PAGE 8
THE EXAMINER/THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009
FIGURING
out
flowers
Wedding flowers always have been an entryway, a staircase or a fireplace.
more than a pretty accessory. Placing flowers strategically like this
Brides and grooms wore flowers as maximizes their effect and avoids
symbols of fertility and life before mod- overkill.
ern weddings even existed, and Roman “As far as decorations go, some venues
and Greek brides wore garlands in their are very ornate and elegant,” says Jim
hair to ward off evil spirits. Hamlett, a wedding florist. “We don’t
Today, flowers can add just the right suggest overpowering that.”
touch to a wedding’s décor, so start your From a budget standpoint, Hamlett
search for the right florist as soon as recommends reusing the flowers from
you know a few of the essential ele- your ceremony at your reception.
ments of the wedding: the location and “Double duty is very important,” he
the colors of the bride’s and bridesmaid- says. “Altar arrangements can be used
s’ dresses. as buffet-table arrangements, and you
Ask your wedding planner or the man- can use the throw bouquet as another
ager of the reception site for recommen- embellishment at the reception table.”
dations of florists, but make sure you If you have a little extra to spend on
and your florist share similar visions. flowers, however, consider going for
To get you on the right track, come to small touches in unexpected places,
your first meeting with your florist with such as in the bathrooms or on side
a colour scheme and photos of flowers tables.
and arrangements that you’re interest-
ed in.
Smart Choices
Ask if the florist has worked with your
What’s important is the mood your
venue before, and if not, it might be a
flowers create, not necessarily the exact
good idea to tour the location together.
type of flower.
If the ceremony will be outside, for
For example, if you envision an Eng-
example, point out where the bride and
lish garden but peonies are too expen-
groom will stand and where the aisle
sive, there are many other varieties that
will be.
will give the same feeling.
The florist will want to focus on these
Choose flowers that will be in season
areas in particular. In addition, give the
around your wedding, as locally grown
florist an idea of what you might need
flowers will be cheaper and fresher.
for your reception area, including the
Also consider using masses of inex-
number of tables and table sizes and
pensive flowers, such as carnations or
shapes.
chrysanthemums, to create luxurious
Request detailed proposals including
but affordable arrangements. Preserve those wedding flowers
labour and delivery costs from two to
Or, go the opposite direction and
three florists in your area to compare
sprinkle your reception site with small
Flowers are ephemeral — they bloom, they wilt and they die. But your wedding flowers
prices and avoid any hidden charges.
vases containing one or two flowers.
don’t have to. Vacuum freeze-drying and chemical desiccation can preserve flowers with
Maximizing Flower Power
These can be strikingly effective and
their original shape and color for decades.
make great gifts for your guests.
Preserving your flowers isn’t cheap – prices range from $150 to $600 – but it can be
Your wedding doesn’t have to double Flowers are one of the most creative
worth it.
as a botanical-garden exhibit. aspects of a wedding, so if you have
It’s something that can be passed down for generations.
To get the most out of a few flowers, something in mind, don’t be afraid to
The most common ways of preserving flowers are in wall-mounted shadow boxes, which
choose focal points to highlight, such as ask your florist about it.
are like 3-D picture frames, and under glass domes.
Out of Town Guests - Bridal Party, etc.
Book Early!!
Accommodate up to 8 of your guests.
B
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elcome
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Twin Pines Bed & Breakfast
1173 Clonsilla Ave., Peterborough, ON K9J 5Y6
Tel: 705-749-2147 Fax: 705-745-3720
email: twinpinesbandb@cogeco.ca
web: www.twinpinesbandb.com
Your Hosts. Jim & Patti Gouin
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