FLOWERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

By Laura Fur Mericas

ALL OF THE ELEMENTS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY SHOULD SAY SOMETHING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER’S LOVE STORY. SOME OF THOSE

ELEMENTS — LIKE FLOWERS — WILL SPEAK LOUDER THAN OTHERS. Flowers can provide a great deal of meaning and symbolism to your wedding design. Selecting the flowers you will carry down the aisle toward your soulmate and the others that will deck your reception hall, can go much deeper than just choosing color, size and texture. So in order to help you think before you speak, we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite fall floral choices so that your flowers can say everything you want them to, in addition to “I do.”

DAHLIAS — These bold buds typically signify standing out from the crowd and following one’s own unique path despite challenges — a perfect fit for the more offbeat bride. This multi-layered and robust flower can also represent kindness and grace in its pink hues, strength when red and new beginnings when green or blue.

ROSES — The rose has widely been accepted as a symbol of love, but roses of all sorts have different meanings. In general, this romantic flower signifies an achievement, such as committing to the love of your life.

CHRYSANTHEMUM — This fall favorite looks like a cross between a pom pom and a daisy. With a wide variety of purples, oranges and greens, this flower stands out on its own, or you can use these to add a punch of pigment to your bi-color rose bouquet. The chrysanthemum aptly symbolizes optimism and joy, which is a must for your wedding day and the start of your new life together.

The striking amaryllis stands out in a bouquet, and it knows it! These beauties, most often seen in a deep burgundy or orange color, signify confidence and radiant beauty. Doesn’t everyone want to feel that way on their wedding day? Each rose color has an even deeper meaning of its own. The classic red rose represents beauty and purity. Fallinspired yellow roses signify friendship and new beginnings, while orange roses are meant to show feelings of passion and desire.

SUNFLOWERS — With their bright and radiant petals, sunflowers are meant to be a symbol of one’s adoration. And just as their namesake rises every day, these flowers are meant to represent longevity and loyalty — two qualities all hope to find in their marriage.

CALLA LILLIES — Stylish, sleek and simple, calla lilies can make for some of the most sophisticated floral designs with an array of meanings. The traditional white calla lily signifies purity and faithfulness while blooms with warm, purple hues represent charm and yellow alludes to gratitude.