The holidays can be a magical time. Take a look at how Celebrations Design Group executed some magic of our own and transformed a plain cinderblock gymnasium into a winter wonderland. Even our tallest elf, Ennis, needed a little lift. Trees lit with hundreds of miniature white lights lined the room. Below, Elf bob starts the trimming. Snowflakes were hung from the ceiling with care and icicles were strung everywhere.

Cocktail tables sparkle in the candlelight reflected by the silver sequin linens. Lounge furniture, in winter white of course, was placed in clusters to make the large space feel cozier. Smaller conversation areas were also created with tables surrounded by ice chavari chairs. Snowflake gobos, lights and vignettes designed to create small snowscapes complete the winter feeling. The transformation was truly magical and a great time was had by all.

The changing leaves, the crisp cool air and beautiful, vibrant flowers are just a few of the reasons fall has become a popular season for weddings. But what about the pumpkins? Pumpkins aren’t just for jack-o-lanterns and pie anymore. Take a look at a few of the unique ways Celebrations Design Group has incorporated this autumn icon into some wedding celebrations.

A monogrammed pumpkin is a lovely way to greet guests and start off the celebration. This real pumpkin is intricately carved with the couple’s initials and falling leaves. An alternate option for the Escort Card Table could be an oversized pumpkin overflowing with seasonal blooms in the harvest tones. Other great ideas for continuing the theme are ornamental pumpkin place cards, pumpkin votives or pumpkin table numbers.

Centerpieces can also be created right in the pumpkins; this is a great way to give a punch of color to the table. As an alternate centerpiece, small pumpkins can be placed in glass cylinders along with berries, nuts & leaves and topped with flowers to add some height and drama to the table settings.

Most people picture the calla as the standard tall white, cone shaped flower but did you know the calla is also available in miniature? Colors range from white to peach, orange, pink, ruby, red, yellow and purple plus several variegated varieties in the miniature size.

The calla is enjoying resurgence in popularity for today’s couples. Take a look at some of the pictures above to see just some of the ways Celebrations Design Group has incorporated callas into their designs.
Pictured, white callas are used in a traditional bridal bouquet. Paired with classic roses or just by themselves, callas are a simple accent for todays intricately designed bridal gown styles. A calla boutonniere adds just the right touch to this groom’s lapel.

Because of their sleek, clean lines, callas easily lend themselves to use in more modern designs. Tall glass vases with callas on top of lighted fabric boxes frame the ceremony setting for this lovely bride. The same calla piece is used on top of a small light disc for a dramatic centerpiece.

A few fun facts:
• The Calla lily plant is a perennial bulb.
• The word Calla comes from the Greek term for beautiful

The American Heritage Dictionary defines mitzvah in two ways: 1. a commandment of the Jewish law and 2. A worthy deed. It is the time when a son or daughter in the Jewish faith becomes literally “one of the commandments” acting to express human kindnesses. The Bar Mitzvah, for a young man, or Bat Mitzvah, for a young woman marks this milestone. More recently, the Mitzvah ceremony has become a popular way to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Celebrations Design Group has been active in many Mitzvah celebrations including Ross’ earlier this year. The festivities at the Downtown Doubletree spotlighted his love of classic rock and roll. Upon entering, guests were greeted with trend-setting silver truss lit with neon light tubes and faced in old time vinyl records & jacket covers to define the theme. Classic rock posters of Ross’ all time favorite groups were suspended from the ceiling in the cocktail area as a preview to the classic rock décor in the ballroom. Upon entering the ballroom, a wall of drape separated the area between the adult section and “backstage” entrance for the kids. Table centerpieces were split between illuminated upright rotating acrylic discs etched with rock band names (that became the table destinations, replacing standard table numbers) and classic rock t-shirts on body forms complete with flashing lights for a dramatic effect. The “Ross Rocks” theme was consistent throughout from his sign-in board of an oversized guitar to enhanced food buffet displays (the chef served the salads in open guitar cases) which were served on rolling stage production carts (replacing standard banquet tables) and even a custom gobo illuminating the background wall. Ross & his band of party goers told us the décor in the room contributed to a “rockin’ good time.”

Our last blog featured a few of the on-site ceremony settings Celebrations Design Group has designed. The possibilities are endless because we can custom design the setting to reflect your personal style and taste. Here are a few more.

