PopSugar

Fabulous Floramor

partysugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:57:37 -0700

I recently had a chance to sit down and talk to one of San Francisco's top floral designers, Laura Little of Floramor Studios, about flowers, weddings, and upcoming trends. Laura has a rich passion for the beauty of nature and a grand respect for fine arts that is reflected in all of her arrangements. Established in 1984, Laura and her team have been working with brides non-stop for the past 22 years and have orchestrated the design concept for over 3000 events. Her designs have been featured in countless books about wedding style, magazines from Town & Country to Elegant Bride, and she has a working relationship with all of the major hotels in San Francisco.

On the day I walked into her beautiful studio with brightly colored lime green walls and a checker-print black and white floor at 9 am, Laura had already been up since 2 am. According to Little, the life of a floral designer is far from glamorous with gigantic arrangements having to be ready before dawn to give the illusion that the flowers came out of nowhere. She took me through the steps that she would normally take a bride through explaining that at the first meeting it's customary to spend about an hour going through photos of past weddings until she has an idea of what the bride generally wants. All of her brides get to see a sample version of their centerpieces months before the wedding to ensure that they get to see their own vision brought to life before the big day. For more on floral wedding trends and to read my interview, read more

PartySugar: What colors are popular this year?
Laura Little: Lots of color. Very colorful strong palettes are in. Not multi colors but two strong bold contrasting colors.

PS: Do the colors generally change with the season?
LL: San Francisco gets everything and there are virtually no limitations. However in spring, lilacs and peonies in purples and pinks are beautiful.

PS: What trends are emerging in arrangements and centerpieces?
LL: Although it depends, arrangements are more clean and modern - traditional with a twist. Paired down and contemporary with no fluff or frill. Before 9/11 people were going over the top with flowing flowers and wanted centerpieces, aisle arrangements, chair ends, room decor, wall draping, lamp coverings, any and everything visual. Then after 9/11 everyone went minimal focusing the wedding more on the celebration and the family element rather than lavish decor. Now that six years have almost passed, people are starting to spend more money on flowers and incorporate the extras into their weddings.

PS: What flowers are in?
LL: Calla lilies are excellent because they have been hybridized to come in every color, they last forever, and have long stems. Roses are always in.

PS: What's in season now?
LL: Everything: tulips, iris, ranunculus, narcissus, hyacinth.

PS: Do you know what trends are emerging on the east coast?
LL: Style is driven by San Francisco because LA keeps a steady glamorous Hollywood look and the older cities like Chicago and New York are more inclined to be traditional and not do anything new and exciting artistically with a twist.

PS: Is there a huge difference between the east coast bride and the west coast
bride?
LL: The east coast bride generally has a sense of urgency, a faster pace, more precise, know what they want and make quick decisions. The west coast bride generally takes their time and approaches the wedding planning with a more laid back demeanor.

PS: Do the majority of brides know what they want or are they looking for
someone to guide them?
LL: It really depends on the bride. I've been working for so long that I can guide and direct them if they don't know what they want and help them to find what they do want.

Laura suggested that the bride get in contact with her florist at least 8-9 months in advance and suggested that she check out bridal shows and floral expos to learn more about trends and her personal preferences as a bride.

Gay Marriage Ban Hurts California Businesses

SavvySugar — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:00:01 -0800

After a busy Summer of fulfilling orders for flowers and cakes to be showcased at same-sex weddings all over California, vendors are now seeing their business cut at the worst possible time. Voters passed Prop. 8, which effectively bans same-sex marriage in the state, and the demise of gay marriage is unfortunately hurting the businesses that supported same-sex couples.

Merchants like San Francisco florist Christopher Burnett have expressed the economic impact Prop. 8 is already having: "I have done a gay wedding every week. And so it’s very disheartening, because other business is very slow." Mayor Gavin Newsom conceded that Prop. 8 is only good for Massachusetts and Connecticut, the two states where gay marriages are still legal and will likely see a boost in the number of same-sex weddings. Opponents of Prop. 8 have appealed to the California Supreme Court to reverse the measure, but until that happens, vendors expect business to be slow.

Do you know any couples who had to cancel their upcoming wedding because of Prop. 8?

Source

Working Girl's Guide to Wedding Planning, Part I

SavvySugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:23:42 -0700

Everyone always says the time between your engagement and wedding will fly by - between work, wedding planning, and everything in between there's barely time to come up for air. It's important to keep your priorities in order and recognize that while your wedding represents one of the biggest days in your life, you need your job for your everyday livelihood and can't let those responsibilities take a backseat. While wedding planning can be stressful at times, think of it as an extracurricular activity that you should try your best to leave out of the office.

