Fall Wedding Tips

For decades summer has been the choice wedding season for most brides. However, with the rich inspiring colors of fall, the changing of the leaves, more flower options than ever before, and the nostalgic feeling the simple smell of cinnamon and nutmeg produce, more brides are opting for a fall soiree.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask: Since the busiest season for wedding venues is usually in the summer, many wedding venues offer deals to fall brides. Venues will be trying to generate as much business as possible during this slower season, so don't be afraid to ask for special pricing for your venue.

Go Natural: Possible the biggest advantage to saying "I do" in the fall is the season's natural beauty. Incorporate fall specific nature elements into your wedding. The staff at Peachtree Petals can help you incorporate things like twigs, leaves, apples, pumpkins and gourds into your centerpieces, bouquets, and wedding photos. Rely on the staff at Peachtree to assist you utilizing these natural elements and to create unique arrangements for your special day.

Don't Be Afraid of Color: Along the lines of incorporating natural fall elements into your day, don't be afraid to play with the many colors of fall. Fall colors extend far beyond simply orange and brown. The season has so much more to offer. Start with a neutral palette like champagne, gold, and taupe, and then incorporate rich plums, greens, and royal blue for a unique pop of color.

Feast on Fall: Continue the fall theme throughout your meal. Start your guests off with vegetable soup in bright fall colors (think bright orange tomato soup, verdant pea soup, and rich purple beet soup), cranberry brie appetizer bites, and sweet and savory roasted mixed nuts during cocktail hour. Move into the entrée consisting of rich, hearty comfort foods like individual chicken pot pies, rich macaroni and cheese made with aged cheeses. Round out the meal with savory desserts like salted caramel apples, pumpkin pie tarts, or rich fudge-y brownies.

No matter what season your theme you decide on, the dedicated staff at Peachtree Petals, Atlanta's florist, is here to help you. Call Peachtree Petals today to schedule your appointment for a free wedding consultation. During this consultation, the staff at Peachtree Petals will listen to your vision for your big day and share their comprehensive wedding portfolio. The FTD certified Master Florists at Peachtree Petals bring years of experience to help you plan and execute the floral arrangements and decorations desired for your wedding day.

Halloween Flowers

A recent consumer habits study shows that Halloween is now second only to Christmas in terms of consumer spending. Consumers are spending more on candy, decorations, and costumes than ever before. This is evidenced in the chain of Halloween stores popping up in empty storefronts of strip malls, the multiple aisles devoted to the holiday at your local big box store, and the advertisements you’re receiving in the mail. While you might not want buy a foam gravestone for your front yard, or adorn your foyer in faux cob webs, Peachtree Petals has gorgeous Halloween bouquets to decorate your home or office this season.

Peachtree Petals is an FTD certified Master Florist, which guarantees you the freshest flowers of the highest quality, and FTD trademarked bouquets. The Boo-Quet is perfect for Halloween. This arrangement features bi-colored orange roses, orange carnations, burgundy mini-carnations and chrysanthemums, nestled inside of lush greens. These rich fall colors are accented by a “Trick or Treat” pic, a ribbon, and glass ball pic to tie in the festive holiday theme.

Another featured Halloween arrangement is the Boo-Quet Pumpkin. This is a gorgeous way to celebrate Halloween. Bright bi-colored orange roses, red Asiatic lilies, burgundy mini carnations, butterscotch chrysanthemums, and leafy greens arrive in a ceramic pumpkin container. Rounding out this delightful display, a haunted house pic and black birds and black stick details add a “spooky” element to this Halloween arrangement.

The knowledgeable staff at Peachtree Petals would be happy to create a unique arrangement to add Halloween cheer to your home or to send to a loved one. Using seasonal flowers such as roses, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums, in deep fall colors like red-orange, plum, cranberry, and gold, the staff at Peachtree Petals can create a distinctive arrangement just for you.

If flowers are not the right gift for your recipient, try sending them some of the gourmet chocolates The Atlanta florist offers. The coveted candy on Beggar’s Night has always been the candy bar, all the better if a King Size candy bar was bestowed upon you, and as adults your tastes surely are not much different. Peachtree Petals features handmade truffles and candies from Sweet Shop USA. You can create your own assortment, or browse from a variety of pre- packaged candy.

No matter your Halloween needs, Peachtree Petals is committed to providing the highest quality flowers and gifts. Contact Peachtree Petals to place your order today and qualify for free delivery within the Atlanta metro area.

Flower Lasting Tips

When you receive a floral arrangement from Atlanta's Florist, Peachtree Petals, you can expect the highest quality flowers to arrive. Our FTD Master florists pride themselves on this superior quality and would like for you to enjoy your new arrangement for as long as possible. Here are some guidelines to follow to ensure your gorgeous arrangement lasts.

