The Bridal Bouquet

Bridal bouquets are an inseparable part of wedding ceremonies. The history of bridal bouquet dates back to ancient times. Historically, bouquets symbolized fertility and prosperity. One cannot envision a bridal ceremony without a bouquet.

Bridal Bouquets have evolved through the ages. In the eighteenth century, the practice of carrying a bouquet of flowers or herbs became a popular tradition that symbolized delicateness, purity, and new life. Today, bridal bouquets are tossed to assemble single women to symbolize new life and to pass on the bride?s good fortune.

Wedding bouquets can be as simple as a small collection of flowers, or extravagant with a price tag of thousands of dollars.

It is quite common for brides to have two bouquets. The more elaborate of the two bouquets is made to be carried down the aisle and used in photographs while the smaller bouquet is to be thrown into the crowd of unmarried girls.

Florists take great pride in the wedding bouquets they design and offer. Rarely is the simple group of daises seen at today?s weddings. Instead, wedding bouquets now consist of a variety of floral designs, including combinations of calla lilies, roses, and sweet pea or traditional white lilies and roses. Even sunflowers have made their way into modern wedding bouquet arrangements. The most commonly used flowers are roses, tulips, peonies, hydrangeas, orchids, calla lilies or gardenias.

When choosing the flowers for your bouquet, consider the type of ceremony planned, the location of the ceremony and the style of dress you will be wearing. For example, a formal church wedding requires a more formal bouquet than an informal non-traditional wedding. Compliment an elegant ballroom gown with a bouquet of proper proportions. The bridal bouquet should always complement the gown, but it should not become the center of attention either. The bouquet should also be proportional to the bride's height. A cascading bouquet may be more appropriate to a tall bride than to one of smaller stature.

One image that invariably comes to mind is that of the bride in her white dress and veil carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. For some reason, when we think of a wedding, we always think of the wedding bouquet. Whether you carry a single rose or a bouquet of orchids, the flowers you choose for your wedding should serve as a symbol of your love.

Picking The Perfect Winter Wedding Bouquets

Few things are as critical to a successful wedding ceremony and reception as the flowers you choose.

The right winter wedding bouquets can highlight and compliment any type of wedding, from the most casual to the most elegant. The key is to match the wedding flowers to your taste, that of your fianc?, and that of your family members.

==Choosing A Florist Who Has A Lot Of Experience==

There are many different kinds of winter wedding bouquets on the market, and it is of course important to choose a florist who has a lot of experience in creating floral designs and bouquets for weddings.

Chances are you will be buying your winter wedding bouquets from the same florist who does your other wedding flowers, so it is important to shop around for the best value.

==View Bouquets Of The Florist's Past Work==

It is also always a good idea to look at other winter wedding bouquets the florist has created.

It is generally better and more desirable to look at the actual bouquets themselves, but if no such bouquets are available, you may be able to get an idea of the quality through photographs of past wedding ceremonies.

==Get References From All Florist You Are Considering Using==

It is also important to get references from any wedding florist you are considering and to be sure to follow up with those references. Be sure to ask those you contact what they liked, and what they did not like, about their wedding flowers.

This kind of first hand experience is one of the most valuable tools to use when shopping for the perfect flowers for your wedding.

==Make Sure that The Flowers Compliment The Colors Used In Your Wedding==

It is also important to make sure that the flowers you choose for your wedding and your bouquets compliment the colors which will be used in your wedding.

Choosing flowers in complimentary colors will help to provide a consistent look and feel to your wedding and it will make the church and reception hall all the more attractive for the big day.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding planning topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/winter_wedding_bouquets.html

Cocos Island... Green Bouquet Is Seen Far Into The Sea

Cocos Island... Green Bouquet Is Seen Far Into The Sea

 by: Aventuras Elegantes

Cocos Island National Park

Sank in the middle of the infinite Pacific Ocean, we find the Cocos Island. It is one of the protected areas with the greatest diversity in terms of wildlife and one of the best places for Costa Rica Scuba Diving Vacation. It is a huge natural laboratory for scientists and nature lovers. It has 2.400 Ha, with 510 species of sea mollusks, 362 species of insects, 235 species of plants, 200 species of fish, 97 species of birds, 57 species of crustaceans, 3 species of spiders and 2 species of reptiles. In this huge diversity, there are over 130 species of endemic flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching and wildlife watching.