It can be tempting to use your company's resources to help you achieve ultimate wedding planning efficiency. There's a fax machine 20 feet away from you and empty conference rooms just waiting for you to call your florist with an idea that just hit you. It may all seem pretty harmless, taking 15 minutes out of your work day to accomplish some wedding business, but put yourself in your employer's shoes before you start reserving the conference room for you and your cell every day at the same time. To see why I think this is important just read more.

In your mind, those handful of minutes represent time you'd be taking a break looking up recipes or getting your hourly dose of Sugar, but it's doubtful that your employer shares your rationale. Picture this scenario: You've given out the company's fax number to all of your vendors, and without warning your band faxes over a set list for you to sort through. Your boss is expecting an important fax and intercepts the fax meant for you, that's blatantly not work related. While some bosses are understanding about the demands of wedding planning, most would prefer the only multitasking done at the office makes you a more productive worker, not a more efficient wedding planner.

Bottom line: You need to care about your job. You also need to stay on your employer's good side during wedding planning because you may need to squeeze in some last-minute appointments as the wedding date comes closer. They'll be more likely to oblige to any emergency requests if you maintained a high work ethic throughout the planning process.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Source

The How-To Lounge: Wedding Timeline, Part I

DearSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Whether you're going casual and quaint or all-out traditional, planning a wedding takes a lot of work and even more organization. Following a wedding timeline will keep you both sane and organized. Obviously the first step in wedding planning is choosing the right day. Once you've got that narrowed down - keeping in mind the time of year and any other events or holidays that may interfere - it's go time! To see some important points to consider in phase one of your wedding planning, read more

One year in advance

Create a wedding folder or binder to store the details of your event, including any inspirational ideas. Staying organized will be the best thing you can do for yourself during this process.
When it comes to planning the big event, the first thing you'll want to determine is the style you're hoping for. Formal or casual? Whimsical or modern? Many of the decisions you'll make will have you referring back to the thematics.
Plan your budget. Consider absolutely everything, and don't forget to leave room for the unexpected.
Select a venue that works with both your budget and style. Don't choose the first one you see - shop around!
Research and begin the selection of your wedding professionals: caterer, photographer, florist, etc.
It's also time to start wedding gown shopping. You want to get the perfect one so leave yourself a little time to be indecisive. Also, keep in mind that it can take anywhere from five to eight months to have a wedding dress made, not to mention the time it takes for any adjustments.
Pick your wedding party and make sure that the lucky few are willing and able to participate.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks for part two of our Wedding Timeline.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

Source

The How-To Lounge: Budgeting your Wedding

DearSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Now that your save the dates have been sent and your time line is in place, it is time to budget for the big day. Weddings can be extraordinarily expensive and like everything else, the cost of an average wedding keeps climbing. With that said, outlining a budget is imperative before breaking the bank.

For tips on how to budget your wedding read more

Gone are the traditional rules of the bride's family paying for the wedding and the groom's parents paying for the rehearsal dinner, many couples are now taking on the expense themselves
No matter who pays for what, your budget will determine the kind of wedding you have so knowing what you can and can't afford needs to be determined before you get too carried away
According to TheKnot.com, the average cost of a 150 person wedding in the $25,000 range should break down like this:

Reception 48%-50%
Ceremony: 2%-3%
Attire: 8%-10%
Flowers: 8%-10%
Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%
Photography/Videography: 10%-12%
Stationery: 2%-3%
Wedding Rings: 2%-3%
Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%
Gifts: 2%-3%
Miscellaneous: 8%

While we want every aspect of our wedding to be perfect, sometimes we have to pick and choose our battles to keep the cost down. Perhaps you nix a course at dinner so you can have 10 more guests, etc.
While the invitation is the first thing your guests will see, you can cut the cost by printing your own invitations and going without a calligrapher for addressing
Flowers add a beautiful touch to any event, although they are expensive. Instead of using a florist, opt for a trip to your local flower mart the morning of the wedding and creating your own arrangements
The time of year and day can dictate the cost of your wedding. Saturday is the most popular day of the week for a wedding, so to cut the cost, opt for a Friday or Sunday wedding
Having an open bar can skyrocket your food and beverage bill. Offering only wine and beer is a good way to satisfy your guests while respecting your pocketbook
Music can really get the party started, but live bands are pricey. Having a DJ is a less expensive option, or you could always use your iPod for the musical entertainment
Eating buffet style and skipping out on passed hors d'oeuvres will cut the cost on wait staff
While there are places to cut costs, the photographer is not one of those places. Although your memories are priceless, a picture really does say a 1,000 words

Since you are spending so much money on your special day, be prepared for the unexpected-- don't skip out on wedding insurance. Every bride is unique and prioritizes her needs differently, so with a structured budget in place, hopefully your wedding day can be everything you always hoped it would be!

