Exotic Flowers in Boston

Weddings are a joyous occasion but they can run pretty expensive too.  There’s the catering, rental location, invitations, wardrobe and let’s not forget the flowers that can set couples and family members back a pretty penny if you’re not careful.  Since most newlyweds don’t have a special savings account devoted to paying for an extravagant soiree, it’s a good idea to watch the budget closely and find ways where you might be able to cut costs by applying a little of your own creativity.  I realize, this isn’t a new concept.  Brides have been attempting to do as much as they can on their own for centuries like arranging simple garden bloom arrangements, using tea lights in place of more elaborate décor and learning calligraphy to design bridal stationery.  These are all great ideas when they work out the way you want them to but as you may already know, there’s always a possibility for error if you’re not gifted in the art department.

photo credit Red Cloud Studio via Etsy

Don’t fret if you find yourself fitting inside this category because you still have a shot at saving a buck by taking on particular wedding projects that have a lesser chance of ending up catastrophic if you don’t possess an “artsy” eye.  One area that I recently witnessed a fantastic example was a party favor gifted after a barnyard wedding ceremony.  The setting was rustic, rural and gorgeous, surrounded by farm animals, wispy hay stalks and divine rolling country that went on for miles and miles.   The family cleverly used the location as a basis for the theme and incorporated as much natural beauty as they possible could take from the landscape.  The floral bouquet, cuisine and decorations all mirrored the stunning ambiance, especially the seed packages they gave to guests.  

Believe it or not, you can easily make these at home by purchasing brown envelopes and filling them with whatever types of seeds you prefer (although wild flowers would appropriately match the scene).  Personal touches can be added by buying monogrammed stamps and ink where you can leave the couple’s initials and date of marriage as a keepsake.  Let your friends and family take home these sweet little packages and allow them to grow from your love when the warmer gardening months roll around.

If you’re getting married this fall, you are one lucky gal or guy because the colors and textures from which you can work from are simply spectacular.  They’ll be no blushes or pastels during the month of November (unless that’s what you really want), only crisp electric color to snap up a bride’s palette.  For those who prefer this spectrum compared to other watered-down options, you’ll be thrilled to know that these shades can be utilized anywhere from the floral arrangements all the way to the table settings.  Yes, the warm tones are crossing boundaries into unchartered territories such as the brides and groomsmen’s attire, not to mention the cuisine being served, so have fun and explore the possibilities!  If you ask me, it’s about time these fall bridal ceremonies bumped up their color game to give guests a real taste of what it’s like to live in New England during November.  Here are the first two areas where you can venture inside the richness of flavor and shake up the traditional white wedding “I do’s”.  Don’t be afraid to experiment outside your comfort zone and give your special day the pop of color it deserves!

photo credit via aboutflowers.com

Floral centerpieces are the first place where most people start when trying to design an autumn wedding because the color choices might just set the stage for everything else.  We know the obvious shades of gold, red, green, yellow and orange are the obvious choices but you can also insert hints of other gem-tones too.  Try purple for instance, which can be varied in several different hues from plum all the way into a deep pink.  Hydrangea is an excellent fall variety and can be adjusted to rely heavier on either the green, blue or purple shades as much as the bride prefers.  Another welcomed touch of color is black which can darken the contrast and create excitement when mixed with orange.  If the Halloween look is not your thing, throw in pieces of cream and green to lighten the appearance.  Think lisianthus, chocolate cosmos and cymbidiums when planning this style for yourself.  

Yum, Yum- wedding cakes are LOADS of fun to design during the fall months!  Depending on your taste, orange, green, peach and brown are simply stunning when dressed on the tops of delicious icing.  You have the option of having a professional baker use frosting to create your autumn dessert or select seasonal blossoms that will make the display perfect.  In my opinion, flowers are always the way to go, particularly when you have such a beautiful variety of blooms to choose from during November.  Gerbera daisies, orchids, calla lilies, millet, roses and dahlias make great additives and all are available in a multitude of different festive tones.  You can also put an authentic touch on your cake by using maple leaves which have been touched by Mother Nature.

There are all sorts of themes available for Boston’s soon-to-be-brides, which appeal to a large spectrum of different tastes and preferences.  For example, for those who love sand and surf, a beach ceremony might be the right location for you to say your “I do’s” or if you are really into art, a museum would be a lovely option.  If you add a little imagination, you and your wedding planner can design the ideal place to hold this monumental occasion, particularly if you’re into beautiful flowers and gardens.  