The trip to Cocos Island is in itself a great adventure. After traveling for over 36 hours on the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, a "green bouquet is seen far into the sea".

Legends say that pirates and corsairs, like William Davies, Benito Bonito and William Thompson, found a safe place to hide their treasures in this Island. For many, Robert Stevenson was inspired on those tales of sailors to write his famous novel the Treasure Island.

Although you will not find golden medals or precious gems, you will find the most valuable treasure of all: The natural richness of flora and fauna.

As soon as you arrive, it is as if time is suddenly going back, as taking a leap to an old world, a place that remains intact through time. Cocos Island is probably one of the places with most endemic flora and fauna in the world.

In just 2.400 hectares, there have always been 139 endemic species in the national park. More than 230 species of plants, out of which 70 are endemic, including the Palo de Hierro (Sacogiottis holdridgei). More than 85 species of birds inhabit the park, but 3 of them can only be seen in Cocos Island National Park: Cuclillo from Cocos Island (Coccyzus ferrugineus); Mosquerito (Nesotriccus ridgwayi) and Pinzon from Cocos Island (Pinaroloxias inomata). Two reptiles joined the selective and exclusive list of species that are unique in the world: Lizard (Norops townsendi) and the Salamander (Sphaerodactuylus pacificus).

If you are already amazed with the natural panorama in land, come on and explore the depths...many more treasures are waiting for you. Scuba Diving at Cocos Island implies a unique experience for any diver as soon as you go down, a world full of life appears before your eyes, thousands of fish swimming around you forming a synchrony of colors, a rainbow in the plenitude of the ocean.you will be hypnotized when your eyes are set of great schools of hammer shark (Sphyna lewini)or when you see the amazing white finned sharks (Triaenodon obesus) swimming very close to you.

Today, as it was for the buccaneers, the only way to get to Cocos is by boat. Divers, who make up the vast majority of visitors, usually arrive on live-aboard dive boats (a 9- or 10-day trip from the port of Puntarenas). If they go ashore, it's usually only to dry out for a spell. But exploring the 14-square-mile, virtually uninhabited island that Jacques Cousteau once called the most beautiful in the world isn't really a hardship. There are other Cocos Islands in the world (near Guam, Australia, and Mauritius to name a few), but there is only one "Shark Island. " That's a good thing, right?

Field Notes

Scuba Diving: As dive site names go, Dirty Rock isn't the most inviting, but this rocky outcropping about a half mile off the north shore of the island has one of the largest hammerhead shark populations in the world, along with giant manta rays. Expect 120-foot-plus visibility. For even more mantas, head to Dampier Head at the southwest corner of the island, where rays with wingspans up to 10 feet seem to like to swim with divers.

Nature, Nature and Nature. A natural laboratory similar in some ways to the Galapagos (which lacks the tropical rainforest here), Cocos is home to an estimated 60 endemic animal species. Bird watchers will note that the rocky islets off the island are prime nesting areas for seabirds, including the red-footed booby, and that three of the island's 70 or so species include three found nowhere else: the Cocos Cuckoo, the Cocos Finch (shades of Darwin!), and the Cocos Flycatcher.

Hiking: For a little legwork between dives, head up 2,092-foot Mount Yglesias, the highest peak on the island. The trail to the summit, one of several on the island, leads through rainforest (and passes the wreck of a B-24 in the jungle), and the view of the Pacific at the top might even make you forget about your swim fins for a while.

For more information, visit http://www.mytraveltocostarica.com/

Aventuras Elegantes is a Costa Rica Travel Expert. Visit http://www.mytraveltocostarica.com/ info@mytraveltocostarica.com

 

Cleaning Silk Bouquets In 3 Simple Steps

A Silk bouquet can last a lot longer than a bouquet made of real flowers, but it will still droop, and get dusty, over time. Fortunately a little bit of preventive care can go a long way towards keeping your bouquet looking like new.

