Flowers 101

[zoebartlett]

I''m just beginning to think about flowers but I don''t have a green thumb and I don''t know what are popular choices for bouquets. What would be recommended types of flowers for a (potentially) hot, humid, summer July day? If region is a factor at all, the wedding is in Maine.

I''m not even really focusing on colors at the moment. I will say though that the venue is decorated with a lot of burgandy, so I''d like to stay away from reds. Also, my dress is ivory with champagne colored accents, so I''m not sure yellows would look right.

 

[neatfreak]

Honestly, your best bet is to get as many bridal magazines as you can and see what kind of bouquets you like. THEN go to your florist, talk about what''s cheap and what''s in season, and you can design something together.

 

[akw94]

Zoe, there are also bridal magazines that focus on flowers. Those are great for getting ideas. This site provides lists of flowers per month: http://www.freshroses.com/volume.html#seasonal
This site has some pics too: http://www.sommerflowers.com/index.html
This is a wonderful site: http://www.sierraflowerfinder.com/default.asp
I would type in all different names of roses and it had pics for virtually every kind. It also has categories so you can browse.

There was also a thread on here: DIY Flowers that has many other sites which may help you.
And there was a thread on color which may help (if I find it, i''ll let you know). But there are sites that say what colors go w/what to help you get a feel for what might look nice w/your color scheme.

Good luck getting a feel for what you like.

 

[monarch64]

Callas hold up really well, much better than roses or anything with a ton of petals....gardenias, um..I'm thinking waxier flowers that hold their shape and don't wilt a ton but are also in season...definitely check out the websites posted above. I had callas mixed with roses in my bouquet and by the end of the day the roses were wilting but the callas weren't. My BM's carried James story orchids which also held up pretty well, those were mixed with hypernicum berries and greenery. We had an outdoor September ceremony just outside Chicago if that helps with climate questions.

 

[Gypsy]

Cymbidium orchids will hold up well too. Roses can hold up well and are a popular and traditional choice-- just talk to your florist about wilting concerns some colors show wilt more than others. Callas are lovely, especially the minis. Sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, and hydrangeas, minicarnations (or regular)would work too. I would look at pictures to see what appeals to you first. Stay away from anything that looks too delicate (sweet peas, wildflowers) cause it probably is-- so tulips, lily of the valley, etc are out . Gardenias and really delicate orchids would be a NO as well.

Orchid nos:
Dendrobiums (wilt)
Phalaenopsis (stem issues)

Orchid yes:

http://www.orchidsusa.com/cymbidium.html


Topicals are nice too. Ginger and Anthurium (come in pink and white). Anthurium look like hearts so if you have a talented floral designer it can be a really stunning look.

 

[sparkel]

I agree with the suggestion that you look at pictures and head to a florist. It is basically impossible to decide on flowers until you have decided on the theme and feel of your wedding and the colours most importantly.

I agree with most of gypsy''s suggestions about flower choices. The caution I would say is on hydrangea. I would under no circumstances put that in a hand tied bouquet as it frequently wilts and wilts very badly. If your florist is putting in in a holder to design the bouquet it would likely be ok though.

HTH,
Rebecca

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks girls and thanks for the links Dixie and Gypsy! I have been looking online but I haven''t seen those sites. I''ll check them out today. It''s good to know what types of flowers will or won''t hold up to summer heat. Because it''s New England, the weather is slightly unpredictable. I LOVE tulips but it''s good to know that mybe I should consider other flowers. Choosing a florist is next on my list after choosing and finalizing the photographer and DJ.

Thanks for the tips!!

 

[Fancy605]

Here are som examples of summer bouquets I have seen recently.

I got married in July, and my flowers held up nicely throughout everything. It is very hot and humid in Georgia in July (temps get to the mid-high 90''s). We had roses, calla lilies, lisianthus, and pearl studded stephanotis. Lisiantus is definitely a summer flower (it looks a bit like roses to me.) The stephanotis was the most fragile of my flowers, and it did wither a tiny bit around the edges by the end of the reception. The roses and calla lilies looked nice though.

One of my best friends was married outdoors in June, and she had a huge ivory bouquet of gardenias, tulips, roses, and other flowers. It held up surprisingly nicely, considering she had some delicate flowers tucked in there. It is probably the most beautiful bouquet I have ever seen. (I''ll see if I can find pics). We (her BMs) had hydrangeas, and they didn''t do so well.