The 10 Gorgeous Flowers You Need for Your Winter Wedding in Atlanta

Are you planning your special day?

When most people picture a wedding, they think of springtime with lots of green, pink, and purple colors, or some may even picture the exhausted stereotype that is the fall wedding. Fall weddings are beautiful, don't get us wrong, but they're widely overdone. If you're looking for something just a little bit different and maybe even a little bit under budget, but it sure to wow your guests, consider a winter wedding.

Since winter isn't the most popular season for weddings, you'll find venues cheaper, wedding dresses on sale, and maybe even sales on flight tickets for those destination weddings-- heads up, we recommend Atlanta, GA.

Now that we've sold you on the winter wonderland wedding, you'll need to start considering what type of decorations you'll have. The type of flowers you choose, as well as their colors, will make or break your winter wedding in Atlanta.

Check out the 6 best winter flowers (and colors) that will surely make your winter wonderland wedding magical.

White or Red Roses

Roses have become very symbolic over the years. Overall, the rose is a symbol of love. While there are many versions of love, the rose represents them all.

White roses are representative of purity, innocence, cleanliness, and goodness.

Red roses are representative of a deep, passionate type of love.

Mixing these two will not only create a love inspired color splash theme, but it will also hold strong meaning for your new lives together.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers come in a beautiful red, pink, or white. These flowers hold the nickname of the "naked lady". It gets this nickname because the flowers bloom on a seemingly "naked" stem, as the leaves of the amaryllis don't grow until the flower has bloomed.

The amaryllis flower is beautiful for bouquets or centerpieces.

Camellia

With 300 natural species and over 3,000 hybrids, the camellia is a genius flower. This plant can survive from 100-200 years in its natural environment and can be found around 5,000 feet in elevation.

Why do you care about how hardy this plant is? Consider it as a symbol of your new marriage. No matter how many tough times your relationship endure, you find a way to grow back even stronger and more beautiful than ever before.

If not for its symbolism, the camellia flower is truly a beautiful one. This flower is typically pink in color but can be found in multiple colors.

Lillies: Oriental Hybrid

The hybrid lily was cultivated in the 1970s by Leslie Woodriff. Often called the stargazer, this lily holds a display of deep red, clean white, and is sprinkled with bits of pink. Perfect for any winter wedding, this flower represents purity, passion, and delicacy all in one.

Phalaenopsis

Also known as the moth orchid, this flower will be a beautiful addition to your winter wedding.

Be warned, though, these flowers do not hold up well in direct sunlight, as they can actually develop a sunburn. Sunburned orchids will have withered leaves and deep brown splotches. Consider the phalaenopsis for an indoor or evening wedding to keep them crisp and shining brightly.

Poinsettias

These are the flowers of winter. The flowers of Christmas. They bring the power of the Christmas spirit to your wedding. Poinsettias are perfect for an outdoor winter wedding, as they look their best with a sprinkle of white snow on their leaves.

Decorate your guest's chairs with these stunningly red flowers.

Colors

Once you've got an idea of the style and type of flower you want for your wedding, you'll need to choose a theme color. Here are a few colors that we recommend for the wintery weather:

White

Of course, everyone loves white for weddings, but white is especially perfect for a winter wedding. We mentioned earlier that white is a symbol for pureness and innocence, but it is also the color of new beginnings. A clean slate, if you will.

This feeling of purity and newness will not only speak to you and your new partner, but it will also leave your guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Red

We all know that red is the color of deep love, but you know what else red represents? Christmas.

Having a winter wedding can be even more special when you find a way to incorporate Christmas into the picture. The holidays are a time of spreading joy and love to everyone you meet, why not capitalize on all the goodness floating around?

Pink

Pink is a very versatile color. Many times people think of pink as a color for spring or summer weddings, but pink plays a secret role in winter weddings. Pink brings a sense of delicacy to your wedding.

While you can use pink as a primary color theme, we recommend you use it as a secondary color or an accent.

Blue

Blue holds the meaning of depth, trust, loyalty, and wisdom. Blue is strong and steady, yet fast and light. Be careful, though, having too much blue can create feelings of sadness and melancholy. Be sure to add accents to keep your guest's spirits high.

Consider pairing a deep royal blue with a hint of baby pink accents.

