Chatterberries

Dahlias

Gladiolus

Delphinium

Chrysanthemums

Hyacinths

Lily of the Valley

Peony

Calla Lilies

Roses

Amaryllis

Gerberas, Roses, Tulips

Cymbidium

Using flowers in ceremonies, particularly for weddings, dates back to the ancient Greeks when many varieties of plants would be woven into a crown for the bride to wear, symbolizing a gift of nature. It was the job of the bridesmaids in ancient times to create the floral decorations including the crown, bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom. Small floral pieces were also often made for the guests to wear as a symbol of thanks from the bride and groom for attending their union.

In modern times, flowers have become an integral part of the very idea of romance, and have a powerful place in many aspects of wedding design. The wide variety of colors, scents and textures make these symbols of joy and fertility the natural background for a dream wedding.

While almost any flower can be had for a price, no matter what time of year, you can significantly cut your costs by choosing flowers that are in season. Many varieties of flowers come in several different shades, so even if you choose to stay in season, you probably won't have to sacrifice your colors for your budget.

Winter

Easily the most stunning winter flower, the amaryllis makes a bold statement on a table at a winter wedding. Their huge blossoms come in rich red, white and pink and white varieties.

Cymbidium orchids make for a classic, delicate, bridal bouquet. Their subtle scent and gorgeous blooms come in white, green and yellow.

Gerberas, roses and tulips are flowers that are considered "in season" year round. Available in a multitude of colors, most florists keep a steady supply of these flowers in stock, so matching your colors in any season will be a simple task with these beautiful buds.

Spring

Peonies, with their wonderful scent, large blooms and complex textures, make a beautiful bouquet for a spring bride. In shades from white to violet, these are a natural choice for everything from a bouquet to table arrangements. Be sure to specify if you want buds or full blooms when requesting these flowers, as they each offer a completely different look.

April/May brides have a unique opportunity to get in-season lilies of the valley. Beautiful in boutonnieres and bouquets, their distinctive scent has become synonymous with romance for many.

Hyacinths come in white, pink, blue and purple and can make a lovely bouquet either alone, or with another popular spring bloom, the tulip.

Summer

Summer is a season for classic blooms in traditional shapes and silhouettes. Calla lilies, with their large, tubular blooms and romantic scent, come in a rainbow of colors and their smooth texture offers a beautiful compliment to the soft lines and folds of a wedding dress.

Delphiniums and gladioli are also in season during summer, and work well in both bouquets and ceremony arrangements.

Another summer classic-roses. A scent familiar to us all, roses come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and can be used as buds in boutonnieres, semi- open in bouquets and in full bloom as table decorations.

Fall

Dahlias in red, orange and yellow make for a stunning autumn bouquet. Grown around the world, these multi-petal flowers are a delicate and complex choice for a fall bride.

Chrysanthemums, with their puffball blooms, come in every color from white to green. With their long vase life, many florists use them as a filler flower, for long- lasting centerpieces that guests can take home to remember your day.

Finally, don't be afraid to be creative when it comes to selecting your wedding day flowers. Ask your florist what they recommend but, be sure to keep an open mind to the many options available, including lush foliage (think ivy, holly, or even ferns) that can make for unique bouquets for a bride and her tables.