Awhile back, I had this friend who dedicated most of her spare time towards harvesting one of the most stunning perennial gardens I’ve ever seen.  She loved her beds so much in fact that when it was time for her to walk down the aisle, she asked if she could walk down the pathways of her garden instead.  The whole family adored her idea and with a bit of help from landscapers and florists, she made her dream come true.   

If you’re getting ready to place a veil on your head and are interested in learning how to create this look in the midst of your own green thumb efforts, here’s what you need to keep in mind…  It’s really important to select a date that’s appropriate for this sort of occasion.  I assume you would want plants in full bloom but this being New England, it can get tricky nailing down an exact pinpoint of when this will happen.  Spring is a fussy season that can bring bad weather like rain, sleet and even snow meaning you should try to lean towards the end of June or the beginning of July.  If your flowers are mostly annuals, head towards August because they’ll need more time in the sun to grow and expand if you’re looking to make a dramatic impact.  

The other thing you need to think ahead about is keeping your garden pruned so it keeps blooming.  Many species will wither away if not regularly kept up and maintained.  Keeping a pair of clipping shears is an excellent way to be reminded of this task.

The benefit of hosting a garden wedding is knowing the floral arrangements have already been taken care of leaving you without the expensive bills to pay later on after the honeymoon.  The simplicity is wonderful because all you have to do to design pretty table pieces is take a few snippings from your favorite blooms and place them delicately inside glass jars.  You can also utilize their ready availability by making them into wistful wildflower bouquets, too.  Delphinium, sunflowers, nasturtiums, sweet pea, hollyhock, zinnias, roses, hydrangea and sedum will all work wonders for your hand-held bundles.  

Many brides don’t realize this, but a wedding cake can decide the entire theme of an event depending solely on the color, shape and accents it’s made with.  If the cake is decorated with shells or tinted blue, it’s most likely a beach motif or if the frosting is orange and black, it’s probably a Halloween inspired ceremony.  My point is, that it’s extremely important to keep this bridal planning issue in mind when you’re browsing the catalogue in the bakery.  You don’t want to showcase a hodge-podge collection of unspecified taste during your reception so maintain focus on one orientation and choose accordingly.  Your wedding cake should be one of the first details of consideration since it will become the basis of your party platform and will guide you through the rest of the coordination process.

If you ask me, it’s no big surprise that I favor a floral motivated decoration when it comes to bridal sweets!  Not only can you add your favorite blooms to the top, sides or bottom of the cake presentation, you can also match a specific hue that you would like to be prevalent.  Whether your favorite flower is the daisy, sunflower or rose, designers can work with bakers to make your sugary treat one that all your guests will remember.  These are models that caught my eye and all reflect a stunning yet sophisticated dessert display supported by deliciously decadent blooms.

Succulent plants have made a huge splash in the last couple of years because of their gorgeous color, exotic appearance and resilient longevity properties.  Barely needing water, these pretty little cacti are one of the most requested botanicals for interior designers and are now being asked for by Boston wedding planners as well!  Succulents compliment a variety of icing tints, particularly, peach, aqua and cream and make for a wonderful centerpiece that doesn’t need further props to make it pop.  

Bright and bold wedding cakes are a hit for summer and fall bridal events, specifically when shades of orange, yellow and fuchsia are thrown into the mix.  You don’t have to worry about matching because they contrast well with just about anything and you’ll have a million varieties of blooms to choose from.  Roses, gerberas, sunflowers, peonies and spring bulbs such as grape hyacinth are a few to keep in mind.  

Orchids are probably my favorite plant and/or flower in existence and I can’t think of anything that would dress a cake up more than adding just a few heads to the top or base.  If you’re looking for examples, cymbidiums, phaelenopsis and James Story orchids pack a punch of color and won’t wither like other softer petaled varieties.  

Throughout 2016, we’ve seen an impressive parade of weddings grace our Boston aisles, each having their own style and tradition to display.  The remarkable efforts of our finer city florists have truly out done themselves across the spring, summer and fall months of the year, so now we ask, “What do you have in store for the winter?”  Now that we find ourselves entering the colder realm of New England, designers have a fresh palette of color and texture to help construct yet another magnificent, bridal presentation for those planning to wed during December, January and February.  For those who think that the chillier weather is too hard to manifest a fabulous wedding floral presentation, think again… Florists are generating jaw-dropping pieces for centerpieces, bouquets and pew markers that are sure to impress even the most skeptic guest.  If you’re planning on walking down the aisle within the next few months, you might want to scroll through these ideas that embrace the beauty and breath take of winter in New England. 