Start Planning Your Winter Wedding in Atlanta

So, which flowers will you choose? Will you go with the all white, strikingly pure ceremony? Or are you leaning towards the royal blue and baby pink celebration?

Whatever you choose for your winter wedding in Atlanta, Peachtree Petals is on standby for all of your wintery needs. Contact us today and start experiencing the magic of an Atlanta winter wedding.

Anniversary Flowers by Year: Your Guide to Buying the Right Flowers

38% of men surveyed have forgotten at least one anniversary; that number's 30% for women. So if you've ever forgotten one yourself, you're definitely not alone.

Whether you've just gotten married or have been together for decades, maybe you want to make grand gestures from now on, to show you remember and care. One way to do so it to get your significant other a beautiful fresh bouquet.

But did you know there are different flowers for every anniversary? In this article, we'll give you the anniversary flowers by year so you know which ones to get your spouse.

1st Year: Carnation

The first year of your marriage is the honeymoon phase, where everything feels brand new and fresh. Your love is just beginning to blossom, so it's no surprise that the carnation is the flower for your first anniversary.

This small flower comes in a wide variety of colors and symbolizes admiration and innocence. It also represents your commitment to one another for the rest of your lives. Their vibrancy shows that you'll have years of joy and passion together.

2nd Year: Cosmo or Lily of the Valley

Both of these flowers look a bit more mature than the carnation, but are still small and dainty. You're bound to have gone through tremendous growth in your first 2 years of marriage, and the cosmo (or lily of the valley) show the purity of your marriage, as well as the dedication you've both put in.

Cosmos come in various shades; mostly white, red, pink, and purple. On the other hand, lily of the valley also comes in various colors, such as blue, purple, green, and yellow. But the classic for the latter is white.

3rd Year: Sunflower

A bouquet of sunflowers is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face. With its big black-brown center and cheery yellow petals, sunflowers radiate energy and strength.

This makes sunflowers the perfect 3rd year anniversary bouquet. Their thick stems represent the strength and stability of your marriage. And because sunflowers turn their heads during the day to follow the path of the sun, this represents the loyalty in your relationship.

Another interpretation of the sunflower is you've maybe been through trials and tribulations in the first years of your marriage, and both of you have a positive outlook for bright and cheerful times in the future.

4th Year: Geranium or Hydrangea

Both the geranium and hydrangea have clusters of flowers that give bouquets lots of volume. They represent how your marriage has grown in the past few years.

Other meanings for these flowers are appreciation and gratefulness. By year 4 of your marriage, you've learned each other's quirks and have settled into a routine probably. These flowers let you show that you appreciate your spouse's company and wouldn't have it any other way.

5th Year: Daisy

If you think about the daisy, it may seem like a simple flower at first. But if you look at it closely, it actually has quite a complicated structure. This represents many marriages in their 5th years.

Again, it may seem like you've settled into a routine with your loved one. Whether or not that's ideal for you, daisies remind both of you that while life may seem mundane, there's still plenty to discover, about yourself and the world.

Daisies can also symbolize "forever love," gentleness, and innocence.

6th Year: Calla Lily

Calla lilies have an almost opposite look as daisies. They're tall and mature, emanating beauty.

These flowers symbolize the growth of your relationship, as well as wisdom and beauty. While they mostly come in a shade of white, you can also find them in hues of pink.

7th Year: Freesia

For your 7th wedding anniversary, you should give freesias. These flowers have a unique petal shape that gives bouquets a special touch.

Like many of the other flowers on this list, freesias represent trust and faithfulness. They come in all sorts of colors, so you can put together a fantastic bouquet.

8th Year: Lilac

By your 8th year together, you'll probably need a gentle reminder of how your relationship was like in the beginning. Lilacs represent young love, so it's perfect for this wedding anniversary.

This is a great year to look back fondly on your marriage and recall all your first memories together.

9th Year: Bird of Paradise

This exotic flower will add a touch of something special to any room you display these in. This flower symbolizes faithfulness and thoughtfulness. Plus, it celebrates the glory of your love.

The bird of paradise is magnificent, which represents how amazing your marriage is.

10th Year: Daffodil

This is yet another simple flower on the list, and for good reason. When life gets complicated, sometimes what you need is something simple.

