Do you know your Dahlia from your Delphinium?

If not, don’t panic!  You are not alone.  In fact, you’re in very good company.  Contrary to what you may have heard, it’s not important to bring a perfectly crafted idea of your wedding flowers to a floral consultation – that’s what the floral designer is there for after all!

Here are a few Floral Design top tips to consider:

JANUARY: The holiday season may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean that January weddings have to let go of the magic of the season.  Consider a combination of fresh red Roses, Anemones and strategically placed candles and diamanté’s to capture a sparkle as night falls early.

FEBRUARY: The month of Valentines Day – also the month of overpriced Roses!  We recommend avoiding them if at all possible this month, consider Delphinium or Iris as alternatives.   Lilies are also spectacular and can fill the room with a beautiful aroma – especially the Orientals.

MARCH: Spring is on us, consider going with a clean, fresh combination of Freesia, Calla Lilies,  Gerbera Daisies and Ranunculus.  If contemporary is your thing, combine Orchids with fresh moss and slate, with the right lighting, this combination is breathtaking.

APRIL: Spring as most definitely sprung now, as have the Peonies.  This stunning and most sought-after wedding flower is now available, the Peony season is short and we recommend making the most of it.  The beautiful large white and soft pink petals of this flower make any bridal bouquet simply spectacular.  The red Peonies really make a statement as do lotus flower pods.

MAY: Don’t let your Spring turn into Summer without a nod to the tenacious and abundant Maryland wildflowers.   Cornflower, Anemone, Lizards Tail, Poppies and Wild Ginger are unique, unusual and awesome when built into wedding bouquets and table centerpieces.  If wildflowers aren’t your thing, consider the spectacular Lilly.  There are so many varieties of Lilly but as a general rule, the Orientals will fill the whole room with a beautiful aroma, the exotics will be more likely to provide that intense color displays.

JUNE: Why go to the expense of drying and framing a bridal bouquet when you can opt for a living bouquet?  Most succulents such as Sempervivium, Sedum, Agave and Echeveria can be incorporated into a living bouquet by a good florist.  Take care with these delicate plants, leave your bouquet in a sunny window and you will keep your wedding flowers forever.

JULY: Our favorite flower for July is Gladioli, they are colorful and dramatic, reaching high out of displays like floral fireworks.  The ‘Glad’ stalks provide attention-grabbing height to a lower, subtle table centerpiece providing a nice balance.  Consider combining Hydrangeas, a favorite for weddings.

AUGUST: If you’ve opted for an August wedding in the Mid-Atlantic, you’re probably already prepared yourself for heat and humidity, you’ll probably also be considering bright, summer colors.  Sunflowers, Roses, Gerberas and Lilly’s are common but if you really want to fill the space with flowers, seek out Stocks – they come in many colors and you’ll smell them before to see them.

SEPTEMBER: One of the most popular months for weddings – and perfect for the outdoor Bride.  If traditional is your thing, go for Red Roses and Baby’s Breath but don’t stop there – mix in different textures too – Anthurium, Dahlias, Snap Dragon and Zinnia balance these nicely and are sure to get noticed!

OCTOBER: Deep Orange, Red, Yellow and Brown are by far the most popular and traditional choices for the season.  These colors lend themselves to the spectacular and eye-catching Pincushion Protea, rich deep colored Calla Lillies and Roses.

NOVEMBER: Still in Fall but with the colder and longer nights, the best Chrysanthemums of the year are blooming.  These Mums are best used to best effect in pomander balls, creating a beautiful texture which is still resilient enough to be carried down the aisle by a younger bridesmaid and can double up as an eye catching hanging centerpiece at the reception.

DECEMBER: It’s so tempting to get drawn into the holiday season with vivid Poinsettias but the biggest rewards are in taking a more subtle approach to the season.  Consider incorporating thistles into boutonnières for a more masculine touch, climbing ivy and hints of spruce into the table centerpiece and Mistletoe into the bridal bouquet for a playful twist.  Deep crimson red tones introduce depth to the arrangement and can be incorporated using silk ribbon.

Don’t forget the vessel! Give careful consideration to what your florist is recommending to contain your floral displays. Try to move away from overused mirrors in favor of more natural textures like slate tiles, moss, tree bark, pine cones and willow.

Above all, make it your own. Ask your floral designer to build in a favorite or memorable piece of jewelry, perhaps something old, new, borrowed or blue. Consider the venue, the theme, your relationship, the season and keep it true to yourself.

About Candlelight Floral Designs: Candlelight Floral Designs are an award winning specialist Floral and Event Design Company based in Middletown, MD, owned by Chris and Melissa Popple.  Since 2001 in the UK, Candlelight Floral Designs have created unique and spectacular floral art with a genuine European flair.  Candlelight Floral Designs also offer Bridal ‘DIY Parties’ for Brides that like to get involved in creating their own masterpieces. And breaking news! Candlelight Floral Designs will be opening a storefront in Middletown soon! How exciting! We are thrilled for them and of course our Heart of Frederick couples!