Ten Money Saving Tips For Your Wedding

SavvySugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:06:51 -0700

Because everything you need for your perfect wedding can add up quickly, it's important that you come up with ways to save in some areas so that you stay within budget. It's really amazing how many small details go into making a wedding memorable for everyone attending, from the bridesmaids' luncheon to the aisle decor and dessert, every aspect of the event requires thoughtful attention. Creating a wedding that makes all of your guests comfortable and happy to be there is the goal, not to mention throwing a fabulous party in honor of your new marriage! I've gathered a list of party tricks that will help you save money on the big day, and you'd be surprised how cutting back here and there can save big in the end. Find out useful ways to save when you read more

The Bridal Guide published a list of their top 75 tips for saving money in their May /June issue, but that's a ton of tips to sort through. Big lists like this usually lend themselves to skimming because processing all of the ideas at once can be a little overwhelming, but I've chosen what I think are the best saving tips from their list. Hopefully you can use a few that will save you more than a few bucks.

Book one location for your ceremony and reception to avoid multiple site fees and having to provide transportation between venues.
Cut out the champagne and let guests toast with whatever drink is in their hand.
If you're a stickler for tradition and can't live without a wedding cake, choose buttercream or cream cheese instead of expensive fondant.
To save on flowers, use lush greenery in your centerpieces.
Buy in-season flowers wholesale and then pay a florist to do simple arrangements (or you're crafty, then you could DIY!).
Hire a student quartet from a local music school to play during cocktail hour or during your ceremony.
Instead of paying extra for your invitations to arrive assembled, gather friends and set up an assembly line.
If a photographer whose work you love is out of budget, ask if you can wait until after the wedding to order proofs and albums. Save up, or use some of your gift money later.
If fancy wheels are a must have for you, a limousine will be cheaper than a stretch SUV. And if you don't mind taking your own ride you could hire a private chauffeur to drive your car, which would be much cheaper than hiring a limo.
Do you have a relative who never puts his video camera away at family occasions? See if a professional videographer will edit amateur footage - it will cost a fraction of the price for having the professional shoot the wedding.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

Source

What to Do If Your Boss Calls With a Work Emergency on Your Wedding Day

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:32:24 -0700

It's finally the big day and you've had a tight grip on your BlackBerry all morning in case of a wedding emergency. You're about to meet up with your bridal party for brunch so you can give them their gifts, and when your phone rings you expect it to be the florist saying all of your flowers are dead, or your mom asking for a lunch-spot recommendation. As you greet your Maid of Honor with a smile, you tell her you have a call and peek down at who is trying to get your attention on your wedding day. She sees your smile turn into open-mouthed astonishment paired with an appropriate eye-roll because that phone call is from your boss. Your MOH tells you not to even think about picking up the phone but you hesitate. Find out how I would handle this situation when you read more.

Even if you've tied up all of your loose ends before your wedding, emergencies do happen. Instead of ignoring the phone call and having to face your boss when you return from your honeymoon, go ahead and answer the call. You don't want to have the thought of a confrontation lingering while you're on your stress-free vacation with your new husband, and you definitely don't want her to have the impression that you don't respect her enough to answer her calls.

Your boss may simply have a question that she forgot to ask before your vacation time started and didn't want to bother you while you're on your honeymoon. But she may be calling with a legitimate emergency and want you to pop in to the office or handle an issue from home. If it is an issue that requires immediate attention, ask your boss to call one of your co-workers that you know will be able to handle it as well as you would.

As much as you may want to lash out at the audacity of asking you to do work on your wedding day, bite your tongue. Politely tell her you're sorry, but you've planned every minute of your day and won't be able to help her this time. Reassure her when you say that you've planned in advance for every controllable situation and remind her that you've arranged for colleagues to cover your responsibilities. Although you probably ran through the details before you left, let her know again exactly who she should contact in case of specific problems so she's not tempted to dial your number during your honeymoon bliss.

To see all of our wedding coverage check out IDoSugar.

