::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

Red, to me, is just one of those colors that works year-round.  Of course it’s perfect in Winter, for Christmas and Valentine’s Day weddings, but it’s also perfect paired with brown for the fall, paired with other bright colors for the summer or red tulips for the spring!  Here are some great red bouquets that are suitable for all seasons!

Amity Mason Photography:

Amy Squires Photography:

April Joy Events:

Here are some reds that would work well for fall…

Halo Photographic:

Better Homes and Gardens:

Brides Magazine:

Winter…

Love Life Images:

Better Homes and Gardens:

Spring…

Better Homes and Gardens:

Emilie Photography:

And Summer…

Better Homes and Gardens:

In Style Weddings:

Kimberly Brooke Photography:

Cake and Pictures:

One of the things I like about red is how it can be paired with different colors to give off a completely different feel for different settings, seasons, and feelings.  For example, red and purple seem regal together…

Jasmine Star Photography:

Red and Pink equal playful and fun (and are perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding)

Both pictures from Better Homes and Gardens:

and Red and White are sweet and romantic…

Of course, no discussion of red bouquets can be had without discussing the ultimate in romantic red flowers, the rose.  Roses are traditional, but they’re also great because they come in so many different varieties, giving your floral designer a great deal of flexibility.

Are you having a red bouquet?  What kinds of flowers are you using?

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

These days, brides aren’t just limited to white or red roses for their bouquets (okay, not that they ever were, but stick with me here…)  Not only can you get flowers from all over the world, but you don’t even have to use flowers for your bouquet at all if you don’t want to!  You can do whatever you want, whether it’s having each bridesmaid carry a bouquet that matches her personality or favorite color, or even not having them carry a bouquet at all.

At my sister’s wedding, rather than have her bridesmaids carry bouquets, we carried beautiful lanterns down the aisle — it was SO pretty!  Well, until one of them dripped wax on my dad’s tux.  But still…the point is, do whatever you want — have fun with it!  Here are a few of my favorite “unusual” bouquets.

Millie Holloman Photography:

David Stark Design:

In Style Weddings:

A New Leaf:

How cute are these bouquets?!  The bride’s is made of Christmas ornaments, and the bridesmaids are…felt?

O.M.G.  I LOVE these flowers! I want a candy striped wedding, now!

Feathers are very popular in bouquets right now — in fact, I just did a peacock themed wedding that I’ll be blogging as soon as I get the pictures!

Kate Triano:

The Knot:

Another popular trend in flowers is adding unusual items like succulents, fruits or vegetables.

LOVE this cabbage and peacock bouquet, photographed by Olivia Leigh:

How adorable would this strawberry bouquet be for a summer picnic wedding?

Like I mentioned before, a cute idea can be to have different bouquets for your bridesmaids — your girls aren’t all the same, why give them the same bouquet?!

In addition to their different bouquets, how totally rock star are these ladies?!

Are you having a traditional bouquet?  Or will you do something unusual?

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

Oh, Steel Magnolias…how I love thee.  What a great chick flick, full of powerful women…and pink!  And while you don’t want your church to look as if it’s been “hosed down in Pepto Bismol,” pink is indeed the signature color for many a wedding celebration.  The thing with pink is that it can be paired with almost any color.  Pink & Brown was the big trend a few years ago.  Pink & Red are hot around Valentine’s Day.  Hot pink & Black are a very modern look, and Pink & Green just scream preppy.  Below are some great pink bouquets to inspire you!

“My two colors are blush and bashful, two very different shades of pink — one is much deeper than the other“:

Photo: A Pair of Photographers

For some reason, pink just says “June Wedding” to me.  I have no idea why — maybe because peonies are perfect for June?  I love peonies…they smell and look amazing!

Photograph: Eleise Theuer:

Florist: Foxgloves & Ivy

Of course, other pink flowers are great too!  We have roses:

Florist: Whimsy Floral:

Tulips:

Florist: Flowers on Orchard Lane:

Lillies and Orchids:

Photo: Jennifer Angeloro:

SOTA Weddings:

Mary Tuttle’s Flowers:

Gerbera Daisies:

Photo: Jessica Strickland Photography:

Hydrangea:

Or, um…these other flowers that I don’t know the names of.  I see orchids, roses, freesia, ranunculus, button mums, berries, and maybe dahlias too in the next couple photos.

Photo: Rebecca Davidson:

Barbara Banks Photography:

Flowers: Cranes Creations:

(You know I have to include at least one Martha in each issue of “Wish Candy”!)

