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Flowers: 10 Ideas & Inspirations |
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Flowers and weddings go hand in hand, but that doesn't mean you have to be a
slave to tradition. Here are 10 creative ideas that challenge conventional
notions. May they inspire your own inventions!
1. Mythical Maids
Instead of bouquets, have delicate wreaths created for your bridesmaids to wear
in their hair. Think ancient goddesses or fairy princesses -- greens or
blossoms will do the trick (try stephanotis, stalks of wheat, or yellow
daisies). Give maids small purses to carry down the aisle, or advise them to
clasp their hands as they process.
2. Petal Power
For a visually stunning send-off, furnish guests with pretty paper cones or
teeny baskets filled with rose petals to throw instead of rice or confetti
(which can be dangerous for birds, not to mention uncomfortable if some falls
down your dress!). Escape from your guests while being showered by a fragrant
cloud.
3. Find Your Center
Sometimes the simplest flowers can look spectacular in multiples. As
centerpieces, dense bunches of Queen Anne's Lace and variegated ivy look elegant
and lush while imparting a rustic, au naturel feel. Cluster three glass tumblers
full of flowers -- you can even use pint-sized jars or milk bottles if the
setting is rural.
4. Blooms for the Groom
These days, stylish grooms and groomsmen are walking on the wild side, studding
their lapels with mini calla lilies, mini sunflowers, and just about anything
else. Exotic boutonnieres are bold and sexy and will refresh any tired tuxedo
getup. Choose something special for the groom and accent it with a ribbon that
matches his personality -- plaid for preppy; stripes for chic; or polka dot for
the lighthearted.
5. Silky Solutions
For an exquisite postwedding keepsake that won't fade or dry up, many brides are
opting for silk flowers. Boutonnieres and corsages can be created, and faux
floral accents bring a touch of romance to ring pillows, shoes, gift packaging,
place cards, and favors. Roses, orchids, peonies, poppies, gardenias, violets,
lilies of the valley, and pansies are all up for grabs, but choose your
craftsperson carefully. Silk flowers can be a cost-saver or a luxurious splurge,
depending on bouquet size and the quality of the vendor's wares.
6. Tied and True
Show a little stem. Unstructured, ribbon-tied bouquets are all the rage, often
in vivid, monochromatic tones. Wrap bouquets with colorful ribbons in sumptuous
fabrics such as satin, velvet, or organza. Rummage at flea markets and antique
stores for fine vintage fare, or check out a local wholesale dealer's fabric
supply.
7. Added Arrangements
For the reception, consider decorating freestanding tables (bar, cake table,
buffet, or guest book table) with different arrangements -- low bowls filled
with ruby red roses and cherries to tall, cylindrical vases wrapped with filo
leaves and filled with half a dozen calla lilies. The variety will add visual
interest to your reception space.
8. What an Honor
Know what types of flowers your grandma toted down the aisle in '39? Honor a
family member through your wedding flowers. Incorporate their meaningful
flowers into your bouquets and arrangements. Looking for ways to invoke
the memory of a deceased loved one? Find out about the flowers the person loved.
Maybe your great aunt was known statewide for her garden-grown camellias. Maybe
grandpa always had a thing for rosemary. If you infuse your flowers with
symbolism, they'll seem even more beautiful to you on the big day.
9. Finishing Touches
Whether you choose tussy mussy (cone-shaped, hand-held vases first became
popular in the Victorian era and come in pewter, silver plate, porcelain, faux
mother-of-pearl, and colored glass) or a fabric bouquet wrap, make sure your
selected style is unique. One idea? Cover the bouquet handle with a dark, velvet
fabric and braid another pale-hued one around it, corset-style. Talk to your
florist about other presentation ideas.
10. Make it Last
After all is said and done, you'll have a trove of wedding day keepsakes, and
your bouquet will be among the most precious. Think about drying and