Wedding flowers: Personalizing bouquets to bride's vision is hot trend

BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Sunday, March 03, 2013
3/03/13 at 5:35 AM

As weddings become more unique, so do the flowers.

Roses are still among the most popular flowers. The demure hues of the bridal bouquet remain a classic, but now the flowers speak to the bride, as well as the venue.

Today's bouquet could include wildflowers, maybe bundled up with a strand of lace that's sentimental. The bouquet could be made of brooches or have accessories incorporated into the flower arrangements.

Vintage brooches and feathers are some elements Derrick Black, a designer at Mrs. DeHaven's Flower Shop, would love to see more of - though some looks, including those inspired by the steampunk genre, may take some time.

Still, what is being used is anything but cookie-cutter.

To say the least, the looks are "very diverse," said Toni Garner, owner of Toni's Flowers and Gifts.

Brides are either going romantic and elegant or are seeking out looks that go with outdoor-inspired weddings. "Shabby chic. Vintage," Garner offered. "Kind of like you went and picked them out of the garden."

Arrangements offering a variety of textures are popular, and so is the use of succulents. Ferns, herbs and grasses are even being used in adornments, and though a man can never go wrong with a standard rose for his boutonniere, a calla lily, berries and other plants can create a different and special touch.

Stems of Utica Square owner Renaye Johnston names hydrangea, gerbera daisies, orchids and callas lilies among the most popular flowers brides select.

Gardenias aren't as popular but make a nice addition, Black added, saying the blooms have a nice, soft fragrance that is perfect for a wedding.

And as simple it sounds to pick out flowers and have them show up for a wedding, there is a little more planning involved, Black reminded.

"Everyone decides on a flower, but then settles on a wrong time of year."

Sometimes that favorite flower is out of season. Lily of the valley, wisteria, camellia, tulips and peonies are some of the most requested out-of-season flowers. Because of worldwide shipping and growing, most flowers are available for all seasons, but not all, Johnston said.

Just to be sure, it's a good idea to talk to your florist about your interests.

Black offered other tips:

As soon as you know you're getting married, start planning and try not to leave flowers as the last thing you have planned.
Know that what you spend on catering will be about what you spend on flowers.
Decide on your taste and style.
Decide on your date. If you haven't yet, pick the flowers that are essential for your wedding, then ask your florist when they're in season.
Make sure you have an accurate number on everyone in the wedding party.

One final piece of advice Johnston gave was this: "The biggest mistake that brides make with a florist is not allowing a bit more designer freedom in arranging the bouquets and (other floral features). Trusting a well-qualified florist with their design abilities will give better results in the end."

Budget-friendly wedding blooms

In a time when it is the folks getting married who often are footing the event bill, a limited budget doesn't mean you have to forgo flowers. You will just have to be a little more creative.

Here are some tips for the bride buying flowers on a budget.

Shop for seasonal flowers, said Stems' Renaye Johnston - regular daisies for instance, alstroemeria, carnations or other blooms that will be in season when you get married.

Do it yourself - But unless there is a florist in your family, you probably won't get the same effect you'd get with a local professional who arranges flowers for a living.

Seek green - Greenery will definitely bring a different look, which may be exactly what you're seeking.

Embrace simplicity - Simple, distinctive displays can be as statement-making as elaborate but will differ in cost.

Original Print Headline: Wedding arrangements

Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

A floral arrangement by Stems of Utica Square features lilies, tulips and gerbera daisies. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

Stems of Utica Square's daisies arrangement, in a canning jar wrapped with a burlap bow, is a popular look for weddings with a rustic theme. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World

The Stems of Utica Square arrangement features hydrangea, calla lilies and cymbidium orchids. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World