Are these camellias?  In the words of Rachel Zoe, “I Die”
::correction!  these are coral peonies.  thanks Gerry!::

Opalia Flowers:

Seasons: A Floral Design Studio:

And, of course, in my book you can never go wrong with feathers, like these hot pink ones from Yvonne Event Floral and Decor:

Is pink your signature color?  How will you be incorporating it into your bouquet?

Gerry at Petal’s Edge Floral Design sent over some information on classes they offer.  What a great way to learn about flowers!  We’ve worked with Petal’s Edge many many times and they always do a wonderful job.  If you haven’t checked out their cute shop in Old Town Alexandria, this is your opportunity:

Bridal Bootcamp.  Want to save money but feel insecure about your ability to provide a professional look to your wedding flowers?  Join this intense one-day, weekend workshop and learn how to arrange flowers with industry experts.  Course covers flower selection and care, design tips, and common mistakes.  $150 per person, which includes the cost of flowers and box lunch.  
Saturday, December 5 or December 12.  10 am – 2 pm.

Flower School.  Love flowers and want more experience?  This series of classes takes place over three evenings and is appropriate to the person who wants to learn about how to buy, care for, and arrange flowers.  Several methods of flower arranging will be covered.  Classes are hands-on with flowers that students take home after class.  $250 per person.

Wednesday – Friday, December 2 – 4 or December 9 – 11.  6 – 9 pm.

 

Winter Workshop.  Join us for holiday-inspired flower arranging projects.  Take one class or both.  Course includes the cost of flowers, all supplies, and a holiday masterpiece to take home.  $100 per session or $150 for two.

• Floral Topiary: November 30, 6 pm. Use an uninterrupted mass of carnations to create a festive tabletop tree.

Dining table centerpiece: December 7, 6 pm. Winter fruits and vegetables add a conversation piece to this unusual pairing of flowers and holiday greens.

I recently posted about Volanni, one of the most creative floral design companies in the area.  Lisa just sent me some gorgeous photos of a floral screen they put together.  It really speaks for itself.  Check it out:

I love the pinks, oranges, yellows, reds, and purples together. What a stunning combination!

Can you imagine this behind the bride and groom as they exchange vows?  I think this is a great alternative to the traditional “two vases with pillars” altar decoration.  Plus it could be moved behind the sweetheart table and re-used at the reception!

Volanni also created a matching centerpiece for this client’s party.  I love how it’s complimentary but not exactly the same:

What do you think about the pink/yellow/orange/purple/red combination?  Are multi-hued weddings going to be a new trend?  Sasha Souza would be proud!

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

Because we talk so much about the brides on this blog,  I thought we’d focus on the boys for a bit!  Boutonnieres are often a last-minute thought but there are actually some really great things you can do with this frequently overlooked feature of a wedding.  Below are some great examples to show off your fiance (or dad, or grandpa, or groomsman, or usher).

We start, where all wedding ideas probably start, with Martha.  Oh, Martha.  Why must everything you create be so perfect?

Fall seems to be a great time to experiment and have some fun with the bouts…

Berries, small branches, greenery and other non-floral items make for nice, masculine boutonnieres:

Photo from Jasmine Star:

There are even some flowers that aren’t too feminine…

Photo: Jasmine Star:

Photo: Colin Michael Photography:

Photo: HRM Photography:

Here are some great boards that feature boutonnieres by color:

And ones that adds one of my favorite features, feathers!

A great new trend is having a boutonniere that isn’t even necessarily floral.  This cotton boutonniere is perfect for a Southern Gentleman.  Look how it matches the tie!

Or this one that highlights one of the groom’s favorite activities:

Etsy is a great resource for non-floral bouts like this that feature your groom’s hobbies.  You might also be able to do one yourself!  Is anyone doing something special with their man’s boutonniere?

Last week I visited Capitol Hill in DC to check out a wonderful wedding vendor.  Volanni is a fantastic 5-year-old floral decor company and I was shocked that I hadn’t met with them earlier!  Michael Lanni and Lisa Abdou create some phenomenally gorgeous pieces of floral art for events.  I especially liked their philosophy on honesty and integrity within the wedding industry.  They source eco-friendly and organic flowers whenever possible and are maintaining responsible business practices.  It’s a company you can feel good about working with!

Here’s my visit to the shop.  The big wooden doors fit perfectly with the urban vibe:

Stepping inside, a totally different feel!  Michael’s there in the center, Lisa off to the left, and one of their floral designers hiding off to the right.  I had to point him out since he was shy about having his picture taken.  Do you see him?

Volanni has an extensive collection of unique vases and vessels:

I could rave and rave all day but the pictures really speak for themselves.  Check out some of their designs:

Check out the size of these peonies!

