Autumn is such a marvelous season. For a designer, it is the season of colorful leaves, sculptural branching, clusters of berries and earthy palettes. Whether you are incorporating tropicals or using cut succulents, pumpkins or gourds, this seasons arrangements capture autumn’s unique and playful character.
Wedding flowers are steeped in history and symbolism. The tradition of a bride carrying or wearing flowers stretches back into ancient history. To our knowledge the earliest herbs and flowers to be incorporated into the wedding ceremony was dill, garlic, marigolds, thyme and sage, among other rather strong-smelling herbs and spices that were thought to ward off evil spirits, ill health and bad luck.
Another explanation for the tradition of the bouquet, according to http://www.herlifemagazine.com/ explains “In ancient times, a bride was considered especially lucky on her wedding day. So, guests were compelled to tear off parts of her dress to obtain a good luck talisman for themselves! Not all brides cared for this activity, as it seemed unpleasant to have their clothing ripped bit by bit, compliments of the guests. So it evolved, that the bride outsmart her guests by giving an offering of herself; enabling a guest to obtain a lucky talisman and allowing herself to keep her clothing intact: she starting throwing her garter and bouquet in lieu of pieces of her dress.”
In later times flowers evolved into symbols of love, fragility and fertility. They became the precious way to adorn the bride on the day of the ceremony and have become one of the most important aspects of her attire.
Many people assign their own personal meanings for flowers and the selection of wedding flora reflects these sentiments. Currently, with an overabundance of options to choose from the key deciding factors have become seasonality, sentiment and the overall color theme for the wedding party and décor.
For those interested in the historic connotation of flowers, this could be an exciting way to compose your bridal bouquet. This symbolism looks something like; Freesia, innocence; Blossoms, promise; Hyacinth, sincerity; Hydrangea, perseverance; Iris, inspiration; ivy, fidelity; lilac, first love; Calla Lily, regality; Peony, healing; Ranunculus, radiance; Roses, everlasting love; Stephanotis, good luck; and Zinnia, friendship.
One could also consider the overall color palette to evoke the desired tone. Cool colors are both comforting and nurturing. Blues, greens and neutral whites, greys and silver reflect these properties. Warm colors convey optimism and excitement. The warmth of red, fiery orange, hot pink and yellow as well as the neutral quality of black, gold and bronze carry warm attributes. There is also direct meaning associated with the colors of the spectrum such as; Blue – strength, intelligence; Green – growth, harmony; Gold – richness, extravagance; Orange – energy, vibrancy; Pink – sweet, romance delicate; Red – passion, love; Yellow- happiness, joy; White-purity.
The most important consideration in selecting your bouquet is seasonality and character. Your floral palette enables you to express yourself through the flowers themselves. When meeting with your floral coordinator to discuss your options this will be one of the first conversations that you have. You will begin to develop your palette based on preference, character, theme, season and venue. Together, with a designer, you will be walking down the aisle with a bouquet that perfectly encapsulates the energy and style of your day.
This year’s floral trends promise to bring flashes of color, lush blossoms, dainty groupings and the integration of natural elements.
We’ve turned to IFD for their ever present ability to have their finger on the pulse.
Revival
This trend blends vintage fashion and art-deco with modern pop culture.
Encompassing nostalgic pastel hues of mint, blush-pinks and peach contrasting with accents of black and gold, compliment and intensify color.
Opulent and abundant lush groupings with clean silhouettes, contoured blooms such as antherium, orchids, calla lilies, compliment the wistful textures of softer astilbe, garden roses and peonies.
Arrangements are composed in high sheen containers and bold geometric architectural vessels as well as vintage crystal and mercury glass.
Grand Lodge
In this trend, luxe meets rustic, elegance fuses with mountain simplicity.
Natural materials blend with metals, glass and crystal that have luster and sheen.
Cream, stone, mossy greens, chestnut and blue-greys are the dominant colors of Grand Lodge.
Huge, staggered frames–either gilded or made of moss, or birch, transform flowers into works of art.
Grouping of found objects and romantic combinations of sweet peas, hydrangeas, clematis, luecadendron and dahlias are arranged in cut crystal containers, warm silver and china vases.
Confetti
Expressive color, bright hues and bold patterns define this trend.
A full color spectrum is gathered in daring and wild combinations such as tangerine, coral, fuchsia, pops of neon, turquoise and bright red.
Graduated tones of ombre and bold color blocking patterns are created with the intensity of poppies, gerberas, carnations, zinnias, sunflowers and proteas.
Bright Geometric vessels and container groupings keep this trend engaging and powerful.
Aquaculture
The allure of water with its flowing lines and reflective quality are the inspiration of this trend.
The colors are both soothing and intense and range from bright turquoise and rich indigo to the deep purple and lilac to stormy grey.
Blue delphinium, agapanthus, dark blue hydrangea and grape hyacinth combine with alliums, nigella, succulents and textured greens such as eucalyptus and Tillandsia.
Containers have organic finishes that include bubble shapes, textural ceramics with scalloped edges and the smooth curve of glass. Silver gray and weathered metals blend with polished river stone and driftwood to complete this look.
Blondie's Treehouse is a dynamic horticulture company in the New York area, offering exceptional design, installation and maintenance service for Interior and Exterior Plantscapes. Our Flower Studio specializes in unique designs and event planning and our Holiday House brings you festive holiday decor.
(646) 649-9268
showroom
242 west 30th street nyc 10001
Enter your email address