A bouquet of daffodils can symbolize how everything came together in both your lives to create 10 wonderful years of memories.

Other Anniversary Flowers

Here's a quick list of the other flowers you should get for the rest of the years:

• 11th year: tulip
• 12th year: peony
• 13th year: chrysanthemum
• 14th year: orchid
• 15th year: rose
• 20th year: aster
• 25th year: iris
• 30th year: lily
• 40th year: gladiolus
• 50th year: yellow roses and violets

Give Anniversary Flowers by Year for a Special Touch

Now that you know the anniversary flowers by year, you won't have to stick to getting your loved one a bouquet of roses every anniversary. Instead, you can give a bouquet with meaning. Not only does it switch things up yearly, but you can explain what each one represents, which can show your spouse you really appreciate your marriage.

If you're looking for an Atlanta florist to put together a wedding anniversary bouquet, then take a look at our selection of fresh flowers. We have same-day delivery available!

Blue For You: 11 Bridesmaid Bouquets in Beautiful Hues of Blue

Did you know that shades of blue take two of the spots in the list of 9 hot wedding color combos for 2020? If you're planning a wedding this and you've got blue on your mind, you are in good company! 

Blue isn't a traditional wedding flower color, so you might have to get creative when it's time to design your bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral arrangements. While blue isn't a commonly seen flower color, blue flowers represent peace, openness, and sincerity, all traits necessary for a successful marriage! 

Here are 7 options to incorporate blue flowers into your big day!

1. Blue Hydrangea

Hydrangeas scream "summer." They are a quintessential summer flower and look gorgeous in bouquets. You can go with an all-hydrangea bouquet or mix in some other flowers, like roses, ranunculus, peonies, or greenery.

The blue color of the flowers depends on the acidity of the soil where they are planted, so you can choose a bolder, deeper hue or more of a pale blue, depending on your color palette. 

2. Grape Hyacinths

Don't let the name fool you. Grape hyacinths are more blue than purple and are a unique bouquet choice because they aren't your traditional flower with a stem and a large flower at the end. Instead, hyacinths have multiple small flowers on a stem. They look lovely in a bouquet on their own, or like hydrangeas, mixed with roses or ranunculus. 

They have a sweet smell too, so you can enjoy the scents of spring and summer every time you catch a whiff of the bridesmaid bouquets! 

3. Succulents 

Succulents might not immediately come to mind when you think of wedding flowers, but they are a unique choice and can absolutely work in a bouquet! Blue succulents come in a variety of hues and can be mixed with other succulents, greenery, or even more traditional flowers. 

They are a great choice for boho-chic weddings.  

4. Cornflower

If you are looking for a bold, bright blue flower, cornflower might be the choice for your bouquets! Cornflower is in season during the spring and summer, and look beautiful on their own or mixed with other flowers. 

Blue cornflower, daisies, and sunflowers make a splashy summer bouquet sure to wow your guests! 

5. Carnations

Carnations aren't just the cheap, filler flower that it has come to be known as. Instead, you can use mini-carnations to make a huge, statement bouquet for not a lot of money. You or your florist can get really creative with carnations to make them look much more expensive than they actually are. 

Carnations can be tinted to match your wedding colors, so you can control how blue they are, whether you want bold and bright or just a light hint of blue along the edges. 

As an added bonus, carnations symbolize love and fascination! 

6. Larkspur

Like hyacinths, larkspur is a flower that has many blooms along the upper end of the flower's main stem. If you want to add height to your bouquets, larkspur is a good choice.

It's also versatile as you can mix it with garden flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and scabiosa. Or, you can take a more wild approach to your bouquets and mix it with daisies, snapdragons, or wax flowers.  

7. Mums 

Like carnations, mum can pack a big punch without a hefty price tag. They are a great pick for fall weddings and are so versatile. Bundles of button mums look great in bouquets or boutonnieres and fuji and football mums will give you the big, bold look you might desire in your bouquets or centerpieces. 

8. Delphinium

Many people think that delphinium and larkspur are the same flower, but they are not! Delphinium flowers are densely packed on the flower stems and the individual blooms are much larger than larkspur. Although they are similar, they are different flowers but can be used in much of the same way. 

