The Best Blue Wedding Flowers Today

Blue has always been a favorite color of mine - calming, serene, beautiful and representative of nature in all of its varying hues. Blue is not difficult to find in nature, and neither are blue flowers. However, finding the blue wedding flowers which best suit your unique style can be both fun and a challenge. Be careful - many flowers which appear to be blue are in fact purple. If you plan on using blue as a wedding color and in flower arrangements, be sure to choose the shade of blue you want for your wedding before flower shopping. Fortunately, many beautiful flowers can be found in blue, allowing you to better tailor your wedding to your individual personality and preferences.

So, where should you start when considering blue flowers for your wedding? Although roses with a bluish hue are difficult to find, there are numerous other blue wedding flowers for you to consider. Take, for instance, the stunning blue hydrangea, with several small blooms bunched together on a longer stem. They give a bouquet or arrangement a soft and feminine look, and pair well with many more common flowers. Another interesting choice is the fragrant freesia bloom, which comes in blue and a variety of other colors and is used in many aromatherapy products. Forget-me-nots are another well-known flower featuring beautiful vibrant blue petals. The wide-bloomed anemone can also be found in a beautiful shade of blue. A less-common selection is the large, soft-bloomed stem of the blue delphinium.

But which flowers will be in season at the time of your wedding? This is an important consideration when deciding upon which flowers to use. While most flowers are grown in greenhouses throughout the country, using an out-of-season flower will increase cost and decrease availability. Fortunately, blue flowers can be found year-round. For a Spring wedding, delphinium should be fairly easy to procure. Season-specific blue wedding flowers for Summer include the forget-me-not, larkspur, hydrangea and iris. A Fall wedding offers relatively access to delphinium, as well. And the beautiful blue anemone and forget-me-nots are available for winter. The best season for finding blue wedding flowers is very clearly summer, but with a little creativity, you can find the right blue wedding flower all year long. This information and more on blue wedding flowers in season can be found at www.about.com under Weddings. Your florist is also an invaluable resource, as they can give you the most up-to-date pricing and availability on the flowers you are considering.

After the initial job of choosing blue wedding flowers which you will include in your wedding, its time to think about the arrangements and bouquets themselves. Wedding bouquets and arrangements are extremely personal and should reflect the personality of the bride as well as the ambiance of the ceremony and reception. Good additions to nearly any bouquet are spray roses, baby's breath and/or stephanotis. Experiment with different combinations and different shades, and be sure to choose the combination that best suits you. Remember, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Look around, choose carefully, and most of all, have fun!




By Rebecca White-Glanders

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Wedding Flower Arrangements with Flair

The genteel realm of wedding flowers is not immune to fashion fads. Runway colors repeat in bouquets and silhouettes shift from minimalist to luxe, too. Flowers follow fashion, notes Marion Marshall of Absolutely Blooming. A clothing designer by trade, Marions arrangements often have an edgier, more European style. Absolutely Bloomings striking arrangements are personalized to each bride. Greenery is a powerful element, not just filler. Roses may be submerged in tabletop glass bowls. Just as she thoughtfully creates arrangements to play against the artists work at a gallery opening, she finds new nuptial presentations and unusual blooms instead of just showing up with some flowers. A brown satin ribbon on a bridesmaid dress, for example, may call for a chocolate-hued lily.

Texans generally favor rather traditional weddings, but local florists gain inspiration from the latest trends. At North Texas Floral, brides have been favoring seasonal blooms, hand-held bouquets, and monochromatic schemes. Classic meets contemporary with a spring-summer mix of rich purple and soft and dark pink peonies, alliums, freesia, and heather. The combination is fresh, fragrant, and fashionable.

Its the brides day, however. Whatever you prefer trumps any trend. A great florist will gently guide you through the dizzying array. Whether its a single boutonniere or every pew festooned, choose the bloom whose color, scent, and symbolism conjure a smile.

The Language of Flowers
Bouquets and boutonnieres are more than bright accessories. Many flowers have long symbolized secrets of the heart. A long engagement, for example, may be played tribute with asters for charm and patience. An older couple may choose irises for hope and wisdom. The modern bride may desire the sophistication and beauty of calla lilies. Those aching for the honeymoon may opt for seductive orchids or perfect lover tulips.
Fairy Princess
Even the klutziest flower girl looks cute. There are, however, a few options to strewing petals down the aisle. Festive floral wands or scepters that the girls wave princess-style are simply adorable. Pomanders are gaining popularity, too. A ball of flowers is beribboned and looped around the flower girls wrist.