A Silk bouquet can last a lot longer than a bouquet made of real flowers, but it will still droop, and get dusty, over time. Fortunately a little bit of preventive care can go a long way towards keeping your bouquet looking like new.

It doesn't take long either. 5 minutes spent caring for your bouquet every 3-6 months will keep your bouquet looking as good as it did they day you bought it.

Read on to discover the 3 simple steps to keeping your silk bouquet in pristine condition. You'll also discover the one thing you should NEVER do to clean your bouquet. Make this mistake, and you might ruin your bouquet forever!

Step 1: Rice Cleaning

Place your bouquet in a plastic shopping bag, along with half a cup of white rice. Twist the bag closed, and then shake the bag for about 60 seconds.

The rice in the plastic bag will get statically charged, and the dust will be attracted to the rice. In the past, people used salt instead of rice, but salt was found to be too hard, and would scratch the flowers. White rice is softer, so it won't damage the flowers at all.

Step 2: Fluffing

Once you have cleaned your silk flowers, hold the bouquet by the handle and then turn it upside down and give it two or three good hard shakes, dropping the rice back into the bag. This should loosen any rice caught in the flowers and also clear away any left over dust. It will also "fluff" the flowers, and give them back their original shape.

Step 3: Plumping And Teasing

After fluffing the bouquet, it is time to make sure all the flowers are in the right position. Using the back of your hand, go around the back of the bouquet and lightly push the flowers back into position, to "plump up" the bouquet. Once you are happy with the general shape, then tease the flowers into the correct position by lightly pulling and pushing on the individual flowers and petals until they are correctly placed.

That's it! Simple, wasn't it? Now, you may have read that you can lightly spray your bouquet with soapy water to get it clean. Regardless of what you may have read, don't ever do this! Never spray your bouquet with water because the wet dust will run and stain your flowers. And stained flowers do NOT look right!

If you follow these simple steps every 3-6 months, your bouquet will stay beautiful, and will be around long enough for future generations to enjoy.

Peta D'Silva has been making silk bouquets for over 14 years. She is the webmaster of http://www.visionsofsilk.com, a website featuring a catalog of bouquets that you can buy, as well as easy-to-understand articles about creating your own silk bouquets.

Valentine Chocolate Kiss Bouquet

Chocolate is a very popular gift for Valentines Day. Many gift boutiques and flower shops offer beautiful candy bouquets that make a wonderful surprise for any Valentine. However, these arrangements can be quit costly. The good news is that these arrangements arent that difficult to make. Try making this homemade rendition that is sure to make your Valentine feel very special.

Supplies:

~ One terra cotta pot 5 to 6 inches in diameter ~ A piece of Styrofoam or oasis (green florist foam) that fits snuggly into the pot ~ Red and Silver (metallic) acrylic paints ~ Foam paint applicator ~ Red and Silver Hershey Kisses ~ Iridescent cellophane wrapping paper ~ Long bamboo skewers ~ Green floral tape ~ Silk rose leaves (optional) ~ Long-stemmed red silk roses (optional) ~ Dried babies breath ~ Red bow ~ Red or pink tissue paper

Directions for the pot:

Paint the pot red and allow it to dry thoroughly. It may take two coats of red paint. Using the metallic silver paint, decorate the pot rim with a scroll design or small flowers. Paint the body of the pot with hearts. Allow to dry thoroughly. If desired, you can use a clear, protective coating to protect the decorative finish. The pot can be used later for holding a candle or individually wrapped candy. For additional ideas on how to decorate your pot, take a look at this web page: http://www.patriciaspots.com/valentineideas.htm.

Cut the Styrofoam or oasis and fit it snuggly in the pot. Crumple some red tissue and glue it on top to hide the Styrofoam.

Directions for making the rose buds:

1. Cut a four-inch square of cellophane. Holding a piece of cellophane in your left hand, place the tip of one of the red wrapped kisses in the center of the square. Add the other red kiss to the bottom of the first kiss (flat side to flat side) and wrap the cellophane around both pieces, gathering the corners together around the tip of the other kiss.

