These days, it seems we can find everything we need online. – No matter what the occasion or the event, “there is an app for that.”. Although mobile apps and online planners have helped to make our lives more efficient and streamlined, there are some situations that require a personal touch and thoughtful conversation. At Julia’s Florists, we believe your wedding planning is one of those special times.

The wedding consultants and designers at Julia’s Florist know that nothing can take the place of the face to face relationship between a bride and her professional designer. Too often, a bride will send an inspiration photo or a list of flowers and ask for a quote. But comparison shopping in this way can hurt you and cost you more than you wish to spend – . and the reason is simple. The flowers that you are convinced you must have may not be in season in Wilmington on the day of the wedding, making them costly to obtain and required to be shipped from elsewhere (not nearly as fresh as they should be!) Maintaining a budget when wedding planning is important, but Julia’s also understands how important it is to achieve your vision. This is where a designer’s expertise comes into play – our in-depth knowledge base allows us to make smart suggestions; perhaps your flowers won’t do well in the heat, or maybe there is a more cost effective bloom that is just as lovely.

The advantage of discussing your florals with a professional is that you can see and compare real flowers, not just photographs. You can experiment with different floral combinations, and the floral artist can show you creative ideas that are truly one of a kind! In fact, our brides often end up with more perfectly beautiful arrangements than they even originally asked for. That is something you can never experience with an impersonal bid process.

When the time comes to order wedding flowers, don’t settle for less. This day is too important for blind comparison shopping. Trust the artistic designers at Julia’s to create the perfect florals at the perfect price – and relax, we’re in this together.

As the bride’s mother, you probably are looking forward to helping your daughter plan her wedding – after all, this is one of the biggest events of her life! It is also a delicate situation, as your daughter likely wants your support and assistance, but has her idea of your level of involvement. There are some traditional roles, which we will outline here – but always speak with your daughter to ascertain her expectations, so as to keep this part of the journey as stress-free and happy as possible!

Some general guidelines include making yourself available and letting her know when you can help; and then stepping back to allow her to ask for specific help. As much as you may wish to help sample cakes, or pick out the groom’s tux, the couple may have other ideas about how to distribute things (remember, they have the groom’s family and their friends who all want to be involved somehow!). If you have agreed to pay for the wedding – in whole or in part – you may have input as to how the money is spent, but resist the urge to think that gives you the right to make decisions that rightfully belong to her.

Advice about Advice: Whether paying or not, only provide input that is requested, or is something constructive. (For instance, reminding her that accommodations may need to be made for older guests who may have trouble with steps or long walks).

Other Mother of the Bride Duties:
Shopping for the gown with her daughter
Coordinating with the bride and the groom’s mother regarding their dresses
Helping to compile the guest list
Handling correspondence with selected vendors – caterers, entertainers, florists.
Collecting RSVP’s and tracking responses
Attend bridal showers (usually the bridal party will throw the shower)
Greeting guests at the reception, as well as being ready for the traditional dance!

One of the most important mother of the bride duties occurs at the ceremony. The wedding is not considered officially ready to begin until the mother of the bride has been seated – she is the last person to be escorted to her seat, and that signals that the ceremony can begin! You’ve been there from the beginning, and this day is no different. No one knows your relationship better than you do, so talk with your daughter to establish expectations, then relax and enjoy!

Julia’s Florist has been honored to help hundreds of Wilmington couples to adorn their wedding day with gorgeous bouquets, altar décor, and centerpieces for their big day. From corsages to cake decorations, we are your one stop wedding source.

If you are planning a 2016 Wilmington wedding, you are likely well acquainted with the family traditions, cultural customs and societal rituals that are a part of every celebration. Even if you are looking to have a non-traditional wedding, virtually every element in the ceremony is deeply rooted in history and tradition. From the white gown to the bridal party selection, to the placement of the bride and groom – you may be surprised at why we do what we do!

For instance, it was not until the mid-1800s that brides began wearing white dresses to get married. Although most people assume that the white dress was chosen as a symbol of purity and innocence, it actually came into vogue after the wedding of Queen Victoria in 1840. Rejecting the traditional silver royal robes, the queen decided on white instead and inspired women around the country to do the same. Until that time, brides simply wore the best dress they owned when they got married. Regardless of dress color, a veil was generally worn, as it was believed to ward off evil spirits likely to attack the bride on her special day.

Flowers were a part of all important ceremonies from antiquity, but until recently the color palette or personal preference had little to do with the choice. Instead, flowers were chosen based upon the meanings they conveyed – roses and orange blossoms were considered choices that would bestow good luck on a marriage; while peonies denoted shame, and, therefore, were rarely in a bridal bouquet.

In medieval England, guests would bring small individual loaves of bread to offer to the bride and groom. The buns would be heaped up between the couple, and they would lean across the pile to kiss for good luck. Many people believe that the tradition of a tiered wedding cake, as well as the intimate cake cutting ceremony, originated with this custom.

From the most traditional church wedding to the most contemporary celebration, Julia’s Florist’s expert designers will create the perfect floral arrangements and bouquets. Stop in today, and let’s get started.