Have you picked up a copy of the Summit Daily special addition Mountain Soiree Magazine? Make sure you check out our article, “Make your Flowers Fabulous” (page 16 & 17)!
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Make your Flowers Fabulous!
By Petal & Bean
Floral trends in Summit County & the Vail Valley are unique in the sense that rustic will always be in. However, year to year we often see different trends in style, colors, and theme.
A lot of our 2017 brides are asking for the garden party, natural, or bohemian feel for flowers. That means loose and airy arrangements with lots of greenery. These brides often ask for all white and green flowers or are looking for neutral, muted colors.
Also keeping it natural, succulents and airplants are sticking around for 2017. Mixing these unique desert plants into the florals have been on trend for the past few years and I do not see them going anywhere for 2017.
Another trend that was popular in 2016 that is just picking up more steam is the use of mixed metals. Gold and silver usually go in and out of style, but this year we are getting requests for both with increasing requests for copper as well. Most brides will ask for one of the metals, but bold brides are mixing all three.
There are few flowers that have the natural metal look, but typically we incorporate this look with mercury glass tea lights, candles sticks, ribbons, containers, linens, etc. Metals can also be mixed with the rustic, woodsy look when done properly.
Now let’s talk rustic! Our mountain brides that choose the rustic look like the ‘picked off the mountain’ wildflower look. Although we do not actually forge the flowers off the mountain (we leave those for the hikers to enjoy!), we choose Colorado wildflowers such as delphinium, larkspur, cornflower, iris, yarrow, and daisy poms. We can also incorporate other rustic elements such as curly willow, wood slabs, pinecones, antlers, birch containers, etc.
Another popular request that is continuing from last year is hair flowers. Floral crowns, hair combs, and loose stems have become popular for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls. The bride can choose to go big and bold, or small and subtle. Typically, if the bride chooses a crown or comb for herself, she chooses to go with a veil or natural hair style for the ceremony and wears the crown or comb for the reception party.
This year, we are also getting lots of brides asking for bouquet streamers. Whether the bride is going rustic or modern, a lot of brides are loving the long ribbons that trail to the floor and finish their bouquet. These streamers often vary in color, texture, and length to give a dynamic look. This is also a great way to bring in a color that is not found so easily in nature — gold, teal, black, etc.
In addition to flowers, other decor that is popular for 2017 includes window pane escort displays, gold silverware, lanterns, sparkly accents (think sequin table runners), and anything vintage.
Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start? I would suggest creating a Pinterest account and researching wedding blogs. You will quickly figure out what you like and what you don’t like and your style will emerge. Photos are a great resource to share with your florist and wedding planner. These will help them see your vision clearly and help meet your expectations.
Also make sure you consider the time of year you are getting married when choosing a theme. There is no wrong way to do things, but pick colors and flowers that make sense for the time of year. For example, in September, choose vibrant or moody colors such a maroon, bronze, and chocolate. Or in December choose wintry elements such as pinecones, berries, and wintry greens.
To wrap things up, our brides are sticking with nature! Eclectic decor and not making everything match. After all, nature is not perfect and planning an imperfectly perfect wedding sounds just perfect for 2017.