PURPLES AND BLUES THE COOL HUES
So you're getting married soon, and you've opted for blue, and just when you thought you finally had one thing you could cross off your list you found that there is no such thing as just blue.
There's sky blue, royal blue, summer blue, navy blue, turquoise blue, azure blue and sapphire blue and that's just the beginning.
Worry not, there is no need to get too hung up about the name of your particular blue.
WHAT TO DO?
- Just look around and pick the shade of blue that you like best.
- Carry a scrap of material in your purse at all times.
- Don't depend on your memory.
- Let your florist see it.
- If it's going to be a prominent colour at your wedding, take it to the reception venue with you, and make sure it works well there with the other colours of the rooms décor.
- If you're having balloons and table centrepieces in the same colour that's another good reason to have your scrap of material to hand.
- Are the wedding buttonholes and corsages going to be blue?
- What about the groomsmen and their neckwear and pocket handkerchiefs?
THE GOOD NEWS
Before you start to worry again, it won't hurt if everything is not matched to perfection, it really won't spoil your day.
Remember: All is not lost because if push comes to shove, it is possible to dye your fresh flowers to match your colour scheme.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
I love each of the 4 seasons for different reasons. Spring I love for the burst of colour that emerges from the ground and lights up the early blossoming trees, each heralding the promise of milder weather.
If you’re planning on getting married during one of the spring months then you’re in for a colourful treat from the flowers.
6+ BLUE FLOWERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN SPRING
Take a look at the lovely flower choices that await you in the list below:
1. BLUEBELLS
Don’t pick the natives (The ones with the droopy heads)
IF you live in the UK you should be more than aware of the beautiful bluebell.
One of my early memories of bluebells is when I was cross country running in the woods near my high school. I have to tell you that I absolutely hated cross country but there was nothing more breath taking than coming across a vast area of delicately drooping bluebells on a cool spring morning. It had the power (if only for a few minutes) of making me forget how tired and fed up I was, and the sweet scent was to say the least wonderful.
The bluebells used by your florist will no doubt be of Spanish origin, it's a less delicate version with a more subtle scent, and unlike the UK bluebell its flowers will stand more upright. This by no means takes away from their beauty.
2. ANEMONES (See the image at the top of this post)
The Anemone is another wonderful woodland flower which is hard to resist and definitely deserves to be included in this list. It’s related to the buttercup, which is also a childhood favourite of mine.
COLOUR: This flower comes in several colours and blue and purple are two of them.
Probably the most commonly known anemone is the one with a large dark centre making it look very much like a poppy.
The centre of these flowers can often be yellow also, making it more buttercup like in appearance (Bowles Purple).
You will find that there is another anemone which is more daisy like in appearance (Japonica Pamina).
Words of warning:
Firstly, If you’re planning on including some of these flowers in your wedding bouquet, be sure to buy them in bud because they open very quickly, and you don’t want them to peak before the day of your wedding.
Secondly, you would be better to use these flowers in a tied bouquet since their stems do not fair well in oasis arrangements.
3. HYACINTHS
The hyacinth comes in 3 main colours they are pink, white and blue.
Be warned this beautiful flower comes with a heavenly, heady scent.
You really do not need more than one or two of these flowers in your bouquet.
It is a stunning flower and will raise your wedding bouquet to another level with its beauty, but there is a price to pay. They may not look too picky, but they are and if you want them to look good on your wedding day then don’t separate them from the bulb until you are ready to add them to your wedding bouquet or flower arrangements. They really don’t like it.
4. GRAPE HYACINTH (Muscari)
Muscari comes in blues and purples
Yet another favourite of mine. In fact, just this week I noticed a few coming through in the pots in the back yard.
Muscari (grape hyacinth) are so named because their appearance is that of a small bunch of grapes. They also have a musky smell. Another lovely flower to add to your hand tied posy bouquet. Treat them well, make sure they are well watered before working with them.
5. RANUNCULUS
I absolutely adore everything about these flowers.
They have so many, many petals
They look so delicate though properly wired they will do well in any bouquet.
Leave the stems to droop naturally if you’re looking for a bouquet with a rustic appearance.
They unfurl in a spiral fashion which is a sight to behold
They come in many colours, and some of them are the lightest and darkest shades of purple you’ll ever find.
For more advice on how to care for your Ranunculus read 'FRESH FLOWER TIPS - Ranunculus
6. TULIPS
Tulips are probably one of the most commonly available spring flowers alongside daffodils in the UK.
They come in an array of pretty colours. There are some beautiful blue and purple specimens available to you.
Tulips have come a long way. Most people are familiar with the shape of the tulip but may not be aware that some come with fringed petals, some with double flower heads, and there's even a multi coloured variety.
Word of warning:
They don’t like to be in the vicinity of daffodils, if you want them to live and look their best take heed.
Apparently if you prick through the stem of the tulips it prevents them from drooping, which is something they are notoriously prone to doing.
August 2019 Update
BONUS FLOWERS AVAILABLE JUST ABOUT ALL YEAR!
7. STATICE / LIMONIUM
During the month of August I have used purple statice in several floral arrangements. It's shade is so vibrant and once it is nestled close to an ivory or white bloom it has the ability to transform the most mundane to the magnificent. Yes it doesn't look much in the buckets at the florist, but don't let that fool you, because this flower will maintain it's colour and continue to look freshly plucked from the garden long after all the other flowers have given up all hope.
8. EUSTOMA / LISIANTHUS
The arrangement in the image above not only contains statice, you will also see the delicate 2 toned purple and ivory petals of lisianthus.
Again this wonderful bloom is available just about all year in a wonderful array of colours such as ivory, pink, lilac and purple.
It is a flower with long slender stems that lends itself well to trailing, long line bouquets.
Word of warning:
If you're going to use these flowers in your bouquet, remember they are as delicate as they look. Don't handle them too much, and keep them well hydrated.
They will last longer than you think as long as they're happy.
WHAT OTHER COLOURS CAN I COMBINE WITH MY BLUE WEDDING FLOWERS?
PC Creations Leeds suggest colours such as peach, coral, cerise, and purple.
Why not have fun and experiment well in advance of your wedding day.
FIND GROOM ADVICE HERE
PC Creations Leeds will be looking at some other delightful spring flowers later in the month.
We wish you every success with the planning of your wedding flowers.
Contact us for a friendly floral design service.