As someone who is a bit fanatical about flowers - to put it mildly – I would have to say that a wedding just isn’t a wedding without stunning floral creations. Yes, I know that there’s the small matter of vowing to love, honour and cherish your beloved forever and ever amen, but people do strongly associate flowers with weddings, and this association dates back to medieval times, when various types of flowers, foliage and herbs were believed to be effective in warding off evil beings, thus ensuring a long and happy marriage. In more modern times however, most people actually do get on with their future in-laws, so flowers are used primarily for decoration, scent, and a romantic ambience!

However, there are many people who don’t want or cannot have flowers for their wedding. Naturally if you suffer from allergies, then you won’t want streaming eyes and to be sneezing your head off on a day when you should be the center of attention for all the right reasons, but you can get around the problem by using artificial flowers. These have long since shed their reputation for being plastic and tacky, and you can now get some very realistic looking flowers. I’ve made many creations using silk flowers for brides who are either on a budget, want a lasting memento of the day, or are getting hitched abroad. And seeing as I’ve yet to encounter a disgruntled bride (which makes me a very lucky florist – I just hope I haven’t spoken too soon) I guess faux flowers can be every bit as good as the real thing.

If however, you are still adamant that you do not want flowers of any kind, either because you are on a budget, you want something out of the ordinary, or you just don’t like flowers, don’t worry because you can still have some fab creations made without flowers, which will still have your guests’ jaws hitting the floor!

ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

Suitable alternatives to a traditional bouquet:

♥ What could be more delightful than a pretty lace fan or parasol? Perfect for an outdoor summer wedding.
♥ Marabou or fur (faux of course) muffs are great for a winter wedding. They look very glam, and prevent those beautifully manicured hands from becoming horribly frost bitten.
♥ You could always choose a prayer book or bible if you’re having a religious ceremony.
♥ Large conch shells look amazing and are ideal for beach or beach themed weddings.

FOR BRIDESMAIDS

Many of the ideas for bridal accessories can also be used for bridesmaids, as well as these:

♥ Bridesmaids can ditch the posy and go for a dainty little purse instead. Much more useful for holding your lippy!
♥ Fairy tale themed wedding? Then give your bridesmaids some dazzling star shaped wands. Just beware they don’t turn your groom into a toad!
♥ If you have a cute little bridesmaid of toddler age, you could always give her a doll or teddy bear – and pray it will keep her quiet!

CEREMONY DECORATIONS

♥ Ostrich or peacock feathers make a stunning alternative to floral pew ends.
♥ Elaborate bows also look great as pew ends. Don’t worry if you find bows fiddly to make (my floristry tutor had almost given up all hope of me ever making a decent bow. It’s not as easy as it looks, but I got there in the end), as you can now buy easy to assemble pull bows in virtually any shade and fabric, and they only take two seconds to form. You can even pretend you made them from scratch. One bride-to-be was howling, laughing, practically crying with relief when I introduced her to the wonderful world of pull bows, as she couldn’t make a decent bow to save her life. And if she got that emotional over bows, I’d love to have been a fly on the wall at the ceremony!
♥ If there are any pillars in the venue, you could try draping fairy lights, tulle, or organza around them.
♥ Lit candles of varying heights look amazing.

RECEPTION DECORATIONS

The following make great substitutes for floral centerpieces:

♥ A pretty or unusual lamp – funky, classic, or vintage depending on the style of your wedding. But no 100 watt bulbs – you want to create an atmosphere for your guests, not blind them!
♥ Candles. Candelabras, floating candles and candle gardens all look exquisite. And it’s even nicer if you’re using scented candles.
♥ Balloons. Many people reject this idea almost immediately, but for some reason my customers won’t get married without them! Have them personalized for that extra special touch. Choose from latex or foil, fill them with helium so that they stand upright. And as obvious as this may sound, make sure you don’t forget to attach a weight to them – unless you want to be chasing balloons all day (which might be fun for the kids).
♥ One bride who collected antique porcelain dolls over the years, placed a doll in the center of each table. Brave lady!
♥ Another bride aiming for an eclectic boho/vintage look, alternated between tealight filled birdcages and small dressmakers dummies strewn with strings of pearls and diamante for each table. These were placed on mirrored discs, and surrounded by vintage perfume bottles.
♥ If you are having a cultural themed wedding, you can choose an ornament, woodcarving etc. from the country of your chosen theme.
♥ A mini artificial Christmas tree (but not for a summer wedding)!
♥ A topiary tree using artificial materials – feathers, beads, sequins, fabric etc.
♥ In place of flower petals, scatter tables with pearls, beads, and crystals.
♥ A napkin containing a rose gives a romantic touch to each place setting. You could replace the flower with one of the following and still achieve that romantic look:
* An organza or satin bow.
* Feathers.
* Wired crystals
* Diamante brooch

Diamantes and feathers are normally used as accessories in floral arrangements. But why not ditch the flowers and opt for bouquets, buttonholes and corsages made entirely from crystals, diamante or feathers? You could even combine them for a look that is pure Vegas. All you need is the Elvis impersonator!

AU NATUREL

What about a non-floral ‘floral’ accessory? No I haven’t gone mad. It is possible to create accessories or arrangements using foliage, berries, herbs, fruit, vegetables, and spices. Simply omit the flowers. I have previously made a pomander for a Christmas themed wedding, using holly leaves and berries and mini pinecones. It looked stunning, if I may say so myself. And who can forget Victoria Beckham’s jaw dropping shower bouquet consisting of birch twigs, berries, trailing ivy, and apples, which perfectly complemented her Robin Hood theme. So if it’s good enough for the trendsetter that is Mrs. Beckham…

Flower fans like myself may still want to say it with flowers, but there are so many equally stylish, and dare I say it, more adventurous options available for those who don’t. And not forgetting that many of the accessories and arrangements described can be adorned or combined with flowers for those of you who want the best of both worlds. So you really can have your (wedding) cake and eat it!

Til next time

Lesley Anne

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