Thursday Flower Tip

#8: Traditionally, flowers had/have specific meanings

In Victorian times, and even in times not so distant, specific flowers were used to convey meanings or feelings to the recipient. Red Roses for passionate love, yellow Daisies for secret admiration, purple Tulips for royalty, poppies for consolation/sorrow.

But, in a more general sense, yellows and oranges are often used to cheer someone up or convey friendship, pinks, purples, and red are typically associated with love, and blues can be incorporated just about anywhere. Of course, holidays dictate colors and flowers used in arrangements too. Gladiolus, carnations, roses and daisies are most often associated with funeral arrangements (although the latter three are used just as readily in bridal arrangements).

This site gives a longer list of flower-by-flower meanings, and there are several others on the internet and in books. This site is great because it has the history behind the flowers as well as meanings.

#9: Flowers have different vase lives

While this may seem extremely obvious, it is not always something people consider when picking flowers for their wedding, but it is very important. Your florist will take this into consideration when making suggestions, but here are a few classic long-lasting and short lasting flowers. *Also note* the weather has a lot to do with how long your flowers last.

Tropical flowers typically last a very short amount of time and are very temperamental with temperatures. Most will last a maximum of three days - some only last one. Orchids, for instance, last a very short amount of time off the stem. They must have a good water source, but still last little more than two days. BUT, you can't beat how absolutely STUNNING tropical flowers are in arrangements, so they are worth the fuss!

Wildflowers last longest. Perhaps it is because of their hearty stems and growing environment. I have known Chrysanthemums (daisies) to last three weeks or more. There are some "wildflowers" that are more fragile - Delphinium, for instance, sometimes is very droopy in the sun.

Roses last a medium-long time if taken care of, but are very heat-sensitive. Some varieties bloom faster than others, but as a rule, roses bloom quickly when it's warm. If you like the look of tightly-bloomed roses, then keep them in the fridge!

Calla lilies are a relatively fuss-free flower. No refrigeration necessary. They last at least a week when taken care of and are absolutely gorgeous!