Bella Pictures

Bride's Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:59:47 -0700

Just because you're shelling out a small fortune for your wedding and feel like the next dollar you part with is going to make you seriously nauseous, it doesn't mean that tipping etiquette can be thrown out the window. While you're focused on the big-picture price, your vendors are each providing a unique service and you, gracious bride, must be prepared to tip when appropriate. Just as your Friday night dinner bill jumps when tax and tip are added to the total, your vendor costs will also increase when you add these two Ts into the mix. Take them into consideration when building your budget so you don't end up having to dip into your honeymoon fund to tip your vendors. Discover what's good tipping etiquette when you read more.

Some vendors will make it easy for you and include gratuity in the total cost of their services. This is a common practice among caterers but some other vendors have also adopted the practice - be sure to double check all bills to make sure that you haven't double tipped. If you want to tip an individual who works for a larger company, be sure to give all tips in cash and present them just before the vendor leaves. Your wedding coordinator can handle this task for you, and if you're not working with one recruit a member of your wedding party to help you. A tactful approach is to give cash tips in sealed envelopes.

Customary to tip 10-20 percent depending on quality of service: Limousine drivers, waitstaff (if not included in contract), makeup artists, hair stylists, bartenders.
Valet and coatroom attendants: Prearrange an amount of $.50 to $1.00 per car and make sure it's obvious to guests that the tip has been taken care of. The same applies for the coatroom tip, but it's $.50 to $1.00 per guest.
DJ: It's your call on whether or not you want to tip the owner, but you should tip any DJ employees about 15 percent.
Optional, but recommended gratuity: Site's wedding coordinator and your wedding planner.
Gratuity No-no: Don't tip your religious officiant as it's actually considered bad etiquette. You may make a charitable contribution if you choose, but otherwise just pay the set fee. If you're married by a judge, tipping is expected as it usually takes the place of a fee. Justices of Peace can only accept tips if the marriage is performed after office/court hours.
Gray areas: Your florist doesn't expect to be tipped, but it's optional to tip those employees who set up and deliver your arrangements. Similarly, your cake baker doesn't expect a tip but you may tip them upon delivery if you feel it's appropriate.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Source

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 05:19:32 -0700

Can you believe it? Little Katie Sugar is turning one. To celebrate we're planning a party with striped invites, miniature milkshakes and more!
Hello Nurse! In case you didn't hear, medical themed restaurants are all the rage.
Meet Stanlee Gatti one of San Francisco's hottest event planners and go behind the scenes at the SF Opera Dinner. When you're done with that be sure to check out our coverage of San Francisco's Taste 2007.
This week I went a little wacky and tried to come up with a cookie that would use my leftover couscous. Maybe next time I'll try baking my broccoli instead?

Mark your calendars. Baskin-Robbins is doing a charitable 31¢ Scoop Night on Wednesday, May 2.
The top 50 restaurants in the world were announced this week. Sadly, I have not eaten at any of them.
Weddings, weddings, weddings. This week figure out how to select the perfect wedding cake and figure out what a groom's cake is.
What's a spectacular event without a florist? We speak with Floramor Studios, one of San Francisco's hottest florists.
TeamSugar members never cease to amaze me. I am particularly fond of haze1nut's Mini Molten Chocolate Cakes, but there are so many great recipes to choose from. Since you guys are absolutely amazing, I know you won't let me down when it comes to the American Idol Themed Food challenge!
And since I know you all love guessing games, check out our latest round of Guess Whos!

Stanlee's Secret

partysugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:12:57 -0700

If you live in San Francisco, have an indispensable budget, and are looking to throw a super memorable party, there is one man and one man only who is capable of getting the job done: event planner super star extraordinaire, Mr. Stanlee Gatti. Stan has spent more than 20 years envisioning the decor of countless high society events with a sense of style that is utterly unique and breath-taking - including the Black & White Ball and several major floral art exhibitions such as the recent ONE at the Conservatory of Flowers. Last week I had the extreme pleasure (seriously I was so nervous he is like one of my idols and there is a character in my novel loosely based off of him) of sitting down with Mr. Gatti in his beautifully light, airy studio in SOMA. When I walked through the front door I was worried I had the address wrong as upstairs is Stanlee's office and downstairs is where the production of designing the look for an event takes place. Downstairs is totally urban with an industrial feel and upstairs is warm and chic - the walls practically oozed luscious creativity. When I asked Gatti about the upcoming trends in party decor, his answer was that of pure confidence and utter genius: I do not know what the trends are because I set the trends. I never look at what everyone else is doing. He only borrows from himself by delving deeper into his history to discover a new way of doing things. A tried and true trendsetter, Gatti sees the world through rose colored glasses literally as he was born with the gift to visually glimpse the world in colors. His infectiously positive outlook, incredible will to translate his ideas from vision into reality, and fun loving attitude make him not only one of the best event planners in the nation, but an ideal human too. For more on Stanlee's way of life and my interview, read more

