Choosing a Bouquet that will endure the day
by Avenue Flower

You're wedding day arrives and there are so many details swimming through your mind to make this day superb! The last thing you want to deal with is to march down the aisle with wilted flowers in your hands. So prepare in advance when you choose the flowers for your bridal bouquet.

Your bouquet must look stunning but it must also have endurance to survive the long day ahead. It must go from photo shoot to ceremony to more photos and then the reception. This may mean 10 or more hours before the day is over. If your wedding is on a hot spring or summer day, there is the added pressure of heat . The two key things to consider are choosing flowers that will last long without water (let's face it, you have too many details to worry about than finding a jug to carry your flowers in) and ones that will endure the heat.

Some of the hardiest flowers you can choose are roses, orchids, ranunculus, dahlias, hypericum, casa blanca lilies, tuber roses, carnations, and freesias. When choosing roses, South American imports generally last the longest. Other flowers that are moderately hardy are cala lilies, gerberas, daisies, sweet peas, lisanthums, peonies, and star gazer lilies.

Lilly of the valley, stephanotis, hydrangeas, tulips, bouvardias, gardenias, and lilacs are very delicate or fragrant and are often requested as favorites but they have very short lives. For example, gardenias would only last through the first photo shoot and they would wilt by the time, you're in the ceremony hall.

If your favorite flower does not have a good chance to make it through the day, don't be discouraged as there are alternatives. You could ask the florist for a double set - one for the photo shoot and one for the ceremony. However, this would entail extra costs. You could have a double set of the same kind or have your favorite flowers made just for the photo shoot and carry a hardy one through the ceremony and the remainder of the day. You might also consider using your favorite flower as a minor filler in your bouquet so even if they wilt a little, it won't be too obvious. Even if you don't include your favorite flower in your bridal bouquet, remember, you could still enjoy them in your centre-pieces and arrangements where they will be in water.

Take the time when going in for your floral consultation to discuss with the florist, the best solution in choosing flowers that will allow you to express your style but will also be practical for the occasion.