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Planning should be fun and there's more support around you than you may know!
Kick off your shoes and enjoy this small collection of helpful extras, thoughtful resources, and sweet touches created just for you as we plan your wedding florals together. Think of this as a place you can return to throughout your planning journey, with guidance and inspiration waiting for you at just the right moments.
With nearly a decade spent designing weddings and shaping atmosphere, these are some of the insights and design considerations I’ve found most helpful in elevating the experience and easing the process along the way.

All the details to help you feel confident in your wedding floral experience!
Here's some FAQ's regarding revisions to your design!
Can we make changes to our design?
Yes, both in item count and artistically!
Your design remains open until 30 days prior to your wedding date. Your design document will be kept up to date with any changes made throughout your engagement period including additions and reductions.
At 30 days, we'll close the design.
Please note, service fees listed on your quote are a percentage or priced based on the scale of your florals. This may increase or decrease as the item count and design changes.
Do you take our RSVP's into consideration?
Yes - Although your design closes at 30 days, we keep this deadline flexible so that we have an accurate centerpiece count. By 30 days, most of your RSVPs will be in; and you'll most likely know your final table count. If we push slightly past 30 days, that's okay!
When should I update you on my design changes?
Small changes, like bridesmaid bouquets details or item counts, can be updated during our design review near 60 -30 days out from your event date.
For large changes and vision shifts, like adding on an installation or changing color palettes, please Email me at valerie@honeybunchbouquets.com at any time with your update and requests.
Most couples share a sense of clarity and affirmation after a walk-through. It’s an opportunity to experience your design in the actual space while talking through creative possibilities together in real time.
I approach walk-throughs as a collaborative conversation, moving through the venue from the perspective of your guests, from arrival to the end of the evening. This allows us to thoughtfully consider flow, scale, and how floral moments support the overall atmosphere.
When a walk-through is typically not needed:
FOR FULL SERVICE DESIGNS:
A walk-through is ideal if your vision includes installation work or if you’d like to experience how your design may unfold throughout the space.
In some cases, I'll also recommend a walk-through for logistical or creative reasons.
For example, at Fox Chapel Golf Club, a walk-through allowed us to reimagine the ceremony experience entirely. Together, we designed a staircase patio processional entrance, added an aisle meadow for the bride and her father, layered florals along inset windows to evoke a French château feeling, and finished the space with urns on risers that echoed the venue’s stonework. Experiencing the space in person together made those design decisions intuitive and cohesive.
If you’re unsure whether a walk-through would be beneficial, I’m always happy to help guide that decision with you.
I've got you! View my preservation guide here!
Floral confetti is a popular add-on request; and the good news is, this is an easy and budget-friendly detail easily accomplished as a partial DIY.
You can find beautiful, biodegradable floral confetti on Etsy or Amazon, often packaged in sweet paper pouches that are perfect for handing out to guests.
Used for your exit or a celebratory toss, floral confetti creates both a fun guest experience and a wonderful photo moment.
It’s a small detail that adds a lot of magic. Click here for my favorite bunch.
Your floral design is developed through a thoughtful process rooted in conceptual alignment rather than exact visual previews. I focus on translating your vision through detailed design documentation, with inspiration images and digital renderings, creative planning, and open communication, allowing the design to evolve naturally and open to changes at any moment.
This approach helps your florals feel cohesive, intentional, and true to the atmosphere we’ve envisioned together. It also allows us to explore shape, scale, tone, and floral selection in an ongoing way, rather than being limited to a single mock-up moment, often created out of season. With this process, continued refinement and thoughtful design decisions remain possible all the way to your wedding day.Your custom design document is executed with a balance of descriptive notes and inspiration photos to express the intended look and style of your floral pieces. Because we are creating custom, we may utilize multiple photos to highlight the aspects of the photo(s) that best represent the look and feel of your arrangements.
Digital Renderings
Custom digital renderings are created for your design when extra visualization is helpful. Please note, renderings are 2D. You may have already seen this within your design as tablescaping.
Substitutions
Because we are working with fresh nature, varieties and flower types may differ depending upon yearly crops, weather, and market availability. Substitutions for a similar flower will be selected and kept within the color palette and theme of your floral design.
