Flowers: Add Color With Flowers
With the date set, the venue booked and the desperate search for the perfect gown a success, it is time to think about the flowers. Whether it’s figuring out what type of varieties, where to set the arrangements or finding the right floral designer, there are many details to consider when planning the perfect wedding.
“Wedding floral whereabouts can be one of the most exciting and creative aspects of planning. It is best to schedule an initial consultation with a floral designer and be sure to communicate any ideas gathered to personalize the event such as photos, fabric swatches and color samples,” said Jennifer Haf, owner/designer of Bloom in Bay Harbor.
Haf suggests that ceremony floral, depending on the venue, can be as simple as adding details to guest chairs and as elaborate as one can possibly imagine with flowering set for every inch of the aisle, altar, and everything in between.
Items to consider for the ceremony would be pedestal arrangements, pew or chair decor, garlands for swaging on archways, banisters or gazebos, and of course, abundant petals for the aisle.
Sydney Wormell, owner of Upsy-Daisy Floral in Boyne City, said that an arrangement in the back of the venue will catch the eye of the guests entering and highlight where the procession begins. Also, a simple placement of a decorative wreath on the church door or the use of plants to line the church steps outdoors emphasizes the fact a celebration is taking place.
“If the ceremony is outdoors, I love to see something lighter and more fun. Not that churches are stuffy, but an outdoor wedding just evokes more movement and color to me,” said Wormell. “Short shepherds’ hooks lining the aisle are a perfect way to display flowers. Hang a pomander with some ribbon attached to the bottom on a hook and you have a play on traditional aisle flowers as well as something that moves in a gentle breeze and is a unique touch.”
What’s in for 2010
According to Haf, style trends for the 2010 wedding season are diverse — from the casual lakeside event with an organic feel to the formal estate setting with tones of tradition and regal elegance.
Color and design set the tone for floral trends. A monochromatic tightly bundled arrangement is appropriate for a contemporary look, whereas a romantic bouquet may be made up of loosely placed stems in soft tones and textures.
“I personally think the hottest thing with flowers this year is color. I love to see bright colors such as lime green, fuchsia and orange, arranged together or in contrasting lighter shades. I also like to see the bouquet accents, like ribbon, show some of that color fun. An all-green bouquet looks fabulous with turquoise ribbon wrapping the stems. A hot pink bouquet tied with a chocolate with pink polka-dots ribbon emphasizes a fun spirit,” offered Wormell.
How to save a few dollars
With a budget-conscious bride, there are many options available depending upon the type of flower and number of arrangements. Brides shouldn’t worry about having a huge centerpiece on every guest table if they are on a small budget. For an inexpensive way of reception decorating, take the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets and put them in vases with water. They can sit on the head table, cake table, bar or wherever the need for color. Plus, by keeping the bouquets hydrated throughout the reception, the flowers will last longer when the women reclaim them and take them home.
Haf stated, “The budget-conscious bride may want to consider a cluster of smaller bud type vases clustered in the center of the table to add a splash of color or perhaps a few larger blooms bunched together in a container for impact. Choosing seasonal stems and locally grown options always helps the budget go a bit further.”
Another tip by Wormell: try floating one Gerbera daisy in a heart-shaped bowl on each table. It is affordable and still beautiful.
She added that for those brides with a bevy of bridesmaids, each woman could carry a single hydrangea decorated with ribbon or a group of three roses tied together.
If money is no worry
Haf suggests trying several designs at different heights throughout the space, such as a tall lush trumpet vase over-brimming with blooms complemented by low mounded arrangements on every other table. Be sure to also coordinate linens and other elements of a tablescape with the floral design.
“Whatever the vision, there are options for every budget,” said Haf.
Concluded Wormell, “I’ve seen examples where there are flowers everywhere. They are hanging from the ceiling, on the seats, up front, in back, petals on the ground. Everywhere. It looked like a fairytale. I wanted to be at that wedding. Of course, the cost must have been through the roof, but it’s fun to think about, huh?”
Get to the florist on time
Martin Van Til, owner of Flowers by Josie in Gaylord, offers these tips for the future bride for a successful relationship with their floral designer.
“Many times, we get brides-to-be running to our shop to start planning their wedding shortly after the proposal without an idea in place. They’re very excited, which is wonderful, but there are several steps needed before this happens,” said Van Til.
Plan ahead, especially during peak season times such as July and August. For many floral designers, this should be done a year in advance for these popular dates.
Call ahead to set up a consultation, rather than walk-in, especially on Saturdays. A specific time to meet ensures the designer can focus on all your needs and all the details can be discussed.
Bloom is located at 4197 Main St. Bay Harbor; (231) 439-2692 or online www.bloomupnorth.com.
Upsy-Daisy Floral is located at 5 W. Main St. Suite 2B in Boyne City; (231) 582-0972.
Flowers by Josie is located at 125 N. Otsego Ave. in Gaylord; (989) 732-5288.
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