do not want to bare your shoulders and arms, where a short-sleeve dress. With a short-sleeve wedding dress, it would help to have it knee-length instead of it being more traditionally long. You also want to avoid wearing a dress with too many layers.

Colors - For a summer wedding, you definitely want to have the right colors. Choose a crisp white that looks cool or a variation of it. Rich colors will work well also, such as ivory or cream. Silver accents and gold undertones are beautiful. You can also go for a more non-traditional look by adding subtle color undertones like pink or earth-tone. Be mindful if you are having an outdoor wedding of how the colors will look within the location setting with sunlight as well. Materials - One thing about a summer wedding, once you are in the dress, you are in it on your wedding day. The wedding material is going to matter. Make sure the materials of your wedding dress not only look beautiful, but feel comfortable. You do not want to be occupied with having to bear through your own wedding because of a dress made of material that's too hot and uncomfortable. You want to have cool material that you can relax in. Cotton is breathable and great for beach weddings. Silk is also very lightweight. Silk georgette is an especially sheer type of silk and excellent for layering. Organza is beautiful and has a more defined, tailored look than silk also.

Embellishments - Keep your embellishments on your wedding dress lightweight. Fine lace is a great choice. Avoid too many layers of embellishments, such as beads on the dress and keep them small. It all may be pretty, however, this is the best way to go during your summer wedding.

Even with the best summer wedding dress, you will need the best wedding flowers to match. Peachtree Petals is well-known leader in wedding floral and decor services. From wedding bouquets and wedding centerpieces, to wedding corsages and wedding boutonnieres, Peachtree Petals can meet all of your floral wedding needs. The Atlanta Florist also offer free floral wedding consultations and does not have a minimum budget requirement as well. At Peachtree Petals, we love our brides! Please visit us at www.peachtreepetals.com or call us a 678-336-1195 today!

Reference: e.how.com, Sally Murphy, The Best Summer Wedding Dresses

2013 Wedding Trends

This week celebrity wedding planner, Mindy Weiss, revealed the top wedding trends of 2013. Mindy has planned Hollywood-chic weddings for some A-List celebrities like Nicole Richie, Hilary Duff, Fergie, and Heidi Klum to name a few. From one of the most revered wedding and event planners, here are 2013’s hottest wedding trends.

A Black Tie Affair: This year we can see a return to formality. Perhaps inspired by the recent nuptials of Kate Middleton and Prince William, weddings this year are taking on a more formal tone. You’ll see the return of the black tie, crystal chandeliers, and gold trimmed chargers at dinner. We can also expect to see the return of the full length gown for bridesmaids.

Neutral Color Pallets: Move over pink and orange, there’s a new sheriff in town! Keeping with the formal trend, we’ll see brides moving away from the brighter hues we've grown so accustomed to. Instead we can now expect to see more muted tones like grey and beige with black accents to add a pop and hint of drama.

Metallic Shine: Complimentary of the grey and black coloring of wedding décor and attire, you can expect to receive foil stamped invitations. Brides are delighted to see their name glistening in the light with these invitations. Silver, gold, and bronze metallic shine are added to the muted pallet of the invitations adding a sophisticated touch.

The Menu: We will begin to see couples embracing their heritage in the cocktail hour. Whether it is a Vietnamese or Puerto Rican dish, guests can expect flavorful appetizers with significance to the backgrounds of their beloved bride and groom. In addition to the change in cocktail hour, we’re seeing a new entrée trend emerging in 2013. You might not see the traditional beef or chicken option on your RSVP card included in your foil stamped invite. Instead the most requested meat for the entrée is pork! Braised pork shoulder grilled with black beans, pickled onions, and avocado salsa is a hit with Mindy Weiss’ event planning team.

Incorporating some of these trends into your special day is a fun way to bring Hollywood to your life. The Atlanta bridal consultants at Peachtree Petals are here to help you customize your big day while adhering to the latest trends, or following your own personal style. Todd and his team at Peachtree offer complimentary wedding consultations daily. To schedule your free consultation today, visit Peachtree Petal’s website at www.peachtreepetals.com or reach them by phone at 678-336-1195.

Reference: Migdol, Erin. "Wedding Trends: Celebrity Planner Mindy Weiss Reveals What's New In Decor, Style." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 02 July 2013. Web. 02 July 2013.

Planning Your Wedding Reception on a Budget

The wedding day is one of the most important days in a couple’s lives, but with the staggering cost of having a wedding and reception, it can easily seem like the most daunting. With wedding season in full swing, here are just a few tips to help keep the cost of your reception well within your budget.

