My son Tom is getting married to a wonderful girl-Jenny. We all attended the Bridal Expo in Orland Park Sunday.
WOW-really, really crowded to the point of getting a little claustrophobic because of all the people. There were 6 of us who attended. Tommy and I, Jenny, Jen’s Mom and 2 sisters.
Lots and lots of DJ’s, Photographers, and Tuxedo places. Three florists showing huge expensive arrangements….we didn’t look at florists too much. Of course Jen knows whatever she wants, I’m happy to provide her floral decor.
The photographer that caught my eye was: Timothy Whaley and Associates www.twaphoto.com Really nice work.
I was really glad to see my longtime friend, Sue, of Delicious Creations www.deliciouscreationsinc.com Once I made it through all of the attendees, I just hung out with her, sampling her chocolate cake (which is the best).
She was up at 5AM baking for the show, and she never freezes her cakes. Delicious.

Cymbidium Orchids are sold on a stem or a spray. They are a per stem cost. For bouquets a florist should separate the flower from the stem, as you see in the picture there are 6 Cymbidium Orchids on this spray.
When bought in bulk the orchids can accent your bouquets and become your table centerpieces.
Yes, they are pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. One spray under water in a glass cylinder makes a beautiful centerpiece, add a acolyte under the beads for ambiance lighting. This cylinder is placed on a piece of scrap book paper that cost $1.00 at Michaels. A floating candle on top would be the icing on the cake….a couple of votive candles around the cylinder, and your table is done! An expensive classic look that your guests will talk about.
To save more money contact me at flowersbycolor@yahoo.com and ask about the glassware lend program-you use the glassware for free, we fill it for you!

Spent Saturday perusing local stores for bridal ideas, DEALS, and fun inexpensive ways to add pizazz to weddings.
My first stop is “Michaels” where I always look at beading, crystals, accents for bouquets, ribbons, and printed papers. If you have the colors of your wedding picked out its fun to look at scrap paper, lot’s of variety and color combination’s to use as inspiration. I’ve attached a beautiful Teal & Gold Dots & Swirls Glitter paper. How pretty is this?
On to ‘John Hancock Fabrics’ to see what’s new in upholstery and outdoor fabric. BIG sale on outdoor fabric-why not make your own runners or mats for the middle of the table using the beautiful fabrics on sale at John Hancock? Just straight sewing ladies, or if your like me there is always heat and bond! A super classy look under $100.00. John Hancock had buckle sliders for bouquet handles, of course I picked up some, nothing is cuter than a rhinestone belt buckle on a bouquet handle. Details, details, details…..
Always the $Dollar Store-not much there but the usual stuff. I picked up some shred paper to use in small boxes I am designing to hold a split of wine for a wedding; re-creating a crate look from a small box with paper shred. The box top will have the bride and grooms name and date on top-too cute.
Shopping is a wonderful way to think about your wedding-go out take a look at fabric, ribbon, papers, crystals, beads. Take a trip to ‘Hobby Lobby’, ‘Michaels’, ‘John Hancock Fabrics’, and ‘Joanne Fabric’. You never know what you will see to inspire the look of your wedding.

For Tablescaping a Paper Mat