Weddings

Gold Medal Wedding Advice

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Ah the Olympics.  Young smiling athletes performing at their best representing us all.  In a way, we see the best in our country as we watch the competitions in London.

But what else do we see?  We see hear a lot from commentators about “the Olympic Ideals”  which seem like things we all ought to live up to.  Respect, friendship, education, world peace…etc.  As a wedding professional, and drawing from my experience at a top Palm Springs florist, I see lessons brides can take from these young athletes and apply to their planning.  Here are three:

  • Have a Positive Attitude.  From the moment they stepped out onto the track for opening ceremonies, the athletes were thrilled. They were full of energy,confidence, and smiles! Thinking positive changes your outlook, and makes you a happier bride.  Through it all this is a celebration you’re planning! What fun, right?

    LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Fireworks explode o...
    LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
  • Listen to your coach. The athletes (well, the smart ones, anyway,) know when it’s time to let someone else make a decision.  They have faith that they’re working with someone they trust to do what’s best for everyone involved.  This can be a hard one for brides, who frequently feel they need to direct every detail of their wedding.  Sometimes though, your vendor, or bridesmaid, or even (gasp) your mother knows better, so it’s important to listen, and learn to let go.
  • Live In The Moment. Listening to the athletes’ interviews, each one repeated that their overall Olympic experience was the most important thing to them. You could tell they were soaking in their time as Olympians, and relishing their time in London. Brides should keep that in mind.  Wedding planning can be a drag, for sure, but this is a time of your life that you’ll never get back.  Enjoy every minute.

Our Olympic athletes are kicking serious butt in London.  And it’s a delight to see the country rally around a group of bright, talented young people.  Be patient as you, or the bride in your life, move through the wedding planning process. In the end, everyone will rally to see you win something better than a gold medal: a happy married life.

Obama & Romney Down The Aisle? Preventing Political Family Run Ins At Your Wedding

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As if planning a wedding wasn’t stressful enough, brides getting married in 2012 have the challenge of the Presidential election.  Now I’m not speaking literally. We’ve decided as a nation to have elections on Tuesdays, which doesn’t interfere with many events. The divisive nature of American politics, however has many brides worried about, at best, uncomfortable conversations and at worst, disruptive and inappropriate behavior. Here are three tips from top Palm Springs florist My Little Flower Shop to avoid the worst case scenario.

Brides: Think ahead.  One advantage you have is a guest list, and RSVPs. You already know who the potential pot-stirrers are, so mitigate with calmer heads at their table.  You can also ask their family members to speak to them in advance about avoiding sensitive topics at your celebration. Make good use of placecards.

Wedding Party Member:  Congratulations, you’re an Interpersonal Diplomat. Bridesmaids and groomsmen have to add conversational negotiation to their list of duties. Do your part to find out who might be throwing bombs into a conversation and keep an ear out for friendly chats trending towards the election. Then redirect!  The best new topic? Try the honeymoon locale.  Has the political commentator ever been to Bali? No? What destinations are on their bucket list? Now you’re off and running.

Enlist your parents and siblings to keep politics out of your wedding celebration.

Wedding Guests: You know what they say. The conventional wisdom is that it’s a bad idea to talk about religion and politics among people you don’t know.  Good rule. You never know who’s sitting next to you.  You might have a great joke about Senator XYZ, but you might also be sitting next to his daughter.  Stay on your good behavior.  Don’t bait anyone, and don’t take the bait if someone’s trying to drag you into an exchange that could turn ugly.  The bride and groom will be grateful.

Politics don’t belong at a wedding.  Sharing that with family and friends should keep your celebtration a neutral zone.  If someone really acts up, drop them off at a local campaign office. Once they’re put to work when everyone else is at the family softball game, they’ll be back, and better behaved in no time.

Be well and love well

-Dinah

Why I love “My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.” Hey TLC, We Want To Plan One! Call Us!

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By now most people have heard about the raucous, Swarovski crystal-covered Gypsy wedding extravaganzas shown on TLC not just on their appointed night, but pretty much any time you turn on the TV.  Some people can’t take it, they have to turn it off. Others are fascinated, like they are watching a bad traffic accident and they can’t look away.  As for us, well, we want an invitation.

Weddings are full of joy in any community. Who’s to say they should be prim and proper? We lecture over and over again that brides should have the wedding they want, not what they see in the magazines or what’s “fashionable” just for the sake of it. Those magazines also say “be yourself!” and “It’s your day – make it what you want!” These families are realizing their vision, and it’s no one’s place to judge what they think is meaningful or beautiful.  We love these weddings (and the dresses, and the cakes, and all of what the conventional thinkers would call “over the top” details) for the energy and the feeling behind it. Here’s a community that’s marching to the beat of its own drum. And what a parade!

So TLC, we know you’re casting brides.  How ’bout letting some vendors in on the action?  We’ll hang a banner- My Little Gypsy Flower Shop. Have Swarovski, will travel.

Live well, and love well.

-Dinah

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