Mock-up Requests
Your floral design is developed through a thoughtful process rooted in conceptual alignment rather than exact visual previews. I focus on translating your vision through detailed design documentation, with inspiration images and digital renderings, creative planning, and open communication, allowing the design to evolve naturally and open to changes at any moment.
This approach helps your florals feel cohesive, intentional, and true to the atmosphere we’ve envisioned together. It also allows us to explore shape, scale, tone, and floral selection in an ongoing way, rather than being limited to a single mock-up moment, often created out of season. With this process, continued refinement and thoughtful design decisions remain possible all the way to your wedding day.
My top tips for the non-floral decor for your day!
Want to tie in your wedding colors but aren’t quite sure how?
Color doesn’t have to shout to be felt. Often, the most beautiful moments come from subtle, thoughtful touches woven throughout the day. Beyond florals and bridesmaid dresses, color can quietly live in your reception details, signage, and paper goods, creating a cohesive experience without feeling overdone.
Think soft napkins layered into place settings, ribbon ties wrapped around menus, name cards, favors, or seating charts
Gentle color accents echo your floral palette throughout the space. These small design moments help carry your vision from ceremony to reception in a way that feels intentional, elevated, and beautifully connected. A subtle through line goes a long way.
There are a few different ways you can approach designing your event, depending on your vision, budget, and how hands-on you’d like to be.
Most events fall into one of these three paths:
1. Using What the Venue Provides
Many venues include tables, chairs, basic linens, and place settings as part of their rental.
This option works beautifully if:
Florals and small tabletop details can still make a big impact here, even with standard furnishings.
2. Using Venue Items + Personal Touches (DIY or Small Rental Upgrades)
Some hosts choose to keep the venue’s basics and add their own layers, such as:
This approach allows you to personalize the space without fully replacing furniture or place settings. It’s a nice middle ground between simplicity and customization.
3. Upgrading With a Third-Party Rental Company (beyond linens)
For couples who love a fully curated look, working with a rental company opens up a world of design possibilities.
This can include:
This is where the design can truly transform a space and feel more editorial, styled, and immersive. It’s also where budget and logistics start to matter more, so it’s helpful to plan this path intentionally and early.
Whether you keep things simple or layer in multiple upgrades, what matters most is that your space feels welcoming, comfortable, and aligned with the feeling you want your guests to experience.
Rental Companies:
Lighting Companies:
Setting the Tone of Your Wedding Day
Signage and stationery are often the very first design elements your guests experience.
Before they see your ceremony flowers or reception tables, they’re greeted by your invitations, welcome sign, your seating display, and the small printed details that quietly introduce the tone of the day.
This is where your wedding begins to speak.
Because of that, I always encourage couples to think of signage and stationery as part of the overall design, working alongside your florals, linens, lighting, and furniture to create a cohesive, immersive atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.
Fonts, materials, colors, and scale all matter here. When these elements feel connected, guests move through the space more naturally, and the entire event feels calm, intentional, and beautifully composed.
Style and Budget
My biggest recommendation is simple: Choose options that fit both your personal style and budget goals.
There are stunning signage and stationery solutions at every price point, and thoughtful design doesn’t require overcomplicating things. What matters most is that your pieces feel aligned with the overall look and feeling you’re creating.
Choosing Your Signage and Stationery Approach
There are a few different ways couples typically approach signage and stationery, and the best choice is always the one that aligns with your style, priorities, and overall budget.
In general, couples fall into one of these paths:
I group stationery and signage together because they often go hand in hand, and many professional artists offer both within their brand.
Think of it this way:
Option One: Self Design/ Self Print.
This is a great path if you enjoy designing details yourself or already have access to print-ready designs.
Local print shops can produce beautiful welcome signs, seating charts, bar menus, and programs at very accessible price points. This option offers:
This is especially helpful if your décor style is more minimal and you’re focusing visual attention on florals and tablescapes.
Option Two: Online Templates and Printing
Many couples choose to purchase editable templates online and have them printed either through an online printer or locally.
This approach allows you to:
It’s a nice middle ground between full DIY and working with a custom artist.
Option Three: Professional Artist or Stationer
For couples who love elevated, cohesive design and want a fully curated look, working with a professional artist is a beautiful option.
Many artists offer:
This option creates a seamless, polished experience and allows signage and stationery to feel fully integrated into your overall wedding design.
