South African florists and decor artists are among the best in the world and are well-known for their creativity and passion. The range of flowers available in South Africa for brides to choose from is vast and today it is possible to fly flowers into the country from around the world. It goes without saying that flowers are expensive and the amount spent will obviously depend largely on one’s budget.

A useful tip is to choose flowers that are going to be in season at the time of your wedding. Flower prices always increase around certain times of the year (for example Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas), so bear this in mind when choosing a date. Discuss with the florist what other options there are if your chosen flowers are going to be scarce when you need them. Although wedding flowers have traditionally been white, we are moving away from the pastel colours making way for more brightly-coloured arrangements.

Florists in South Africa report that there is a trend towards using fewer flowers to achieve a simple, yet stylishly elegant look. Bouquets are either hand-tied or made-up of a bunch of one particular type and colour of flower. An interesting trend is the addition of glass beads to the bouquet, which creates a stunning effect.

Your bouquet is an important accessory to your overall look and should be in keeping with the style of your outfit; it should also be easy to manage. Large bouquets can be heavy, so be careful not to over-compensate by holding them up too high. (As a guideline, your lower arms should rest on top of your hip bones). If you intend to keep your bouquet, ask the florist to make up a smaller spray to throw at the reception.

AGAPANTHUS
COLOUR Striking violet-blue.
SHAPE Large, open, bell-shaped heads.
BEST FOR Guaranteed to liven up your bouquet or table arrangements.

ALLIUM (ORNAMENTAL ONION)
COLOUR Lilac, deep pink, cream.
SHAPE A mass of tiny flowers which form a huge round head.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR A dramatic-looking flower which is currently very popular.

ALSTROEMERLA
COLOUR White, pink, yellow, orange, lavender, often with sport & stripes.
SHAPE A pretty, widely-flared flower.
SEASON Spring, Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Their versatility makes them a wonderful filler for all arrangements.

AMARYLLIS
COLOUR From white and pale pink to bright crimson and deep burgundy.
SHAPE Huge, open lily.
SEASON Autumn, Winter.
BEST FOR Using singly in a table decoration.

ANEMONE
COLOUR A range of gorgeous, bright colours.
SHAPE Large, flat flower head.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR The addition of striking colour.

ANTIRRHINUM
COLOUR Wide range of beautiful colours.
SHAPE Gorgeous spikes of fragrant flowers.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Adding a dash of colour.

APPLE BLOSSOM
COLOUR White.
SHAPE Pretty buds.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Adding a heavenly fragrance.

ASTER
COLOUR Purple, Pink or lilac flower, usually with a bright yellow centre.
SHAPE Daisy-like.
SEASON Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Adding a dash of vibrant colour.

ASTILBE
COLOUR Dark crimson to salmon pink.
SHAPE Long, tapering, feathery head of tiny flowers.
SEASON Summer, Autumn, Winter.
BEST FOR A great Autumn choice, as they turn brown in late summer.

BEAR GRASS
COLOUR Lilac, deep pink, cream.
SHAPE A mass of tiny flowers which form a huge round head.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR A dramatic-looking flower which is currently very popular.

BLUEBELL
COLOUR Blue, white or pinky-mauve.
SHAPE Tiny, bell-shaped flowers.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Its glorious scent.

BOUVARDIA
COLOUR Pink, orange and white.
SHAPE A mass of tiny, star shaped flowers.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Great to mix with other flowers.

BRODLAEA
COLOUR Blue.
SHAPE A single, slender stem from which lots of delicate flowers emerge.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Perfect option for brides who want a pretty bouquet.

CAMELLIA
COLOUR Pure white to deep crimson.
SHAPE Pretty, saucer-shaped flowers.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Romantic, fragrant bouquets.

CARNATION
COLOUR Almost every colour - with two-tones.
SHAPE Huge flower heads.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Hip new shades of lime and lilac.

CHINESE LANTERN
COLOUR Fiery Orange.
SHAPE Large flower heads.
SEASON Winter.
BEST FOR Looks dramatic in a simple hand-tied bouquet.

CHRYSANTHEMUM
COLOUR Huge range of bright, showy colours.
SHAPE Great variety of sizes & shapes.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Very versatile flower for all wedding arrangements.

CLEMATIS
COLOUR Climbing plants in many colours.
SHAPE Ranges from little bell-shaped then blooms to large, saucer-shaped flowers.
SEASON Spring, Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Great for shower bouquets or trailing.

CORNFLOWER
COLOUR Blue, occasionally pink.
SHAPE Small, dense, flowers with tissue-paper fine petals.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Quite inexpensive, so you could have a large bouquet for a good price from venue arrangements.

DAFFODIL
COLOUR Yellow.
SHAPE Delicate flower heads on long, thick green stems.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Great for Easter brides.

DAISY
COLOUR White petals, yellow centre.
SHAPE Flat, open-faced flower heads.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Make a great theme for your whole wedding and can be incorporated into everything from bouquets to cakes.

DELPHIMIUM
COLOUR Multi-bloomed flower in wide range of colours, from pale pink to purple.
SHAPE Towering spikes of exquisite flowers.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Traditional flower which looks great In formal and informal bouquets.

ECHINOP
COLOUR From an unusual, metallic mauve To bright blue.
SHAPE An eye-catching, globe-shaped flower head.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR An individual look.

EUPHORBIA
COLOUR Evergreen shrubs with yellowish-green flowers.
SHAPE Rounded heads.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR All types of arrangements.

FERN
COLOUR Lush green foliage.
SHAPE Large triangular patterns of delicate fronds.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Perfect "filler" for your bouquet, table-centres or venue arrangements.

