Ask Margot: What is your #1 tip for making my bouquets unique?

Answer:  It's all about the ribbon.

To me there is no quicker way to make cheap flowers look expensive and expensive flowers look cheap than whatever you choose to wrap it in.  And let's face it, nobody wants the latter.  So give this aspect of your wedding a little more thought than, say, the first thing you find that perfectly matches the swatch of your bridesmaids dresses.  

Texture and pliability also play a huge role.  A stiff ribbon with an unnatural sheen does not lend itself well to the soft, romantic look that most brides are looking for these days.  Instead, maybe try a lush velvet or a nice floppy satin.  Sure, these may cost a little more, but this will be a small expense that will give the overall effect of you ceremony a huge bump in the right direction.  Plus, you can take the ribbon off after the wedding and keep it as a memento (or use it to wrap all of those shower presents that you plan on re-gifting during the holidays...wink wink).  

Don't be afraid to make a statement.  Nothing makes a wedding unique like a bold detail that nobody was expecting, and this is a great way to show some personality.  Do you love the neon trend we've been seeing on all the runways?  Go for some neon pink that will make the rosy pastels of your bouquet pop in contrast.  Are you having a black and white affair?  Maybe use an eye-catching stripe that will add a bit of fun without taking a detour from your color scheme. 

Where to find the good stuff:  Online stores are your friend.  I have been looking and looking for a local supplier of news-worthy ribbons but have yet to find any.  (If you know of one, please let me know!!)  So some old-fashioned internet cruising has been key.  There are some great places shipping out of New York that my friend Ashley Bailey introduced me to.  For example, things coming from Hyman Hendler make me go weak at the knees.  I've also had clients win some breath-taking vintage finds on eBay.  If you have the time to do some perusing then I definitely recommend that route!

As always, I send you big hugs and creative mojo...

-Margot

Photo Credit:  Martha Stewart Weddings.