Florals are in full bloom for spring and summer weddings. This season, not only will the bridal party be carrying flowers, they may be wearing them as well. One of the biggest fashion trends this season is floral prints, and brides are finding creative ways to incorporate the theme into their spring and summer nuptials. Feminine and romantic, flower patterns are perfect for outdoor weddings, but can really be used in any venue.

From sweet and subtle hints to bold patterns and hues, floral prints dominated the bridal runways this season. Some brides may choose to wear traditional white, while putting their attendants in patterned gowns. Other brides are abandoning tradition in favor of the flowery trend for their own gowns.

Even if you prefer to stick with solid white or ivory for the wedding dress, consider having a pretty floral shoe peeking out from beneath the hem.

Florals for the Men, Too

Floral prints aren’t just for the ladies. Grooms and groomsmen are sporting floral neckties and bow ties as well. Prints are easily paired with solid-colored suits and tuxedos, and do not have to match the ladies’ prints exactly. Choose smaller prints for a more formal look, or big, bold patterns for a more casual theme.

Mixing Fabric and Fresh Florals

If you are concerned about overpowering your guests with your floral theme, Lilium’s wedding coordinator and lead designer, Taylor Pritchett, suggests brides maintain a balance. “If the fabric print is subtle, fresh flower choices can add a pop of color. On the other hand, if the fabric has bold floral print, opt for a neutral pallete for bouquets and boutonnieres.”

If you envision a floral motif for your spring or summer wedding , let Lilium design the perfect fresh bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements to complement your flower-themed attire.

Moms have always held a special place in our hearts, long before a date was designated in their honor. Ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals to honor maternal goddesses. Early Christians began their own tradition of honoring the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, during Lent season.

Dscf9777-MU-banner-Virgin-Mary-square

In the 17th century, England expanded this practice to include all mothers, calling it Mothering Sunday. Following a special prayer service, children would bring gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers.

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Today’s moms can thank Julia Ward Howe for visualizing Mother’s Day as we know it in the United States. In the late 1800s, Howe, an abolitionist, suffragette and writer famous for penning the Battle Hymn of the Republic, suggested a national celebration of mothers that would be dedicated to peace. She encouraged women to rise up against war in her Mothers Day Proclamation, and initiated Mothers’ Peace Day. It was Anna Jarvis, however, who took the concept to the next level. Jarvis, who had no children of her own but wanted to honor her own mother, lobbied for Mother’s Day to be named an official holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in 46 countries. While many have their own unique traditions, it customary to honor mothers with flowers, cards, gifts and family meals. In Australia, carnations are worn–red or pink carnations honor a mom still living, and white is worn in memory of a mom who is deceased. Chrysanthemums are also a popular choice because Australian mothers are typically called “Mum.” Japanese children present their mothers with red carnations, which represent gentle strength. Here in the U.S., we tend to select flowers we know are mom’s favorites. The Spring season offers many blooms, including roses, tulips, hydrangea, hyacinths, lilies and orchids.

Goodnight Moon
Goodnight Moon
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Chikka Chikka Boom Boom
Chikka Chikka Boom Boom

While Lilium is a custom florist, Mother’s Day is one occasion when we do design a menu from which customers can order. This insures we have an ample supply of fresh Spring florals to meet the high demand of this special day. This year, our Mother’s Day arrangements are named in honor of our favorite bedtime stories. To view Goodnight Moon, The Giving Tree, Guess How Much I love You and other 2016 Mother’s Day designs, visit our website.

Mother will love our Secret Garden arrangement of pink roses, peonies, hydrangea and berries
Secret Garden