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    Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

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    Flowers have always been an important part of wedding décor, and we assume they will continue as such. From bouquets and boutonnières to centrepieces and decorations, the wedding flowers play a big role in creating an atmosphere.

    The only problem is that flowers are quite pricey; they can extensively push up your expenses list. This is the opposite of the goal…right? We all want to save some money and bring that wedding expenses down as low as possible.

    Here are a few ways you can save money on your wedding flowers:

    – Keep it local and seasonal 

    Avoiding importing your flowers will save you big bucks. A local option is definitely the better choice for your budget. A similar principle applies to in-season blossoms. While you probably could find your desired out-of-season flower somewhere, it’ll be way more pricey than picking something in-season. The flowers will be fresher too!

    – Go for greens 

    Adding some lush leaves and greenery can do wonders for your budget and your floral arrangements. They add a whimsical feel to your decor  and fill up your arrangements in a stylish way, saving you from purchasing large quantities of flowers.

    – Bigger blooms 

    This one is simple. The bigger the flower, the less you have to buy. Save yourself some cash and opt for a larger or statement bloom.

    – Limit yourself to three flowers 

    In most cases, a florist will order the flowers in bulk, even if you don’t need too many of a specific one. If you keep the flower variations to three or less, it’ll save you some money because a bulk purchase will be necessary and none will go to waste.

    – Mix and match decor elements 

    Add tea lights, fairy lights and candles or whatever trimming your heart desires to your venue. Opting for some different decor elements will cut your flower expenses drastically.

    – Leave flowers out where you can 

    Perhaps you could skip the boutonnieres and corsages. While some people might want to keep them for tradition, they are not a necessity and can be replaced with alternatives if need be.

    – Forget a February wedding 

    Valentine’s Day pushes up the price of flowers! You’re likely to pay much more than usual for whatever flower you want in February. Best avoid this month to keep the costs down.

    Image: Pexels

    Fresh florals, luscious leaves, and blooming botanicals. Let your love and wedding day bloom beautifully with nature-inspired decor.

    From your wedding venue itself all the way to your place cards, incorporating botanicals into your wedding is a breath of fresh air.  Here is some inspiration to help you pull it off perfectly.

    Ceremony decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByYbQYph1qV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Iu7q4BqN7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6qhY1OFIku/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Reception decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx4FP_MBn9F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B50LJOVBEJd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Tables:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NxP5LAwMg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B05j_0eAi9Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Wedding cake:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B04FtxrA8lf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B46_ReZgALr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Weddings can be taxing on the environment. Yes, flower walls are beautiful and balloon decor is whimsical, but they’re also wasteful and harmful for the environment. As the wedding industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, one plant rises above.

    Spekboom has long been lauded for its magical powers. Also known as Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food, this water-wise tree of wonder can absorb higher amounts of carbon dioxide than any other plant in existence. A healthy thicket of this South African treasure trove is said to be ten times more effective at removing carbon dioxide from the air than the Amazon Forest.

    South Africans are encouraged to plant spekboom wherever they may to play their part in combatting climate change. Those lacking a green thumb need not worry. The plant is easy to grow and water-wise, meaning it is low maintenance.

    There are so many ways to incorporate this hard-working plant into your wedding. Here are some ideas.

    Bridal bouquet:

    Spekboom is a perfectly rustic addition to your bridal bouquet. If you’re not into the leaves, spekboom in full bloom is typically covered in tiny pink flowers that will add a beautiful pop of colour to your floral arrangement.

    Credit: Instagram / suneoosthuizen7

    Food:

    Packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, spekboom leaves are juicy and full of moisture. They leave an acidic taste of lemon on the tongue, making spekboom an excellent addition to fresh salads or even in the wedding cake itself. Spekboom also helps to fight dehydration, making this magical plant perfect for hot summer weddings.

    Credit: Stork.co.za

    Decor:

    Tiny clippings of spekboom are amazingly fresh additions to wedding decor. Use them as table decor on plates or in planters, in floral centrepieces and in hanging floral arrangements.

    Credit: nikimphotography.com

    Wedding favours:

    Give your guests the gift of spekboom for a memorable wedding favour that will bloom for decades. One small clipping can grow into a magnificent spekboom bush when planted. The plant can live up to 200 years, meaning this gift is truly one for the ages.