FOXGLOVE
COLOUR Evergreen shrubs with yellowish-green flowers.
SHAPE Stunning 3ft-tall stem topped with lots of little flower heads.
SEASON Summer, Spring.
BEST FOR A dramatic flower for decorating your venue.

FRANGIPANI
COLOUR Cream or Yellow.
SHAPE Waxy, star-shaped flowers.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Using in table-centres to add a Wonderful fragrance to the room.

FREESIA
COLOUR Lilac.
SHAPE A tiny, delicate flower.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Adding a lovely scent to long, cascading bouquets or floral headpieces.

GARDENIA
COLOUR Cream or Yellow.
SHAPE Open-faced with fairly waxy, Rounded petals.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Great for formal bouquets or headpieces.

GERBERAS
COLOUR Many vivid colours.
SHAPE Large, trendy daisy-like blooms.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR A dramatic choice for bold arrangements.

GYPSOPHILA
COLOUR White.
SHAPE A profusion of tiny flowers forming a cloud-like display.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Wonderful in bouquets, floral circles and pew decorations.

HOSTA
COLOUR From blue-green to yellow-green.
SHAPE Large, heart-shaped leaves.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR A stunning backdrop to your bouquet.

LAVENDER
COLOUR Pale purple.
SHAPE Dense spikes of tubular flowers.
SEASON Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Adding a wonderful fragrance to your celebrations.

LILAC
COLOUR White or mauve flow.
SHAPE Lots of tiny, star-shaped flowers on tall woody stems.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Spring brides will love this beautifully fragrant choice.

LILY OF THE VALLEY
COLOUR White.
SHAPE Tiny, bell-shaped flowers.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Traditional bridal showers.

LISIANTHUS
COLOUR Every shade from white to soft lilac.
SHAPE Very delicate, bell-shaped flowers.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Perfect for modern brides looking for a pastel bouquet.

LONGI LILY
COLOUR Pure white with long yellow stamens.
SHAPE Trumpet-shaped flower head.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Cascading bouquets or for creating impressive table-centres or for venue.

LUPIN
COLOUR Clear, yellow flowers.
SHAPE Pretty spikes.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Adding an unforgettable fragrance to a summer wedding.

MIMOSA
COLOUR Pale purple.
SHAPE Dense spikes of tubular flowers.
SEASON Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Adding a wonderful fragrance to your celebrations.

NERINE
COLOUR Hot or pale pink.
SHAPE Open sprays of trumpet-shaped flowers.
SEASON Autumn.
BEST FOR Exotic, tropical bouquets.

NIGELLA
COLOUR Pretty, sky-blue flowers.
SHAPE Tall stems with pointed petals surrounded by feathery green foliage.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR An unusual addition to summer bouquets.

ORCHID
COLOUR White.
SHAPE Pretty, open-faced flower heads Ranging from small to large & bold.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Ideal for modern brides seeking a bouquet featuring one flower type.

ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE
COLOUR Green and cream or vivid purple.
SHAPE Large, round heads.
SEASON Autumn.
BEST FOR Adding interest and texture to large floral arrangements.

PANSY
COLOUR Purple, red, yellow and white.
SHAPE Small, flat-faced flowers.
SEASON Spring, Winter.
BEST FOR Adding vibrant colour.

PASSION FLOWER
COLOUR Blue and purple.
SHAPE Large exotic flowers with prominent stamens.
SEASON Autumn, Summer.
BEST FOR Adding vibrant colour to arrangements.

PEONY
COLOUR White, page pink, and red.
SHAPE Beautiful, big flower heads.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Simple hand-tied bouquets.

PINK
COLOUR Pastel pink, salmon, crimson, and burgundy, mauve.
SHAPE Pretty, round flower heads with layered papery petals.
SEASON Summer, Autumn.
BEST FOR Creating beautiful, clove-scented bouquets in shades of pink.

POPPY
COLOUR Bright red with a deep black centre.
SHAPE Large, round flower heads.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Adding a splash of vivid colour.

RHODODENDRON
COLOUR Kaleidoscope of colours.
SHAPE A huge range of sizes.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Adding vibrant colours and scents to bouquets.

ROSE
COLOUR A huge range of shades.
SHAPE Variety of sizes available.
SEASON Year round.
BEST FOR Closed buds in a traditional bouquet or large open roses in an informal arrangement.

SNOWDROP
COLOUR Pure white.
SHAPE Slender, oval-shaped flowers.
SEASON Winter.
BEST FOR Pretty, uncontrived bouquets to bouquets.

STOCK
COLOUR Pink, lavender, lemon, white.
SHAPE Dense spikes of double flowers.
SEASON Spring, Summer.
BEST FOR Gorgeous pastel arrangements.

SUNFLOWER
COLOUR Bright yellow with a deep brown centre.
SHAPE Huge, open-faced heads.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Creating a dramatic theme.

SWEET PEA
COLOUR Pink, white, mauve.
SHAPE Long displays of pretty flowers.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR Delicate bouquets or for bridesmaids.

SWEET WILLIAM
COLOUR Very colourful, variegated petals in every shade from white and pale pink to deep red.
SHAPE Lots of tiny flowers forming a pretty head.
SEASON Summer.
BEST FOR Bright, summer bouquets.

TULIP
COLOUR Multitude of colours.
SHAPE Striking, trumpet-shaped flowers.
SEASON Spring, Winter.
BEST FOR Modern, hand-tied bouquets.

VIOLET
COLOUR Deep violet and purple with a small yellow centre.
SHAPE Tiny, flat-faced, round flowers.
SEASON Spring.
BEST FOR They look wonderful wired and incorporated into a headdress or bouquet.

WAX FLOWER
COLOUR Pink.
SHAPE Tiny delicate flowers.
SEASON Spring, Summer.
BEST FOR Filling your venue with a gorgeous aroma.

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