2014 Wedding Flower Trends

Alaric Flower Design is seeing some exciting new trends for the 2014 wedding season. Brides, florists, event planners are getting so creative and innovative with their flower selections that there are some really exciting and fresh new trends emerging for 2014. Here are some specific trends to look out for.

The Return of Baby’s Breath
We are also seeing specific flowers becoming popular. And one has really surprised us! This once outdated flower is returning to wedding's and its looking better then ever.

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Succulents

The use of succulents has become extremely popular especially in wedding bouquets. They really add texture and wonderful shades of greens to a bouquet.

Timeless Classics

Garden Roses, Ranunculus, and Peonies are all the rage with brides to be.

Flower Crowns

This is a major trend for brides it adds a earthy vibe to any wedding and is so versatile the possibilities are endless.

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Greenery

Today’s brides are getting more creative with their options. Long gone are the days where greenery was seen as the cheap option. Using greens such as moss, ferns, and ivy are the perfect way to bring the outdoors in.

How to Make Cut Hydrangeas Last Longer

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We love hydrangeas they bloom so beautiful and full. Working with them is another story, they often wilt easily when used in an arrangement. They have very thick wood-like stem that expels a sticky substance that often clogs the stems, preventing moisture from reaching the blooms.  Alaric Flowers is here to give you some of our tried and true techniques that work to get the maximum life out of your hydrangeas,

The Hot Water Method

1. Immediately after cutting each bloom, drop the stem in the water.
2. Boil water and pour it into a cup or any container.
3. Cut the hydrangea stems to the desired length.
4. Stand the stems of the hydrangeas in the hot water for 30 seconds.
5. Immediately put into room temperature water and then arrange.

The Alum Dip Method

1. The alum used in this method can usually be found in the spice section of the grocery store. Occasionally it is found with the pickling supplies.
2. As you arrange the blooms, re-cut the stems and dip the bottom 1/2 inch of stem into powdered alum.
3. Arrange as usual in water. 

REVIVING WILTED BLOOMS IN AN ARRANGEMENT:

1. If the water in the arrangement is more than a day old, change it for fresh water before beginning the revival process.
2. Re-cut the stems of the wilted hydrangeas by removing a portion at the bottom.
3. Use the Boiling Water Method: Boil water and pour it into a cup.
4. Stand the stems of the wilted hydrangeas in this water for 30 seconds.
5. Immediately put into room temperature water (this usually means back into the arrangement).
6. If the blooms are not too old, within a couple of hours they will have completely revived. Occasionally, the revival process will take several hours. In most cases, the blooms will look as fresh as the first day.

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Dunk Method

1. Or you can dunk the entire hydrangea head into cool water 

2. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes.

3. Place the stem in fresh water
4. After 24 hours your bloom should be good as new                                                                                                                                                                           

The maintenance for hydrangeas may seem like a lengthy process but the results are way worth the efforts.

Enjoy your blooms!