The power of flowers is a fragrant seasonal messenger to remind us to cherish the day. They have been associated with wedding ceremonies from the Ancient Romans who bedecked bridal chambers with blossoms and herbs. Buddhists may drape couples with leis. Japanese may scatter petals to repel evil spirits. Defining an era of matrimonial etiquette, Queen Victoria wed with a sprig of orange blossom at her breast.

Through the years there have always been trends in weddings, somewhat more subtle than those of fashion or home. Unlike most everything, weddings are based more in tradition, and the bridal bouquet usually sets the tone of the bride?s personal style. Today, bouquets tend to be round and compact forming dramatic geometric designs with the stems exposed. Garden roses, calla lilies, stephanotis, pink mink protea, and plum vanda orchids are popular choices.

However, you may want to venture off the ordinary path with succulents, herbs, grasses, pepperberries and eucycalyptus seeds to adorn your bouquets. Wrapping of the stems with high quality ribbon is now being taken to a new level with adornment of crystals and jewels. The designers in this Guide can be as creative as your imagination.

Choices of bouquets fall into two distinct groups, monochromatic is very popular whether in color, where the bouquet is made with a variety of flowers in different shades of one color, or monochromatic in flowers with big clusters of a single type of flower.

Colors vary from pure white to deep reds to adventuresome green and brown tones. The popular colors for contrasting bouquets are green, purple, orange and jeweled tones....and in some cases feathers or jewels are added to the bouquet.

Whether you select monochromatic or a contrasting color bouquet, both add sophistication and drama to an under- stated gown. On the other hand, overflowing bouquets in anomalous shapes with soft color tones complement the romance of a flowing dress. Ask the pros and make your wedding uniquely yours with the help of Bryna Wilson at Dr. Delphinium Designs, Steve Glaister at North Texas Floral, or Joy Norton at Stanford Designs, they are the bestdesigners in the area.

all bouquet photography by Greg Blomberg Photography