Do you consider yourself an extrovert? Then an August wedding is a fabulous opportunity to include ‘hot’ colours and big blooms in your floral decorations.
The delicate flowers of spring and early summer are over. This is the month for bold chrysanthemums, the brightly-coloured dahlia, the sunny yellow of the sunflower and blousy hydrangea heads.
By the end of the month, things are changing again as autumnal colours and grasses start to take over. But, for the first couple of weeks in August in particular, you can max out on colour and size as much as you like.
More importantly, perhaps, this is a month where your flowers can easily be sourced in the UK, rather than using air-miles to freight them in from elsewhere.
Read on to find out how to design your August flowers so that they reflect your dreams for a long and happy life together.
Chrysanthemum
‘Mums’ might be what your grandad used to grow in the garden but there’s a reason they’re still popular. They come in a huge variety of colours and, as these two pictures show, a remarkable range of flower heads.
Perfect as a wedding choice because they represent fidelity, optimism and long life. However, you might want to avoid yellow mums which symbolise slighted love!
Dahlia
The dahlia has long been used as the flower to give as a gift for a couple getting married because it represents eternal love. It’s also known as the birth flower for August. So, if you have a birthday AND you’re getting married this month, it’s a winner.
The striking blooms add body to a bouquet with multi-layered petals.
Gladiolus
Gladioli are stately flowers that stand tall at the back of flower beds and they represent strength of character and faithfulness
Hydrangea
‘Thank you for understanding’ is one of the messages sent with the hydrangea.
The multi flowered heads bring body and texture to floral decorations.
Lily
The striking calla lily has the meaning of beauty. They and others come in fabulous colours and would make a wonderful statement flower, perhaps even being used as a single stem. Traditionally, however, lilies have been associated with meanings that you might not want to bring into your wedding. White ones for funerals, for example, and orange ones were once used to express hatred. Be careful which you choose.
Sunflower
According to the Victorians, sunflowers represent adoration. The meaning comes from the ancient Greek myth of Clytie, who fell in love with the sun god, Helios. Even when she was buried alive and turned into a flower, (which is often given as the sunflower) Clytie continued to follow her love as he moved across the sky.
Zinnia
Although Zinnias start blooming earlier in the year, they’re still in abundance throughout August. Their longevity means they are often associated with endurance and lasting affection.
Susan Elizabeth Ceremonies 