    Credit: Instagram / The Spekboom Project

    Feature image: Instagram / original3g

    Weddings and flowers go hand in hand. Every beautiful blossom tells a different story, complementing the bride on her big day. If you’re planning a wedding and aren’t sure which bouquet to go with, why not go with the tried and trusted florals? These are the most popular wedding flowers of all time.

    10 – Gardenia

    Gardenia’s represent purity and joy, making them fun and playful additions to your bridal bouquet. This flower’s smell is intoxicating and will add an extra sweetness on your big day.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbtVHJhhh4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    9 – Sweet Peas

    With ruffled petals and a unique shape, sweat peas are romantic yet whimsical. They signify “lasting pleasure”, making this flower a very sweet and meaningful bloom to carry with you on your big day.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4G9E1EA-4r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    8 – Stephanotis

    This flower represented “marital happiness” in Victorian times, which makes it fitting for a bridal bouquet. A Stephanotis bouquet or boutonniere is incredibly traditional and is often favoured by the more classic couple.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BshrU1hniLQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    7 – Ranunculus

    If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to roses, look no further. The rananculus is fuller, fluffier and whimsical, making it perfect for the unique bride.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vkUm6Fvc2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    6 – Peony

    Peonies represent love, happiness and ambition. Voluminous and romantic, this delicate flower is an expensive yet worthwhile addition to any bridal bouquet.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B62VXpXBVsS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    5- Hydrangeas

    This beautiful bunch makes for a perfect bouquet with its full, bushy shape. Use three stems to create a full bouquet, or simple add one or two into a bunch with other flowers to create dimension and fullness.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzXjHoVpLTJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    4 – Lily of the Valley

    This small, delicate bunch features bell-shaped florets, and has come to be known at the “ladder to heaven”. It’s a royal favourite, having appeared in Kate Middleton’s bridal bouquet back in 2011.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_SKHCj-6A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    3 – Calla Lilies

    Also known as the arum lily, this flower offers a unique trumpet-shape that appears elegant and modern yet romantic. This flower originates in Africa and has come to represent magnificent beauty. Calla lilies are the perfect choice for a summer wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BcP5lAOHB4c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    2- Tulips

    Tulips have become popular wedding flowers for their representation of love. This flower is fresh yet elegant, perfect for the colourful bride wanting to be different. The most popular varieties are Dutch tulips, French tulips and parrot tulips.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwuvk28g_1k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    1 – Roses

    Are you even surprised? Roses, the red variety to be specific, have symbolised love, passion and romance for decades. Roses are perfect for the classic bride. With over 3,000 varieties of roses to pick from, you’ll be spoilt for choice with this flower.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B00DnfQFQYy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

    Dimensional bridal bouquets are all the rage in the wedding world. When creating your bridal bouquet, opting for flowers and leaves with unique shapes and varying lengths will give you a stunningly vibrant and creative finish.

    If you want a memorable bridal bouquet, gather inspiration from these pretty posies.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4zI08oCg89/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTgXKAHXQU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6L35N7I3of/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxdlLMBlBwl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2u5X8iAEkZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxboVD3FwSG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

    A sign of good fortune, catching the bridal bouquet or garter predicts that the recipient will be the next person to get married. But have you ever wondered where this tradition comes from? Turns out, they have an incredibly odd origin story…

    You know the scene: the emcee calls all the single ladies to the dance floor for the traditional bouquet toss. Bridesmaids and guests jostle each other in preparation of the momentous occasion. The bride turns her back on her guests and hurls the bouquet, causing eager women to leap into a frenzy to catch the floral arrangement. It’s a fun, lighthearted moment during ones big day. However, it wasn’t always that way.

    Back in the day – medieval England to be exact – wedding guests were desperate to have a piece of the bride, literally. Wedding dresses were seen as positive signs of fertility and good luck, so obviously everyone wanted to get their hands on one. After the wedding, guests would clamour around the bride and rip pieces of her gown off her body as a keepsake. Guests in those days were pretty intense and would even follow the newlyweds into their bridal chamber and egg them on as they prepared to consummate the marriage. Yes, really. Understandably, newlyweds weren’t really into this.  To ward them off, the bride would hurl her bouquet into the crowd as a distraction before she made a quick exit with the groom.

    The garter was a popular piece guests aimed to grab from the bride. After the newlyweds consummated the marriage, the groom would toss the garter to the waiting crowd as proof that the deed was done. This piece of lingerie thus came to symbolise fertility and good fortune.

