There are a number of things to consider when choosing flowers for your wedding or special occasion, ranging from very practical qualities of the flowers themselves to the emotional and meaningful aspects of different varieties and colors

If you're looking for flowers for corsages, and sometimes bouquets, a flower that won't get crushed in an embrace is much better than a weaker bloom that won't hold its shape or which may lose petals to shattering. For reception lines, possibly prom dates, and any other occasion that calls for a corsage, durable flowers are much better. Some of the ones I recommend for the focus of a corsage are orchids, dendrovium, and cymbidium; almost any roses, asters, miniature carnations, and tea roses. For durable filler flowers to go along with these, good choices include baby's breath, statice, wax flower, and limonium.

Although hand-tied bouquets can be appealing, I recommend that most of your bouquets be designed using "floral foam" that keeps the stems in water so they keep their beautiful appearance for more than the day of your event, usually up to week longer. In the summer, the foam will also protect flowers from the wilting effects of an extremely hot day. All of my bouquets are done in this fashion unless I have a special request to do otherwise.

Some of the longest lived flowers for arrangements, with or without foam, are miniature carnations, daisies, and the statice and limonium filler flowers.

Sometimes- perhaps Valentine's Day, or on a special occasion, you may want to convey a particular meaning along with your gift of a flower. There is a long tradition of symbolism of flowers, and it can set your flowers apart if the recipient knows the thought that went into your gift. The meanings are no longer commonly known, but I will attach a personalized gift card explaining the meaning of the flowers you choose if you would like let someone know exactly how you feel with your gift.

Some of the most common flowers and their meanings are:

Roses- Love

Carnations- Devotion, fascination, admiration

Hydrangea- Understanding, empathy

Daisies- Affection

Orchids- Seduction, beauty

Daffodils- Respect and regard

Tulips- Declaration of love or passion

Irises- Faith and wisdom

Sunflowers- Adoration