Ah, flowers. The scent of spring, a jeweled carpet of cheer in parks, yards and windowboxes all the world ‘round. So why are these happy hits of color such a source of stress to brides? We know that selecting wedding flowers can be overwhelming, leaving the bride-to-be frustrated and wondering, what are these people talking about? What on earth is scabiosa, and why would I want any part of it? And, how on this green earth can such a small arrangement cost so much? We know how you feel, and we’ve been there too – so let’s take a moment together to sit down and cover the basics. Don’t worry about a thing: with our primer, you’ll be ready to take on the world of wedding flowers in no time flat!

Basic bouquets
Bouquet shapes go in and out of fashion, just like everything else – some years, designers like to push their orchid arrangements, while the next season brides are hauling cartloads of flowers up the aisle. The important thing (remember, this is your day!) is to pick what you like – so get educated about what’s out there, stay true to yourself, and know that it’s all going to be stunning.

• Cascade bouquet also known as a waterfall bouquet, this is usually one of the larger bouquets, and it is a design that is much-loved by traditional brides. This look features a loose-ish arrangement of blooms which – oddly enough – cascades down like something out of a romantic fairytale.
• Hand-tied this simply means that the bouquet has been tied, often rather tightly (see, round cluster) by hand, rather than being wired into an arrangement.
• Nosegay a small arrangement of simple blooms, often carried by bridesmaids, flower girls, or other pint-sized helpers.
• Round cluster bouquet: one of the looks du jour, this style features variegated blooms tightly bound into a round shape. The stems are often tied with ribbon, raffia, or leaves, and can be an important part of the design itself.
• Vase/tabletop arrangement another term for centerpiece, that’s all. Usually, brides pick a floral theme which carries through from the ceremony itself, on into the reception. When you work with your florist, you will be able to figure out how big you want your reception arrangements, and how many of them you want. One note of caution: this is where you can spend money very quickly, so don’t be afraid of stating your budget loud and clear. Any florist worth his or her salt will be able to help you get the best bang for your buck, and should be more than happy to do so. And the best florists often have a few sleight-of-hand tricks to fool the eye and keep the bride’s budget on track!

Sign language
Did you know that, way back in the day, the Victorians used flowers to send messages of love? At the time it was inappropriate to speak openly of your feelings until you were – at the very least – engaged. So, hopeful admirers often “encoded” their desires in a pretty bouquet, which the lucky girl could then decipher at her leisure. Although times have changed, the thought is still charming – and romantic brides might want to consider including a few of these secret symbols into their bouquet…

• Honeysuckle: devoted affection; bonds of love
• Ivy: friendship
• Jonquil: “return my affection”
• Lavender: love at first sight
• Lime blossom: conjugal love
• Orange blossom: “your purity equals your loveliness”
• Pansy: “you occupy my thoughts”
• Purple lilac: first emotions of love
• Queen Anne’s Lace: safe haven
• Red chrysanthemum: “I love you”
• Rosemary: remembrance
• Yellow tulip: hopeless love
• White carnation: admiration
• White clover: “I promise”

Interested in learning more? Visit amazon.com to find one of the many detailed books on this subject; or visit www.languageofflowers.com for a very comprehensive listing of floral meanings.



Wedding flowers: a primer
Flowers sure have some funny names, don’t they? But often the oddest sounding bloom is the prettiest, as your florist will agree. Below, we’ve included a list of some of the most common – and definitely most beautiful– wedding flowers. You’re sure to find something you’ll love with these choices, and you may even learn some new words to impress your friends when you’re playing Scrabble!

• Baby’s breath (gypsophila)
• Bouvardia
• Casablanca lilies
• Curly willow
• English ivy
• Freesia
• Fritillaria
• Hyacinth
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Orchids
• Peonies
• Roses
• Scabiosa
• Stephanotis
• Sweet peas
• Ti leaf
• Tulips
• Viburnum

 

Flower free
That’s all well and good, you may say – for someone else. But what if I don’t want to carry flowers? What about Aunt Mildred’s hay fever? What if I want to do something different? We hear you, we hear you. Remember, your wedding day is all about you, and what makes you feel happy, joyful, and loved. So, if you don’t want to carry flowers…don’t! There’s no law that says you must, and no one will take away your engagement ring if you don’t zoom up the aisle carrying a traditional bouquet. Why not consider….