Think Green
Though weddings vary widely in extravagance, earmark approximately 8% of the budget for flowers. Meet with your floral designer early in order to get the most from your money at least four to six months in advance, possibly a year. The designer will be able to help you choose seasonal blooms that wont have to travel far.

Scent & Sensibility
Aroma is the most powerful sense for evoking memory. Use fragrant wedding flowers to set the ambiance. Choose blooms that echo notes of the bride's perfume, or perhaps tropical blossoms that hearken an island honeymoon. Introduce sentimental sprigs whose scent reminds the bride and groom of childhood gardens: honeysuckle, wild roses, lavender, or rosemary.



By Candace Leigh Coulombe

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Your Wedding Flowers - What Are Your Choices

Your wedding flowers usually tie to your wedding theme. When most of us envision wedding flowers we think of more of the traditional choices but there are literally thousands of flower choices that work very well for wedding bouquets, ceremonies, and receptions. Here are just a few flower variations to get you thinking. We’ve divided them by color to help make it easier to fit them to your theme.YELLOWS/ORANGESDahlia – a late summer and fall bloom known for its wide variety of colors. Very affordable and they work great in centerpieces and bouquets.Asclepia Beatix – very tiny flowers that throw a lot of punch! A 1” hybrid flower that works well in low arrangements.Tulip – there are several tulip variants and plenty of color variety. Very affordable and they work great in centerpieces and bouquets.Ranuculus – a beautiful spring flower but prone to drooping in hot weather. It looks terrific mixed with other flowers.Chinese Lantern – is known to have 10-15 flowers on a stock so it is excellent for a focal point in centerpieces.Sandersonia – these little bell shaped flowers work great in boutonnieres, corsages, and in flower girls baskets.Poppy – Big, beautiful, and very affordable when purchased in its in season, spring. They are definitely an eye catcher!Black Eyed Susans – The perfect country flower for a country weddingSunflower – blooms from late summer to fall and are available in a variety of colors and sizes. Very popular planted in pots.

Snapdragon – a very graceful and elegant flower that works well with simple bouquets and centerpieces. Reasonably priced, blooming in late summer.WHITESFlannel Flower – produces spiky star shaped blossoms that are long lasting. Perfect for both bouquets and arrangements.Chamomile – is a common wild flower that blooms late summer. Very refreshing and great for wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets.Stephanotis – this year round flower is affordable and perfect for bouquets and boutonnieres.Narcissus – blooms late winter early spring. Its fragrant blooms are great for centerpieces.Cosmos – blooms in spring and summer. Not so impressive on its own but very glamorous when mixed with other flowers.Snowberry – blooms late fall through December. Produces small pale fruit that works well in winter bouquets.Dogwood – blooms in spring producing large flowers. Very nice in both bouquets and centerpieces.Iris – many colors and varieties are available. There are iris choices for all four seasons. Very affordable with large blooms making it perfect for large arrangements.Miniature Calla Lily – works very well in bouquets and centerpieces. There is a warning attached to this flower – it is poisonous to dogs.BLUES/PURPLESVeronica – these tiny spiked flowers add grace and elegance to bouquets and centerpieces. They mix well with round flowers.Clematis – this vine blooms during summer months and is available in many colors and species varieties. It weaves nicely into wreathsCelosia – blooms spring through fall producing velvety flowers. Perfect way to add texture to bouquets and centerpieces.Hyacinth – this fragrant flower works well on its own or in arrangements.Anemone – blooms September through March producing a variety of bright colors. Perfect for adding some color and cheer to this drabber season.Frittilaria – these checkered flowers are perfect for small arrangements and bouquets.Scabiosa – blooms spring through summer producing ruffled flowers. It makes a wonderful addition to bouquets and centerpieces.Gomphrena - has a thistle type bloom and is very hardy. It won’t wilt so is perfect for bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements. Dries nicely too.Cornflower – adds a nice fresh touch to bouquets and centerpieces.Allium – these tiny petal flowers will add glamour. They smell like onions so they work best around food areas.GREENSSand Catchfly – looks like miniature hot air balloons. It adds flare and depth to bouquets and centerpieces.Spider Chrysanthemum – blooms year round so very affordable. Its spidery petal flowers add charm and excitement to bouquets and arrangements.Benzelia Lanuginosa – Imported from New Zealand so can be a bit pricey. A wonderful exotic addition to all arrangements.Nigella Pod – available late summer to early fall adding a sculptured accent to centerpieces.Seeded Eucalyptus – very versatile adding texture to a centerpiece. It can easily be sprayed with metallic spray paint and it dries nicely.Lady’s Slipper – very expensive but ever so exotic. Perfect for a corsage or bouquet. To pricey for table arrangements.Solomon’s Seal – the bell shaped flowers work well in casual bouquet and centerpieces. It works well with lilies.Fern – work well for fillers on bouquets and centerpieces. It presses nicely so also can be used for accenting menus or cards.PINKS/REDSRose Hip – the post blossom fruit of the rose makes great filler for bouquets as well as all arrangements.Vallota – bloom summer through fall producing 2” flowers shaped like a lily. Their smaller size makes them fit much better into arrangements.Fringed Gerbera Daisy – these miniature flowers are whimsical and work well in bouquets. They also have a nice touch when floated in a bowl or brandy glass.Tree Peony – blooms late fall to early winter in New Zealand. Because they are imported they are pricey. However, they certainly stand out and add color to a cooler season wedding.Astrantia – this is an eye catching bloom that mixes well but stands out.Cymbidium Orchid – perfect for corsages but also works well in large displays. Nicely scented it works well on table tops or floated in a bowl or glass. Floated in a martini glass adds a real nice touch!Carousel Illusion Rose – this very large hybrid flower works well in bouquets and arrangements.Antique Rose – this beautiful rose is very hard to come by and thus extremely pricey. However if you are looking for something romantic and rare this flower is a must have. Add to your bouquet for your own personal joy!Curcuma – a tropical flower that blooms mid summer. Adds character to a bouquet or arrangement.Flower choices are endless. I’ve only covered just a handful of what’s available. If your wedding is spring through fall learn what flowers are native to your area. You may be pleasantly surprised at what is available and of course the pricing will be much better on local flowers. If you’re looking for those more exotic flowers then set a budget and start checking early. This will give you an idea of what is available in your budget range. Remember exotic and tropical flower prices can change dramatically in one season depending on availability. You may be able to get a florist to lock into pricing or at least set a guarantee of the maximum price for your future wedding date. Often local florists grow some of the tropicals in their greenhouses to that may also help keep the pricing a little more affordable.So choose your wedding theme, choose your colors, and then you can start to decide what flowers are right for your wedding. Best Wishes!

