Monday, December 28, 2015

Hooray! You're Engaged!

The winter holidays are filled with family and love, so it’s only natural that this time of year is among the most popular for engagements. If you’re a lucky couple who recently got engaged, congratulations! As an engagement gift to you, we’re going to share the first five steps you should take to get off to a great start planning your special day:
1. Reach out personally to your friends and relatives to share the big news. the big news before your announce your engagement on social media. This is also a great time to think about wedding attendants that you would like to be involved.
2. SET the BUDGET. The first big step of wedding planning is setting the budget. You can ask your parents if they intend to contribute anything to the wedding so you can include that money in the final amount. Once that number is set, DON'T GO OVER!
3. Finalize your guest count. Yes, we mean finalize. Before you know how much money you can afford to spend on any of your wedding services, you need to know how many guests you’ll have to feed.
4. Get a wedding planner or utilize a planning resource. Whether you work with a professional planner or go the DIY route, stay organized and on a timeline to make the planning process as stress-free as possible.
5. Find a venue. It may seem more logical to set a date before selecting a venue, but being flexible on your wedding date can actually help you find the perfect venue because you’re willing to book your wedding when the venue is available. The venue may also offer discounts on certain days of the week or times of the day, so your flexibility can allow you to take advantage of that.

These five steps will help you jump-start your wedding planning. We hope that you enjoy this special time of being engaged. The big day will be here before you know it!
If you have questions about this or other wedding-related topics, please feel free to contact us.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Your Wedding Experience Presented by David Tutera

We're are so excited to share photos from Your Wedding Experience Presented by David Tutera, with celebrity guest baker Buddy Valastro. One of the best Bridal Shows I have ever participated in! Our flowers were also showcased on The Weather Channel appearance to promote the bridal show. ‪#‎YWE2015‬ ‪#‎YWEAtlanta‬ ‪#‎DavidTutera‬ ‪#‎BuddyValastro‬ ‪#‎CakeBoss‬ ‪#‎TheWeatherChannel‬ ‪#‎elitedesignsbydaphne‬ ‪#‎weddings‬ ‪#‎bouquet‬ ‪#‎centerpieces‬






Fabric Aisle Runner WINNERS





Jessica and Ashton

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Enter to Win a Fabric Aisle Runner

If you are a Bride or Groom planning a wedding from October to December 2015 and would like to have a custom WHITE 21FT Long by 40"Wide 100% fabric (matte satin) aisle runner for your special day we invite you to enter.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-Design/48894219006?ref=hl
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elitedesignsbydaphne/
Follow us Twitter: https://twitter.com/EliteDesignsByD

Post a picture of you and your fiance' with #EliteDesignsbyDQ3Runner, @EliteDesignsByD, #elitedesignsbydaphne. Each location will get you one entry, up to three entries per couple. Please in box or DM both names that your wish to appear on the runner, your wedding date, which design you like, and contact info. Select the design from the pictured runners 1,2, or 3. We will customize the font to match your other printed stationary. WE WILL NOT SHARE YOUR INFO! The lucky couple will be announced July 1st
Number One

Number Two

Number Three


 ***ASK ABOUT OUR FLORAL PACKAGES***





Wednesday, April 22, 2015

I saw this on BuzzFeed (http://www.buzzfeed.com/alisoncaporimo/wedding-dress-101#.ipalyWV0E) and had to share.

17 Wedding Dress Diagrams That Will Simplify Your Shopping

Buying the dress just got easier.
Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

1. Consider factors like budget and location, among others.

Consider factors like budget and location, among others.
If you’re dying for a ball gown dress, you might want to reconsider a beach wedding. Plan out your priorities so you don’t get overwhelmed while shopping.

2. Make a budget checklist.

Make a budget checklist.
And don’t forget to allow some room for expenses like alterations and a hair and makeup trial (they can sneak up on you).

3. Work backwards from your wedding date to create a timeline.

Work backwards from your wedding date to create a timeline.
If you’re buying from a bridal salon, give yourself eight months or so to find and order your dress.
And you’ll definitely want to do a final dress fitting between two weeks and a month from the big day in case there are any final alterations.

4. Know the wedding dress basics.

Know the wedding dress basics.
For your dream dress, think about: neckline, silhouette, train, and fabric.

5. Choose a silhouette.

Choose a silhouette.
You can always add to it with personalized details.