Pew Markers and Podium Arrangements

photo credit via Lombardo's in Randolph

Sometimes when we thing of winter flowers, we automatically envision green, red or white but in all honesty, there’s a lot more options out there than merely Christmas colors.   Just by using our imaginations, we can transform all churches, temples and other religious centers into mystical staging perfect for brides and grooms everywhere.  One tip to keep in mind is that winter flora should be depictive of reflective color similar to ice and candlelight.  Pastels are the precise answer, including hues of peach, cream and light green that stay away from deeper shades like purple and crimson.

Table Centerpieces

For dinner receptions, you should be focusing on the lighting, which should be glowing and dream-like in nature.  Unlike the summer or spring where the mood is typically bright, winter bridal décor should be cozier and that goes for your table work as well.  Creams and opalescent tones are especially nice during this time of year and can be either created in large or small containers.  Since votives are a “must have” with this type of appeal, use varieties that will soak in the mood such as white roses, succulents or lambs ear greenery. 

Bridal Bouquets and Boutonières

Silver is an excellent property that should be worked in wherever it can, especially within bridal bouquets and boutonières.  Not only is it reflective of snow but it also a shade remindful of fairy tales and magic-an idea many brides love to see interwoven throughout their event.  Select forest types of nuts and berry foliage and combine with soft shades of blush or baby yellow.  Both the groomsmen and the bridesmaids will sparkle while the bride stays center focus within this “woodland utopia” appeal. 

It’s not news to most in the floriststhat the “Green Movement” has foraged straight though the wedding industry, from the flowers used in bridal work to the containers they are designed within.  Making a conscious effort to improve our environmental conditions and the future state that we live in is an important initiative that we’re all thinking about these days, a concept that should be taken seriously throughout all enterprises and businesses.  The flower industry is no exception, in fact we have come up with some awesome ideas to helps others find ways to integrate this important theme within their floral needs, particularly newlyweds.  Weddings are usually a huge production but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be aware of our earthly obligations.

The Bouquet

You may not know this but there are certain varieties of blooms that are more eco-friendly than others.  If you’re ordering varieties that come from local, sustainable farms, than you’re moving in the right direction.  Typically, when product is bought from nearby communities, there is less transportation fuel being used as well as the contribution to aiding the health and productivity of his crop and land.  Brides may think this means that they’ll have to hold a bunch of daisies or other type of wildflower in order to do this but that’s not true at all.  In fact, New England growers often cultivate species that are traditional for this occasion as well as exotic varieties for those who like contemporary design.  Roses, bromeliad and beautiful dahlias (when in season) are only a few tips of the icebergs when planning a “Green Wedding” ceremony and reception.

The Tables

There’s a lot of hubbub about the waste that goes into wedding flowers but the truth is, clever florists usually reuse the product that is left and repurpose it for other upcoming jobs.  If the bride and groom are interested in keeping their floral goodies, one way to cut back on waste is to gift the centerpieces to guests by playing a party game called “1-2-3”.  The way that you do this is to place a number underneath every plate setting from 1-8 (or 1-10 if that’s the table count).  Then pick one of these numbers and write it on another piece of paper that is placed underneath the centerpiece.  At the end of the night, tell your guests to check their numbers and the lucky winner gets to take home a beautiful arrangement of flowers!

photo credit via thinkgeek.com

Party Favors

Have you ever heard of a “Seed Bomb”? These things are so cool and are replacing packaged seeds due to their environmental benefits such as organic makeup and enhancement of wildlife.  Seed bombs are becoming so popular that couples are using them as party favors, too- a sure fire winner for New England gardening and flower enthusiasts!  All you have to do is whip up a concoction of scent free kitty litter, dirt, water and a few seeds, roll them up into balls and allow them to harden.  Wrap with a bow and there you have it!  Seed bombs aren’t just a clever way to cut back on costs for your wedding, but also a fantastic way to foster vegetation as well as enhance the bee population!   

If you’re a soon-to-be bride planning on walking down the aisle this August, you’ll be happy to know that this month plans on being the best time of year for wedding flowers!  What makes this month so special when selecting blossoms for bouquets and centerpieces?  Well it just so happens that the top Boston designers are planning on “wowing” their clientele with trendy options that promises to shy away from the traditional summer of long ago style.  I know we appreciate the pure as white look and the blushing pastels that have graced the cover of magazines for decades now but don’t you think it’s time that we’ve shaken things up a bit?  Can’t we find other options to incorporate our favorite garden blooms without designing the same bouquet over and over again?  Well according to floral experts, their answer is yes!  By showcasing a contemporary color palette and adjusting architectural style, these hot-shots are saying, “look out bridal world, there’s a new trend hitting Bean Town!”