By: Sher Matsen

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Your Wedding Flowers

Flowers are the dressing that can transform a wedding dress from beautiful to stunning or a photograph from plain to perfect.They can make your wedding photographs look bright and colourful and mirror your own personality.Make sure that you look at all your options before deciding on your wedding bouquets and don't be satisfied with what is available at your local florist if you've seen something elsewhere that you desire.If you're florist can't deliver the arrangements that you want then look elsewhere as there are a lot of options available to you.The big online flower retailers can get you almost anything you like even from other parts of the world if you so desire. It really is just a matter of finding what you want and paying for it.Finances will dictate what you can afford in many instances but this is one area where you shouldn't short change if possible.If you get all your flower arrangements from the same florist you should be able to get a good deal. It will certainly make the coordination of your wedding plans a lot easier.There are many options available so don’t be satisfied with anything other than the best for you.There is such a huge variety of lovely flower arrangements that are available these days that it can be difficult to decide on which arrangement to use.Fortunately there are a lot of magazines that feature the various wedding arrangements that will help with your decision-making.Another good area of research is with the flower companies that have their businesses online on the Internet as they are catering to a vast market and they generally have the widest range of flower arrangements available.They are also up with the latest trends - and yes there are trends with flower arrangements that change from year to year.

If the wedding party clothing is in neutral colours then it makes it a lot easier to choose whichever flowers you prefer. If the bridesmaids have specific colours in their dresses then you will need to coordinate the flowers with these so the overall look of the wedding party is cohesive.When choosing your flowers and the colour schemes that you intend to use they will need to complement your clothing, your bridesmaids clothing and the decorations that you intend to use at your reception and even your choice and decoration on your wedding vehicles.All the decisions made in the planning of your wedding flowers should consider all aspects of the wedding just as you would if you were painting a picture.This is where a wedding planner can come in handy as they are experienced at planning the whole process and know how to put the whole package together to look as one.Flowers are so important that it is well worth spending your time on good research.You should also consider getting your flowers from a reputable online flower store as they are in the business of delivering flowers in top condition on time all the time and this is so important on your wedding day.