2. Insert the flat end of a skewer into the gathered cellophane until it meets the tip of the Hershey's Kiss. Wrap the gathered corners together as tightly as you can without breaking the cellophane.

3. Tape the "rosebud" onto the skewer with the floral tape. Continue taping down the length of the skewer, leaving about 1/4 inch up from the point uncovered.

4. Optional: Tape the silk rose leaves onto the stem.

5. Poke the sharp end of the "rosebud" into the Styrofoam filled pot and arrange your roses to look like a bouquet.

Continue making rose buds in silver and red until you have a dozen.

6. Fill in the gaps with silk red roses (optional) and babies breath.

7. Attach the red bow at the base of the arrangement. Wrap the entire arrangement in more iridescent cellophane. Don't forget a card with the following statement: "Roses are red and violets are blue. These are just a few of the 'Kisses' in store for you! Happy Valentine Day to my Best Friend."

Martha Matthews is the Editor of Christian-Homemaking.com, a web site with resources dedicated to Christian homemaking. In addition to her web site, she also has a popular free monthly newsletter for Christian wives called The Wives of Excellence Newsletter. To subscribe send a blank email to wivesofexcellence-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Or visit our web site at http://www.christian-homemaking.com/newsletter.html

How To Select An Appropriate Funeral Floral Arrangement

Traditional arrangements are usually found in the form of flowers and presented as a comfort to a grief-stricken family during a funeral. A floral tribute could be just the right choice whether it is a traditional burial or a non traditional burial; either way these floral arrangements help you express your sympathy. Flowers express feelings that often go unsaid or unseen; there are just so many words you can say to a person who has lost a loved one expressing your feelings with a floral arrangement is just fine.

You may purchase flowers for your flower arrangement in bulk; with so many lush colors to choose from, the arrangement can be exquisite. Having real flowers or dried flowers in your floral arrangement is a big decision; a person should only choose dried flowers if they are really understand that style. Flowers express shops can be found in a lot of cities; these shops are helpful when you are trying to get flowers in a hurry. Having real flowers in your floral arrangement is very nice, however do not expect the arrangement to last for more than a week. Ask your florist for certain varieties that open nicely; flowers with large heads and a lot of petals always look good in a floral arrangement.

There are several steps you may take to combat the rising cost of floral arrangements, but the first one is to compare before you buy. Flowers express shops do have florist who know what they are doing, therefore it is okay to stop at one of these quick shops to buy your quick floral arrangements. Dried flowers in glass domes that are designed very nicely help bring out the beauty in the dried floral arrangement. Traditional arrangements may occasionally feature roses, carnations, irises, and daisies, but there is a whole world of exotic flowers used in floral arrangements as well.

There are many places you can go to have a floral arrangement made for you besides the traditional grocery store flower shop. The various styles of japanese floral art can be found in several eastern floral arrangements available from ordering online. To make a profit from making floral arrangements is not a simple task; you must have skills that will bring your customers back for more. Having real flowers as opposed to having silk flowers in your floral arrangement is not always a good choice to make; silk flowers will out last real flowers. Flowers express shops will not have a big selection of flowers to choose from, therefore you will have to choose from what they have if you are in a hurry.

Still looking for funeral floral arrangement information? Try visiting http://www.type-of-flower-arrangement.info, a website that specalizes in providing floral arrangement advice, tips,resources and information on how to buy flower arrangements!

Floral Design Schools

Flower arrangement is an art and if backed by creativity, it appeals to all. Floral decorations are used for every occasion. It could be a wedding, party, birthday, of funeral. The art of floral designing is unique since not everyone is equipped to make different flowers look presentable in combinations. The combination of flowers and other decorations needs planning and concentration. The art of arranging flowers is very old and has its roots in the ancient Egyptian period.

The most popular floral designs are referred to as Ikebana, the Oriental style. There are many floral designers who create these designs by combining dried herbs and flowers. Floral designing is an art that also includes the making of wreaths, flower bows and garlands.