9. Dutch Irises 

If you're looking to add a splash of yellow to your blue wedding flowers, consider dutch irises. The bluish-purple blooms have a shock of yellow in the middle, adding an unexpected flourish to your flowers. They are long-lasting flowers and look great in a vase, centerpiece, or bouquet. 

10. Blue Lilies

If you want something unique and rare in your bouquets, a blue lily is one option. Blue Egyptian water lilies are tropical and exotic looking flowers that would really make beach wedding bouquets pop! 

Lilies also mean humility and devotion and are the wedding flower for the 30th anniversary! Why not set the stage for decades of marriage with your flower choice? 

11. Filler Flowers  

If you don't want to go full-on blue for your bouquets, you might consider using some blue filler flowers to accent white, peach, or yellow main flowers. Blue comes in so many shades and is so versatile, you can add it to many different color combinations. 

If you want some blue accents in your bouquets, blue aster (which has a very daisy-like look), Queen Anne's Lace (which has a very pale blue tint), blue Limonium, or statice (which is a purple-blue color) can bring pops of blue to your bouquets and floral arrangements. 

Blue Looks Good on the Sky...And Your Bridesmaid Bouquets 

Picking your wedding flowers is often an overwhelming decision. There are so many colors, flower types, and price points to consider. These ideas for blue bridesmaid bouquets should help you narrow things down based on what aesthetic and price point you are looking for. 

When you're ready to talk to a florist, we can help. Take a look at our portfolio to see what we've done for other brides and grooms and make an appointment with our in-house consultants today! 

All About Sunflowers: 10 Beautiful Facts About Sunflowers

This article is all about sunflowers. These wonderful flowers will brighten up your garden and home and are simply a joy to grow.

Are you ready to be inspired to head out and buy some sunflower seeds? Let's get started!

1. Sunflowers Follow the Sunshine

As you might expect from their name, sunflowers love the sun. The head of a sunflower moves from east to west throughout the day.

This is unless it is the season of seed production when the sunflower's head will droop and face east for most of the day.

Why not try guessing the time by looking at your sunflowers throughout the day? A bouquet of sunflowers will certainly help bring a smile to your face!

2. Sunflowers Can Reach 30ft Tall

Amazingly, the tallest sunflower recorded was grown by Hans-Peter Schiffer in Germany. It reached 30 feet 1 inch and is an amazing sight to behold.

If you want to grow a huge sunflower, Hans-Peter is the guy to beat. He has held the record for the tallest sunflower two times before and definitely has some useful tricks up his sleeve.

3. Sunflowers Date Back to 1,000 BC

Sunflowers were grown for food and medicine in 1,000 BC. The seeds were eaten by humans but were also fed to livestock.

These plants are actually native to North America but have become popular across the globe.

4. Sunflower Seeds Contain Many Nutrients

If you enjoy eating healthily, then you'll know the wonders of seeds. Sunflower seeds can provide you with a source of vitamin E and calcium and they can even reduce your risk of diabetes.

The shells of sunflower seeds are coated with salt which can boost your sodium intake for the day. If you're eating shelled seeds, there's no need to worry about sodium.

This snack is brilliant for walkers or those who need a quick energy fix. Just a handful of sunflower seeds contains around 200 calories.

5. Sunflower Heads Contain 2,000 Seeds

The head of a sunflower is simply jam-packed with seeds. The larger varieties of sunflowers are usually farmed and turned into sunflower oil.

This ingredient is used across the world by people looking for a healthy way to cook their meals. It's also delicious when used as a dressing.

6. Sunflowers Are the National Flower of Ukraine

Although sunflowers are native to the US, immigrants loved these beautiful flowers so much that they took them back to Ukraine.

Now, it is the national flower of this country. Ukrainians believe that sunflowers represent well-being, power, warmth, and longevity. The sunflower is a symbol of unity.

These flowers were first discovered by explorers of the Americas. They had found that there weren't many native food crops aside from these delicious seeds.

7. Sunflowers Need a Lot of Space

If you want to grow sunflowers, you'll need patience and to give them a lot of space. They also require a lot of sunlight, as you might expect.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Here's a guide on how to grow sunflowers in your back yard:

• Put soil in a plastic cup, add some water, and poke a cavity
• Add your sunflower seed to this space, cover it over, and add some water.
• Place your seeds in a sunny location in your home. 
• Add water to your soil whenever it feels a little dry.
• Keep doing this for around two weeks and should you notice your sunflower starts to grow.
• When it is too big for the plastic cup, move it into a bigger pot.
• You can expect a fully grown sunflower to emerge at around eight weeks! 