Location: One of the pricier portions of the reception budget is the location. Try booking locations that are not typically used for wedding receptions like parks, picnic shelters, smaller churches, and civic organizations. Also try booking your venue for days and times that are less common for weddings like Sundays and between noon and 3 p.m. Book as early as possible. Booking early can help you negotiate a better rate. Also be sure to get the agreement in writing to avoid any additional fees later.

The Menu: If having a $30 a plate dinner at your reception just doesn't fit into your budget, try serving h'orderves and appetizers rather than a full meal. Booking your reception for early afternoon not only saves on your location expense, it means guests will be in between lunch and dinner and less hungry than at dinner time, allowing you to serve bite-sized portions. Some of the most popular wedding h'orderves and appetizers of 2013 include:

• Mozzarella wrapped prosciutto skewers
• Bite sized grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup shooters
• Mini twice baked potatoes topped with cheese, sour cream, and chives
• Iced cocktail shrimp served with a spicy cocktail sauce

You can also save on drinks at your reception. Instead of having an open bar that can cost over $1,000.00, try serving a signature drink. For greater continuity with your wedding party and décor, match the colors of your signature drinks to your wedding colors, or the colors of the season.

Entertainment: For your entertainment think about your talented friends and family members. Are any of them skilled in a particular instrument that would serve as the perfect background music to your cocktail hour? Do you know a talented vocalist that could pen and perform a song especially for your perfect day? If not, do not worry. Think about your venue; if you’ll be tying the knot at a church or civic organization, they will likely have a sound system you can use. Create your perfect iPod playlist and hook it up to the sound system for hours of dancing.

Décor: Save on décor by hitting up craft stores and your local dollar store. Here you’ll find many pre-made options and the supplies necessary to create one of kind DIY pieces. Also be sure to contact Todd at Peachtree Petals, Atlanta's leading florist. Todd and his staff will provide you with a complimentary consultation to ensure you the best in quality, style, and cost for your big day. The staff at Peachtree Petals can design bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and other wedding day décor within any budget.

Peachtree Petals is located at 1231 Collier Rd. Ste. H Atlanta, GA. 30318. To schedule your free personal wedding consultation use Peachtree's simple appointment scheduler located in the wedding section of their website at www.peachtreepetals.com, or call 678-336-1195.

Marketers Spending More On Paid Search Ads For Weddings!

Internet Retailer recently reported that more marketers are do more paid search spending for weddings. It appears as the economy slowly turns upward, more couples are doing more spending on their weddings. According to a 2011 survey, the average wedding budget at that time was $27,000. The Knot, a popular wedding website and e-retailer, conducted the survey. The wedding company also found that there are 2 million weddings performed per year in the US. The domestic wedding industry is worth more than $500 million per year as of today.

With these types of figures within the wedding industry, e-retailers are beginning to jump at the chance to make investments to steer many happy brides their way for business. Companies are spending money for wedding-related paid search campaigns to accomplish this. Paid research firm AdGooroo stated in the report that total pay-per-click spending on wedding related paid search ads have increased to $19 million in 2011, which is way up from $13.3 million a year before. These numbers jumped again to $22 million in 2012 as well.

In the first five months of this year, the wedding pay-per-click spending has decreased 21% compared to 2012. However, even with the decrease, the article stated it is likely to result in the shift in clicks from advertising spending and pay-per-click text ads to Google Product Listing Ads. Therefore, the end results are still promising for the year. The Knot stated December is the most popular month for engagements and January is the month for planning. Click-through rates will spike during this time for wedding advertisers' sites and has done so for the past four years in January AdGooroo said.

There are a number of items within the planning aspect of a wedding that couples search for. The number one item couples are searching the web for are wedding rings. 29.2% of all wedding -related paid search ads on Google AdWords was "engagement" or "wedding ring". The second one is the wedding dress or gown at 26.8%. Designer and brand searches ranked 9th on the paid search campaigns, such as David's Bridal, Martha Stewart and Vera Wang. This category also posted the highest click-through rate at 19%, in comparison to the overall 3.6% for all wedding paid search ads stated AdGooroo. The most expensive ads to perform by wedding companies is for wedding photography and videography.

Even with all of the attention the core items needed for a wedding receive, no wedding is complete without an exceptional florist. Peachtree Petals is able to meet all of your wedding floral needs and more! From wedding bouquets to wedding centerpieces, Peachtree Petals this Atlanta florist can do it all. We have also received a 2013 Bride's Choice Award from nationally-recognized WeddingWire and we are a David's Bridal preferred floral wedding vendor. Our designers have over 50 years of experience and we also have our very own staffed Atlanta floral wedding consultant to meet with our clients' regarding their big moment. Please visit us at www.peachtreepetals.com or call us at 1-800-337-1755 for wedding flowers today!

References: 6.21.13, Internet Retailer, Katie Deatsch, Marketers say “I do” to more wedding-related paid search spending