2012 Wedding Flowers

Lily of the Valley – Royal Wedding

Last year’s nuptial news is tough to top with the excitement of Prince William and Kate’s Royal Wedding. Wedding flowers and trends are certainly reminiscent of the UK big day, but with some interesting designer twists inspired by Kate’s dress and Beatrice’s fascinator (the Dr. Seuss type hat perched atop the head of Sarah Ferguson’s daughter).

Flower trends are ever-changing based on the creativity that individual florists bring to each design. However, this year’s brides may seem partial to a “gathered” flower style, which could appear easy to arrange, but really requires professional floral design skills, so the bouquet gives the bride a polished.

Lily of the Valley played a prominent role in the Royal Wedding.

Featuring broad, spear-like foliage and fragrant little white bell-shaped flowers, the Lily of the Valley symbolizes a return of happiness, purity of heart, sweetness, humility, happiness and love’s good fortune. With such a lovely meaning, it is no surprise Lily of the Valley is a highly desirable flower for weddings.

The Lily of the Valley is a seasonal spring flower and can be one of the more expensive wedding flowers. It is also a delicate flower sensitive to heat, another consideration if planning an outdoor summer wedding.

For brides considering a similar look to the royal bouquet but find the Lily of the Valley is not in season, here are some beautiful white flowers (along with their meaning) that can help you achieve a similar style.

• Bouvardia (Enthusiasm)
• Orchids, particularly the dendorbium (Delicate beauty)
• Freesia (Spirited)
• Gypsophila also known as Baby’s Breath (Festivity)

There are endless possibilities and your florist can help you recreate the style and elegant feel of the royal bouquet. Just ask them — they are the experts!