Blooming brides

Flowers can flummox many newlyweds-to-be. Nadine Utchigadoo discovers why they are so important

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WHEN it comes to flowers, picking them isn’t everyone’s forte, and the choice can lead to confusion – but flowers are one of the most important, and most expensive, aspects of the celebrations.

“Flowers play a big part in setting the scene for the day, and depending on which varieties are chosen, their colours and the designs they are part of can help to conjure up different styles and moods,” says Antonia Swinson, author of new book Wedding Flowers – which is packed with ideas and inspiring photos.

She points out that the first decision to make is usually what the bride will carry.

“The style which the bride and groom are aspiring to is crucial,” she says

Think about the season too, she says, and flowers will probably be easier and cheaper to find. When it comes to design and picking a theme, “inspiration can be found from any of the umpteen florists around, go to the shops and see what is available and look through magazines,” says Antonia.

“A massive trend in bridal flowers for 2008 will be flower jewellery,” she adds.

Help is at hand from many florists and organisations specialising in wedding flowers. Andrea Caldecourt, of the Flowers and Plants Association, says: “It is important that the relationship between brides and florists is a sound one so that you both understand and like each other’s design concepts.”

Antonia suggests the following for summer brides in 2008 – all are featured in her book:

FOR THE BRIDE

Pink-and-white ranunculuses couldn’t be simpler or prettier. The stems are bound with layered with layered satin ribbon, lace and velvet ribbon, and fastened with a bead on a pin.

Pink, red and black-red roses, along with sweet peas, scarlet glory lilies and skimmia, finished with a checked ribbon.

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

Lupins, stocks, carnations and sweet peas joining roses and even ripening blackberries all ribbon-tied in a bunch.

For a young bridesmaid try a headdress of fresh flowers.

A basket of pure white flowers is perfect for an early summer wedding.

FOR THE RECEPTION

An oasis ring is the base for a romantic arrangement.

A simple white pot can be dressed up by placing it on folded satin ribbon. Place roses inside in an exquisite shade of apricot, with petals scattered.

COLOUR THEMES

Single-colour schemes are one possibility. But blend deeper and paler shades of one colour for variety and remember the value of foliage, says Antonia.

Combining colours – opposite or contrasting pairs include red (or pink) and green; blue and yellow; purple and orange. Harmonious pairings include pink and purple and blue and green.

Ivory and cream are often more flattering than pure white. White can be combined with any colour.

FLOWERS FOR ALL SEASONS

Not sure what flowers when? Antonia lists the following:

SPRING

Anemones, bluebells, camellias, crocuses, forget-me-nots, grape hyacinths, hyacinths, lilies of the valley, narcissi, pansies, ranunculuses, tulips, violets.

SUMMER

Campanulas, cornflowers, delphiniums, hydrangeas, gypsophilia, jasmine, lady’s mantle, larkspurs, marguerites, peonies, phlox, roses, scabious, stocks, sweet peas.

AUTUMN

Amaranthus, chrysanthemums, cosmos, dahlias, hydrangeas, Japanese anemones, Michaelmas daisies, scabious.

WINTER

Heather, hellebores, irises, primulas, snowdrops, winter jasmine.

Bride’s bouquet

Bouquets or posies for the bridesmaids

Corsages for the mothers

Buttonholes for the groom, best man, ushers and fathers

Arrangements for the venue

Arrangements for the reception

Flowers can also be used as favours, place settings and to decorate the cake