Perfect Petals
Don't expect to be pierced by twisted willow or bored by potted plants — this is the year of the flower and of candlelit romance

By Merri Grace McLeroy
Photo and Issue Cover by Manolo Doreste (In Focus Studios)

Selecting the flowers for your ceremony, reception and bridal party can be one of the most difficult decisions a couple must make. It's not for lack of options, but because this seemingly simple decision can blow your budget, no matter how generous it is. Those marrying in South Florida are blessed with a tropical paradise, but are also constrained by humidity and heat. So where do you begin?

Tatiana Byron, president of 4PM Events, featured floral décor by Thomas Noel at The Wedding Salon, a bridal showcase held at The Biltmore Hotel this past November. Says Byron, "I always tell our brides to select local seasonal flowers rather than flying in exotic flowers, which can double or triple the cost. There's also a risk with quality when flowers have to clear customs." Byron's favorite for this year is hot pink roses... an abundance of them. "It's not so much about greenery," she says. Byron, along with our other floral experts, cites definite trends in this colorful category.

Sandra Evans, owner of Rosy Florist & Gifts in Miami, says, "Bouquets are all about the hand-tied French twist" — blooms naturally bunched together with the stems tied in ribbon." This is not a new look, but it's the most popular one cited by our experts. "Hand-tied bouquets are the biggest trend," says Debbie Malaga, wedding consultant of Flowers 'n Things in Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek, "but flowers are out of water for long periods of time, which is tough in South Florida." She suggests green hydrangeas, calla lilies, roses, stock and orchids rather than colored hydrangeas, tulips and irises for tied bouquets. For couples opting to use more fragile flowers, Evans suggests a Colonial Round, a style that looks much like the French-tied bunch, but is held in a posy holder to keep the flowers hydrated. Deborah De La Flor of De La Flor Gardens in Cooper City reports that some cascades are making their way back, but are recommended only for tall brides. Your gown and flowers should enhance your personal beauty, not overpower it.

The blooms are most often one type of flower (mono-botanical) in different colors or, conversely, you might prefer a multiple of flower varieties in a monochromatic color scheme. Roses are the number one choice year round, and tulips are popular for spring weddings.

"Bridesmaids bouquets are smaller versions of the bridal bouquet, and flower girls are carrying the same colors and types of flowers in their small pomander (kissing) balls," says De La Flor. She also reports moms are often carrying mini-tied bouquets rather than corsages. However, if you prefer corsages, orchids remain the popular choice. As for boutonnieres, one simple bloom with a small piece of greenery is the only way to go.

Centerpiece and reception décor should echo the flowers and colors of the ceremony. This is where much of your budget will be spent, so consider these creative tips unless you've got an endowment fund.

Lighten up.
Candlelight is a must to accompany flowers on guest tables and candles are affordable, so splurge on them to create ambience! Don't worry about leaning and falling tapered candles. Our experts recommend clusters of column, votive or floating candles for romantic impact, but as separate elements and not in the flower arrangements.

Containers are very important. Glass floral containers are a big trend and reflect the candlelight beautifully, reports Malaga. Glass is dazzling and is also a modern, chic look that works beautifully with monochromatic floral décor. Silver, gold and bronze metallic containers are also popular, as metallics are a huge fashion trend overall, so that's clearly an option for more traditional décor and mixed arrangements. Rest assured, unless you're getting married in the Grand Ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, real gold and silver candelabras and topiaries are not required.

Conversation is critical.
Keep in mind your guests will want to see each other around the table, so we recommend going high or staying low, but do keep eye level clear. Byron suggests two or three centerpieces of different sizes grouped on each table, and again, an abundance of blooms and not greenery. "Smaller arrangements are more intimate," she says - perfect for an informal event. But if the budget allows, go high! Evans reports most of her orders are for pedestals filled with an abundance of flowers and lots of candles on the table. "Every bride is different," says De La Flor. "It's about being unique."

Color is key. Our experts recommend a relatively monochromatic color scheme, with varying shades of one color. As for the hottest colors for our tropical locale, they list "hot pink," along with other bright colors and jewel tones in green, purple, orange or red, as opposed to pastels — with the exception of soft pink, a traditional favorite. And, although white is never "out" for the bridal bouquet, the trend is to match the colors of the bridal party, ceremony and reception.

Coordinate everything. Your event designer should work to ensure all elements are coordinated. If your florist or caterer is handling the décor, make sure to show him or her color swatches, ask for textured linen samples, container options, candle, dinnerware, utensils, stemware selections and even chair choices. You may need to accompany your designer to the rental store to see the elements together in order to make your initial selections. You should also discuss style and colors of the wedding with your caterer and entertainers to ensure that servers and musicians are dressed appropriately. And make sure serving dishes are consistent with your overall look — no silver chafing dishes allowed at a luau reception!

This is one area in which greenery can hold its own. A little bit of greenery can go a long way in warming up an empty sanctuary or chapel and can create a separate ceremonial ring for outdoor weddings. Arches are making a major comeback both in ceremonies and at reception sites. Evans reports a surge in arranged arch orders for this year, decorated with greenery, flowers or fabric. She also notes that draping church pews in fabric along the aisle is a beautiful addition to the décor — however, your guests will have to be seated from the opposite end of the pew. Another returning trend is to sprinkle rose petals down the aisle — by the ever-popular flower girl.