Seasonal Flowers for Fall and Winter Weddings
October 1, 2008
Brian Ray Studios
The cooler weather has arrived, bringing with it some of my fall favorites: changing leaves, gourds, pumpkins, apples, eggplant, and butternut squash. Then there are amazing fall flowers in dreamy colors such as golden yellow, burnt orange, ruby red, rich purple, and chocolate brown. If you are planning a fall or winter wedding, it’s likely that you will be using seasonal flowers in your bouquets, centerpieces, and decor. (Seasonal flowers are usually more affordable and a more eco-friendly choice, to boot!) Below, is a list of some of those flowers, their meanings, and a few decorating ideas.
Autumn
Amaryllis: splendid beauty, pride
Daisies: Innocence
Grape ivy: fidelity, friendship
China aster: love, daintiness
Fuchsia: taste
Zinnia: thoughts of friends
- Magenta zinnia: Lasting affection
- Scarlet zinnia: constancy
- White zinnia: goodness
Yarrow: healing
Chrysanthemums: cheerfulness, optimism, and “You’re a wonderful friend.” These flowers transition from summer to autumn in shades of yellow, bronze, and orange.
*Decor ideas for fall weddings*
- Arrange sheaths of wheat or corn at the reception site’s entrance.
- Integrate pumpkins, cornucopias, acorns, leaves, or gourds into your theme.
- Use hollowed-out mini pumpkins with votive candles, elegantly carved pumpkins with beautiful designs or monograms, or paper bag luminaries to create a warm, seasonal atmosphere.
- Place flowers in gourds or pumpkins instead of vases.
Winter
Baby’s Breath: festivity
Carnations: fascination, divine love, bonds of affection, health and energy
- Pink carnation: remembrance, “I’ll never forget you,” a mother’s love
- Red carnation: admiration, my heart aches for you
- White carnation: innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely
Eucalyptus berries: protection
Juniper pine gardenias: “You’re lovely,” sweet love, good luck
Holly: goodwill, domestic happiness, foresight
Poinsettia: “Be of good cheer”
Snowball mums: cheerfulness, optimism
Tip: You can personalize a bouquet for the season by adding pinecones, evergreen, or berries.
*Decor ideas for winter weddings*
Group different varieties of poinsettias around the reception site.
Use pine branches and white candles in clear glass candle holders to create beautiful, fragrant centerpieces.
Another centerpiece idea is to fill a pretty bowl with water, cranberries, and floating candles (consider star- or snowflake-shaped candles).
Other elements to consider adding to a winter wedding theme: sparkly white lights, miniature gingerbread houses (or gingerbread couples as favors), miniature evergreens, candy cane pillars, snow globe centerpieces, mistletoe, and shiny ornaments.
*Note: Many flowers, especially favorites like roses and lilies, are available all year.
Did you use a seasonal theme at your wedding? Send your photo or ideas to: stephanie@whatsupmag.com.
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For more on seasonal flowers and other ideas for bouquets and centerpieces, see our article, Petal Power:
http://www.whatsupmag.com/weddings/wedding-features/0308-petal-power.aspx.
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More Wedding Kids
September 29, 2008
Thanks to Wendy Hickok of Hickok Photography in Annapolis for sending us the following shots of wedding kids—and for proving I’m not the only one who is obsessed with little kids in bowties: “I agree kids at are one of my favorite things to photograph at events,” she says. ”They always add a totally different dimension to the glitz and glam of a wedding day.” Enjoy!
Hickok Photography
Hickok Photography
Hickok Photography
Hickok Photography
Send your favorite wedding photos to: Stephanie@whatsupmag.com.
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