6. Decode neckline styles.

Decode neckline styles.
And think about what kind of neckline makes you feel most confident; you don’t want to feel self-conscious about a strapless dress while doing your Naomi Campbell walk down the aisle.

7. Get familiar with fabrics.

Get familiar with fabrics.
Think about the season of your ceremony (do you want a lighter or a heavier fabric?) and your preferred texture to narrow down some options.

8. Get the right fit.

Get the right fit.
One smart bit of info? You may need fewer alterations with a corset dress because you can adjust the fit yourself.

9. And know how to properly measure yourself.

And know how to properly measure yourself.
Getting the right measurements can make a huge difference if you’r shopping online or buying vintage.

10. Think about color.

Think about color.
Stark white can look very striking on a darker skin tone, while ivory can add warmth to fairer skin.

11. Decide on a train.

Decide on a train.
It can be 10 feet long or not at all.

12. Pick your sleeves.

Pick your sleeves.
Perhaps a romantic juliet sleeve? Or maybe a modern illusion will do the trick?

13. Or maybe you want a specific type of bodice?

Or maybe you want a specific type of bodice?
An embellished bodice is sometimes preferred by bustier brides. Try a few on and see if you like the effect.

14. Figure out what you should wear underneath it.

Figure out what you should wear underneath it.
Because you’d hate to splurge on a beautiful bra that creeps out of the sides of your dress.

15. Pick out the perfect veil.

Pick out the perfect veil.
Would you rather a simple blusher for a city hall wedding? Or do you want to go all out with a cathedral veil? Some brides forgo the veil altogether.

16. Think about veil fabric.

Think about veil fabric.
Would you rather go shimmery or matte?

17. And consider a headpiece.

And consider a headpiece.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

March Blog Hop -- Key Elements Of A Successful Floral Contract




Welcome to our March Blog Hop!
This month we are focusing on all things Spring to help you in the process of planning your wedding or event. Get ready for some great ideas, inspiration and how to as you move along through the blog hop.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Nikki Michel at Ciao Bella Weddings;  If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you make sure to see and learn from all of the articles featured here today.

Getting Exactly What You Want When Working With Floral Vendors

Planning your wedding is one of the most important times of your life, so it is essential to be specific about what you want when working with vendors for your big day. Getting the results you desire can sometimes be easier said than done due to a variety of reasons,  vendor talent, supply quality and overall artistic aesthetic. To avoid wedding day heartache over your floral design, it is extremely important to have a detailed flower contract that outlines what you expect from your florist. We at Elite Design hope that these tips will help you design a contract that will help you get the best possible outcome for your desired floral arrangements on your wedding day. 

1.    Specific Flower Names - When it comes to your floral contract it is important that the exact names of the flowers to be used for your event design are made very clear. For example there are several types of rose and you want to be on the same page to avoid any confusion. 

To get a basic knowledge of flower names of flowers and what they look like visit: http://www.sierraflowerfinder.com

2.    Wedding Flowers Color Preference- This is also an important part of your floral contract. Color is based on how we perceive it, because it it is imperative to provide a swatch. Including swatches is a great way to promote direction on the colors you wish to be used. With that being said you must keep in mind that each flower is a unique creation by nature. Kelly Green is different from Lime green and can impact the total look and feel of your wedding day experience. 


3.   Bouquet Size and the Ratios of Flowers- We suggested providing picture of what you have in mind to give a clear picture of the look you want.  There is nothing worst that getting your bouquet which you dreamed would be flooded with roses, only to find a few roses and a mass of babies breath. You also want to be mindful of your frame and that of your bridesmaids. You would want a petite person overpowered by a massive bouquet or visa versa. 



 4.    List of Rentals- Knowing what’s to be returned to your florist at the end of your wedding day will also eliminate lots of confusion. And can also help save on cost. Look for creative options, such as high quality silk centerpiece rentals and purchase only the items from your bridal party.

5.    Breakdown of Duties- What the florist will do verse what other vendor are responsible for is very important. This will make the setup and take down of your event more seamless. This can be worked out by your wedding planning and we suggest providing this information to all vendors so they can work well together.

 6.     Date, Place and Time of Delivery- This may seem like a no brainer but omitting these simple details can spell disaster for keeping your timeline on track. Fresh flowers have a shelf life; it is important that this be respected. This part of the contract should be very bold and concise. Example: The Empire Hotel, 1234 Main Street, N.Y. 10012. The Rockefeller Room, access at 12PM.