The last entry also talked about recycling and re-using centerpieces. Take a look at the first ceremony below held at the Hotel Dupont. The Gold Ballroom was used for both the ceremony and the reception. The table centerpieces lined the aisle while small pipe and drape separated the ceremony and reception space. The drape and specialty lighting also creates a beautiful backdrop for the bride and groom to exchange their vows.

The weather is starting to get cooler and with it the colors are getting warmer. Birch branches and leaves in shades of gold, red and orange were used to create a charming arch. Mums flanked the arch and leaves were sprinkled inside the chair line to enhance the aisle. Organza attached to the chairs was the perfect finish for the finesse of this fall ceremony at Newark Country Club.

Outside ceremonies can celebrate the season or be designed to reflect the style of the wedding. The ceremony at the Brandywine Country Club pictured would be beautiful at any time of the year. A white arch and columns topped with glass urns and bright yellow flowers look lovely backed by the golf course.

In the last image at Harry’s Savoy Grill, the couple was married in half the ballroom. Chair covers and specialty lighting along with centerpieces placed on columns make for an intimate ceremony.

Today, many couples are choosing to say their “I do’s” right at their reception location. There are many benefits to having your ceremony on-site. Reception venues rules are usually have more relaxed rules than churches and synagogues which allow a couple to personalize their ceremony.

Celebrations Design Group has enjoyed the opportunity to share in the vows of numerous couples during our 10 years in Delaware; probably close to 2,000. From beautiful ceremony arrangements to flowing organza lined aisles from a light dusting of petals to modern lighted boxes, the possibilities are endless. Look at some of the on-site ceremonies has been working on lately.

DuPont Country Club offers a picturesque setting on the golf course. We successfully embraced the challenge of an outdoor ceremony and “the elements” to include the bride’s love of sunflowers. The simplicity of yellow and green rose petals enhanced the aisle.

White Clay Creek Country Club has a covered area outside to ease weather worries. Pearls scalloped down the aisle defined the “Tiffany Glam” theme and beautiful tiffany fabric tied in the attendants’ dresses. Two dramatic arrangements finished with white feathers complete the setting.

The Chase Center at the Riverfront offers the benefit of an on-site ceremony. In this image a simple white runner is lined with white rose petals and satin scalloped on the chairs. Two arrangements on pillars are backed with pipe and drape to create the perfect backdrop for the happy couple.

Looking for something a little more modern and trendy? The ceremony CDG created at the Waterfall Banquet Center showcases one such option. The red carpet aisle runner is embellished by fabric lighted boxes topped with contrasting red rose arrangements. An additional benefit is the pillar arrangements did double duty as centerpieces – just one of the ways Celebrations helps you make the most of every dollar.

After the challenge of coordinating seating and meal choices you want all of your hard work to pay off. An escort card table helps “escort” guests to their table and can also be a great way to express the couple’s personality. The table can be a chance to include a favorite flower that may not fit anywhere else in the wedding and the cards are a great place to identify meal choices.

The escort card table is usually placed just outside the reception area and gives attendees a little glimpse of what awaits. Couples can use colors that tie in the centerpieces or the wedding party dresses. The cards usually include the guest’s name and the table where they are seated. Most often tables are numbered but getting creative is always fun. Tables can be identified by flowers, favorite locations or even songs.

Take a look at some of the tables Celebrations Design Group has created recently.

You may have heard that pink is the new black or is pink the new pink? Either way, pink is in.

Take a look at a recent wedding CDG designed at White Clay Creek Country Club in May. The girls were dressed in a shade of blue called “Sea” so designers paired apple green with hot pink and everything just popped to life.

Hard not to smile with such vibrant, fun colors.

What do you get when you cross the US Navy and high style hair design?

For Kevin and Christine it meant love on the high seas. Check out the creative centerpiece designed for their wedding escort card table at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center in Newark.

Look closer, this battleship is made out of combs, spray bottles and even a curling iron stand.

Last week we were honored to make the decor for our Vice President. He was being honored by the Delaware Historical Society. We made 80 centerpieces that had wonderful blue and gold flowers. We showcased iris, delphinium, yellow buttons, yellow roses and blue orchids.