Weddings today are going beyond the basics and turning into buzzed-about events that seem more stylish than staid and traditional. To get a better idea about how to create a signature wedding, SheKnows turned to Bess Wyrick, owner of Celadon and Celery Events, who, incidentally, has become the go-to florist for Perez Hilton, Iman, Katy Perry and Graydon Carter, among others. She does event and wedding design and production all over the country and was happy to share her tips with us.
Personality rules
It’s Wyrick’s goal to provide an experience for the bride and groom and guests. In order to do so, she explains that the wedding needs to be tailored to your personality, likes, attitude, culture and interests — not necessarily the flowers or colors you like most. When sitting down with a couple, Wyrick always asks out- of-the-box questions to get to know the couple’s lifestyle and interests as a way to really pin down what type of wedding would be perfect for them. In fact, she has never duplicated a wedding. The point is to end up with an event that’s not only beautiful, but that really makes a personal style statement.
Pick a non-traditional locale
Choose an environment that is innovative when it comes to your ceremony or reception (or both). You don’t want guests to feel overwhelmed, but the goal is to subtly surprise guests with what you’ve chosen, Wyrick explains. You want your guests to feel inspired and comfortable so they can really enjoy the big event. This means opting for something that isn’t too secluded (you don’t want it to be too difficult for people to get there) and something that is somewhat informal so as to not feel too stuffy or overly rigid in nature. Whether you have your ceremony in a field and reception in an old farmhouse or do the whole thing right on the beach, choose something that represents who you are as a couple and that will really wow your guests.
Choose a theme
One of the easiest ways to create an event that really makes a statement is to start with a theme. For example, a recent couple Wyrick worked with loved going to the vineyard and wanted to create an experience for their guests that allowed them to feel as if they were at that vineyard. Wyrick was able to create the feel of being in Napa — while in actuality the wedding was held in a loft space in NYC. Once you choose a theme and know how you want your guests to feel once they arrive, you can then work on florals, decor, food, etc. that will complement the theme you’ve chosen.
Go smaller
Another way to create a signature wedding is to cut down on the number of guests, Wyrick explains. “Because couples want to create an experience and signature wedding and stray from the cookie cutter, we have seen more small weddings of 40 or less in order to do so,” she says. Budgets remain the same but by cutting down the number of guests, couples are able to provide a day that transports guests into a different realm for a few hours.
Out-of-the-box bouquets
Gone are the days of the general rose, orchid or lily-filled bouquets with no texture, that are basically just a ball of flowers. Wyrick suggests opting for something unexpected and creating signature bouquets for brides and bridesmaids. Lady Slippers, succulents and bear grass have become very popular and many brides are pairing them with contrasting textures. The lady slipper is a stunning green and coral orchid. It is hooded with a gray canopy striped in green and when nestled in a pillow-like bouquet of lush peonies, maiden hair ferns, you have a gorgeous contrast of textures.
Varying centerpieces
When it comes to centerpieces, Wyrick says it’s time to spice things up. Think about using a variety of containers that stand out or complement the aesthetic you’re going for. Different copper vessels or antique glass filled with similar combinations of flowers work well. Design styles can change from table to table, but the combination of flowers unify the whole event, Wyrick explains. “This is an extremely budget-friendly way to allow for a signature wedding. Couples can purchase their own containers and drop in the arrangements.”
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