When you've been in the floral industry as long as I have, you start to notice a few things, like everyone's favorite flowers, the most popular wedding locations and especially the most popular time for weddings and engagements. Did you know most couples get engaged during the winter time?
Maybe it's the magic of the first snowflakes falling, maybe it's the twinkling lights or reminiscent bling of diamonds. For me, it always just seems like a good time to cozy up by the fire place and get close with your partner and the ones you love. Something about the irony of Parson Brown showing up in the middle of a snowy meadow while you're building a snow man just makes folks want to settle down.
So whether you go gaga over the holiday season, your favorite movie is frozen, your forever-mate is a lumberjack/jane, or it's just easier to get all your acquaintances together right now, there are plenty of great reasons for engagements and even winter weddings!
In honor of the first blankets of frost we here at Earth in the Alley have decided to compile a list of winter wedding decor: our favorite efflorescence for your wedding or engagement flower buying planning and experience.
Amaryllis
This show-stopping stunner of a flower, available November thru January, are sure to impress. With many large blossoms on a single stem, these flowers take their rightful place as the focal point of any arrangement. Amaryllis is available in tones of red, burgundy, peach and peppermint and while the stems may be pricy, you don't need near as many to make an impact.
Bleached Pinecones
I can hear it now... "I didn't know you could do that!" Yep, you sure can! Pinecones are literally submerged in bleach for days to achieve this incredible beige tone. You can, of course. stick with natural pinecones, we just think the bleached ones are a lot fancier.
Paperwhites
Though not as large as an amaryllis, paperwhites are frosty-white with a heavenly scent. Perfect paired as an accent flower or on their own, gracing a cocktail table with it's shapely stature.
Hellebore
Hellebores, known by their common name, the Lenten Rose, are a fantastic focal choice for these cold winter months. Available in many tones of white, pink and purple, these cold-loving botanicals are some of the first foliage to burst from the snow at the first signs of spring.
Blue Spruce
What would a winter wedding be without some fresh evergreens to accent the lovely floral this season brings? Blue Spruce is one of our favorites not only because of it's sagey-blue tone but its full, round foliage sings luxury all winter long.
Incense Cedar
Incense Cedar is another evergreen we love to see in winter arrangements. as a draping foliage, this green is perfect in a cascading bouquet, hand held, tall or short centerpieces alike. It can even be used to decorate outdoor planter pots, surviving in weather flowers will not.
Ilex Berries
Ilex Berries, or Winter Berry, is a remarkable stem with it's thick spiral sticks of plump berries. These twigs can give off quite the show, seeing as they are available fresh cut in stems up to 5 feet tall! Another frost proof-botanical, these berries look fantastic paired with fresh evergreens outdoors in pots or just on their own in vases.
While winter weddings can be amazing for many reasons, we do have some warnings to be wise of.
Most flower blossoms will freeze and perish without some sort of protection or covering in below-freezing weather. While outdoor photos are on most couples wish-lists, make sure not to bring your flowers with you unless you don't mind the look of dead flowers! Cover blossoms with a bag while traveling to venues and always plan extra time for travel in cold, wet, rainy and frozen conditions! Having a plan A, B, and C in unpredictable conditions can be a blessing in disguise when planning your wedding or event.
When budgeting for winter wedding floral expenses, know that almost all fresh cut flowers are imported this time of year. Getting married close to a holiday will most likely double, sometimes triple the price of flowers because of the high demand and low availability. While venue pricing may be affordable, there are sometimes some not-so-well-known additional expenses to be aware of.
With that being said, winter weddings can be some of the most memorable events, garnering grandiose guest-lists and unforgettable moments with your partner. Remember, don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy the moment! Cheers!
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