7.    Rain Plan- Mother nature has a mind of her own. Make sure that your floral contract includes what will be done should adjustments have to be made for rain.

 8.    Cancellation Policy- Make sure that you understand this part and should a changes be made to your floral order you adhere to the dates set in this part. Flower usually must be ordered in advance; so giving proper heads up to your florist is important. This will also make it clear what is your obligation should you have to cancel or reschedule and what type if any reimbursement you will be entitle to.

9.    Payment Schedule- Like any other element of your wedding day, flowers have a cost. Knowing when payments are expected will keep you on budget as well as keep supplies ordering schedule on time.
 
10.  Miscellaneous- Trying including any other requirements that don’t fit into the previous section of your contract. Because being as detailed as possible will make for a smooth floral contract.

The next stop is Kelly Snyder at Southern Charm Weddings. Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again next month!
  1.  Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
  2. Ashley Rae at Ashley Rae Events
  3. Shaun Cox at A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and Events
  4. Kristi Richardson at Bloomed To Last
  5. Chantal Benoit at Chantal Benoit Photographer
  6. Irene Tyndale at Irene Tyndale Events 
  7. Peter Merkle at Chicago Wedding DJs
  8. Katrina McCullum at Made of Honor Weddings
  9. Kelly King at Affordable Wedding Invites by Gossett Printing
  10. Rachel Huntoon at Ashford Manor Bed & Breakfast
  11. N’neka Scruggs at Images by N’neka
  12. Teresa Rhodes at Nearly Nesters 
  13. Laurie Kuerlemann at Platinum Party Events Entertainment, Inc
  14. Katherine Shorter at Creating Awesomenessity
  15. Liz Coopersmith at Silver Charm Events
  16. Kimberly Parks at  KP Photography
  17. Cindy Clearwater at Something Blue Virgin Islands
  18. Anshwa Lewis at SwaLaRue Events
  19. Nikki Michel at Ciao Bella Weddings
  20. Daphne Simpson at Elite Design
  21. Kelly Snyder at Southern Charm Weddings

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

David Tutera Loves Aisle Runners by Elite Design!

We we so honored to get a call from the office of David Tutera requesting an aisle runner for one of his upcoming events. We were even more excited when we learned it would be used right here in Atlanta, for the launch party of none other than Porsha Williams! The episode aired on WETV on Thursday, February 19th, at 10 PM. http://www.wetv.com/full-episodes/david-tutera-s-celebrations/4069414387001/porsha-williams-atlanta-housewife



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Top Wedding Flowers 2015

1. Wedding Protea


Protea wedding flowers will be popular in 2015 with modern brides that want to make a statement. Proteas are a stunning flower named after the Greek god Proteus. They come in various sizes ranging from the larger grapefruit-sized blooms of the King Protea to the smaller protea buds that are similar to an artichoke bud in shape and texture. The pin cushion protea, or needle protea, are available in a variety of bright colors, and will also be chosen as a distinctive tropical accent in wedding bouquets and wedding floral centerpieces in 2015.

2. Wedding Succulents


Succulents are still a strong choice for brides in 2015. The range of shapes, sizes, and unique looks of succulents make them a great choice for wedding bouquets and wedding table centerpieces. Faux succulents are a good choice since they look so real, will last and last, and are easy to use to create wedding bouquets and centerpieces months ahead of the wedding date. Bouquets will wow with a mix of flowers and a few choice succulents. Modern and geometric wedding themes will be making use of succulents in wedding décor in 2015.

3. Wedding Peonies


Peonies are a consistent favorite for weddings, and this year will be no different. Soft cream and pink peonies will be perfect choices for pastel weddings. Faux Peony buds in surprising aqua, coral, purple and grey will provide a pop of luxurious color for brides creating a distinctive look for their modern, vintage, and boho wedding themes.

4. Wedding Hydrangea


This versatile flower will continue to delight brides in their 2015 weddings. Hydrangeas can be lush and romantic, lending a soft feel to vintage and rustic weddings in cream, pink, and baby blue shades. Hydrangeas will also have their place in country western weddings. They will be found in deeper shades such as deep red hydrangeas and dark blue hydrangeas. Hydrangeas will be found in DIY floral garlands, wedding bouquets, and wedding centerpieces.

