White Out!

Is it now okay to wear white after Labor Day?

Elie Saab’s Fall 2009 couture show was fit for a (snow) queen. Saab just showed his Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Couture collection earlier this week in Paris and all of the models wore exquisite beautiful white dresses with elaborate detailing. Every look the designer created was done in an ethereal white, with gathering and appliqués that made models look as if they were floating in a cumulus cloud.

According to the Associated Press, models sported "bone-white goddess gowns with trailing trains" that were adorned with shimmery sequins, beads and crystals.

Although the AP said the outfits were not necessarily meant to be worn only as wedding dresses, those who attended the show said many of them could definitely do the trick.

Are you ready for the flower truth? Can you handle it?

Contrary to popular opinion, don't think that silk flowers are always going to be cheaper than real. Many of the quality ones are as expensive as the real thing -- if not more. While many people tend to love silk flowers more because they last forever, the truth is that you can also make your fresh flowers last forever by preserving them. This is becoming a more common tradition. Whether you learn to do it yourself or you have a florist do it, it is possible.

Personally, we love working with real flowers. However, silk comes with some advantages -- it's tough and shelf stable, and the petals won't come off at the worst possible moment. On the other hand, silk flowers don't always look real, and they aren't always a bargain, either.

Picking wedding flowers in season can save you a bunch of money. Sure, growers are now able to fly almost anything in from the other side of the world, but you'll pay a premium for that.

Knowing what flowers grow local to your region of the country and are in season during the time of your wedding, can drastically reduce the overall cost of your wedding.

Spring Wedding Flowers:
Apple or cherry blossoms, Daffodils, Dogwoods, Forsythia branches, Hyacinth, Iris, Larkspur Lilies, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, Pansies, Peonies,Sweet Peas, Tulips

Summer Wedding Flowers:
Asters, Calla Lilies, Dahlias, Daisies, Delphinium, Geraniums, Hydrangeas, Iris, Jacobs Ladder, Larkspur, Queen Anne’s Lace, Roses, Shasta daises, Stock Sunflower, Zinnias

Fall Wedding Flowers:
Asters, Chrysanthemums, Zinnias, Gerbera daisies, Marigolds, Roses, Sunflowers

Winter Wedding Flowers:
Amaryllis, Camellias, Forget-me-nots, Jasmine, Orchids, Poinsettias, Holly

The final choice depends on what type of person you are.

If you're a practical person that wants her bouquet as a keepsake, and would not be concerned by the odd guest saying 'aren't they artificial flowers?' then by all means go for silk wedding flowers.

If you are a real romantic and just feel that there is no substitute for the velvety smoothness of 'Grand Prix' red roses or the fresh fragrance of hyacinths - then enjoy your day with natural real flowers.