Take a look at these fresh and favorable designs that our blushing brides are excited to dawn during their special day…

Orange is the flavor of the month and florists are incorporating this color within every square inch of their wedding planning.  From bright orange to a softer peach, this interesting hue is bringing shock and awe to all, particularly to those who are attracted to the happy and bright pop of shine.  Varieties that are being heavily requested are mokara orchids, cymbidiums, celosia and even some species of sunflowers, which hold the summer kissed tint.  Also watch out for the re-introduction of orange lilies, which are becoming a popular bridal flower once again!

Lime green is also a recurring flavor, which is being added to more and more pieces because of its property to easily contrast with several other shades as well as a perfect symbol of the summertime theme.  Green hanging amaranthus is specifically one example reflecting this style and designers can’t get enough of it for high vase work and even bridal bouquets.  

Photo credit: via Jeff Leatham

“Black is the new red” might seem an unlikely idea but dark burgundy and purple flowers are being regarded as a high commodity right now.  Black callas reign as the most popular crowd pleaser, especially when grouped together in mass clumps or mixed together with pure white stems of hydrangea or orchids.  Yes this style is for the sophisticated but if it appeals to you, your photographer will adore your decision when shooting the black and white portraits for your wedding album.  

Wedding season is upon us and Boston brides are lining up to walk down the aisles!  There is shear excitement in the air even though the bridal season can be a bit stressful which can sometimes ruin an otherwise blissful occasion.  With all of the tasks that need to be done to make the event successful, there’s no wonder why couples can feel overwhelmed with stress right before their happy day.  Wardrobe fittings, catering menus, location options, invitation details and music arrangements can snowball into catastrophic messes so we can certainly see why the idea of elopement is becoming more attractive…

The truth is, there are several blogs and articles out there to help relieve some of the pressure, including tips on how to pre-plan disasters before they even occur.  Wouldn’t that be something if we could correct bridle hiccups (that we know most weddings experience) before they happen?  Honestly, I don’t believe that you can predict every blunderbuss situation but when it comes to flowers, there are definitely a few tips that are useful if you’re willing to be a bit flexible.  Take a look at some suggested advice given by our city’stop floral designersthat will keep you smiling all the way to your honeymoon!  You’ll feel confident that your special day will have an attractive display of blossoms, as well as the confidence to focus on what truly matters- reciting the vows of “I do”.

Helpful Bridal Flower Tips

Flexibility Saves the Day

Hey, if you’re willing to agree on some changes to the photo you saw in your favorite wedding magazine, things will go a lot smoother once it’s time to get down to the business of ordering the flowers.  Floral professionals understand issues such as availability, cost and presentation that may negatively affect your vision as well as your wallet.  Do some homework on the arrangements that you prefer and afterwards, ask the florist their opinion on whether the flowers are the right choice for the job.  Listening to what they have to say could not only end up saving you the trouble of dealing with nightmarish logistical issues, but they could also save you a ton of money.  Even the smallest adaptations can make a huge difference to the outcome of your wedding work so keep things flexible.  Should you show them the ad in “Brides” with the gorgeous cascading phalaenopsis and palm trees scattered throughout the room?  Absolutely!  By doing so they’ll have a better idea of what your tastes are and perhaps can come up with a similar look that’s just as stunning at a lower price.

Fussiness with Exact Color Will Only Lead to Doom

I was a wholesale florist for twenty years and it never failed to amaze me when a florist promised a particular shade of a particular shade of a particular shade of…blush?  It’s a flower, which means that an exact tint is impossible to foretell.  Particularly when a pink tone such as “salmon” can be seen differently depending on the person you ask.  What looks like salmon to me, might not look like salmon to you so don’t get too precise with variety names.  If you’re a savvy bride, you’ll choose a basic color that can be easily identified like lavender or soft pink.  These are terms that everyone is familiar with and you’ll know that your florist will be able to appease your wishes.

