Outdoor weddings

At the moment, I am working on a few items as well as the floral decor with all of my 2009 brides. I thought this would be a good place and time for me to share what works and what doesn't here on the islands.

1) Tall centerpieces such as the one below will work in a ballroom wedding, but not outdoors when we have to deal with the wind factor:

Photo Credit: Jessica Skog Photography

2) Low centerpieces will be perfect for both indoor and outdoor receptions, but tealight candles will only work under a tent or indoor:

Photo Credit: Yvonne Event Floral & Decor

3) Floating candles such as this one might work outdoor if the flame is completely inside the vase:

Photo Credit: Designs by Hemingway

4) Large hurricane vases ALWAYS work for outdoor events, as well as indoors but tables, chairs, lounge furnitures...etc. are not allowed on the public beaches in Hawai`i:

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina

5) Menus and single flowers should be tucked into each napkin for all outdoor receptions:


6) Place cards / escort cards such as these one will work better at indoor receptions. For outdoor events, it's best to place them below the napkin (please see photo #5 above):

Photo Credit: Amity Mason Photography

7) Stilettos such as this pair of blue Manolo Blahniks that was worn by Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City" will be tough to walk in at any outdoor lawn weddings:

Photo Credit: Jessica Strickland Photography

8) Most brides usually change into their bridal flip-flops after the ceremony:

Photo Credit: Visionari

9) Petals on the table only work for indoor events:

Photo Credit: Augie Chang Photography

Let's talk flowers!

Photo Credit: Yvonne Floral Design

I didn't learn to appreciate flowers until I started planning weddings and events. They always seem so fragile and they only last such a short period of time. But you just can't have a wedding or an event without them; it will be so boring then! Besides, who doesn't like flowers?

When I work with my clients in choosing flowers for their events, the best way to do it is to select the color scheme and not the specific type of flowers. We are on an island and a lot of the flowers have to be flown in from California, Holland, New Zealand, Ecuador...etc., and therefore, might not always be available. However, the more flexible you are, the better chances that you will end up having the flowers (or at least the colors) that you want. But of course, all of our florists and floral designers will do the best they can to fulfill your dream and vision!