Signage Styles to Consider
Some signage elements can become part of your home after the wedding, while others are best rented for the day. Both are wonderful options depending on your priorities, storage space, and overall design vision.
Common signage styles include:
When choosing custom lettering or acrylic signage, I recommend selecting a style that will still feel beautiful in your home after the wedding and allowing your signage to become a lasting keepsake rather than a one-day detail.
Furniture & Structural Signage Moments
For couples drawn to a more intentional design statement, signage can also become part of the physical layout of the space.
This may include:
These pieces are typically rented through event rental companies or created in collaboration with planners and designers, and they work best when thoughtfully integrated into the overall design plan.
Outdoor Weddings and Weather Awareness
If your celebration includes outdoor spaces, weather becomes an important part of the signage conversation.
Paper signage can soften or curl in humidity, and lightweight displays will struggle with wind. Mirrors, and framed signs or stands tend to hold up much better outdoors, especially for welcome signs and seating charts that remain on display for extended periods.
Weighted easels, sturdy stands, and protected placements make a big difference, and these are details your planner, venue, or rental team can often help coordinate.
Creating a Cohesive Look and Experience
When signage, stationery, florals, and décor speak the same visual language, your wedding feels less like a collection of details and more like a complete, flowing experience.
Everything feels gently, beautifully connected.
And that sense of cohesion is what guests feel even if they can’t quite put their finger on why everything feels so good.
Local Artists I love for signage and stationary:
One of our most frequently asked questions is about table numbers. And yes, I definitely have thoughts on this. 😊
Table Numbers As Decor
Because you’ve invested in your centerpieces as the main visual moment on each table, your table numbers should be discreet and supportive of the overall design. Oversized or highly decorative numbers may be easier to spot from across the room, but they often compete with the artwork and proportions of the table itself, pulling focus away from the florals and layered styling.
For that reason, I almost always recommend acrylic table numbers, and Etsy is a wonderful place to find beautiful, affordable options. Acrylic is timeless, pairs effortlessly with any floral palette and linen choice, and can often be customized to complement your color scheme if you’d like something more personal.
They photograph beautifully, feel elevated without being fussy, and work across a wide range of design styles, from romantic garden to modern and minimal.
My size recommendation is 3" width x 4" height. I do not recommend going above 5" width x 6" height.
LINKS:
Customizable Etsy Shop for Acrylic Table Numbers
A Fun Alternative to Numbers
If you’d love to add a little extra personality, you don’t have to use numbers at all. Some couples choose a theme that represents their personalities and assign tables that way.
For example:
It’s a sweet way to weave your energy into the guest experience while keeping the table design thoughtful and elegant.
Some stationary artists also provide table numbers. Please see the stationary section for their website.
Bar Styling: Go Neutral or Go Bold
Your bar is one of the highest-traffic areas of your reception, which means it naturally becomes a visual focal point. When it comes to styling, there are two directions: keep it clean and understated, or make it a high-impact moment.
Statement bars are very on-trend right now (and for good reason!). A thoughtfully styled bar becomes part of the overall design story and adds instant atmosphere to your reception space.
Understanding Your Bar Setup
How you style your bar starts with your venue and what they provide.
Some venues offer:
Talking with your venue and learning about their bar structure, in a decor sense, is the first place to start. If you’re planning an elevated reception with layered décor, specialty linens, and thoughtful lighting, you may want to ask your venue about bar upgrades (structurally) or consider renting a physical bar from a third-party rental company. This can dramatically change the overall look and feel of the space.
Elements: How to Style Your Bar
A styled bar can include one or more of the following:
Even a few intentional elements can transform a simple setup into something special.
My Bar Styling Recommendations
Bar styling levels (from simple to luxe):
Bare
Signage only - clean, minimal, and perfect for very simple or modern designs.
Sprinkle
A touch of candles and a few loose florals for softness and warmth.
Signature
A styled focal point with florals, candles, and signage working together.
Statement
A larger display of florals paired with abundant candlelight for added drama.
Luxe
An oversized floral installation or dramatic focal piece that anchors the entire reception design.
Personalization and Play
The bar is also a perfect place to add a touch of fun and personality. This is where you can lean into charm, character, and little design surprises that make guests smile.