They have a rather extensive collection of vases and props, like this gorgeous chuppah.  Even if you’re not Jewish I think this piece is a great focal point for a ceremony:

I was particularly head over heels for this arrangement, which I saw in their shop.  It’s so vibrant, textural and simply lush.  I love how the color combination is unexpected but cohesive.  It looks like it popped out of an Anthropologie store.  I keep seeing something new every time I look at it:

Gorgeous, no?  Check out their website for more inspiration!  I like how their style is edgy and modern in some cases but can also lean on the romantic/eclectic side.  If you’re looking for a florist, please tell them I sent you.  You can email Michael or Lisa or give them a call at 202-547-1603.

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

I’ve done posts on bouquets of many different colors — purple, green, yellow…but who says your bouquet has to be all one color?  Yes, an all white bouquet for the bride is traditional, but why not have lots of different wild flowers?  Or do your bridesmaids bouquets in several of the colors of your wedding?  This post is for those bouquets that just can’t make up their minds…and you don’t have to, either!

This multicolored bouquet, photographed by Amie Otto Photography, could have worked well in our fall feature:

April Joy Events:

These hues of orange and pink from Better Homes and Gardens are perfect for a summer wedding:

Eleise Theuer, a Virginia photographer, photographed both of these beautiful bouquets:

Whimsy Floral:

I love this pop of color against the bride’s white dress, photographed by Julia MacInnis:

Bright colored bouquets, such as these from The Knot, are just SO cheerful!

You can use multicolored bouquets for both the bride and the bridesmaids, as in this photo from Walters and Walters:

Red Ribbon Studio:

Holland Photo Arts:

This last bouquet just is the definition of a relaxed summer wedding to me…lots of pretty wildflowers:

Did you see any color combos that struck your fancy?  Or are you a single-colored bouquet kind of bride?

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated (except where noted).  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio.

When many brides think of their bouquet, they think of white.  White bouquets can be absolutely gorgeous. This week we’re highlighting some amazing white bouquets, for the bride, or even for her maids!

White anemones are perfect for a black and white themed wedding…

I love the very pale pink hue to this bouquet, also with anemones…

It’s interesting how, although they’re all white, different touches, such as the type of the flower or the ribbon wrapped around the stems can change a bouquet.  This bouquet, with a bright blue ribbon wrapped around it, just screams “tropical”…

Or how the ribbon on this bouquet makes it preppy…

Photo by Chris Baltazar:

A mostly white bouquet bouquet with just a touch of another color, orange in this case, makes a stunning arrangement…

I love this bouquet from Nicole Ha Designs:

Amy Martin Photography:

Mark Ayoub Photography:

This bouquet of gorgeous long-stemmed Cala Lilies is what many brides envision for their wedding (Photograph by Shelby Leigh Photography):

Walters and Walters shows that white bouquets don’t just have to be for the bride…

This lush ranunculus bouquet from The Knot just looks so perfect to me…so fluffy and gorgeous!

Although most people turn their noses up at carnations for weddings (me included), Martha shows that they can be gorgeous too!

This DIY Daffodil Bouquet, featured on Creature Comforts, is perfect for a spring wedding…

Hydrangeas make for a pretty and simple white bouquet:

Mary Basnight Photography:

LOVE the feathers in this picture from Sylvie Gil Photography:

Lily of the Valley is so elegant (Red Loft Studios):

And finally, the classic bride’s bouquet, white roses from Beth and Adam’s wedding (Dave Cross Photography):

Are you doing a white bouquet for your wedding?  Or do you want more colors?

::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated (except where noted).  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

I’m sad our week of fall posts is ending, I absolutely love Fall! Hopefully some of you will incorporate some of these ideas (and then send us the pictures!)

We’re finishing out the week with fall bouquets.  I have TONS of pictures, so let’s get started!

Better Homes and Gardens had a feature a while back that had some beautiful bouquets in it…

I love seed pods in bouquets…

As we’ve previously established, wheats and hays are great ways to add a fall element to your decor, so why not in your bouquet?

Photos Unscripted:

Photo by the amazing Becker:

Martha Stewart Weddings:

Some great fall bouquets from our friends, the Regetis:

And, to close it out, a few bouquets with my favorite fall flower (okay, I realize I said that about mums. How about my favorite fall bouquet flower?) Dahlias…

In Style Weddings:

Holly Heider Chapple Flowers:

Michael Norwood Photography:

Sarah K. Chen:

Thank you so much for following us this week for our fall extravaganza!  I hope you got some inspiration!