By: Jayne Waldorf

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Wedding Flowers What To Consider When Planning Your Wedding

Amidst dresses, tuxedos, guest lists, invitations, receptions, and locations for the actual ceremony, choosing the right wedding flowers can be one of the most important decisions. With a little work, and the help of a good wedding florist, it's easy to get flowers that will be both memorable and reflect the personality of those in the wedding. While the process of selecting flowers can seem a bit overwhelming, if you keep a few things in mind it can help to save you time and, more importantly, money.Keep the date in mindKeeping the date of your wedding in mind is key to selecting your flowers. This goes beyond the growing trend of weddings being on a Friday or Sunday as opposed to Saturday. Spring and summer are ideal for using flowers like orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and lilies, while autumn and winter are better suited to roses, lilies, narcissus, gardenia, mums and poinsettias .Just remember, you won't be able to find all the flowers you want year round.Set your budget earlyFigure out your budget, be upfront with your florist, and from there you can figure out what flowers you like the most and what is available during the time of the year you're getting married. Don't wait until the last minute to order your flowers. It is usually a good idea to schedule a consultation about 6 to 8 months in advance. By this time you will have a good idea of how many people will be attending, who will be in the bridal party, what they will be wearing and where the ceremony and reception are being held. Ordering well ahead will ensure that you get what you want, and can often save you money.

Match your colors"White is always most popular for brides. I don't think there's one color that's more popular than the others for the bridesmaids." Sharon Mayer of Vogue Flowers in Richmond, Virginia said when asked about the current trends in flower colors. Blues, reds, oranges, yellows, and purples are gaining popularity for bouquets, centerpieces, corsages, and boutonni?res. Picking out the right color really depends on the themes and colors you've picked out for your invitations, cake, etc. and whether you want to match the dominant color or accent it with something else. A few color swatches and a visit to your florist can help you to decide which you prefer.Location is importantWhen picking the flowers that are right for your wedding, it's a good idea to keep in mind where the wedding will be held. If the wedding is going to be outside, floral arches, columns, blooming plants and garden flowers are a great way to add a nice touch to the wedding. Beach weddings can be enhanced by simple flowers with bright colors or exotic and unique flowers that really complement the beach setting.Pick the type that's right for youA rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but that doesn't mean you have to use roses for your wedding any more. Orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils, and even more exotic and unique flowers are making their way into weddings everywhere. With a variety of colors and shapes, orchids have quickly become a highly popular flower for everything from centerpieces and bridal bouquets to the corsages and boutonnieres.Using a unique flower is an easy and often affordable way to put your own stamp on your wedding, as well as match the setting that you've chosen for your special day. There's nothing wrong with trading out the white rose for a purple orchid if it matches your wedding better.It's ok to ask for helpThe best way to get the flower arrangements that are best for you is to work with a qualified wedding florist. They'll be able to let you know about the current trends, what's available during what time of the year, and help you order far enough in advance so that you can get the flowers that you want at a far more reasonable price. Make your special day a bit more memorable with flowers that will stand out and add a personal touch to your wedding. By: Steve Papoulakos

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Wedding Flowers ll

Choosing Your Wedding Flowers.Choosing Wedding Flowers is one of the most important decisions you will make. Considering that it will be the most important day of your life that decision needs to be one you can live with, happily, for the rest of your life. Before you start selecting flowers for your wedding there are lots of things you need to have planned such as your Wedding colors, do you have a theme, how large your wedding will be, will it be formal or more casual and at the beach or a Cathedral.Whatever the theme, size or venue of your wedding, its best to choose flowers in season as out of season flowers can be very pricy. If your wedding will be outdoors try to choose fresh cut flowers that will hold up to the elements. Hardy varieties will hold up to the strain of the day better as well. You don’t want to have your flowers drooping and turning brown at the reception.Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet.Your Bridal Bouquet will be the most important accessory you will purchase for your Wedding day. Vibrant colors are becoming more popular in bridal flowers and bouquets. You are not limited to the pastel colors or solid white of days gone by unless that is what you prefer.Bridal Bouquets come in several basic shapes such as;Round which does not have to be perfectly round and the flowers can be tightly clustered or loose with a more airy look. Within the Round Shapes there is the Nosegay with is a smaller Victorian style cluster of flowers.

