I haven’t written about my favourite flower in a while.

For those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know that I don’t really have a singular favourite, but there is one that is dear to my heart and I think it’s because it’s not the first flower that comes to mind for most as a wedding flower option.

I felt like it was such a confession when I first wrote about how much I loved the carnation. Since the time I put it “out there”, I’m proud to say that this beautiful flower has graced the highest and most prestigious venues in the city.

It’s actually my first choice for substitute for the wedding seasons most popular flower which I’m going keep underwraps for a little bit :-).

Wedding Arrangement of Red Carnations and Roses | Floret.ca

It sounds like a hair style doesn’t it?

I’m actually referring to a growing trend in centerpiece design and it the perfect solution for the client who wants a centerpiece that is both off the table  or elevated and one that is lower to the table or below the line of sight.

The way it works is this. Let’s say you have 20 tables.

Half the centerpieces would be elevated so that the drama which can only be captured by that style of a centerpiece can be established.

The other half of the tables can be fulsome arrangements that are lower to the table so that you are able to sit those guests of yours who you feel might prefer to be able to chat across the table as well as to the guests on either side.

It’s a great option for the couple who would like the best of both worlds.

Let’s face it. Flowers can be expensive.

With this in mind, a good floral designer should find ways to use twice or double duty the flowers that have already been ordered.

For instance, bridal bouquets can be placed in vases and used at the head table and flowers from the chairs or pews at the ceremony could be in clusters at the cake table or on tables in sitting areas or a patio.

Assuming all the flowers were chosen thoughtfully in terms of colour and style, double dutying the flowers will provide a consistent and seamless carry over from the beginning of the wedding to the end.

It’s nothing new to say that brides are always on the search for something different for their wedding and even the classic candle has been potentially one upped, by an alternative that‘s becoming ever popular with the set that’s looking for a “cool, modern” look for their wedding reception.

It’s LED light.

No longer lighting reserved for the emergency flashlight in your glove compartment, it’s small and compact. These lights are often nestled among glass gems or stones to create light from the inside out as opposed to candle which can only encircle something.

It’s also a cool white in appearance as opposed to the warm glow that a candle gives.

One other reason it has become ever popular in spite of the greater cost for it, is that it gives new options to those dining in candle free zones or tables and areas where it might be a fire hazard.

The possibilities are endless…It’s one of the many reasons why I love what I do.

I believe that every consideration for florals can be created to reflect the vision and style for the wedding day.

Naturally, one of the most focal and personal parts of the flowers are the bouquets especially bridal bouquet and they should be a visual stylistic reflection of the bride who carries the blooms.

This bouquet wrapped in variegated leaves were the perfect touch for Marlene who wanted a balance between classic elegance with a touch of a modern boldness.

Leaf Wrapped Wedding Bouquet | Floret.ca

Fresh Green Apples In A Fall Centerpiece | Floret.ca

Any good designer knows that good health is not the only thing that fruits and vegetables are wonderful for.

They can be an amazing element in  floral design because they are able to add another level of texture and colour to an arrangement or bouquet in a way that a flower just can’t.

Here are some elements from the produce aisle to consider in your list of fresh item wants:

• apples
• oranges and limes
• grapes
• artichokes
• cabbage
• any kind of berry

Diamonds, crystals or any kind of glitter for that matter when used in just the right way and amount can add that little pop that can make any decorative or floral element of a wedding sparkle.

Here are a few places where they can be used:

• bouquets
• centerpieces
• backdrops and head table decor

Here I’ve used them to completely fill the vase for a centerpiece.

Crystals For A Centerpiece | Floret.ca

Happy New Year!

Each new year signifies the chances to start fresh and get back to basics and to that end, I’ll spend time in the next little while writing about all things wedding flower that as a designer that I take for granted, but would probably be helpful and “new” for you to know.

Stay tuned!

There are many places to look for inspiration for a wedding bouquet and these days there’s no shortage of sources.

For me, one of the places that I love to start with is the wedding dress if it has already been decided.

The style, silhouette, the material, the colour, embellishments…the variations especially at this point in time are true endless.

All these elements of this dress can provide lots of ideas as to waht the bouquet could look like especially if you don’t already have a set idea.

It reminds me (and I’m going to date myself here) of the time when I read a story of how Sophie Rhys-Jones (who married Prince Edward in the early nineties) chose her bridal bouquet.

The florist felt inspired by the slightly flared sleeves of her wedding dress and suggested calla lilies to complement the style of the dress.

So while you don’t have to have the dress to begin the process, if you have chosen it already consider looking to it for your floral inspiration.

It can be confusing, I know.

What are the rules concerning wedding flowers? Are they mandatory? Do I have to give a corsage or a boutonniere to every members of my very large family?

Unless you feel compelled to follow the rules laid out by Emily Post, the truth is that these days there are no rules.

I might get myself in trouble from those who might say that’s not the best way to promote my service, but then again I’ve never considered myself a conventional florist.

The plain and simple truth is that while an experienced wedding florist should be able to offer you the guidelines the fact is that it should revolve around YOU and YOUR BELOVED. That’s it. You decide. What, how many and for what and whom.

There are starter lists for wedding flowers to be found everywhere, bu the finer points will ultimately be determined by you.