Consider incorporating unique styling elements like vintage lamps, a lemonade or specialty drink tap, or objects that reflect your story and style. You can also build a subtle theme, like a bowl of fresh lemons, a stack of beautiful books, or soft layered textures that add warmth and interest.
Signage plays an important role here as well. Elegant, thoughtfully designed bar signs help anchor the styling and offer another opportunity for personal touches, whether through wording, calligraphy, or custom drink menus inspired by you.
Explore my curated Pinterest board here to begin shaping the look and feel of your bar styling!
While we're at it, here's one for cake displays too!
If you’re not familiar, Burgh Brides is a Pittsburgh-based wedding blog and resource that highlights real local weddings, shares planning inspiration, and connects couples with talented vendors across the region. It’s a great place to discover creative partners and get inspired by celebrations that feel personal and beautifully done.
We’re a member of Burgh Brides because we believe in community. It’s more than an online platform. It’s a collective of local creatives who support one another and celebrate thoughtful, well-crafted weddings. We’re honored to be part of that network.
Understanding the Different Roles
Not all coordinators and planners do the same job, and knowing who is responsible for what can make your planning experience feel much calmer and more supported. Alignment in expectation is key.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Venue Coordinator (or Venue Manager)
Think of the venue coordinator as the manager of the venue itself.
Their primary responsibility is to:
Unless a venue specifically states that they offer wedding coordination or planning, the venue coordinator is not responsible for managing your personal timeline, family dynamics, or vendor logistics.
For example, some venues, like Franklin on Penn, are owned by wedding planners and therefore offer in-house planning or design services in addition to venue management. This is not the norm, and it’s important to ask what is truly included.
A venue coordinator is not typically the person who:
Their role is focused on the venue, not the full wedding experience.
Wedding Planner (Third-Party Professional)
A wedding planner is hired by you (or working directly with you through a venue or package) to manage the full experience of your wedding day, within the scope of the services you select.
Planners typically fall into a few categories:
Full-Service Planning & Design
This is the most comprehensive level of support.
Often includes:
In this scenario, the planner may be the primary point of contact for vendors, and the couple may have very little direct coordination with individual vendors.
Partial Planning
This is a flexible, middle-ground option.
May include:
In many cases, the couple is still managing most vendor relationships, but the planner steps in to help guide key decisions and logistics.
Some partial planners focus more on logistics, while others include design assistance. This varies widely by professional.
Month-of / Day-of Coordination
This is primarily a logistics and execution role.
Typically includes:
This role is less about design and more about making sure everything runs smoothly once plans are already in place.
This is often the person who helps with personal moments and small emergencies, within reason and within the terms of their contract.
I have very strong relationships with local planners. It becomes a little work family focused on all things beauty, collaboration, and order. Please find below my recommendations:
FULL + PARTIAL PLANNING
Irie Event Design
For an authentic soulful experience and timeless modern style
https://irieeventdesign.com/. .
@irieeventdesign
Reverie Events and Weddings
Timeless elegance and heartwarming service
https://www.reverieeventsandweddings.com/
@reverieeventsandweddings
SK Events
A focus on providing calm and elevating style
@sk_events_pgh
Wynn Event Planning and Design
She's a vibe and wants to create one for you too.
@wynneventplanninganddesign
Tiffany and Design
Lasting memories, elegant upscale design
@tiffanyanddesign
Plans For Perfection
Get it done energy, sense of humor, and excitement
https://plans-for-perfection.com/
@plansforperfection
MONTH/ DAY OF COORDINATION
Dahlias By Design
Down-to-Earth planning with big dream vibes
https://www.dahliasbydesign.com
@dahliasbydesign
Day of Pittsburgh - Day of Coordination
Non-traditional weddings, experts in day-of coordination
@dayofpgh
Dayna Scott Events
Great at management and solution mindset
https://www.daynascottevents.com/
@daynascottevents
You may already have your wedding photographer booked! But if you don't, here is a list of my absolute favorites. ...Also, to expand on wedding photography, there are so many other moments during this season of life that can be just as meaningful (and just as beautiful) to capture.
Consider working with a photographer for:
Some couples even choose to hire a portrait photographer during a shower or family gathering to capture candid moments and then gift those photos to loved ones as keepsakes and a heartfelt, unexpected “favor” your guests will truly treasure.