There are various schools that encourage floral designing as a career option. The school prospectus, details on the duration of the course, the location of the schools, the fee structure and the admission procedure, is made available online.

The educational qualification required to get admission in a floral design school is a high school certification. A formal training is given to the students to excel in the art. The floral design training schools teach the candidates how to trim flowers and arrange bouquets, wreaths, gardens and hand- sprays. The students also learn how to arrange and cut dried, fresh and artificial flowers and shape them, according to the customer's order.

The customers choose the time, place, day, price and the flowers. Floral design schools train the aspiring designers to take orders from customers and deliver the order to the specified place. The duties carried out by the floral designers are numerous. The floral design schools are like finishing schools that provide detailed information involved in the option and train the candidates in a way that they are benefited.

Design Schools provides detailed information on Design Schools, Fashion Design Schools, Interior Design Schools, Graphic Design Schools and more. Design Schools is affiliated with Top Photography Schools.

Funeral Flowers-A Guide to Sending Sympathy Floral Arrangements

The death of my father was probably the most painful experiences I ever had. Despite death being a natural part of life, most people, like me, still have difficulties getting thru this experience.

So how exactly do we alleviate the sorrow that the bereaved is experiencing?

It is traditional to have flowers sent to the church or funeral parlor by relatives and friends. But giving the florist a call, ordering some flowers, and getting them delivered is not quite enough. Some decorum needs to be followed regarding this tradition.

Sending the Flowers to the Proper Places

The recovery process of the mourning family is made faster because of the different ceremonies organized during the grieving process. Visitations and viewings are held to welcome everyone who wants to pay their respects to the family. Funeral flowers may be delivered to the home, parlor, or place of worship where such ceremonies are held. If no such services are held, flowers may be delivered directly to the residence of the deceased.

Prior to the initial visit to the parlor or church, funeral flower planning should be organized by a close family member. Funeral directors often allow flowers to be delivered a day before the wake. But most people choose to send them on the morning of the ceremony. However, if the delivery can not be made in time, the florals can be sent to the home of the deceased.

What Kind of Sympathy Flower Arrangement to Send

The spouse of the departed usually chooses a Bleeding Heart, while other types of floral sympathy sprays may be delivered by relatives and associates.

The immediate family of the deceased can order the sympathy casket wreaths or casket covers.

But different floral arrangements like crosses, wreaths, and sprays may be requested by anybody who would like to extend their condolences to the family of the deceased.

Numerous arrangements of funeral flowers that are even more personalized are now offered for these occasions.

• Normally comprised of roses or sometimes calla lilies, casket arrangements are top choices of friends and relatives.
• For a beautiful display at the wake, funeral flower baskets are the ones usually ordered.
• Sympathy sprays are popular with groups where the deceased is a member of.
• An organization of the family of the deceased can send floral wreaths.
• One may also choose to send vase arrangements to the family or close friends of the deceased.

Note, however, that often after the funeral service the grieving family needs the most comforting. Sending flowers, a gift basket, or a simple note of "Know that I will be here if you need me" even weeks after the death is a beautiful act of compassion.

Sending flowers for the loss of a friend or relative's loved one is never easy. Often times, people are confused by which funeral flowers would be appropriate to send. In order to alleviate some of the stress of this decision for you, here are some traditional sympathy flowers, plants, and messages for sympathy cards to help you out.

Aurelia Fleur is an aspiring writer who recently experienced the death of her father and had a wonderful buying experience with http://www.Order-Flowers-Delivery.com

The Amazing Cape Floral Kingdom

South Africa's seventh World Heritage site, is the amazing Cape Floral Kingdom- the richest area of floral biodiversity on earth.

Science Fact
When the remarkable species of Fynbos found themselves on Planet Earth, the majority sought prime biodiversity hotspots to colonise, 80% of which fell on the Southern half of the African continent.

