So what's hot on the floral front?
THE 1920s REVISITED: It was inevitable. With the new Gatsby movie being of this year's ``must-sees'', the glorious cascade and trailing bouquets of the 1920s that are seen in many wedding photos of our great-grandparents' time are right back in focus. They have been on the periphery for two or three seasons and are now the choice of many brides who have also chosen lace gowns with their soft whimsical shapes that speak of other times.
And what better than the gorgeous antique colours of dusky pink, creams, greys and greens reflecting a ``pearls and old lace'' look of roses, freesias, orchids and anemones finished with trailing clematis? Particularly popular are the scented David Austin English roses which are a cross of heritage roses and modern hybrid tea and floribunda varieties.
SUMMER GARDEN BOUQUETS: There are also smaller teardrop-shaped bouquets that convey a summer garden, freshly picked look with mixes of garden flowers such as sweet peas and daisies, anemones, ranunculi, dahlias, peonies, roses, jasmine and lavender (depending on the season of course!)
FLORAL POSIES: And back for another round are the simple handheld posies comprising one type of flower such as roses, peonies, (their season, between November and January is short), hydrangeas, daisies, dahlias, and more.
Professional florists keep a watchful eye on new ideas and concepts and can advise on all the floral requirements of a wedding. Take along a photo of the wedding dress or a fabric sample of it and those of the bridesmaids. Their skills are also seen in corsages and buttonholes, the floral arrangements in the church and decorations for the church pews, and the arrangements for the venue and tables.
TIP: Remember that professional florists know which flowers stand up to the rigours of the wedding day!
