The history of the bridal bouquet stems from ancient times when brides would carry certain herbs. Sage was carried for wisdom, rosemary represented remembrance and faithfulness. Dill was carried for lust. The bride would also carry marigolds that would be dipped in rosewater. After the wedding the bride would them eat the marigolds for the benefit of the aphrodisiac powers.
Flowers are always a strong focal point for most brides. Knowing the characteristics of flowers is something that is often overlooked. Here we are going to take a look at some of these characteristics.
The first time you want to do is to ask everyone in your wedding party if they have any allergies to any particular flowers. Topping the list of highly allergic flowers are Gardenias and Lilies. However if Lilies are the flowers that you choose be sure to have your florist remove the stamens. Left intact, they'll stain your dress with bright yellow pollen.
Destination weddings are most defiantly on the rise. The more popular locations are islands and warm weather places. Delicate flowers, like hydrangeas, are sure to wilt and sag in warm weather. You will want to choose hardier blossoms like Roses, Calla Lillies, Birds of Paradise or other more tropical flowers.
If your wedding will be in a cold place, below 42 degrees, there are some flowers that will actually turn black. This does not mean that you should not use these flowers in your arrangements, but if you will be going outside at all, for a photo session perhaps, then you will run the risk of damage. Be sure to check with your florist if this will be a concern for you.
We also want to point out that if you choose dark flowers, like red roses and you want black and white photographs from your photographer, the roses in the black and white photos will appear as black. Another great photo tip is to have a second boutonniere for the groom as it is common for the boutonniere to wilt and get crushed with all of the hugging that will most likely take place.
Wild or field flowers can be sweet and charming to look at, some field flowers are best left out in nature. Once they are cut, most poppies and bluebells will droop and wilt before you get to the altar. There are a few exceptions that include asters, sweet peas, and daisies
Some popular wedding flowers, such as euphorbia and daffodils, have a hollow stem. Their sap can drip onto your lovely gown. So if you choose one of these varieties for your bouquet, be sure that each stem is wrapped with floral tape.
Your centerpieces should also get your keen attention. Don't allow your centerpieces to hinder conversation between guests. Centerpieces should always be either high or low, never in between, forcing your guests to strain their necks to speak to someone on the other side of the table.
You will want to have great communication with your florist. This can save the day, as we have seem many brides ready for their photos at the hotel but the bouquets were dropped off at the church. So check with your photographer, were do they want to start with your photos and that is your personal flowers should be dropped off. The same would apply for the groom and the groomsmen. Make sure that the florist knows which arrangements go where. Good communication here can save a lot of time and stress.
Here are a few fun ideas for your flowers
We saw a wedding once were each bridesmaid's bouquet was her favorite flower, and the bride's bouquet was a combination of all of them.
An extremely elegant bridal bouquet is a simple gathering of long stem calla lilies tied with an organza ribbon.
A spring time wedding showed us a bouquet of a simple branch of cherry blossoms. The fragrant was heaven.
A bouquet of your mother's and your grandmother's favorite flowers can bring a whole new meaning and special warmth to the flowers you hold.
If you will be throwing your bouquet at the reception you may want to consider a separate, less elaborate bouquet to actually throw, that way you are free to keep your bouquet and perhaps even have it died for a sweet memory.
Balls of flowers hanging from the ceiling are so special and unexpected. It is simply flowers stuck into balls of Styrofoam and attached to a beautiful ribbon from which it hangs.
Why not fish bowls instead of flowers as a centerpiece, or even fruit. We are also seeing fruit and flowers combined.
.
This author of this Article has choosen to make this article available with free reprint rights. Click here to copy this article.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.