Time for flowers
Wednesday, March 1, 2006

My next three columns will be about flowers and the many details that go into choosing what fits your style and theme. Part I will be a brief glossary of the most popular flowers used in bouquets. Part II will discuss the different styles of bouquets and centerpieces. Finally, Part III will be tips and questions to prepare you when it’s time to sit with your florist.

Part I:

When it comes time to visit your florist and choose the perfect flowers for your wedding bouquets, how do you know which flower is best? Which to choose? Did you know that there are dozens of different types of roses?

To help make this easier, I sat down with Ana, owner of White Bouquet in Dartmouth, MA. Ana gave me a glimpse into the world of flowers. She also informed me on what the most popular flowers are for each season. I also did a little searching of my own for pictures of flowers to help you. So the next time you sit with your florist and she names a Cymbidium, you’ll know it’s a type of orchid.

Here is a quick reference to some of the most popular flowers for each season.

Calla Lily – this flower is a cone or trumpet shaped, thick flower. They are available typically large and long but can also be found in a miniature version. They come in colors such as yellow, reds and pinks but most commonly found in white or ivory.

Hydrangea – this flower is a large and puffy cloud-like one. It comes in colors of blue, white, pink, and purple. It is long lasting and is used mainly as filler for bouquets. Although it can create and amazing bouquet when bunched together on it’s own.

Gerbera Daisy – This is flawless flower that is available year round and comes in a rainbow of colors.

Cymbidium Orchids – This orchid is very fragrant and thick which makes them quite durable. They also come in a large variety of colors such as white, green, yellow, pink and red. This flower doesn’t like cool temperatures which, makes it perfect for spring or summer.

Garden Roses – This is the most traditional style of rose. They tend to have open bushy heads and have a sweet scent. They do however; tend to be a bit pricey.

Sweet Pea – This flower also has a very sweet scent. It also comes in a variety of colors.

Tulip – There are 3 different types, Dutch, Parrot and French. The most commonly used or seen at florist shops is the Dutch. It comes in a variety of colors. It tends to lean towards bright light and open but closes back up when dark. It also opens up quickly in warmer weather.

The most popular colors for this season are oranges, lime greens and pinks.

Bird of Paradise – This flower is widely used in tropical themed weddings. It is a long pointy, fan-like flower. The blooms grow upward.

Dendrobium Orchid – Comes in long stems and several small blooms on one stem. This flower comes in a variety of colors such as white, pink, red, lavender and purple.

Lilac – This is a fragrant flower that is available mainly in purple or white. Comes in clusters of tiny flowers. They have a short life span and should be used thinly at weddings.

Peony – Available in late spring and early summer, this rose-like bloom starts off looking like a large ball and then can open up to 3-4 times the bud size. The magenta or soft pink color has been the most requested.

The most popular colors for this season are orange, hot pink and lime Green

Like the spring and summer, Calla Lillies, Hydrangeas, Roses and Gerbera Daisies are the most popular but in deep colors like reds, oranges and burgundy. The most popular roses for the fall are the Black Beauty and Black Magic. To add to the fall theme most florists suggest adding Hypericum berries to floral arrangements. Other wonderful fall additions are fruits such as small oranges for their color and eucalyptus leaves and mini pine cones.

Hypericum Berries

Pine Cones

Black Magic

Black Beauty

All shades of red are very popular for winter weddings. Some brides will even go for the all white bouquet with some greens or gold accents. Hydrangeas, Peonies, Roses, Gerbera Daisies and Cymbidium Orchids are popular for this season. The Amaryllis is another popular flower for winter bouquets. To add to the winter theme, some florists will recommend adding holly or spraying gold glitter or snowflake spray on your bouquet.

Amaryllis

TIP: Want to add some glam to your bouquets? Ana of White Bouquet suggests adding a jeweled brooch to your hand tied bouquet or Swarovski crystals.

For more pictures and details about these and other flowers, check out www.flowerguide.com and www.theknot.com.


Leslie

Please send me your questions and feedback to asktheplanner@southcoastweddingbells.com

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