• Cut all of the stems. You’ll want to pay special attention to woody stems, like the ones on roses. Cut a 45 degree angle with sharp scissors or a knife, about half an inch from the bottom of the stem. Once all stems are cut, place them into deep, fresh, cool water.
• Any foliage that is below water level will more than likely fall off into the water where it will rot. By cutting off any foliage below water level, you will lengthen the life of your beautiful arrangement.
• Unless your vase is crystal, you’ll want to use bleach or vinegar to ensure the cleanliness. If your arrangement from Peachtree Petals arrives in a vase, you can rest assured it meets this cleanliness standard, but if you want to use it again, we recommend cleaning it with bleach or vinegar, drying it completely, and storing it in a dry place.
• Every two days you will want to change the water, clean the vase, and cut the stems again. While this may sound like a lot of work, you will see a significant increase in the life of your arrangement by completing these simple tasks.
• I'm sure you've heard not to keep your flowers in a warm area (like your car), but keeping them in an area that is too cold is just as damaging. While a cool area may help your blooms last longer, very cold temperatures (in a car overnight in December, for example) can be just as hazardous.
• Store flowers away from direct sunlight. Putting your flowers in a window can act like a greenhouse and shorten their lifespan.
• If flowers begin to look limp, recut the stems by a couple of inches, put them in deep cool water up to their necks, and store them in a dark place for a few hours. This should be enough to noticeably rejuvenate your arrangement. Rearrange your stems when you’re ready to display them again.
• If roses start to go soft or limp around the neck, wrap them in paper so they stand straight. Next, you’ll cut off an inch or so at the bottom and in a heat proof container, stand them in two inches of boiling water for two to three minutes. Then, while they’re still in the paper, cut again just half an inch off of the bottom and put in deep cool water up to their necks. Store them in a dark cool place for a few hours and they should be standing again.
• Flowers that have many blooms on one stem, like freesias and lilys, will last longer when you remove the older flowers that have begun to wilt. Simply cut them using a pair of sharp scissors where the flower meets the stalk.

Peachtree Petals guarantees all of their floral arrangements. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the highest quality of flowers and foliage when you give or receive one of our gorgeous arrangements. Browse Peachtree Petals’ extensive website at www.peachtreepetals.com to place your order.

Pink Is In For October Weddings!

October is one of the best months of the year. One reason is October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The organization raises awareness to breast cancer and pink is the banner color being waved everywhere nationwide. Many supporters of the cause will be wearing pink. From businesses to professional athletes, pink is worn to support this great cause. Thousands of events and occasions are held nationwide during October, all revolving around the color pink to inspire all walks of women and others.

If you are having a wedding in October, there is not a better idea than to have pink as your wedding color theme. With so many shades of pink to choose from, you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for. You can have a pink wedding! Below are some great ideas for having a pink wedding in October.

Pink Cake Decorations – You can add pink decorations to your wedding cake. This can small roses delicately arranged around the tiers of the cake. You can sprinkle silk or even real-cut pink rose petals around your wedding cake in a circular fashion. Pink, hand-painted butterflies can be mounted on a section of your cake as well. Whatever decoration you come up with, different shades of pink will probably work best.

Flower Girl Baskets & Silk Rose Petals – One of the most beautiful and fun experiences within a wedding is watching the adorable, young flower girls walk down the aisle. Make your flower girl basket a shade of pink, such as strawberry cream, and use a pink corsage worn by the little carrier. To complete the basket, have the flower shower the aisle with standard light or fuchsia pink silk rose petals.

Bridesmaids' Gowns – You can really set the tone for your pink wedding by have your brides' maids wearing pink wedding gowns. Women love pink. You can also have gowns that are a different color and simply have pink flowers in various places to shower their dresses. This will be beautiful, and at the same time, it is an inspiring gesture to all women.

Candy Striped Lip Balm – Weddings aren't complete without the fun, out-of-the-box gifts given to your guests. Candy striped lip balm is one idea to leave with your guests to encourage a little more smooching in their lives. They can have a pink stripes on the outside of the balm. You can also select a balm that is pink itself and candy-flavored. This is a gift your guests will enjoy!

With all of the wedding inspiration for the month of October, you definitely will need an amazing florist to create the most beautiful October wedding bouquets to remember! Peachtree Petals is a recognized leading florist, able to meet any of your wedding floral and decor needs. From wedding centerpieces to wedding corsages, Peachtree Petals has over 25 years of design expertise to provide the floral arrangements you deserve. The Atlanta Florist also offers free wedding consultation and has no minimum budget requirements. We aim to please and we love our brides! Visit us at www.peachtreepetals.com or call us at 1-800-337-1755 today!

Don't Forget the Groom

The groom's cake is a tradition that started right here in the South. Years and years ago, single women would take home pieces of the groom's cake, stash their slice under their pillows, and dream about their own husbands-to-be. If you're a Steel Magnolia's fan like myself (and if you're from the great state of Georgia, I suspect you are), when you hear the term "groom's cake," you instantly think about that gruesome armadillo shaped, red velvet cake. The embarrassment of that tacky cake is a great comedic scene in the film when the bride shrieks in horror as she sees the tail cut from the armadillo's body with red velvet cake showing from under the icing. Regardless of your groom's hobbies and interests, you can incorporate a groom's cake into your reception that will affectionately represent your new husband while maintaining the elegance and class you've worked so hard to achieve. Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding on a groom's cake design.

