Winter Wedding Bouquets
Winter Flower Bouquets for a Wedding: Magnolia, Orchid and Snowdrop
Jan 7, 2009
The choice of flowers for a Winter wedding is not as difficult as it used to be, given the year round availability of many hybrid flowers; however, unusual and traditional Winter wedding flowers which may be used for a Winter bridal bouquet include Snowdrops, Orchids and Magnolias. Although there are many species of Orchids available, it is the Cymbidium Orchid which is often associated with Winter.
In addition, Winter wedding bouquets can be mixed with Winter foliage, such as Ivy and Holly, particularly if it is to be a Christmas Wedding. Christmas weddings may include other greenery such as sprigs of Christmas Fir and Mistletoe; given Mistletoe's association with the tradition of Christmas kisses, it is an ideal choice for a romantic Christmas bouquet!
The Choice of Magnolia for Winter Weddings
Magnolia is thought to be an ancient flower and today there are many species of Magnolia; Magnolias belong to the Magnoliaceae plant family and there are about 210 flowering plant species in the subclass Magnolioideae. Magnolia is the official state flower of the US states of Louisiana and Mississippi. It is the Magnolia grandiflora species which is often used for wedding bouquets.
Magnolia grandiflora is native to the southeastern United States; it is actually a tree of 20 to 30 meters in height with dark green, evergreen leaves and large, white citronella-scented flowers. The flowers are up to 30 cm in width, with six to twelve petals on each flower, making the Magnolia an ideal choice for a Winter wedding bouquet with which to make a statement.
Although the Magnolia grandiflora tree flowers in late Spring, there are now many cold-hardy cultivars available too; the Magnolia grandiflora is therefore ideal for a Winter or Spring bridal bouquet. Magnolia may be combined with Hibiscus for a 'tropical' feel to a Winter bridal bouquet or, given the size of the flowers, can be carried alone.
Cymbidium Orchids for Winter Bridal Bouquets
Cymbidium Orchids belong to the botanical family of Orchidaceae and are alternatively referred to as Boat Orchids. Cymbidium Orchids have been included in celebrity wedding flowers; Marilyn Monroe chose a simple bridal posy of white Cymbidium Orchids for her wedding to her second husband, Joe Di Maggio, in January 1954. Cymbidium Orchids flower in Winter and have a wide range of colors including white, pink, yellow, red, cream and green.
Although native to Asia and North Australia, Cymbidium Orchids have been cultivated for thousands of years and became popular in England during the reign of Queen Victoria; they are one of the few Orchid species which can survive cold temperatures (as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit). They are considered to be one of the most popular Orchid species, due to their beauty, and therefore make an ideal choice for a Winter wedding bouquet.
Simple Snowdrops for Wedding Bouquets
Snowdrops were the bridal choice of Queen Victoria of England in her wedding, in February 1840, to Prince Albert of Germany, as it was reputed that they were Prince Albert's favorite flower. Common Snowdrops bloom from January to April in the Northern temperate zone; they are native to a large area of Europe but have now been naturalized in many other parts of the world with similar climates.
Snowdrops are perennial, herbaceous plants which are grown from bulbs; they have small, white bell-shaped flowers. Snowdrops are popular in England and often symbolize the start of Spring; they are found in abundance in many parks and gardens. For a simple, yet Royal, Winter wedding bouquet snowdrops are the perfect choice; to follow the tradition of Queen Victoria's bridal bouquet, combine with sprigs of Myrtle.
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