But It's So Pretty! -- How Stylized Photos Lead You Astray

See the wrinkles? Not photo-shopped

I love looking at pictures of parties on Pinterest (say that 3 times fast). They are so well set and look gorgeous. The picture shows amazing setups and new and different things: crystals shine, flowers are fresh, and greenery is perfect. When we try to duplicate it, we feel like failures. Notice how many Pinterest Fail sites have popped up. Waaaay more than there are Pinterest Success sites. 

So lately I have been looking at these pictures with a critical eye and I figured out something: some of the pictures can't be reality. I know that should seem obvious in this day of photo-shopping even the most perfect of bodies on a magazine cover, but for some reason I believed the Pinterest boards more.

Dusty Miller

Flowers that wilt

In my work with flowers I have learned a few things. Dusty Miller, that pretty gray leaf you see tucked into flower arrangements, wilts within hours. So while I can make a gorgeous bouquet, keep it in a fridge, spritz it with water and snap some shots of it, you can't really use it effectively in a real bouquet. It will die before you get the pictures done before your ceremony. The same holds true for Lambs Ear. 

If you want to include this in your flowers, and your floral designer agrees, ask them how they plan to keep it from wilting. They may have a special technique or you may not be getting married in the heat, but make sure your bouquet can look like you want it to for the whole day. 

Where are the stems? 

Flowers have stems. Almost all of them!

I am noticing more and more centerpiece pictures with gorgeous crystal clear vases. There are no flower stems in the vase. I know that huge ball of roses has stems. Where are they? Note that if you choose a picture like that for inspiration, your flowers will have stems. So you won't have that gorgeous clean table because they whole look changes when you fill that vase with green.

 

 

Packed Tables

Allow guests to see each other

Some tables are gorgeous and lush; the centers are filled with candles and flowers and picture frames and various knick-knacks. The area for the guest to enjoy their food is small. Really really small. Make sure to plan your table so guests can see each other across the table, and have a small place to put the program, guest favor, etc. The table on the right has room for the guests. 



We all like to dream and look at gorgeous things. There is nothing wrong with pinning pictures of the items I have mentioned above. But when it comes to planning an event, make sure the look is possible. There are many ways to make your entertaining gorgeous without defying the laws of physics or encroaching on your guests' personal space. Look for reality and your dream party can come true. 

Laureen