Hilton Head Monthly Magazine Voice of the Lowcountry 
PETALS, GREENERY SHOWCASE LOVE IN FULL BLOOM
Wedding flowers are not just pretty accessories to have and to hold. They can also help showcase your personal style or your unique love story. Just ask Bluffton bride Halle Keiffer. For her May 2017 nuptials to Nicholas Keiffer at Maurene Plantation in Hardeeville, she carried a simple bouquet of greenery, light pink and white roses, and gold-tipped deer antlers, a personal touch that was the perfect nod to the couple’s love of the outdoors.
Wedding flowers pack a punch that’s way more than just fragrant.
Get creative with your use of greenery and blooms! Go over-the-top with mounds of arrangements in opulent vases or settle on an understated look with simple stems in mason jars. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.
There are a million ways to have flowers at your wedding.
Go over-the-top with mounds of arrangements in opulent vases or go for an understated look with simple blooms in mason jars. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.
Though it’s possible to get any flower at any time of year, your costs will skyrocket if you select flowers that are not in season. Do your homework. Know what will be in bloom when you are getting married and go with those options for your centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, petals for the flower girl and any altar decorations. On average, flowers usually make up about 5 percent to 12 percent of a bride’s overall wedding budget.
by Marianna Barbrey
Photos by Amy Daring
When you think of wedding flowers, orange is probably not the first color that comes to mind. But when assembled and paired properly, orange florals can make a beautiful statement, and provide a memorable pop of color to any wedding celebration.
Orange gets a bad rap for its association with Halloween - especially around this time of year - but it shouldn't be stereotyped. In fact, orange can be used in any season and any setting. A few popular orange options include calla lilies, orchids, roses, gerber daisies, lilies, carnations, dahlias, tulips and chrysanthemums.
Like the idea of using orange but stumped on how to incorporate it into your floral scheme? Here are some ideas:
When shopping for your wedding flowers, again ask friends and relatives for anyone they can recommend. Get some ideas assembled before you begin meeting with florists, so you can use your time more efficiently. Cut pictures out of magazines to show your potential florist what type of theme and look you want to create.
You should select your bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses before you select your florist. This is done to be sure the flowers accentuate the dresses. If you can, bring in material swatches or photographs of the dresses.
You should also have your ceremony and reception sites chosen before you pick your flowers. Some churches and even reception sites have particular rules about flowers. Ask about these rules ahead of time so you can notify the florist.
Close your eyes and think of your favorite flower. Picture the delicate petals; take a deep breath and remember the sweet fragrance. This could be the starting point of your floral selection. If you don’t have a favorite flower, an imaginative florist can help inspire you with ideas.
Because flowers will require a substantial portion of your wedding budget and because they will appear in almost every wedding photo, selecting the right florist is a top priority. Start by asking friends and family for referrals. If you have recently attended a wedding with particularly exquisite flowers, ask the bride what floral designer she used. Once you have a list of several reputable florists, make appointments with each one to talk about options and view photographs.
When you have chosen a florist, ask if he or she has done weddings at your ceremony and/or reception sites before. If so, this person will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space. If not, the designer may want to visit or, at the very least, view photos of the venue to get a feel for the space.