Here, as long as 80 million years ago, the pioneering Proteaceae species laid down their roots in and around Table Mountain and very soon were joined by the other two members of the Fynbos family, Ericas and Restios. Today, their wealthy kingdom stretches all the way along the Garden Route up to Port Elizabeth with a greater variety of plants than tropical rainforests.

Science Fiction?
The highly successful perpetuation of this species can be attributed to an almost unbelievable principle known in academic circles as ?adaptive radiation?. The process basically refers to the organism?s unique ability to genetically adapt to its surroundings. In order to demonstrate the outstanding value ?adaptive radiation? has to science in an extreme hypothesis, think of this genetic mutation that stems from ?survival of the fittest? as the human equivalent to growing gills with the advent of global warming, in order to out-perform competing organisms. Adaptive radiation is undoubtedly failsafe, powerful and effective since the Proteaceae family have enjoyed the sea and surf of Southern Africa?s coastline from as far back as the Late Cretaceous period.

To burn or not to burn?
Fynbos is also dependant on a fascinating process known as Serotiny. Much like the Phoenix, in a 14 year cycle, the heat of the fires melt the resins that protect the seeds in the cones allowing them to germinate and sprout triumphantly from the ashes.

Experience this miracle of nature from any one of the following Protea hotels, beginning in Cape Town with the Victoria Junction, Sea Point and North Wharf, to the Outeniqua, King George and Knysna Quays along the Garden Route or Keurbooms River, The Sands @St Francis and the Protea Hotel Edward in Port Elizabeth.

For tailor-made travel advice to South Africa and to witness the miracle of the Cape Floral Kingdom, use CityGuideSA.com

Choosing a Wedding Florist: A Difficult but Important Decision

As wedding season is fast approaching, many soon-to-be brides are scurrying to make last minute decisions regarding cakes, location, guest lists, and most importantly flowers. Deciding what wedding florist to use often is the most difficult floral decision a bride has to make. Many brides choose to design their own wedding flowers, but this can cause undo stress as the day approaches. A good florist will be able to provide remarkable arrangements that set the mood for the ceremony and reception.

Why choose anyone but the best for your special event? Flowers are a central piece of any wedding. They can provide beautiful focal points and add fragrant aromas in the air. Many times florists will design bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, reception décor, centerpieces, and fresh flower cake decorations. With the abundant use of flowers throughout the ceremony and reception it is crucial to exercise caution to choose a competent, creative, and customer oriented florist.

Before beginning the interview process, brides and grooms need to decide the following:

 

1. The date and time of your wedding
2. Ceremony and reception locations
3. Wedding colors
4. Will your wedding be formal or casual?
5. How many bridesmaids/groomsmen will be involved?
6. What is the overall theme of the wedding?

After these questions have been addressed, interview at least three florists before making any decisions. The process can seem overwhelming and many brides aren’t sure what questions to ask. Listed below are a few simple questions that you can ask each florist to make sure that you choose the perfect person for your special day.

1. Ask for references from family and friends. If they don’t have any, ask florists to provide names and phone numbers of a few references. If they refuse, keep shopping
2. Look at pictures of previous work to see if their style matches yours. Ask to make sure it is recent work.
3. How long have they been in business and do they work full or part-time.
4. How many weddings would they provide service for on the same day or weekend as your event?
5. Will the florist deliver and set-up all floral arrangements at the ceremony and reception site? What time will they arrive to set-up?
6. After the event, do you also provide service to break down all arrangements?
7. Does the florist offer other rental equipment including candelabras, vases, plants, urns, archways, etc?
8. Can the florist preserve your bouquet after the wedding? If not, do they have any referrals for that service?
9. Is there a deposit required? If so, how much and when is the balance due?
10. What is your refund/cancellation policy?
11. Before you leave make sure the florist has addressed all concerns and questions you have.

Remember this is YOUR special day and you should not feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. Choosing the right florist is very important. Carefully review all your options before making your final decision. By taking this extra time, you will receive the most beautiful flowers and décor for your wedding day.

Camber Clenney is a technical writer with expertise in several fields. Her topics of interest include weddings, website design and development, fishing, camping, and investment. For more information visit http://www.tiptonhurst.com