Start Your Search Early: Because groom's cakes tend to be more intricate in shape, design, and materials used than the regular wedding cake, you'll want to give your cake designer plenty of time to create your masterpiece. Just like selecting your wedding cake, be sure to ask for samples of their work and check out testimonials from former clients.

Shop Around: Check out many different bakeries. Start with the bakery you've selected for your wedding cake. Often times bakeries offer discounts on subsequent cake orders. This might not always be the case however and you'll want to shop around to several different bakeries.

Keep it Personal: For many grooms, the groom's cake is the only aspect of the wedding day where his personality is displayed independently from the bride's, so keep the groom's cake personal. Think of things that say something about your future husband's hobbies, interests, career, etc. Scour the internet for inspiration. You'll be able to find cakes in the shape of Star Wars character R2D2, comic book covers, video game consoles, Legos, sports stadiums and more.

Keep it Flavorful: While you had to consider the tastes of your guests for your wedding cake, the groom's cake should focus on his tastes. What flavors does he like? Many couples opt for a chocolate and peanut butter combination. Keep it as simple as possible since you'll also be serving a larger cake to guests.

Surprise Him: Many brides are using the tradition of a groom's cake to surprise their husbands-to-be. While a couple can decide together on the groom's cake if they so choose, many brides are taking it upon themselves to surprise their guys with this personal reception touch. Surprising your groom with his groom's cake can be a nice way to show him just how much you love him.

Cake Table Décor: Once you've decided on a style and flavor for your groom's cake, you'll want to consider how to display it. Many brides decide to display the groom's cake on the same table as the wedding cake. Allow the competent staff at Peachtree Petals to incorporate your wedding colors and centerpieces onto your cake table to complete your reception décor. The experienced Atlanta florist at Peachtree can select the best quality flowers and foliage to compliment both of your cakes and integrate your wedding theme and style.

The groom's cake can be a great southern tradition to incorporate into your wedding, but no matter what you choose to do, the staff at Peachtree Petals is here to help you with your special day. Recognized as a Master Florist by FTD, the staff at Peachtree Petals is as committed to quality and excellence as you are. Enjoy a free one hour wedding consultation with a member of this dedicated team to help see your wedding day vision to fruition. The wedding consultants can help with everything from bouquets and centerpieces, to reception décor , to customized floral hairpieces for all of the ladies in your wedding party. Schedule your free wedding consultation today using the simple appointment scheduler on Peachtree's website at www.Peachtreepetals.com, or schedule by phone at 678.336.1195.

Finding a Wedding Venue

Peachtree Petals was given WeddingWire.com's 2013 Bride Choice Award as a preferred floral vendor in the Atlanta area. Weddingwire.com awards this honor to the top five percent of wedding vendors that demonstrate superiority in the following categories: quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. The Bride's Choice Award is then bestowed upon the vendor that receives the highest rating in those categories by actual brides who've completed reviews and extensive surveys. While Peachtree Petals is the clear choice for your floral vendor, here, in no particular order, are some of the top Atlanta-area venues as featured by Weddingwire.com.

The Cotton Warehouse: Located just 45 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, in Monroe, Georgia, The Cotton Warehouse is a great choice for a couple looking for the rustic charm synonymous with Georgia. The restored warehouse prominently displays authentic beam-work, hard wood flooring, and exposed brick walls that will transport you and your guests back in time. The Cotton Warehouse features a private garden, which can be used for ceremony and reception space.

Olmsted: Centrally located in Midtown Atlanta, Olmsted pays homage to the landscape architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted boasts two floors of multi-purpose event space complete with a private garden and outdoor patio for your wedding. Olmsted’s private event space includes floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden and banquet levels.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: The Atlanta Botanical Garden has over 10 unique areas for your special day. Whether you want to keep it indoors in Day Hall, outdoors in the Rose Garden, or in the dramatic Robinson Gazebo with the gorgeous Atlanta skyline as your backdrop, The Atlanta Botanical Garden has something to please almost every couple.

No matter which area venue you choose, Atlanta florist, Peachtree Petals will provide you with the perfect flower arrangements to compliment your location. The professional staff at Peachtree Petals will provide you with a complimentary wedding consultation to begin planning the execution of your romantic vision. The master florists at Peachtree Petals will work with you every step of the way to accommodate your personal style, budget, and venue.

To schedule your free, personal wedding consultation, visit the Weddings section of PeachtreePetals.com The staff at Peachtree has integrated their online consultation scheduler with WeddingWire.com to streamline your wedding planning. Prefer to speak to someone instead? That’s okay too! You can schedule your appointment over the phone by calling 678.336.1195.