Don't be disheartened when your sunflower head goes brown. Instead, cut it off and leave it to dry out. You'll have seeds that can be fed to the wildlife in your garden!

8. Sunflowers Have Been to Space

Yes, that's right. These flowers have explored space before you have! Don Pettit took sunflowers along with him to space in 2012.

He wanted friends in the International Space Station and even spent time blogging about his pursuits growing sunflowers in space. The pictures are pretty incredible!

9. Sunflower Heads Can Be Recycled

Why not try turning your sunflower heads into scrubbing pads when they've turned brown and you've harvested the seeds?

If you're living a zero-waste lifestyle, then this is a brilliant use for these flower heads and means you don't need to buy plastic pads.

10. Sunflowers Are Immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh

If you love art then you're likely to be very familiar with the beautiful sunflower paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch painter painted 11 still-life images of sunflowers.

He loved the bright yellow of the flower and the sturdiness of the plant. You can now see Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh at his dedicated museum in Amsterdam.

Don't miss the gift shop where you can find hundreds of wares adorned with images of these beautiful flowers.

Now You Know All About Sunflowers

Are you inspired to grow your own plants now you know all about sunflowers? If you simply don't have enough space in your yard to grow flowers, don't worry.

Instead, why not buy some beautiful sunflowers from us? You'll certainly brighten up your own home or that of a friend!

Get in contact with us today to learn all about our favorite flowers and what we can do for you!

That Red White and Blue: The Best Fourth of July Flowers

The floral industry rakes in $26 billion dollars each year in the United States. Interestingly, 46% of all flowers sold are used for outdoor purposes.

While most people buy flowers for holidays such as Valentines Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas, there is never really a wrong time to give someone the gift of flowers.

With the Fourth of July approaching, thoughts of barbecues and fireworks begin to creep into our thoughts. It's a time to gather as a nation and give thanks to those who fought for our freedom.

But if you're thinking of having Fourth of July flowers around to help commemorate the holiday, you need to know which type are the most appropriate. Keep reading to learn which flowers are the most patriotic.

The Best Fourth of July Flowers Represent Patriotism

Of course, you need patriotic flowers to commemorate the most patriotic day of the year. Which means you need to incorporate red, white, and blue flowers into the bouquet.

Fortunately, many flowers in these three colors bloom in July, giving you a great selection of in-season flowers to choose from.

History of Our Flags Colors

Especially since when The Stars and Stripes were adopted in 1777, the colors red, white, and blue did not have any meaning. The colors in the great seal, however, did have specific meanings.

White signifies purity and innocence. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Best Red Flowers to Use

There are quite a few red flowers you can choose from. Many people choose carnations, red gerbera daisies, or red roses as their favorite red 4th of July flowers.

However, tulips also work well for fresh cut floral arrangements. Let's take a moment to find out what each of these popular choices symbolizes:

Carnations

Carnations have different meanings for different colors. However, as a whole, they symbolize beauty and pride, making them a perfect choice in your bouquet.

Gerberas

Gerbera's are a part of the daisy family. They convey cheerfulness and they also come in 10 different colors, if you want to mix up your arrangement.

Roses

Roses last for a long time, are extremely versatile and smell wonderful. They're perfect for any occasion.

There are many varieties and colors to choose from, but all, especially the red rose, symbolize passionate love.

Tulips

While most people associate tulips with spring and Easter, they're available in a wide variety of textures, colors, and volume, making them perfect for nearly any occasion. Tulips represent perfect, true love. 

Best White Flowers to Use

Gladiolus, mums, or white lilies are great choices to use as part of a 4th of July flowers bouquet. Hydrangeas are also beautiful flowers to use as well.  Let's take a look at the symbolism of these flowers:

Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a stunning, long-stemmed flower that blooms from top to bottom. Gladiolus represents sincerity, the strength of character, faithfulness, honor, and generosity.  They also come in red.

Mums

Chrysanthemum comes in a variety of colors such as white, purple, and red. They have a similar look to daisies.

They symbolize optimism and joy. You can even place a single petal at the bottom of your wine glass to encourage long and healthy life. 

