Carolyn Burke STL Blog

As a Wedding Officiant , I often show up to weddings and see the wedding party with their flowers pinned in so many ways.  The last time I witnessed this the groom and the groomsmen had theirs pinned on top of the POCKET on their tuxedo jacket - OH NO !! Here are a few TIPS for how to wear the boutonniere or corsage. Carolyn Burke Pinning the Boutonniere The easiest way to remember which side to pin these special flowers is to remember the saying, "Over Your Heart" This saying goes for both men and women where the flowers are either pinned on the left side or placed on the left wrist.  If the guest or family member is wearing a suit versus a tuxedo, you will notice the BUTTON HOLE on the left lapel.  This is another sign to show which side to pin the flower on. Boutonniere on a Shirt is Usually a NO-NO Large Flowers Look Tacky As far as other things to remember - if the men are not wearing a JACKET, they should not be wearing a boutonniere on thei...

When selecting your bouquet, be aware of the size and weight of the flowers.  If your ceremony is long, holding a large, heavy bouquet can be difficult. Here's what happened to one bride: Halfway through her Catholic ceremony , the weight of her bouquet took a toll on her arms and throughout the wedding video you can see her arms and her flowers shaking because of the weight! Also, your Maid/Matron of Honor holds TWO bouquets during part or most of the ceremony while the rings and vows are exchanged and other rituals that the couple chooses. Will The Flowers Hold Up? Be sure to talk with your florist about the timetable for your wedding day and where and when you'll be taking photographs. For instance, if you are taking pictures several hours before the ceremony and taking them outside in the middle of the summer... you'll want to choose flowers that can stand up to the heat and wind and still look beautiful all the way through to the ceremony and reception. To...

It may seem an easy decision choosing whether to have silk or real flowers for your wedding is more difficult than it appears.  Both have their advantages and disadvantages - it's just a matter of deciding which of those attributes works best for your wedding.  Ultimately choosing silk or real flowers comes down to cost, durability, appearance and convenience.  To help make the decision easier here are the advantages of both silk and real flowers. Can you tell the difference ?? Silk Flower Advantages:   Look fresh all day long (won’t wilt or turn brown) Last forever (make a great keepsake) Less expensive than real flowers Non-allergenic Can be received weeks ahead of the wedding Don’t attract insects Don’t need to be refrigerated Can be easily transported Always in season (large, readily available variety) Lighter to carry than real flowers Real Flower Advantages:  The heavenly scent Exquisite detail  Soft and delicate to t...

The task of pinning and placing the corsage and boutonnière for family members and the wedding party may seem trivial and not important. The thought is usually not on your mind and it sometimes falls into the hands of someone who is inexperienced or it goes un-noticed. TIMING is everything!   Carolyn Burke makes sure to have this task completed before the photographer starts taking pictures or the processional begins. Below are some TIPS for choosing corsages and boutonnières. Corsages are meant to designate special female family members. Typically, the mothers and grandmothers of both the bride and the groom wear corsages over their left breast (over their heart). However, you may also give corsages to special friends or those participating in your wedding ceremony, such as your readers, soloist or musician. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your corsages. The price of corsages can range anywhere from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the size and type...