Goodbye, Meadow and Hello, English Garden!!

Over the past few years, we have seen an abundance of DIY details and simple floral in weddings. However, the times are changing! Gone is the trend of bud vases clustered on tables, weedy flowers in bouquets and centerpieces, and the "just picked" look of small bloom flowers and "wildflowers".

With the 1920's emerging into pop culture, we find couples going back to a more elegant and streamlined romance look for their big day. The "just picked" look of bouquets is becoming more elegant with the use of peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus. Instead of appearing to be picked out of a field or meadow, we are going back to our grandma's garden or a grand estate where everything is soft and romantic, but can still be bursting with color and texture. Farewell, to the clusters of old bottles with a singular bloom, the "vintage" containers holding baby's breath and thistle, and a HUGE farewell to mason jars with raffia and burlap. This look is being replaced with containers made of silver or gold holding clusters of opulent blooms such as garden roses and peonies.

Do not feel overwhelmed by this design and floral change, this look is one that feels opulent but is still natural. Enjoy a few of our favorite inspirations!

Image via Brown Paper Design

Image via Glendalough Manor

Image via Bella Fiori

"What's in a name? That which we call a Rose..."

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose..."

-- Shakespeare; Romeo & Juliet

When Shakespeare used this quote in Romeo & Juliet, he was referring to the fact that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. How right was he when it comes to using the name "Rose"?! In our world of flowers, we get requests for Roses everyday. However, as many clients soon learn, to us a rose is just a name, with over 100 species (and thousands of varieties) of roses we find ourselves breaking out the design books and going into full-on teacher mode! 

The common misunderstanding is the difference between the traditional Standard (or Hybrid Tea) Rose and the Garden (or English) Rose.  The use of one over the other can change the entire style and feeling of an arrangement. Keep in mind that we're covering only the bare minimum about roses as cut flowers here, and not going into the intricate history, varieties, classifications, care and handling, or growing of roses.  

Standard Roses are the most common type of rose. These roses are have a large head supported by a long, straight stem.  If you've ever received or ordered a 'dozen long stemmed roses,' it's most likely been a standard rose variety.  The wide variety of color options, traditional shape, year-round availability and reasonable price makes this rose very popular for weddings. 

Standard roses used in bouquets, centerpieces, and cake decor.

Garden Roses are known for their high petal count, lush appearance, and wonderful fragrance. As cut flowers, they have a shorter vase life than the standard rose.  However, their fragrance and appearance is often a fair trade.  Garden roses are often mistaken for Peonies because of their similar appearances. If you are looking for a flower that will give you a soft look, and you can't get Peonies then this would be flower. 

In recent years, David Austin, a well-known rose breeder, has developed many varieties of English Garden Roses, which have become increasingly popular.  These roses are known for deep cups, high petal counts, and absolutely amazing fragrance.  We often use the David Austin varieties in our wedding designs.  As you can see, they bring a soft, romantic feeling to any bouquet.

David Austin Garden roses featured in bridal bouquets.
Varieties include 'Juliette' and 'Pink Piano', two of our favorites.

More images of garden roses can be seen on our Pinterest Board: Flower: Garden Roses

Enjoy!!

Information sources: Wikipedia-garden roses and David Austin Roses 

Flower of the Month Monday: June - Rose

Everyone knows that each month has a different birthstone, but did you know that every month also has a Flower? By far one of the best known flowers is the Rose, and it is also the month of June's flower. So, in honor of this great flower we are going to showcase different ways a Rose can be used in your event. This week is for all of our fabulous June brides, and their gorgeous bouquets.

Enjoy!

Hand tied blush pink rose bouquet.

Photos provided by: The Hudson's, Kristin-J.com & Callie Granderson Photography

Rustic Romance at Pratt Barn

Bride's Bouquet

We started 2012 with a beautiful wedding held at Pratt Place Barn.  Peonies, Hydrangeas, tulips, roses, wax-flower and baby's breath in rustic containers and vintage jars ... ivory linens with burlap runners...soft, romantic, vintage, BEAUTIFUL!  The shop smelled wonderful for days.

Bridesmaid's Bouquet-this might be one
of my favorite bouquets ever.

Groom's Boutonniere

Head Table.  The lace overlay MADE
this setting.

Centerpiece. 1 of 5 designs.

Location: Pratt Place Barn

Catering/Planning/Rentals: Kruton's Catering