Welcome to Part 1 of 4 of the March Series.

photo: Todd Duncan Photography

Let's talk Moms and flowers. Here's 5 quick tips;

1. If you are considering a pin-on corsage, limit them to 1 or 2 blooms so they are not too heavy - you don't want the corsage to hang or droop, especially if the fabric is lightweight. There are great magnets now that most floral designers know about - this prevents the floral pins from making holes in the fabric.

2. Wrist corsages should be worn only if there is no cuff. A three-quarter sleeve works best, or a shawl or wrap. If there is a cuff, chances are that the wrist corsage will be compromised.

3. It is becoming increasingly popular for Moms to carry mini bouquets or single stems of a specific bloom. If you are having a traditional Wedding Ceremony where the Moms are part of the processional, it is always a good idea to have them with some flower. This helps the guests recognize that the Ceremony is about to begin, (since the Moms are usually the last to be seated before the Bridal Party), AND if there are any guests that have not met one or both Mothers, it is a discreet way to tell them who's who.

4. Other fun things to do for Moms include fresh flower bracelets (stephanotis works great!), and a few of my Brides have had me design their bouquet in two parts that are then untied and given to the Moms during the speeches at the Reception, as part of the thank-yous to the parents.

5. Whatever you decide upon for the Moms, consider keeping the flower colour neutral in off-whites, ivories, pastels or blush pink. This is a sure way to make sure their corsages or flowers won't clash with their dress colours.

Don't forget that your Corsage list should include for Moms, Step Moms, GrandMothers, Aunts, Sisters, Officiants, Godparents, soloists, MCs, readers and any other significant female attendees at your wedding.

Check back next Friday for (Part 2 of 4) March series;
"Corsages, Flower Girls, Ringbearers & Boutonierres"

For any of you planning an outdoor Ceremony or Reception (or photographs outdoors), here's my humble advice...

Three stories come to mind.

1. The first is from a Bride a few years back who, at her last meeting with me (to finalize all the details), was clearly in a frenzied state. I didn't want to get too personal, but I had to ask her what was wrong. She replied that she couldn't sleep because all she thinks about is what will happen if it rains at her outdoor Ceremony ? I asked if that was the biggest worry she had - she said yes. We talked some more and we both agreed that she shouldn't work herself into a panic over things she can't control.

Her wedding day was cloudy during the Ceremony, poured rain during the inside courtyard cocktail hour, then the most beautiful sunshine came out for gorgeous outdoor photos. (FYI - she had an army of umbrellas at the ready, just in case).

2. The picture above shows a wedding that was 11th hour stress for the Groom. The Bride made is perfectly clear that the Groom had final say on the Ceremony in or out if it rained....he decided last minute to have the Ceremony outside. The Bride was thankful since she really wanted to be married outside. The night before, they suspected rain for the wedding Ceremony, so they did a phone chain to get the word out and ask all the guests to bring umbrellas - it worked well.

3. The last scenario involved an outdoor beach Ceremony. I asked the Bride if she had a plan "B", in case it rained. Her reply was simple and very poignant - "no, I don't have a plan B, and I really couldn't care if it rains....I love him so much I'll marry him anywhere, any weather !"

Whatever your take on it, if it rains then either have an alternate space indoors, or umbrellas or a great (I don't care) attitude.

For this outdoor wedding, the Bride wanted something a bit different.

We brainstormed together and came up with the design to place the guest chairs in four sections, to "surround" the Bride & Groom within a circle. There were four "aisles" or entry points, so the Bride walked into the circle and the Groom came in through the opposite side.

It was symbolic of true partnership and the wash of petals in the middle made for a fabulous pre-Ceremony focal point. We placed single red roses on some of the front row seats for the parents and other immediate family members.