Wedding Flowers

date posted: April 22, 2015

Flowers and their colors have been assigned various symbolic meanings, some dating back to ancient times and others to the Victorian era, when courting couples developed an entire vocabulary of flower-assisted sentiments.

What could be more emblematic
of blossoming love?

Flowers are an integral part of a wedding celebration. Tradition dictates that they be carried by the bride, worn by the rest of the wedding party, and strewn strategically around the venue for both the ceremony and reception. This is a tradition we like a lot.

Some are obvious: BABY’S BREATH means innocence ROSES symbolize love

Here are some less commonly known statements you can make with blooms:
ANEMONE means expectation
CHRYSANTHEMUM means abundance
GARDENIA means joy and purity
IRIS means faith and wisdom
LILY OF THE VALLEY &
STEPHANOTIS mean happiness
SWEET PEA means pleasure

FLORAL DESIGNERS ARE ARTISTS WHO CAN HELP MAKE YOUR WEDDING AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

From your ceremony flowers and bouquet to your reception décor, splurging on something more than your average bundle of blooms can make a huge impact. Gorgeous details like floral ceremony structures and table runners, a flower wall, or a bold bouquet are details that will stand out in the minds of your friends and family long after the event is over. Love is in bloom.

Budget-conscious couples will want to research what flowers are locally grown and in season. If you must have exotic blooms from faraway lands, Hudson Valley florists can arrange it, but you’ll pay. Local flowers are also an environmentally sound choice.

Let your floral designer know you’re looking for economical alternatives. Flower prices can vary by type even within the same species, and he or she may have some good ideas.IF YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION ARE AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, consider delegating some kind of careful friend to collect the ceremony flowers and repurpose them to decorate the reception. Take this into consideration when selecting your arrangements; go for portable, and make sure they’ll suit both locations.

Order early, at least six weeks before the big day. Bring along lots of photos: photos of what you and the wedding party will wear, photos of your venue, photos of tablecloths and any other important décor elements, and photos you’ve collected online or from magazines of floral looks you love.

Make sure you ask your florist about the durability of various types of flowers you’re considering. There’s nothing sadder than reception tables festooned with wilted hydrangeas. Ask what kind of containers the flowers will be delivered in and whether they’ll need any special attention to stay looking perfect.

Rather than try to match your boutonnieres and corsages to your wedding attendants’ outfits, choose a complementary color that won’t get lost in the background. It’s a much more striking look.

ADAMS FAIRACRE FARMS
Kingston, 845-336-6300,
adamsfarms.comCreate your own bouquet, or let one of their florists design an arrangement for you from their lovely array of fresh cut flowers—roses, snapdragons, orchids, lilies, alstroemeria—selections from far and wide that change from day to day and season to season. They also specialize in creating arrangements for every kind of gathering or event. They deliver locally. Stop by and see what’s blooming at the Adams Flower Shop.

DANCING TULIP
Saugerties, 845-247-3164,
dancingtulipfloral.comWhether the event is great or small, the meanings are universal and immeasurable. Celebrate life’s milestones with color and beauty! Dancing Tulip Floral is a unique high-design florist and gift boutique serving the Hudson Valley and beyond. Hazel’s stunning arrangements are just the right mix of traditional and modern. Dancing Tulip is highly accommodating and will happily sit down with you to personalize the arrangements for your special event.

FLOWERS BY ELISSA
Gardiner, 845.255.8343,
flowersbyelissa.comElissa combines her visual arts background with her horticultural education, her passion for gardening, and all of nature’s gifts to create the perfect floral environment for your special day. Elissa will guide you in creating your vision while providing her knowledge and extensive background. Whenever possible, she will also help you to make your floral palette seasonal and local. Flowers by Elissa will travel throughout the Hudson Valley area.

FLOWER NEST
Kingston, 845-331-4440,
flowernest.usFrom country simplicity to classic elegance, the Flower Nest can create that magical wedding you have imagined. Since 1995, Julie and her staff have been making brides smile. With their love of flowers, creative style, and dedication to their clients, they can create a wedding day that moves your spirit and plays with your senses.

GREEN COTTAGE
High Falls, 845-687-4810,
thegreencottage.comAs a sentimentalist, Dennis Nutely understands the importance for special occasions and everyday life. He creates expressive arrangements that harken back to nature with a mix of ordinary and extraordinary flowers. His designs are truly dazzling, and his enjoyment of working with clients to reflect and refine their vision is paramount to him.

JARITA’S FLORIST
Woodstock, 845-679-6161,
jaritas.comJarita’s has been proudly creating exceptional designs since 1977. They are family-owned and operated and committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of their customers are important, their professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why they always go the extra mile to make your floral ideas perfect

KAREN’S FLOWER SHOPPE & GIFTS
Cairo, 518-622-3663,
weddingwire.comTheir designs range from understated to over the top and elegant. With over thirty years of experience, your dreams are their reality. Using nothing less than premium flowers, they provide all types of services, from friendly delivery service to full set-up and breakdown of all your event needs. Karen and her design team will create a floral atmosphere that is unique to you. Rentals available.

MEADOWSCENT
Gardiner and New Paltz, 845-255-3866, meadowscent.comWedding flowers should be as unique as the couple getting married! From rustic romance to sleek contemporary, the designers at Meadowscent are current in styles and trends. Let them take your pictures and inspirations and create stunning florals just for you. They only carry flowers from sustainable farms and feature local product seasonally, providing you with the most beautiful blooms available in a responsible manner.

MOLLY J MARQUAND FLOWERS
Hudson Valley,
mollyjmarquand.comHailing from England and growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley, she has been exposed to and inspired by some of the most beautiful gardens and landscapes in the world. With a M.S. in botany and a professional background in plant conservation, all her work is conducted with careful consideration of nature. She creates arrangements from 100% foraged and locally grown flowers to reflect the wild abundance of Catskills’ plant life. Bouquets, boutonnieres, swags, sashes, corsages, and every other imaginable arrangement are available.

WILDFLOWERS
Margaretville, 845-586-2444,
wildflowers-design.comAn amazing floral design company located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, Wildflowers specializes in weddings and events here and destination-weddings anywhere. They create unique floral designs specifically for your wedding—country or garden or contemporary style. Call for an appointment and consultation for your dream wedding.

OTHER NOTABLES:Beaurust Flower Shop, New Paltz, beaurustflowershop.com
Sara Gast, Bloomington, saragastfloraldesigns.com
Steven Bruce Design, Stone Ridge, stevenbrucedesign.com