June has long been recognized as the month when most weddings take place in New England and now that the time is upon us, Boston brides are just days away from blissfully walking down the aisle.  But there’s another casted bridal character that also plans on making her special promenade, accept her job will be to fulfill the role of flower girl.  This is a very exciting and important job for these little ladies and they can’t wait to have their moment to shine!  Often this sweet and precious part of the ceremony becomes one of the guest’s favorite moments to watch so it’s important to prepare your flower girl with the perfect petals to drop along the pathway.  This year, favorable options extend from traditional symbolism to contemporary floral varieties, which have made it even more fun to plan and match to your particular style and taste.  Whether you’re going for a whimsical or classic appeal, you’ll want to select the appropriate blooms for her to make a beautiful pathway down the aisle.  Here are the most popular flower girl trends for wedding season 2016.

Blue’s In

It’s not a secret that we’re seeing more and more dyed flowers hit the market so its no surprise that florists are starting to use this technique to fill flower girl baskets as well.  Blue dendrobiums are both efficient and effective with producing this look since they are small and absorb color with ease.  Roses are another option which hold the blue dye ink well through their petals and will hide any bruising that a white variety may be accustomed to.

Rainbow Appeal

Rainbows are making a big come back down the wedding aisles because they are an attractive presentation that’s fun and festive.  This spectrum of color can easily be achieved with a wide variety of different flowers, which also makes it easy for you and your florist to acquire.  One possible list of potential rainbow flowered petals are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and pink roses.  They’re readily available and wont cost you a boat load of extra wedding budget cash.  

Soft and Simple Pink and White

Pink and white flower petals are a classic in the wedding biz because not only are they beautiful but the tones don’t distract from differently designed centerpieces and bouquets.  Blush pink is certainly more requested than hotter, brighter pinks but a nice compromise would be to combine the two for a soft pop of color.  White basket fillers could be chosen for their size and shape such as white peonies for a larger petal as opposed to white daisies, which are smaller.  If you want to accent a pure blanche tint just add a couple of petals of yellow sunflowers or orange nasturtiums to brighten things up a bit.   

Christmas is rated one of the most likely holidays to be proposed to, following right behind Valentine’s Day.  Maybe it’s the glow of the lights or the feeling of cheer but whatever the reason may be, the yuletide season is very popular month to pop the question!  When you know the time is right and you’ve finally found that perfect person to share the rest of your life with, it’s important to do things right.  Sure, bending down on one knee is sweet and all but why not go the extra mile and come up with a plan that makes your proposal a truly memorable event in his or her life?  

photo credit: HuffngtonPost.com

I get it-subtlety is your thing but I assure you that there are several ways to make the experience unique and creative just by using some festive themes that Christmas already brings us!   Utilizing décor, color and festive traditions associated with this time of year can not only “wow” your soon-to-be but can also take the pressure off having to come up with something on your own.  These are some of the most successful ways to propose to your significant other, each having a high rate of acceptance as apposed to rejection. So once you have the little box in your hand, try one of these romantic and clever strategies to hear an “I do” this Christmas.

Dress Up as Santa Claus

I know, I know this has been done before but dressing up as Santa Claus is a solid way to go and has extremely promising outcomes.  All you need is a red suit, beard, hat and sack and voila- you’ve made the perfect outfit!  Don’t forget to say “Ho Ho Ho” and bring along a little mistletoe!

An Ornamental Ring

This is a sweet gesture for those who love to decorate and we all know-a little added glitz for our Christmas trees is what its all about!  Find some delicate twine or string and simply hoop through the ring, tying a knot on the end.  Make sure the area you want to hang the ring isn’t cluttered with other ornaments that could be distracting and watch her become awed over your gesture!

photo credit: www.glamourmagazine.co.uk

Treasure Hunt

Okay, this is for the fiancé/fiancée who likes a little adventure mixed in with their romance.  Wrap different sized presents, all containing items that can be associated with getting married.  Try to place them in a line so the hunter is being led to the really big gift-the ring!

“Future Mrs.” T-shirt  

If you think she’ll think it’s funny and she has a great sense of humor, try buying her a “Future Mrs.” t-shirt that you can either buy off the internet or have made at any local printing shop.  The benefit of this approach is that you’ll know right away what her answer is by whether she tries it on or not!

Light It Up

Mr. Griswold would love this fun idea of stringing Christmas lights on your roof or lawn that say, “Will You Marry Me?”  Wait until it becomes dark outside, tell her you want to show her a treat and flick on the switch to watch her heart melt at this sentimental display.

An “Advent” Calendar

For those who enjoy the countdown to Christmas, you might want to think about using this method of placing a ring inside an advent calendar!  She’ll have fun opening up each day of December and get an extra special surprise on the 24th!