The Art of Giving Flowers

WEDNESDAY WEDDINGS:

Summertime Celebrations

                                       

Summertime weddings are always special. Most often, the flowers that brides chose in the summer are tied to the garden with the idea of bringing the outside in and using it as an integral part of the celebration. The weather is unpredictable and you have to roll the dice because the outside venue can be a very important part of the wedding plans. I’m a positive thinker and always hope for the best. If it is outdoors, we always discuss a contingency plan but I never intend to use it.

Themes seem to be more common during the summer months and they are all appropriate. Brides will choose a natural or organic feeling where the garden is an important consideration. Others will pick a nautical or beach theme and some choose an exotic or tropical theme just to name a few. Each has its own unique feeling and so the flowers that are suitable are wide and varied and all are fitting for this time of year.

Weddings can be informal or formal and everything in between. I see all different interpretations and each bride brings something unique to the party. That is what makes it so much fun. Everything we do is customized and so we rarely do anything twice. That is the challenge because each bride is special and deserves to be treated that way.

During the summer, there are more flowers that are part of what’s available and many come right from the garden. As special as a wedding is, having a relaxed approach to flowers is always recommended. Flowers can be a bit unpredictable and regardless of what time of year you get married it’s best to be flexible.  It can be risky to count on using these flowers because many factors come into play – rain, drought, heat and luck – all unpredictable. I would suggest that brides use garden flowers as an add-on or “if available,” but never as the primary component of their floral arrangements.

 I love that many of the weddings take place literally in the bride’s backyard or in other special outdoor spaces. Many water’s edge facilities, whether lakeside or seaside, and gardens become outdoor playgrounds. Beautiful patios and porches are become unique settings for wedding ceremonies. Within a few hours, the tent goes up providing shelter and allowing a country club or home to have a spectacular wedding venue where previously there was none. Add to this decorations, dressed-up tables, and flowers and the transformation is magical.

What makes a summertime wedding special is there is often a casualness associated with this time of year. If the party is outside with the days longer and temperatures warmer, the atmosphere seems more relaxed.  As a result, it usually follows that the guests feel that way too and that makes a good time for all.

And, even if you do have a little rain on your wedding day, remember the the old saying - Rain will bring good luck!