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flowers Beautiful blooms There are many considerations when it comes to choosing wed- ding flowers. Your bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements will be one of the most noticed fea- tures of your wedding, and they can also be one of the most expensive fea- tures. Consider this a simple guide to choosing the best flowers for your wedding. PEONIES One of the most popular wedding flowers of all time, peonies are beloved by brides and highly sought-after when they’re in season. However, they can be are one of the more expen- sive flowers. Their fluffy, romantic shape and ruffled petals make beau- tiful bouquets. They are also available in countless colors, from crisp white, cream, and yellow to varying shades of pink and red. One of the favorites is the pastel pink. RANUNCULUS Ranunculus produce a beautiful bloom with delicate, tissue-thin petals and are often mistaken for peonies. They’re a versatile flower and look great in bouquets as well as table cen- terpieces. Ranunculus are also quite hardy and a great choice for bouton- nieres since they’ll stand up to a lot of hugs. Ranunculus are available in nearly every color imaginable, so you’re sure to find them in the perfect shade to match your wedding color scheme. ROSES Garden or vintage roses are a time- less, elegant symbol of romance. With far more petals than the average rose, garden roses are a staple of spring weddings thanks to their warm colors. They also resemble peonies but are less expensive, making them a good option for staying within your budget. Standard roses are the roses you might imagine, with long stems and a tightly cupped bloom formed by overlapping petals, the classic rose shape. Garden rose is a loose term, but it generally refers to roses with a denser petal count than your average standard rose, resulting in a fuller, more romantic look. They are also usually more fragrant than standard rose. These make a perfect bridal bouquet for holding close on your wedding day. Some favorite garden rose varieties include Juliet, a soft, peachy-apricot shade; Distant Drums, which range in color from blush-lav- ender to caramel; Koko Loko, a cof- fee-and-cream hue; and Patience, with ivory petals, a buttery-yellow center, and incredible fragrance. TULIPS Tulips bloom with the arrival of spring. Tulips come in several shades, from spring pastels to darker hues, making them ideal choices for either your central flower or as an added pop of color to a bridal bouquet. Their unique cup-like shape and long stalk also make them a perfect option for centerpieces. ANEMONES These pretty blossoms are known for their delicate petals and bold, dark centers. The most popular anemone variety features bright white petals and jet-black centers, making it the perfect choice if the wedding colors are black and white or if you’re having a black-tie dress code. Besides black and white, anem- ones are also available in many other colors, including blush pink, deep purple, orange, and green. SWEET PEAS Sweet peas come in a variety of cherry red, burgundy, and even bright blue. They have a lovely fra- grance and wonderfully ruffled romantic petals. Carry a cluster of sweet peas tied with silk ribbon for a sweet, very feminine bridal bou- quet. We also love stems of sweet peas in glass bud vases on cocktail-hour tables for a simple and elegant look. Sweet peas are available in a wide variety of colors, from white and varying shades of pink and purple to burgundy and blue. Many more flowers are available for a spring wedding as well, such as hydrangeas, daffodils, iris, lily of the valley, hellebores, lilac, and flow- ering branches, such as dogwood and forsythia. When you consider the style of your wedding, your per- sonal taste, and your budget, there is no wrong choice. Like all wed- dings, all flowers are beautiful in their own way! By Cynthia Motes 40 | TOWN BRIDE SPRING 2020 ELECTRIC CITY BLOOMS RILEY MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY