GARLAND GLOSSARY

Confusing your dahlias with your delphiniums? Get clued up on your wedding blooms with wed’s compendium of petals

words Rebecca Matthews

Somewhere along the path from the engagement to the wedding day, you’ll be faced with a petal predicament: which flowers would you like to dress your day? When are they in season? And, most importantly, what exactly does an anemone, ranunculus or hellebore actually look like?

For those not au fait with flowers, it can be something of a sticking point. After all, your choice of flowers is key to setting the tone, colour and even scent of your day – and a little floral knowledge goes a long way. We’ve picked out some popular wedding flowers, along with pointers on symbolism and seasonality, to get you started.

Delicately beautiful blooms with small, round petals and available in a wide choice of shades, from crisp white to richer hues.

Symbolic meaning:

anticipation, protection In season: late February to April Dainty, translucent petals with pointed, delicate leaves, which come in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Symbolic meaning:

serenity, tranquility In season: January to early spring

Clematis

Large, blowsy flowers in a choice of shades from vivid purple to soft pink and white.

Symbolic meaning:

ingenuity, mental beauty

In season:

late spring to late summer

Dahlia

Dramatic blooms with symmetrical petals available in a spectrum of vibrant colours.

Symbolic meaning:

elegance, inner strength In season: June to October

Foxglove

Bold spires of tubular flowers, commonly in pink and purple shades speckled with spots.

Symbolic meaning:

healing, creativity In season: June to September

Delphinium

Elegant, tall spikes lavished with flowers in shades of bright blue, indigo, lilac or white.

Symbolic meaning:

devotion in love, goodwill In season: June to July

Hydrangea

Big, bold flower heads in a range of colours – particularly popular in pastel shades and blue. Symbolic meaning: heartfelt emotion, gratitude, arrogance In season: July to October

Lily of the valley

Delicate bell-shaped white flowers, which occasionally may be pink.

Symbolic meaning:

happiness, purity, humility In season: June to September

Freesia

Pretty, funnel-shaped flowers with a rich scent and available in a range of colours.

Symbolic meaning:

innocence, friendship In season: July to October

Lupin

Dramatic spikes of petals in pretty pastel shades through to rich reds and purples.

Symbolic meaning:

imagination, happiness

In season:

late spring to early summer

Peony

Large, silken and scented blooms in colours ranging from pink and peach to crimson and white. Symbolic meaning: romance, good luck, happiness In season: late May to early July

Poppy

Striking flowers with delicate petals in brilliant shades, from white and pink to yellow and opulent red. Symbolic meaning: sleep, peace, beauty In season: May to late June

Ranunculus

Pretty, papery clusters of petals available in a variety of shades from white and pink to red, yellow and orange. Symbolic meaning: charm, beauty In season: April to June

Rose

Classic and romantic, multi-petal flowers available in almost every shade. Symbolic meaning: love, romance, grace In season: June to early autumn

Tulip

Cheery flowers available in a range of varieties – including double, parrot and lily – and virtually every colour. Symbolic meaning: love, affection, renewal In season: March to May

Bespoke Blooms

There’s something beautiful about dressing your day with personalised petals. Florists Helen Edwards of The Velvet Daisy (thevelvetdaisy.co.uk), Lisa Marie Grigsby of Down by the River Florals (downbytheriver.co.uk) and Laura Hingston (laurahingstonflowers. com) share their top tips

1. Tell your story through your flowers.

As a floral artist I love it when couples come to me with specific ideas because of childhood memories or meaningful reasons for their choices, which I can use to work with them to tell a story. One couple had eucalyptus because it reminded the groom of a giant tree in his back garden growing up.

Lisa

2. Include a special piece of vintage jewellery.

It might be a piece from a late grandmother, aunt, mother or someone else special, such as a brooch which could be pinned to the ribbon on the bridal bouquet.

Helen

3. Choose flowers or foliage for their meanings.

It could be thyme for courage, rosemary for remembrance or purple lilac for memories of first love. These symbolisms can be so special and are a thoughtful way to consider the decorations you include on your day. There are some wonderful books which may be a good starting point such as ‘Discovering the Meaning of Flowers’ by Shane Connolly and ‘The Language of Flowers’ by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

Lisa

4. Incorporate custom beadwork or embroidery.

This can be used to wrap the handles of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets. We typically use Italian silk to wrap the handles of bridal bouquets but once we used antique lace that had been a table runner for the bride’s grandmother’s wedding breakfast, and it was stunning.

Laura

5. Celebrate your shared passion in your floral design.

I once created floral arrangements for a couple of international basketball players, which featured lots of bright colours and mini basketballs popped into the table arrangements.

Helen

6. Think about the scent of your flowers.

You might choose beautiful British blooms, garden roses or trailing jasmine and herbs, bringing everything to life with their delicate and heady scents.

Lisa

7. Include personal items in your flowers.

Small framed photographs of loved ones who can’t be there on your day can be either placed in your bouquet or perhaps in a top table arrangement for only you and you husband to see.

Laura

8. Choose the flowers you love.

Think about your favourite blooms and pop in a few your fiance may like. Incorporate flowers to reflect your heritage, culture or occupation.

Helen

9. Create a keepsake after the

wedding. It might be pressed flower collages in copper hanging frames, or contact a bespoke maker who preserves flowers as paperweights or in glass resin jewellery.

Lisa

10. Create a bouquet using fresh and faux flowers.

Keep the faux flowers and add fresh seasonal flowers to them as the year progresses.

Helen

11. Get involved in the design process with your floral designer.

The process should involve several conversations, emails and Pinterest boards. Your floral designs will evolve during this process and eventually be everything you want them to be. This can ultimately be one of the most rewarding parts of your big day!

Laura

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