5. Wedding Greenery


Greenery will be all the rage in 2015. Brides will choose table runners, bouquets, centerpieces and hanging garlands filled with lush ferns, seeded eucalyptus, sedum, moss, and salal leaves to name a few. Bouquets will be spilling over with green leaves in a full, natural look. Table runners will be composed of greenery with flowers placed among the leaves. Centerpieces - high and low - will have beautiful greenery as a background to floral focus pieces. Some weddings will go as far as using greenery almost exclusively among wood accents for an earthy woodland look.

6. Wedding Flowers Backdrop


Floral backdrops are a beautiful trend that will gain momentum in 2015. Weddings will feature a range of options from full, lux floral walls to fun flower letters on a cloth backdrop. For some couples, the traditional wedding arch will be replaced with a wall of flowers. These backdrops will be created in a range of colors and flowers types. Even brides who DIY their flower backdrop will find that they benefit from the ease and beauty of using faux flowers in their backdrop designs.

7. Wedding Floral Table Runners


Long farm tables with lush greenery-filled table runners will be a trend many couples will choose for their 2015 wedding day reception. These lush green runners will be filled with solid greenery or combined with flowers. These luxurious runners double as the centerpiece for the wedding table.

8. Wedding Floral Crowns


Brides will be wearing floral crowns filled with green leaves and large, full blooms. This look was inspired by the boho trend, and is a fun accessory for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls in weddings. The floral crowns in 2015 will tend toward larger, full crowns with luscious blooms in pastels or bright blooms that coordinate with wedding colors.

9. Floral Wristlets and Anklets


Flowers will be very wearable in 2015, and corsage wristlets are making a comeback on the wedding scene. Full, open blooms worn on the wrist will add a romantic touch to the wedding day ensemble. Watch out for flower anklets making appearances on boho and beach brides. This fun and quirky trend will add a unique touch to a brides look.

10. Wedding Bouquet Bling


Brides will be adding a touch of sparkle and glam to their bouquets this year. Bouquet jewelry will be a popular way for brides to add a unique touch of bling to their flower bouquets. Some will add simple rhinestone picks to the center of blooms. Others will add larger bouquet jewelry pieces as elements in their bouquets. The bling in bouquets trend will be fit well with many wedding themes, from glam to rustic chic.

Top Wedding Themes 2015

1. Bohemian Wedding


Bring on the Boho Wedding in 2015! This trend will dominate the wedding scene with care-free bohemian touches in wedding fashion and décor. Large flowers such as peonies and dahlias, along with colorful wild flower-inspired bouquets and centerpieces will help create that boho look. Wedding hairstyles will be loose and free-flowing. Fabrics with Moroccan or Indian patterns will also add the free spirit feel of the boho wedding trend.

2. Backyard Garden Party


Why not use your backyard for a wedding reception? Many wedding couples will be choosing this option in 2015. Backyard weddings fit in with the DIY spirit so popular with brides. Couples can save money on the venue and make their wedding special by choosing their own home for their reception. Backyard weddings will have a relaxed and fun feel, and decoration choices will tend towards rustic with colorful touches. Big balloons, trees strung with lights, homemade greenery arches, and vintage tables and furniture will be popular decoration choices for the backyard wedding.

3. Lux Wedding


Luxurious weddings are making a comeback in 2015. Flower walls, tall, full centerpieces, and rich, deep hues will be part of the lavish look of lux weddings. Many brides will choose to create the lux look on a budget with faux flowers. Flower walls and floral runners can be created with faux flowers ahead of time and are easier on the wedding budget.

4. Modern Geometric Wedding


Couples who like the modern style will choose geometric shapes as the focal point for their wedding theme in 2015. Clean lines and hard-edge geometric patterns and designs will be feature in wedding decorations, paired with bold and bright colors. Romance will be incorporated with unique flower choices such as protea, spider mums, and succulents.

5. Western Wedding


From wild west touches to barn inspired looks, the country western will be a popular wedding trend in 2015. Brides will don their cowboy boots and grooms their cowboy hats. Wedding tables will be covered in gingham, and centerpieces will be rustic tin or wood containers filled with sunflowers and daisies. Burlap, twine, and cotton stalks will be the perfect touches for creating that rustic country western wedding look.