Lilies

Lilies are considered a royal flower. They symbolize refined beauty and purity. A white lily symbolizes modesty.

Lilies bloom year-round and come in several stunning colors. They also smell sweet. 

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are large, full-bloom flowers. They represent perseverance and heartfelt emotions.
Hydrangeas naturally come in white, blue, pink, and green. However, thanks to intravenous tinting, they're now available in nearly any color you'd like.

Best Blue Colors to Use

This may come as a surprise, but no flower is truly blue. True blue pigment simply doesn't exist in any kind of plant.

What you're really seeing in a blue flower is other pigments and minerals combined with light to create what you see as blue. Most are actually purple or red.

However, that doesn't mean you don't have choices. Blue delphinium, hyacinths, cornflowers, and Irises are good choices to give you that blue hue to complete your patriotic flowers look. 

Blue Delphinium

Delphinium symbolizes vivacity and lightheartedness. They're long and lean and they're also known as larkspur.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth flowers represent sport and playfulness. They come in a variety of colors and they're very fragrant.

While they don't have a long stem, you can use a pick and floral wire for a bouquet. You can also use them in a Fourth of July flowers wreath.

Cornflowers

Cornflowers became popular in Europe when Queen Louise of Prussia told her children to wear crowns of cornflowers on their heads and hide in a cornflower field from Napoleon and his troops.
Cornflowers today represent pride, wealth, and an abundance of good fortune. 

Iris

Irises are most known as a springtime flower but they are available year-round. They represent wisdom and trust. They also come in colors such as white, yellow, and purple.

How to Make the Perfect Fourth of July Flowers Bouquet

Once you've selected the flowers you want to use, it's time to make a bouquet. Find the vase you want to put them in. It's best to find one that's eight inches high and narrow.

Use sharp scissors or even better, pruners to cut your flowers. Cut your flowers an inch above where your florist cut them originally. Cut them all the same length. Then let them stand in lukewarm water for a few hours.

Arranging Your Flowers

Cluster them in the vase partially filled with water. Then pull some of the center flowers up to give height and roundness.

Rotate the vase to make sure you can see your flowers from different angles.

Where to Get Your Flowers

Whether you want to arrange your Fourth of July flowers yourself or hire a professional to do it for you, we can help. We have a wide array of beautiful, fresh cut flowers to choose from.  We can even deliver fresh cut flowers the same day you order them. Click here to contact us to find the perfect bouquet to celebrate this American holiday.

2020 Wedding Trends: Centerpieces

Saying I do! is the easy part of a wedding.

Finding the perfect flowers to celebrate the biggest day of your life can be a massive and important decision. Flowers set the mood for our celebration. Wedding centerpieces set the wow factor for our special day.

Bold and ornate arrangements can create a formal atmosphere. Simple and elegant arrangements can create a softer, more intimate feel. The flowers you pick can help organize and plan your day to fit your perfect wedding vision.

Let's take a look at some of the 2020 wedding trends for floral centerpieces.

Wedding Wow — 2020 Wedding Trends for Centerpieces

You found the perfect person. You found the perfect dress. You found the perfect venue.
All you have left to do is find the perfect flowers and show up at the alter.

When it comes to finding the perfect flowers for your centerpieces, you've got options. From budgets to blowouts, there is a flower arrangement for every bride and groom. Here are a few of the biggest centerpiece wedding trends of 2020.

It's All About That Vase

Wedding centerpieces tend to revolve around the vase.

A low, wide vase can create a spill-over effect. Flowers look as though they are growing wild and free. These types of wedding centerpieces can create a laid-back feel.

A tall, narrow vase can create a more regal effect. This type of vase requires long-stemmed flowers. Many times, using tall vases means that you'll need to use quite a few different flowers to create a full look.

There is a growing trend with popular wedding centerpieces of 2020 to use more natural bases and vases. Wood, stone, and even clay pots are becoming a go-to base for the big day.

It's What's on the Inside that Counts

Flowers have meaning. Colors matter.

When choosing the perfect wedding centerpiece, flower meanings should be considered. Most of the time, we choose our flowers based on the colors we like most, as well as their aroma.

Don't be afraid to add a little bit of trivia and fun to your special day, though, with a meaningful color scheme.