The Beidermeier shape which consists of rings of flowers, with each ring representing a different type of flower.Crescent shape bouquets can be symmetrical or asymmetrical with the sides flowing downward.The Arm bouquet consists of long stem flowers cradled in your arm.The Cascade or Teardrop Bouquets are round at the top and come to a point at the bottom usually with streamers of ribbon or flowers.Single Stem arrangements are becoming more popular. They are typically long stem flowers decorated with streamers, ribbon or lace.The most important question to ask yourself before you select your bouquet is, what will you do with it after the wedding? Will you put it on display in your home? Will you find a way to preserve it?Since it is becoming more popular to use vibrant colors in weddings, this includes the flowers. More and more brides are choosing Silk Flowers. In most cases silk flowers are cheaper, they keep longer. A very popular idea is to mix silk flowers with fresh flowers, especially in center piece arrangements.Popular Wedding Flower Meanings.I have found some very interesting meanings for flowers most commonly used for Weddings. Flowers take on different meanings when combined with other types of flowers and when combined with other colors of the same type of flower. Here is a list of some of the more popular Wedding flowers for each of the four seasons and some of their meanings. The flower meanings I have listed come from a variety of sources and are by no means exact because nobody really knows.Spring Wedding Flowers;Amaryllis means Pride and Radiant Beauty.Apple Blossom means Good Fortune and Better Things To Come.Lily means Majesty, Innocence and Honor.Peony means Bashful, Happy Marriage and ProsperitySweet Pea means Lasting Pleasure.Tulip means Passion and Happy Years.Summer Wedding Flowers;Calla Lily means Magnificent Beauty.Daisy means Innocence and Purity.Hydrangea means Vanity.Iris means Wisdom, Faith and Hope.White Rose means Honor, Reverence, Purity.Queen Annes Lace means Sanctuary or Haven.Autumn Wedding Flowers;Aster means Elegance, Daintiness and Patience.Chrysanthemum means Cheerfulness, Optimism and Joy.Gerbera Daisy means Purity and Cheerfulness.Statice means Remembrance and Success.Winter Wedding Flowers;Camellia means Gratitude and Graciousness.Gardenia means Joy, Sweet Love and Good Luck.Jasmine means Amiability and Elegance.Orchid means Rare Beauty, Long Life and Refinement.

By: Deby

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Wedding Flowers

A wedding is one of the most important occasions in a person's life.A wedding would just not be the same without flowers.Every bride wants her wedding to be memorable.The flowers provide the finishing touch to this very special day.The flowers can be simple or elaborate depending on the type of wedding that is being planned.IndividualityThe flowers for a wedding should have a look of individuality. They should look as if they have all been specially created for the bride.What will suit one bride will not automatically suit another. The style of dress, the height of the girl, the overall theme of the wedding should all have a bearing on the choice of the flowers.Bridal BouquetsThere are various styles of bouquets. These include round, trailer, sheaf, crescent, line and cascade bouquets.Round bouquets made of roses are a popular choice for many brides.Large trailing bouquets particularly suit romantic style wedding gowns.An elegant line bouquet of lilies would be a good choice for a slim fitting gown.A modern style bouquet made of exotic flowers and tropical foliage will suit the contemporary bride.The brides flowers should be the largest most spectacular bouquet in the wedding party - after all it is her special day!White is still traditionally the most popular colour for the brides bouquet but many different colours are used in weddings today for the bride and bridesmaids from soft pastels such as pale pink through to rich vibrant colours such as hot pink, burgundy and violet.Pearls and crystals can be incorporated into bouquets for a touch of added glamour.

For a delicate touch sheer organza ribbon can be used to create ribbon bows and long streamers.Wide satin ribbon will give a rich luxurious look.Bridesmaids FlowersThe bridesmaids flowers can be a smaller version of the brides flowers or a different shape.If the bride is carrying a trailer bouquet the bridesmaids could carry round bouquets.The bouquets can be the same colour as the brides bouquet or a different colour.For something different the bridesmaids could carry elegant evening bags filled with flowers. The bag would need to be lined with a piece of plastic to prevent staining the inside of the bag. A piece of soaked florist foam can be placed in the bag and the flowers and foliage arranged in the foam to extend gracefully from the top of the bag.Flower GirlA flower girl could carry a small basket of flowers to match the bridesmaids flowers. the basket can be sprayed white or a pastel shade. Another alternative is to attach a spray of flowers to a piece of ribbon and tie it around the flower girls wrist, tying the ribbon ends in a bow with long ends. This is particularly suitable for a very young flower girl who may find a basket awkward to carry.ButtonholesThe bridegroom and groomsmen wear a buttonhole which often consists of a single flower such as a rose or a carnation or another flower the same type as used in the brides bouquet.CorsagesThe mothers of the bride and groom wear corsages. Often grandmothers and special aunts also wear corsages. It is helpful to know the colour of their dresses so colours will not clash. White or cream is always a safe choice.Flowers really do provide the finishing touch to a wedding! By choosing flowers in a style and colour to complement your wedding theme it will give you wonderful memories to treasure for a lifetime.

By: Fay Chamoun

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