OK so we’re event designers, not the Sugar Hill Gang. But if your hotel lobby flowers do start acting up, let us know. Here is a recent lobby arrangement from the Esmeralda Renaissance resort and spa, a great Palm Springs wedding location (or Palm Desert wedding location, or Indian Wells wedding location). 2011 wedding trends are towards the economical: and if you’ve read previous blogs about budget conscious wedding locations like Country Clubs, then you know places that come with onsite staff, catering, rentals and parking can save big chunks of your wedding budget. And if you’re having a destination wedding, who wouldn’t want to come to a beautiful resort? And that’s where the Esmeralda Renaissance Palm Spring Resort and Spa comes into play. As you can see, we do the lobby flowers each week, and love to work there for events which we do regularly. We have some coming up! What about yours? Prom 2011? Destination wedding in Palm Desert? Bring it on! And remember…hip hop and you don’t stop! (oy vey. We better stop).
An elegant statement piece at the Renaissance Esmeralda
It’s that time of year again, when you’ll see groups of teens looking awfully snazzy overtaking hotel ballrooms all over the country. The occasion? You likely remember it well: Prom. As this year’s crop of Juniors and Seniors gets ready to boogie down in their gowns and tuxes, we thought we’d tackle 2 of the etiquette questions that pop up when kids venture out into the wonderful world of social events. Have others? Send ’em in! We’ll revisit prom in a future blog post.
Boutonniere using succulent - perfect for prom or desert wedding
Q: Who orders and pays for the flowers?
A: Each date buys the others’ flowers (corsage or boutonniere as appropriate). Mom, feel like taking over for your busy teen? We actually recommend letting your son or daughter handle this on their own. It’s an important step for young people to learn how to operate in the world – making Prom arrangements with local businesses is a great start. Encourage your teen to order flowers, and to communicate with their dates to find out what they are wearing so that everything coordinates nicely.
Q: What do I do if my date arrives and the flowers don’t match my outfit? Or are really ugly? Do I have to wear them?
A: Whatever those flowers look like, smile, say thank you, and put them on. This is someone who you liked enough to go with to the Prom, and they are giving you a gift. Do you really want to crush them and start the evening off on a negative note? Not good form. The exception to this rule is if you have allergies. If your corsage is going to make you sick, by all means thank your date, and explain that you’ll keep it at home to admire later due to your sensitivity to the particular bloom.
Corsages and boutonnieres have come a long way. Gone is the single rose and baby’s breath that was the mainstay of every prom and wedding in the eighties, replaced by succulents or other unexpected elements. The scratchy elastic bands have been replaced with silky ribbons and stretchy pearled bracelets. Some girls even carry a small handheld bouquet. Let your floral professional create a special memory for your big night.
And now, another visit with our resident Etiquette Expert. Got a wedding or social entertaining conundrum? Let her take a crack at it! Send your questions to your favorite Palm Springs event experts at mylittleflowershopps@gmail.com
Q: Due to having a) a mother-in-law with giant bridge club b) well meaning Aunt c) my actual own-age friends all in the mix, I am being forced to have 3 showers. I would really like my best friend and Maid of Honor to come with me to all of them and provide her classic sense of humor, otherwise I might elope to Mexico with a paper plate full of bows on my head. How do I ask so that she doesn’t feel like she has to buy three gifts?
A: Not to sound glib dear, but have you tried a version of the question you just asked? You sound very sincere about needing your friend’s support, and I imagine when asked, she would immediately understand that you need back-up at events where the guests are not people you know well, if at all. Trust me when I say that she is fully aware that showers, when they are repeated, are, well, repetitive. Obviously she cares for you if she’s signed on as MOH. Have a little faith – just ask.
While we’ve got your attention, I have a slight bone to pick with you, Miss Bride. You talk as if you are being bodily forced into a wing chair and held down while people (gasp) give you gifts and (horrors) make you eat pastel frosted cupcakes. Complaining about showers falls under the designation of Conduct Unbecoming a Bride. You are being shown extraordinary love. Receive gracefully. Our universal bridal advice: breathe, stand up straight, and enjoy your moment. Rinse, and repeat.
Teacup Cupcake Toppers for Bridal Shower (Photo credit: Cupcake Luv)