PartySugar: What colors are popular this year?
Stanlee Gatti: I have a natural instinct for color and see the world in color. The colors I use are based on my own feelings. Right now I love eggplant, reds, purples, blues. The combination of eggplant and red, purple and red. I like to take two colors and mix them differently.

PS: Do the colors generally change with the season?
SG: Slightly, I get some of my inspiration from what is happening in the fashion world, especially from the Japanese designers. I only wear Japanese clothing with the occasional pair of Levi's because they are truly unique and different. Yohji [Yamamoto] and Issey [Miyake] push clothing and design to a place of innovation.

PS: What trends are emerging in arrangements and centerpieces?
SG: Always think in colors first because the color is energy. I do not know what the trends are because I set the trends. I never look at what everyone else is doing, but I've been doing arrangements that are back to the basics: overflowing, jammed flowers. It's a return to the 80's when everything was a little more traditional and using one type of color and flower was innovative. There is a simplicity and form to it all.

PS: What flowers are in?
SG: There is a caste system in which roses, orchids, and lily of the valley are always in, but I love doing funeral flowers at a party. Gladiolus, mums, and carnations can be absolutely beautiful when done correctly. I say never close the doors - if done correctly in the right way anything can be done. I don't believe in framing things in. It's up to the individual to create something that expresses where you are. I don't ever want to be predictable. It depends on how far your mind travels to a different place. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of flowers and fruit, roses and pears in gold tones.

PS: Is there a huge difference between the east coast bride and the west coast
brides? Between the east coast party and the west coast party?
SG: The only difference is in climate. The location and climate of a party obviously affects what the kind of party it is and what it looks like as well.

PS: What was your most memorable party?
SG: The Black and White Ball of '87 because it was the first time anyone had ever blacked out an entire tent before. I loved the way it looked it made it look like space or had the feeling of being in a planetarium because the only light came from underneath the tables. Still there are so many memorable parties. Suzie Tompkin's wedding on the pier was amazing because we virtually took 12 days to build a wooden reception room with murals.

PS: What's your advice to the everyday hostess?
SG: Do small dinner parties and try your best. Do what you think is pretty and what you like. Don't go into it with the mindset of trying to impress, instead put a real interest into the food you make and the flowers you choose.

PS: What's your advice to the bride who wants the perfect wedding?
SG: Perfect: define perfect? A perfect party is a party where everyone has fun. The number one most important thing is that there is fun. Perfect equals fun.

PS: Where can a bride cut costs without it showing to guests?
SG: Mix things and remember not all centerpieces have to be floral. Look at what's important to you and go from there. Make a list of the most important part of your wedding and start cutting from the bottom up.

PS: What was the biggest wedding disaster you have ever had to confront and how did you do so?
SG: 15 years ago in Modesto at one of the Gallo daughter's weddings. We were using a huge pompadour rose and drove the roses up in a refrigerator truck. On the morning of the wedding we realized the flowers had froze and had to buy every pink rose from every florist in the area. In the end everything worked out as it was supposed to. As long as you work it out before the party, everything will end up as it's supposed to end up. For me once the event starts it's all about having fun and no disasters occur.

PS: What is your favorite flower?
SG: I don't have one. Flowers are like colors, I love them all. I enjoy green earth tones because every other color goes with green. But seriously how can you turn your back on anything that comes from nature when there is merit to it all? The other day I saw a dandelion and thought it was the most beautiful thing.

PS: What is your guilty pleasure food?
SG: Without a doubt, chocolate.

PS: What is your favorite restaurant in San Francisco?
SG: I'm a vegetarian and love the Moroccan food at Aziza.

PS: A successful party is…
SG: Fun! A party is only wrecked by the negative attitude of the people in attendance. It's really all about having fun. You could stay at home with a six-pack and be with the greatest group of people and have as much fun as at a huge glamorous party.

For a peek of Mr. Gatti in action, come back tomorrow to check out the images of a dinner he was designing the night of this interview. Click on an image below for a closer look at the inside of his studio.

View 15 Photos ›

Image Source: Pat Johnson