A Spring Fling with Flowers

Lilac, hydrangeas, and orchids, oh my! There is no better time for flowers than springtime: Virtually every type of flower is available in every color imaginable, making the possibilities endless. Any florist will tell you that spring is their favorite time of year because of the abundance of variety and color, which is great for designers and a dream come true for brides. The assortment of shades is incredible, from lavenders to purples, sherbets to rich jewel tones, plus greens, pinks, and every color in between! Whether you seek color or variety, now is the time to dream big. Read on for great ideas for incorporating spring’s abundant offerings into your special day.

Get Color Happy
Every bride has a vision all her own, and often it’s one she’s been dreaming of her entire life. A florist enlists the help of nature to realize that vision. This time of year, florists can create a feast for the senses that is exploding with beauty, fragrance, and plenty of color. Some colorful ideas to consider:

• Mix and match unusual color combinations for a dramatic statement such as deep red and rich turquoise. Large red roses combined with turquoise linens and accents are an unexpected masterpiece.

• Make a big statement with a single color by utilizing every hue of that color available. Imagine walking into a reception and seeing a sea of pinks, from the palest blush to the brightest, richest fuchsia.

• Let nature choose your colors and take advantage of the seasonal flower shades. For example, go with purples and use delicious lilac while it’s in season – this flower alone is reason enough to plan a spring wedding!

• Incorporate multiple colors, not just one or two. You can cluster color throughout your space by placing vases overflowing with reds on one table, yellows on the next, and so on.

• One of the most popular flowers among brides is by far the peony. During springtime this fluffy, large blossom is available in several different varieties offering bright, beautiful hues like deep red, hot pink, soft blush, and crystal white.

• A wonderful way to showcase individual style is to decorate each room during the ceremony and reception in a different color, telling the couples’ story as the event unfolds. For a recently designed celebrity wedding, the cocktail hour was set in a chic, all-white modern design, boasting white flowers and linens from floor to ceiling. The “white room” was a huge hit and gave friends and family an experience as memorable as the couple themselves. As guests moved into the reception, the colors changed to vibrant jewel tones, setting a different mood for an unforgettable evening.

The Spice of Life
Springtime flowers are gorgeous and plentiful, which means brides have more choices than ever. Some wedding favorites in full bloom include lilac (which have the most delicious scent), viburnum, sweet peas, hydrangeas, tulips, roses, orchids, hyacinth, calla lilies, jasmine, blossom branches (dogwood, quince, cherry blossoms), and delphinium. Some ways you can use variety to set the tone for your décor:

• A single-color theme: A room filled with a variety of pink flowers is much more striking than small accents of pink throughout. For example, you can use pink as your base color with hydrangeas, peonies, tulips, blossom branches, and roses. If you are working with shades of purple, you can choose lilac, lavender, tulips, roses, Vanda orchids, hyacinth, and hydrangeas.

• Another option is to select multiple colors associated with one type of flower. Try all pink peonies for one table and all orange tulips for another. The possibilities are endless and the season makes it simple for couples to choose décor that fits everyone’s style.

• Have each bridesmaid and groomsman wear a different type of flower but in the same color scheme. Extend that same color and variety theme up the aisle, all the way to the chuppa or ceremonial gazebo.

• Be sure to ask your florist about incorporating eye-catching accents (such as jewels, fabric, and ribbons) into your bouquet, floral décor, and centerpieces for additional personalization. Here are some colorful flower suggestions for bouquets:

• Bridal Bouquets All-pink bouquet – hydrangeas, peonies, tulips, and roses All-orange bouquet – a full array of orange tulips All-purple bouquet – lilac, roses, and lisianthus All-white bouquet – white lilac and peonies with accents of sweetheart roses

• Bridesmaid Bouquets All-pink bouquets – one bouquet with all hydrangeas, one with peonies, one with sweetheart roses, one with tulips, and one with hyacinth All-white bouquets – bunches of lilac, hydrangeas, tulips, and peonies

Splurge in Spring
Mother Nature would insist that you think big when selecting your flowers in spring! Let their natural beauty guide your theme, and scale back on other areas of décor. Fancy linens can instead serve as a canvas or backdrop, and floral blooms can take the place of specialty menu cards placed at each place setting. To make the most of your floral budget, designate one third of your tables for large, dramatic pieces that will make the room “pop.” When guests enter the space, their eyes will dance around the room while soaking up all of the (strategically placed) accent pieces. The overall design of a venue is just as important as the guests who will see it.