PETAL POWER DOWN THE AISLE

Flowers are synonymous with weddings.From the first known use of wedding flowers in Ancient Greece when the bride wore a crown of flowers and plants, the two have been inseparable.
In ancient times, brides carried bunches of aromatic herbs, including garlic bulbs to fight off evil spirits, which is said to be the origin of the bridal bouquet.Because it brought wisdom to the wedding group, sage was often included in the bridal bouquet.In the Victorian age, the language of flowers became very important with each flower having a special meaning, so brides carried posies which contained a special secret message for the groom. 
Also in Victorian England, a young girl would sprinkle petals ahead of the bridal party as they walked down the path to the church, which is where the name ‘flower girl’ originated.The reason for this was to make sure that the bride and groom were blessed with a happy life, filled with flowers. 
In modern times, wedding celebrations can range from the sublime to the ridiculous.  From simple bunches to the most elaborate arrangements, wedding flowers are only limited by imagination and of course, budget.You will probably have a good idea as to what you want for your wedding flowers, but it’s advisable to talk to an experienced florist who will have sound, practical advice.
Many brides have firm ideas about what types of wedding flowers they want.However, one should always consider the seasonal availability of a particular flower.Flowers are like fruit – they are seasonal products – yet some people don’t think about this when planning their weddings.By choosing flowers that are in season, you will get much better value.
An experienced florist wil be able to use seasonal flowers to create whatever look you want.Just because tulips are out of season, doesn’t mean that your wedding will be a total flop !  There are so many varieties, colours and shapes of flowers, and so much can be done with interesting foliage, ribbon, fabric and other accessories. 
A florist can also advise on what types of flowers are best suited to the occasion.Take gardenias for example, which look and smell stunning.However, these flowers go brown even when touched very gently so they aren’t a great choice for bouquets.The delicate and fragrant blooms of Stephanotis are also beautiful, yet also bruise and brown quickly.Many brides choose these blossoms for their bouquets, but the flowers tend to bruise and wilt when kept close to the body, so it’s actually not the most ideal choice.
Perth florist, Sarah Ennis is adamant that the foundation for beautiful wedding flowers is a good relationship between florist and bride.A good florist will work as a team with the bride, and advise on issues such as pricing, availability, appropriate colours and varieties to suit the theme etc.” 
Popular wedding flowers include orchids, arum lilies, roses, hundred stars, gypsophila and daisies.   “However,” she says, “a February wedding with lots of roses can be an expensive choice as the price of roses increases significantly around Valentine’s Day, and the quality can be inconsistent.”
Since she’s been a florist in Perth for years, she has a wealth of experience in advising on what are the best flowers to use in a bridal bouquet. If possible, it’s best if the florist can see what the wedding gown is to look like, plus a fabric sample so that the colours are matched.For example, she suggests a trailing bouquet or tied bunch of long stems for a full-length gown and a more compact posy or single bloom to complement a knee-length skirt.   Fuller-figured brides should steer away from arrangements that draw attention to the middle of the body, while trailing bouquets can make a bride appear slim and taller.
Wedding flowers certainly set the mood.From the simplest celebration to the most elaborate, fancy affair, professional advice on wedding flowers in Perth will ensure it’s the best day of your life.