Flower Traditions Old And New

Do you remember the traditional elaborate cascade that was most popular in the 80's and 90's? The hand-tied has become the new tradition and has been the favorite for close to a decade. Ninety percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied. The flowers are assembled together in a gathering style and the stems are wrapped in ribbon.

Brides desiring more glamour add beads, jewelry, jewel pins, pearls, crystal and rhinestone picks. Brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet embellish with things such as shells,starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.

More often, mothers are carrying small posies instead of wearing the traditional corsage. The corsage still remains most chosen with the idea that less is more.

Popular dress colors in 2011 are turquoise, chartreuse, coral, and deep red.

Roses are still the most popular and elegant bouquet bloom. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids are also popular choices.

While the hand tied clutch has sustained its popularity, the bouquet itself has evolved to more of a just-picked and looser casual look. Preferred bouquet colors range all the way from a natural subtle ivory green combination to vivid and multi-colored.

With regard to receptions, more brides are opting for centerpieces that are in the same color hues, but of different sizes. Brides are even mixing up table sizes, mixing both round and rectangular.

Interesting vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals or beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.

Disposable cameras, placed on each table, are entertaining for the guests and also allow guests to capture candid moments during the event and long after the professional photographer has left.

Tulle fabric and organza combined with white lights placed in trees and throughout the room are adding a very romantic almost Cinderella-like feel.

Candles remain very popular, either as centerpieces or as an adjunct to them. They also lend a romantic feel to any room. Depending on your choice, they can be expensive or not.

Brides are opting most often to use the votives usually offered by the venue, to save money. Some facilities do not allow candles; alternatives include faux tea light candles, battery operated LED lights, and fiber optic lights.

Head tables are being replaced with a Sweetheart table that is a small table for just the bride and groom. Brides are finding that this eliminates the issue of who should be sitting at the head table, as well as the dilemma of separating the wedding party from their significant other.

These are tough times and brides and grooms are cutting back and being frugal in areas that they deem less important but that doesn't have to take away from the beautiful moment.