Roses and Lilies and Orchids, Oh My!

The first step in planning the flower arrangements for your wedding is to find a type of arrangement that appeals to you. Do you prefer a clean, modern, chic and minimalist look? Flowers like tulips, orchids or calla lilies are paired with simple, architectural containers to create this style of arrangement (see left, by Style Hive.)

Or perhaps you’re interested in a more traditional English garden style? This style can work for more casual weddings as well as elegant affairs. Flowers that work to create these arrangements are typically in various colors and may include roses or hyacinth.

You could aim for a more formal, romantic style with fluffy, delicate arrangements of peonies or hydrangeas to add to the days’ fairytale.

A fun, modern option would be to use gerbera daisies or zinnias for a pop of color and playfulness.

Maybe you’re interested in creating a warm, inviting space for you and your guests? Consider an earthy, warm arrangement that includes shades of yellow, orange and deep reds in the forms of sunflowers, orchids, poppies and berries. Place this arrangement in a terracotta container amongst a breadbasket and pillar candles on a wood table and you’ve got a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

If you just can’t decide which style you love the most, consider your venue. A tented wedding can be transformed to suit absolutely any style so if your wedding is tented this may not help to narrow down the choices. But, if you’re wedding is on Cape Cod you may consider arrangements that are more free flowing, like the ocean, and less architectural and modern. Your arrangement might include ornamental grass in conjunction with white hyacinth to remind your guests of the ocean breeze and natural beauty. If you are celebrating at a loft in Manhattan, the chic, contemporary and simplistic look is probably your best bet.

Perhaps the best deciding factor when it comes to your flowers is the time of year at which are getting married. The seasons quite often dictate how difficult it is to find certain flowers and therefore the cost associated with using those flowers for décor can vary greatly from season to season. Ordering flowers that are in season can keep cost down, and it may help you to finally decide what it is that you actually want to use. Some flowers are available year-round. These include Asiatic lilies, Baby’s breath, Bachelor’s button, Bells of Ireland, Calla lilies, Carnations, Gardenias, Iris, Orchids, Roses, and Stephanotis. Here is a list of seasonal flowers broken down by the seasons they are most available:

SPRING:

Daffodil

Hyacinth**

Hydrangea**

Lilac

Lily of the Valley

Peony**

Poppy

Tulip**

Violet

SUMMER:

Calla lily**

Dahlia** Romantic centerpiece by My Wedding Flowers

Daisy

Rose**

Gerbera Daisy

Hydrangea**

Lavender

Marigold

Sunflower**

Stephanotis**

FALL:

Calla lily**

Chrysanthemum

Dahlia

Hydrangea**

Marigold

Snowberry**

Sunflower Fun, flirty gerbera daisies.

Winterberry

Zinnia

WINTER:

Amaryllis

Camellia

Freesia

Heather

Holly

Lisianthus

Narcissus

Ranunculus**

Stephanotis**

Tulip**

Violets

Kaitlynn's personal favorite.

(Flowers by FloraLatte. Wedding by The Wedding Belle.)

Perhaps, like the majority of people, you are not a floral design expert and the idea of choosing which flowers to use is overwhelming to you. Fear not! If you have one favorite kind of flower, tell your florist. He or she will be able to come up with a design highlighting the flower of your choice, and you won’t have to worry about deciding on the filler flowers. Don’t be afraid that a flower you love won’t work with the location of your wedding. Orchids can fit into a traditional bouquet of flowers just as easily has hydrangea can, and roses can create a minimalist, modern arrangement as easily as calla lilies.

Finally, if you are still having difficulty deciding, speak with a florist or your wedding planner both of whom may have some unique ideas that you’ll really love! Most important: Have fun! Your arrangements will be beautiful no matter what you choose to do, so don’t stress over the fun details, just envision how lovely the final product will be come the big day and enjoy the process!