Deeper hues like red, orange, and yellow tend to hint at passion and romance. However, these hues are more indicative of strength, joy, and happiness. Softer hues like green, blue, and pink promote a feeling of optimism, peace, and joy.

Love those lavender hues? These purple colors give a vibe of pride, admiration, grace, and elegance.
Choosing to create centerpieces based on color meaning can add a whole new element of fun to your perfect day.

The Bouquet's Bestie

Centerpieces should highlight your bouquet.

Your floral arrangements should be complementary to your bouquet. The flowers do not have to match, but you should be consistent with your overall color scheme.

The 2020 wedding trends, when it comes to perfect centerpieces, focus on color palettes and mood.
A rustic wedding may lean towards green and yellow hues. Choose a few bold flowers for your bouquet and then complement with garden centerpieces filled with sunflowers, yellow snapdragons, or field flowers.

A modern, formal wedding may present the perfect opportunity for bold flowers. Pair a bouquet of red roses or pink peonies with contemporary centerpieces filled with green fuji mums, pink gerbera daisies, and/or pink roses.

Are you dreaming of a more alternative type of wedding?

There are some really impressive wedding trends of 2020 that incorporate feathers, fruit, and even candy. If this sounds like your type of bouquet arrangement, you'll want to pair with a centerpiece that is equally as awesome and delicious.

A Season of Love

When choosing flowers, you'll want to find what's blooming, what's in season, and what's locally available. A wedding budget kiss of death is picking flowers that need to be shipped in from a far off location.

Your bouquet should represent colors, smells, and meanings that are special to you or to your relationship. With the hundreds of flowers available, you'll surely be able to find the right color to fit any budget.

If flower choice is paramount to your wedding, then make sure you plan your ceremony and reception during its season.

Great spring flower ideas include using roses, peonies, tulips, and calla lilies. Summer picks could include orchids, daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums.

Feeling like fall is the time to say I do? Dahlias, lisianthus, calla lilies, and roses are all great picks. For a winter wedding, consider amaryllis, sweet peas, camellias, poinsettias, and gardenias.
There are a handful of gorgeous floral options to choose from during any season.

Stick with flowers that are in season. You don't want to deal with wilted flowers before the wedding ceremony begins.

Decide on the Vibe

When choosing centerpieces for your wedding, there should be some type of theme or pattern. However, it doesn't have to be a traditional one.

Some of the biggest 2020 wedding trends include warm and inviting colors, as well as a casual chic vibe. Many brides and grooms are opting for more non-traditional flowers and color schemes when it comes to decor.

Using lots of sprawling greenery on the tables, as well as multiple shades of the same flower color for centerpieces is a growing trend. Pairing white roses, white calla lilies, and white gardenias with an array of greens against a wood base can be very visually appealing. Plus, this type of centerpiece can easily fit both casual and formal affairs.

On the opposite spectrum, some truly impressive centerpieces of 2020 included a ton of color. Mixing bright hues together like pinks, greens, purples, blues, and oranges can make a fun, vibrant centerpiece.

Pick your vibe and match your flowers accordingly.

I Do Love That Centerpiece

Planning your wedding is fun. It's an experience of a lifetime.

There are hundreds of flowers to choose from when it comes to planning your special day. Don't feel overwhelmed, though. The best approach to finding the perfect petals for your big day is to use a professional and experienced florist.

Ready to pick your flowers and design your centerpieces? We'd love to help!

Let us help you figure out the perfect, in-season flowers that will fit your vision and your budget. Schedule a consultation and we'll design your dream centerpieces. You've said yes. Let us do the rest.

Funeral Flower Meanings: Why We Have Flowers at Funerals

Flowers are sentimental tokens all over the world. They represent sympathy, love, and respect. Using flowers goes back to ancient times and is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest human ritual.

But why are some flowers popular for weddings while others are primarily used during funerals? Funeral flowers have specific meanings behind them, which is why they are reserved for the sad moments in a person's life. Many funeral flowers symbolize everlasting love, purity, and innocence.
Which flowers are appropriate for funerals, and why? Let's explore funeral flower meanings and their history.

A History of Funeral Flowers

Funeral flowers date back to ancient times. In 1951, researchers discovered burial sites in Northern Iraq that used flowers. The sites are believed to date back to 62,000 B.C.