Recommendations:
1. Editorial Photography:
Kristi Telnov Photography and Videography
@kristitelnovphoto
@dariaelysephotography
@themallets
2. Classic Wedding Photography with Modern Style:
Bridge Perspective Photo + Video
@bridgeperspective
@catherinerose.photography
@sarahmccloskeyphoto
3. Destination/ Documentary Style:
@irismariephoto
The Lumiere Collective
@the.lumiere.collective
@nataphotoroll
4. Natural Light (light when it's bright, moody when it's dark)
@laurapatrickphotography
@kaitlynpowellphotography
@megan.alea.photography
5. Bold Colors and Inclusion Focused
@meganmcgreevyphoto
@mayalovro
@alexafrankovitch
@requiemimages
6. Light and Airy
@lauraremboldphotography
@emmyjayphotos
Here are my favorite makeup, hair, and beauty preppers!
Hair and Make up
Med Spa and Facials
Nails
Here are some fun and unexpected vendors to add a little something extra to your day! Don't forget to check Burgh Brides for all the fun vendor categories with ideas from rehearsal dinner spaces to flash tattoo reception artists!
Design Cakes
Charcuterie
Live Watercolor Illustration
Pet Care
Planning a wedding can come with a lot of decisions. Support yourself with these service providers to relax, reset, and channel your energy.
Cleaning
The Ritual Studio is the most intentional cleaning company! She offers mini resets for your home or business. It's the best energy!
Reiki, Yoga, and Sound Bowl
My girl Jamie is a talented spiritual healer. If you are looking for deeply intentional self connection, Sacred Social House is the place!
Helpful Tips for Planning a Shower
Who is Hosting?
Before diving into details, it’s helpful to know:
This can quietly shape decisions around budget, scale, and planning style.
Budget and Guest Count
Two simple questions guide everything else:
Once those are clear, venue options and vendor choices become much easier to navigate.
Venue Scale and Style
Showers can range from intimate gatherings at home to fully catered events at dedicated venues - and everything in between. Is your shower a co-ed bowling night with casual food and drinks? Or a more traditional Sunday afternoon tea with elegant tables and soft details?
All of these are beautiful ways to celebrate. They just require different types of spaces and different levels of planning support.
Not all venues function the same way, even when they look similar online. Understanding what a space allows (and what it provides) will help you plan with far less stress and far better results.
In general, shower venues tend to fall into three categories:
1. At Home or Creative Spaces
This includes:
These options are often the most relaxed and personality-driven. They’re perfect for hosts who want a casual, experience-focused celebration and don’t mind a little creative problem-solving when it comes to décor and layout.
2. Upscale Rental | DIY-Friendly Venues
Some venues offer a polished, beautiful backdrop while still allowing a lot of flexibility. These spaces often allow you to:
This may look like a private event space, a banquet room, or a venue with a small prep kitchen but no in-house catering requirement.
These are wonderful for hosts who enjoy being hands-on, love personal touches, and want flexibility in both budget and design.
They pair beautifully with thoughtful florals, custom signage, and layered table styling allowing your celebration to feel elevated while still personal and relaxed.
3. Upscale Full-Service Venues
Other venues provide a more all-inclusive experience, such as:
These spaces are ideal if ease and minimal coordination are top priorities. With many details handled in-house, planning can feel simpler and more streamlined.
When choosing this route, it’s helpful to consider practical details like parking, timing, vendor access, and guest flow, as these can influence both décor possibilities and overall event logistics.
Choosing a Theme
Pinterest is fun place to brainstorm bridal shower ideas, and often the best direction is simply one that feels joyful and natural for the bride. A clear theme helps guide colors, florals, and overall atmosphere without overthinking it.
Activities and Experiences
Modern shower put much less focus on traditional shower games, and lean into more interactive activity for a relaxed and social atmosphere.
One popular option is a DIY flower bar, where guests can create something beautiful to take home. Experiences like this tend to feel thoughtful, creative, and inclusive across generations.
What Type of Shower Are you Hoping For?
Before final decisions are made, it can help to reflect on the overall feel:
Once the tone is clear, the rest tends to fall into place naturally.
Here are links to a handful of creative shower locations:
And don't forget your local golf club and restaurants often have an event room!