    In the 1919 book, “Wedding Customs Then and Now”, Carl Holliday writes, “The bridesmaids start with the weary bride to the wedding chamber when suddenly the cry arises, ‘Get her garter’… If the woman has been thoughtful, she has fastened it loosely to the bottom of her dress so that it drags in plain view of the scrambling ruffians; if she has not been a wise virgin, she may find her clothes in rags after the struggle.”

    Luckily, times have changed. Although I don’t know if a groom lunging underneath a skirt to retrieve the garter with his teeth makes this tradition any better. Think of the children…

    Image: Pexels

    Weddings in 2020 will definitely be featuring something blue. Pantone has just announced their 2020 colour of year, and it’s a brilliant blue loaded with beautiful meaning.

    For 2020, Pantone has selected PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue as their Colour of the year.

    “A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity,” explains the company. “Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

    “Imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centres our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q6iiog1Bv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    With such beautiful symbolism, this hue works perfectly for weddings. Here’s how to bring on the blue on your big day.

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    Image: Unsplash

    Your long list of wedding planning to-do’s is slowly but surely shortening. The next item on your list happens to be flowers. The problem: there are so many choices and not enough time to give them all some consideration. On top of that, you’re not sure if you know enough about flowers to make a good choice.

    Not to worry. Have a look at this list of wedding flower trends for 2020, to make your decisions and planning a little easier.

    Bouquet Trends:

    – Big and Bright 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B429pi7A-DK/

    Larger, brighter flowers are popping up more and more at weddings. Big flowers can make your bouquet look much fuller for less money. In addition to this, the bouquet becomes a statement in itself because it catches the eye and stands out. The bright colours do well to create excitement and bring out a more playful feeling, lightening the mood of the venue instantly.

    – Unstructured and untamed 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JoDvwn8I6/

    For a push towards a more natural and lush look for wedding flowers, a trend seems to be growing around variety. Bouquets are looking less and less uniform, as if they have been effortlessly thrown together with not much consideration to having a pattern or multiples of the same flower. Many who have gone for this trend have added some greenery, dried grass, or foilage for a more boho feel.

    – Blushes and bleached 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1cIqb0hdDd/

    If you want something more understated or minimalistic, then this wedding flower trend is for you. The classic blush pink and white used at weddings can be upgraded and updated by adding some bleached tones and bleached foilage into the mix.

    Decor trends:

    – Arches/Moongates 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3247xThIrS/

    A decorated arch, under which you say your vows, makes for beautiful photograph opportunities. The arch draws the attention of the attendees to the right place and ensures that the couple has all eyes on them.

    – Flowers down the aisle 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9O3FUHdUQ/

    Create a whimsical, fairytale feel by lining the aisle with flowers. This simple addition will do wonders for the ambience at your wedding.

    Bonus Trend:

    – Locally Sourced

    This is one of the best wedding flower trends we’ve seen so far! Brides and grooms are opting for the more environmentally friendly option of locally sourced floral arrangements. Not only is this trend eco-friendly, but it is good for your budget too.

     

    Image: Unsplash 

    If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

    Invites:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B47BPVEAHa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Aisle:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table numbers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Cja6Gn_j8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45kkAwocww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Coconut drinks:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B441S2JDse-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Chill zone:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tqZiWFQ3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Bouquet:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A_MhzFAo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Getaway car:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A6dqTKttW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Surfboard drinks menu:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8dXkDBwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Floral chandelier:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-ErabhXI4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Photo backdrop:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B48xQkrAoR5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

    The quirky bride deserves a wedding to match. A whimsical wedding theme is perfect for the less-than-traditional couple. If you love bold colours, fairytale charm and a healthy dose of unexpected creativity then this style is for you.

    Get inspired with these fun yet fancy designs that will bring out your inner child.

    Invitations:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4frCYwBtYg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Seating:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3d8lZ6BfI3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Backdrop:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B404gnOAV76/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4hykcUDmBe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Small touches:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ht9PmjIbR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Wedding arch:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ldE2llaiS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Tent-tastic:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4s3RW_hens/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Plating:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sbQdmFi18/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cake:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lkvGvFrMu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Centrepiece:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4p3alxlb0d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ceiling decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xRpVVBLkD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature art:

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    Image: Unsplash