Bejeweled Bouquets

No matter what kind of floral décor you decide on, you can always glam up your flowers by attaching some inexpensive jewelry to them. Now, we're not talking about transforming your beautiful wedding bouquet into a tacky, rhinestone-encrusted ornament not normally seen this side of a BeDazzler. But you can add some style to your flowers by sticking a few pearl-tipped pins into an arrangement of like-colored blooms, or by pinning a faux diamond brooch to the bouquet wrap.

You can match the jewels to your color scheme, the color of the flowers or any other element you want to complement. Just try not to go overboard. There's a fine line between gaudy and chic (especially with costume jewelry), so less is usually more.

Fur & Feathers

Yes, we're serious! This flamboyant pairing might seem a little risqué or kitschy, but adding a few feathers or some faux fur to your bouquet can be both beautiful and striking.

Fur and feathers add a little warmth to a bouquet for fall and winter weddings. You can encircle your bouquet with a little ring of white fur for a crisp look or dyed fur to match your dress or flowers. A lining of white or green faux fur creates exotic interest when wrapped around a tall bouquet of orchids and peacock feathers. For a more neutral palette, a fur wrap on a small bouquet of white flowers accented with ostrich feathers adds some style to a winter wedding color scheme.

Scour craft stores, antique markets and textile shops to find trappings for your bouquet. You should be able to locate an ample, affordable assortment of faux furs and feathers, so it'll be easy to mix and match colors and styles until you find the luxe look you crave.

Showstoppers

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be the center of attention on your wedding day. To make sure you remain the focus of everyone's gaze, try holding onto a large, vibrant bouquet. You'll want to use colors that really stand out, so choose flowers that aren't used anywhere else in your décor scheme. For example, if you're in a chapel adorned with white and red roses, a bouquet filled with bright blue irises or hydrangeas and striking yellow lilies will ensure that any wandering eyes find their way back to you!

Of course, you won't want to deviate too drastically from your color scheme. Maintain a common element among all the flowers, like long green stems, multiheaded blooms or red accents. You can accessorize your bridesmaids with smaller, less distinctive bouquets that conform to your overall floral décor. That way, your showstopper bouquet will look inspired instead of last-minute.

No Muss, No Fuss

As we mentioned on the previous page, more isn't always better. Sometimes, an easy classic, like flowers in a clear glass vase, works perfectly. While other brides go out of their way to outdo one another with expensive and elaborate floral arrangements, you can choose a beautiful set of blooms and place them in a few simple vessels. This minimalist scheme works well on eight-top tables with rough linen runners. No excessive ornamentation, no pricey, exotic designs -- just gorgeous flowers. Really, isn't that all you need?

Next, we'll show you how mixing fruit and flowers can sweeten your wedding's floral design.

Floral Events

4901 Milwee # 202

Houston, TX 77092

(713) 863-7900

www.floralevents.com