Stylish Shape

In the past, a flowing cascade of white roses softened by ferns or some ivy was all the rage. It looked beautiful and quite regal. It still does, but today’s bride is going for something a little less beauty queen and a little more in keeping with a relaxed way of saying I do.

A round, hand-held grouping of flowers called a posy is being asked to escort the bride more often than any other style these days. Unlike the contained, very modest posy of a few years ago, brides this year will be carrying a more natural, free form look with dimension and depth.

Bursts Of Color

At today’s weddings, color is splashed everywhere. Think bright, exotic bouquets bursting with lilies, orchids, ranunculus, gerberas, callas, daises or hydrangeas.

But for every trend, there is its opposite. Some brides are making a knockout statement by choosing just one color for their bouquet. All white paperwhites, white roses, hydrangeas or calla lilies are being hand tied with a lace ribbon to create a wonderful vintage look. Red roses, tulips or dahlias are red hot for the bride who wants to make a bold entrance.

Choose The Unexpected

Who says your blooms can only be in a bouquet? Instead, wear your heart on your sleeve and a rose on your neck. Attach a beautiful single blossom to a delicate velvet ribbon and wear it as a sweet choker. Or adorn yourself with a necklace of flowers, a floral crown, a petal bracelet – even a purse for you or your bridesmaids in lieu of a traditional bouquet.

Herbs are not just for cooking anymore. Adding them to your arrangements can be a wonderful touch. Instead of the classic feathery fern or ivy, try incorporating rosemary, mint, lemon verbena, lavender – any of the lovely scents and glorious greens that come straight from the herb garden — for a fresh look.

For a dramatic, elegant entrance, choose a stand-out single stem to grace your walk down the aisle. A perfect rose, the graceful lines of a calla lily, or a flower like one your mother used for her bouquet.

Make a romantic gesture by carrying two perfectly matched blooms slipped inside a book with special meaning for you. When you reach your beloved, hand him one of the blooms to signify a perfect match and present the book to the officiant who can begin the ceremony by reading your chosen passage or poem.

Fruitful Flowers

Let the bounty of a farmer’s market provide the inspiration for everything from your bouquet to your reception table décor by incorporate berries, succulent fruits – even veggies. Choose your fruit and veggies based on the season such as bright lemons for summer or bittersweet, apples and mini pumpkins for fall.

Mix And Match

Add a vintage touch of whimsy to your reception by creating old-fashioned floral arrangements in and around a variety of containers. Use a different teacup, bowl, or pitcher for each table. Mix and match between silver, crystal and china. Vary the height of each centerpiece to make the tables that much more interesting.

Pick And Choose Traditions

Who says that mothers have to wear a junior prom-style corsage pinned to their breast? Go with what will look great on Mom and make her feel great as well. What about carrying a small nosegay, going for a floral piece of jewelry or that great floral purse idea we mentioned just a minute ago?

Adorn Everything

Use flowers throughout the day. Anywhere and everywhere. Sprinkle petals for a romantic walkway, frame photos of absent loved ones, or use miniature potted plants or arrangements as