For the ancient Egyptians, the lotus was seen as a sacred flower. They believed it represented resurrection as a lotus can regrow from water. The Egyptians often incorporated the lotus flower in funerals in hopes the deceased soul would be reborn.

In Russia, funeral attendees must give flowers in even numbers. The belief stems from the tradition of giving two flowers during military funerals. One flower was for the fallen soldier, while the other flower was for God.

According to written records, people first started using flowers at funerals to mask the scent of a decaying body. In these early times, funeral flowers were primarily chosen based on their strong fragrances.

As the art of embalming came into play, flowers moved from being a necessity to representing sympathy and respect for the departed soul.

In the mid-west, funerals included "flower ladies." This group, usually consisting of about six women, would carry flowers from the funeral home to the flower vehicle. The ladies would then be responsible for arranging the flowers at the cemetery.

Funeral Flower Meanings

Certain flower types are more popular at funerals due to their symbolic meanings. Lilies, roses, and carnations top the charts for most popular funeral flowers. Let's explore the different funeral flowers and what each one represents.

Lilies

Lilies are the most popular flowers for funerals. They represent restored innocence in a soul after a person has died. White lilies symbolize purity and sympathy.

Lillies are especially symbolic for Christians, who believe Virgin Mary's tomb is covered in white lilies. Images dating back to 1580 B.C. show ancient Cretians using lilies during funerals.

Peruvian lilies represent friendship, while pink stargazer lilies signify prosperity. In addition to funerals, lilies are also the second wedding anniversary flower because of their connection with devotion.

Carnations

Carnations come in a variety of colors, each of which is popular for funerals. Their strong and long-lasting fragrance originally made carnations a top pick for funerals, but their symbolic meanings are why they continue to be a top flower choice for funerals.

White carnations symbolize pure love and innocence. A red carnation represents admiration and deep love. Pink carnations stand for eternal remembrance.

Gladioli

Gladioli plants are tall and contain multiple flowers. They can stand as high as four feet tall. For funerals, a gladioli plant is typically arranged in a fan spray for an elegant and classic appearance.
Gladioli symbolize sincerity and moral integrity. They embody a strong character. These flowers are popular for funerals to represent the loss of a strong-willed human with a respectable character.

Roses

While roses may be the most popular flower bought on Valentine's Day, they are also a top pick for funerals. During a funeral, a red rose symbolizes true love and grieving. Red roses also are a sign of courage and often used during military funerals.

Other color roses are often used for funerals. White roses represent innocence, purity, and a clean soul. Yellow roses are often given by funeral guests as a sign of friendship. Dark pink roses represent gratitude for everything the deceased person has done.

Chrysanthemums

For Europeans and Americans, mums represent mourning and grief, making them a popular funeral flower. White chrysanthemums may sometimes be associated with positivity and truthfulness. They are commonly used in floral wreaths at a funeral service.

In Asia, however, chrysanthemums symbolize rebirth. Instead of funerals, Asians commonly give chrysanthemums at baby showers to represent a healthy future for the new child. In Chinese, chrysanthemum means "long time" and is a sign for long life.

Orchids

An orchid plant means "I will always love you." During a funeral, an orchid plant symbolizes everlasting love for the deceased soul. Orchids are known to withstand rough temperatures and live a long life, which is why they are commonly associated with funerals. White or pink orchids are most popular with funerals as they represent condolences and sympathy.

Spring Tulips

Spring tulips and daffodils symbolize renewal. They are often used in funerals to represent positivity and a fresh start. These cheerful flowers are excellent sympathy gifts for grieving loved ones.

Tulips signify elegance and grace, especially yellow tulips. White tulips represent forgiveness. Purple tulips are often used in royal funerals, while red tulips are signs of perfect love.

Choose the Best Floral Arrangement for a Funeral

While we no longer have to rely on flowers to hide the scent of a dead body, they are still widely used throughout the world to pay respects to those who have passed on. Now that you know all about funeral flower meanings, you can create the perfect funeral arrangement or floral gift for a deceased loved one.

If you're looking for sympathy and funeral flowers, you've come to the right place. Browse our selection of funeral bouquets to find the perfect arrangement for your dearly departed. From blessings to long-stem white roses, we have a variety of funeral floral designs to choose from.