Tasteful Weddings

The Winter Bouquet

December 29, 2010

Personally, I would love to get married in the wintertime. There is just something so gorgeous about the silence of the snow and the crispness of the cold air biting your throat as it goes down. The roaring of a fire in its hearth. It’s something vibrant and lively and beautiful that I can’t quite put my finger on, and that’s what’s so wonderful. The unidentifiable quality of mystique. The Thomasonesque, urgent and lusty hardiness of life at this time fills me with so much joy for life and perseverance that I can’t help but want to celebrate love and togetherness and eternity. Ruddy cheeks, infectious smiles, lots of dancing, a bit of cognac and an elegant and sentimental ceremony. Because I’m already so inspired by the season, I didn’t find it hard to make a selection of flowers I thought would fit perfectly with the theme.

Normally I’m a green girl, which is more in keeping with a spring wedding (coming soon!), but I went wholeheartedly for the reds, whites and ivories of Christmastime. In particular I was attracted this year by amaryllis, scarlet peony and magnolia flowers. So romantic I could just die! I like to be overwhelmed by an abundance of one clear note, a gigantic bushel of magnolias or red carnations would do me just fine. But, if you like to mix and match, it’s always lovely to add a few red roses and pussy willow or some winter accents like pine cones, holly leaves or berries. Or, consider a nontraditional bouquet completely of made of pine cones or deep wintergreen mixed with poinsettia. Oh I almost forgot about poinsettia! Don’t make that mistake. They make for a stunning bouquet.

Since summer and spring are so well suited for all bloom and pop nature can offer, I think metallics have found a welcome home in the colder months. You may want to consider adding a few notes of silver and/or gold to your wedding arrangements. However, if you just have to have flowers (like me), there are many winter blooming plants that are lovely and won’t break the bank as they are in season and shouldn’t be hard to find. You can take your pick from freesia, lilies, acacia, chrysanthemums, Gerber daisies, ginger, hellebores, narcissus, orchids, pansies, phlox, queen ann’s lace, african violet, poppies and primrose, just to name a few.

Something to remember, a fragrance flower can be beautiful but it can also be a disaster on your best day. Even if you’re not allergic or sensitive to smells, some of your guests may be.

Wishing you all the best,

Bianca from Tasteful Weddings

Amaryllis

Pride, timidity and splendid beauty. Photos from www.weddingbee.com.

Magnolia

Nobility, perseverance and love of nature. Photos from www.w- weddingflowers.com.

Holly

Defense, domestic happiness and forecast. The pointed leaves represent the crown of thorns and the red berries symbolize the drops of blood.

Christmas Rose Flower

Purported to have flowered on Christmas Day and associated with infant Jesus.

Carnation

Fascination, impulsiveness, joy and devoted love (don’t use white which is associated with disdain and refusal!). Photos from www.intimateweddings.com.

Iris

Faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor and promise in love.

Orchid

Love, beauty, refinement, many children, thoughtfulness and mature charm. Photos from www.designsbyhemingway.com.

Pansy

Merriment, you occupy my thoughts.

Peony

Happy marriage, compassion and bashfulness. Photo from www.hollychappleflowers.typepad.com.

Poinsettia

Purity, christmas. Photo from www.sweetbeginningscakes.com.

Poppy

Beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life.

Violet

Modesty, virtue, affection, watchfulness, faithfulness, love and let’s take a chance on happiness.

Silver bouquet from www.acapecodbride.blogspot.com

Gold bouquet from www.marthastewart.com

Green bouquet from www.floralverde.com