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Feathers: Biggest Trend of the Year

Hair Feather ExampleI don’t know about where you live, but here I can’t go 50 feet without spotting someone with a hair feather extension!? Not just teens either — kids, moms, grandmamas, even DOGS are getting hair feathers! It’s definitely the biggest new trend this year! Why not add a little feather to your summer flower power?

Feathers have been taking over hair accessory trends since January. Everyone, including Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Selena Gomez, Ke$ha, Hilary Duff, “Glee” actress Jenna Ushkowitz, and many more stars have been seen with them. You can wash and even curl the feathers, and they will last in hair for months.

The feathers are real rooster tail and hackle feathers that are normally used for fisherman bait. The way they are placed in the hair is by using a metal bead in the hair and clamping it down on the feather. Check out this YouTube video for how to clip in a hair feather.

The purpose of these hair feathers is to add just a little more PIZAZZ to your hair; the same thing can apply to floral design. Don’t get me wrong, florists have been using feathers for years, but why not play up this trend of small colorful rooster feathers?

Feather Flower Arrangement

Feather flowers make fantastic gifts for kids, teens and young adults. Imagine a brightly colored arrangement filled with hot pink Gerbera daisies and thin, spiky blue feathers.
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Fruit & Veggie Floral Design Trends

Oranges and Cloves used in Floral Design

Using apples, oranges and limes in floral design has become increasingly popular over the past few years, but now florists are finding new and innovative ways to use fruit like never before! At the recent Tennessee State Florist Convention, fruit and veggies in flower arrangements seemed to be a reoccurring trend, let’s take a look…

The best thing about using fruit in flower arrangements is the incredible smell. Check out the above picture of oranges and apples being used. Notice not only are the oranges being used in whole forms, they are also sliced or have been covered in delicious smelling cloves. This adds a bit of spice to the mix.

Orange Clove Arrangement Oranges and Cloves used in Floral Design

How absolutely perfect would this look adorning your Thanksgiving buffet table?

Hedge Apple Texture With Flowers

So, just what is it that draws florists to fruit? Well, the smell for one is fantastic, but also texture is a big part of design. Florists look for textures they can use in anything and everything, and fruit is another available resource for them to use to construct their floral masterpieces.

Take a look at the above picture, do you know what those green fruits are? Hedge apples! While they aren’t readily available, I can see why a florist would actively seek out this fruit with such incredible texture. It’s rough surface is a direct contrast to the delicate petals of flowers, which creates interest, while keeping it all natural.
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August Newsletter: August Heat

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August Heat!

Our August newsletter is all about celebrating summer while it’s still around. We are showcasing the hottest color trends for the dog days of summer, ideas for heating up your romance, and much more!

FSN’s Favorite Flower Arrangement For August

Favorite Summer Flowers For August

This month’s favorite flower arrangement is called Hooray For Summer because it is one of our favorite seasons and we want to shout HOORAY!

I know summer is drawing to an end, but let’s continue to celebrate the splender of the season while it’s still around. Hooray For Summer bouquet is filled with lush greens and beautiful bold colors that instantly transport you to a tropical oasis state of mind. If you need a pick-me-up from this heat, Hooray for Summer is sure to do the trick! Daydream about tropical forests and cool pouring waterfalls as you lounge on a beach and listen to the birds of paradise. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Hot Flower Ideas For August Birthdays

Gladiolus Flower Arrangement - For August Birthdays

Sending flowers to someone on their birthday is always a special surprise! Gazing at beautiful flowers will create birthday memories to hold close to heart, especially if your recipient works at a desk job. There’s nothing better than having your beautiful birthday gift greet you with it’s bright and cheery colors every morning as you walk into your office. It’s like celebrating a birthday week instead of just a birth day!

Our guide to August birthday flowers shows you the best options for August flowers. Choose your flowers based on the color of the month, flower of the month, color of the birthday week, and more!

Read More About August Birthday Flowers…


Yellow – Sizzling Color Trend For Summer

Yellow Flower - Rose DesignYELLOW was definitely the hottest trend for floral designs at the Texas State Florist Convention just a couple of weeks ago. So many designs used the color, and why not? Yellow is the perfect color for summer! Sunflowers were one of the most popular flowers used.

Brighten up any space with a bouquet of yellow blooms! Trendy yellow flowers keep us in a cheery mood, and are perfect for sending as a quick pick-me-up to someone who may be feeling a little blue. So give your local florist a call, and order a bunch of brilliant yellow blooms for yourself, or a special friend.

Read more about Yellow – Hottest Flower Trend for Summer
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10 Ways To Put Life Back Into Your Dead Flowers!

The death of flowers are inevitable, and as florists, we deal with it a lot! There are, however, many creative ways to reuse these withered beauties to be enjoyed for many days, weeks or even months to come! We had a few ideas of our own, but we also asked our florist friends on Facebook for their input!

While They’re Still Kinda Fresh

1. Donate Before Flowers Are Too Gone

We have several florist friends who create short-lived flower arrangements out of their flowers that are about to expire. This is a great idea for florists who typically have a lot of extra flowers.

“Here at Gwinn’s Florist in Union, SC, we give our old flowers we wouldn’t send out to our local dialysis clinic right up the street from us, so their patients can enjoy them, even if it is for a day or two. :)” – Darlene

Flowers Delivered“We at Old Dominion Florist take our extra flowers that are still ok for a day to the Nursing Home right up the street. We did this 4th of July when we shut down the cooler for the weekend!!!” – Becky

“Extras are arranged in recycled vases and delivered to the local cancer center where they are given to patients undergoing chemo that day. Extras… never old or dead. We try to utilize extras for retirement centers, hospitals or the cancer center long before they are old. We love flowers and try to be good stewards of them.That is Spreading Sassy Sunshine!” – Linda, Sassy Floral & Design, St. Anthony ID

2. Use Flowers Deconstructed

Deconstructed Sunflower Wreath

Although they have withered, some flowers can still be used in arrangements in creative ways. You can strip the petals and use only the centers if they still look nice, or use the stems of the flowers to create unique lines in your designs.

Janet Frye of The Enchanted Florist in Asheville NC recommends using sunflower centers in arrangements. “Love it when sunflowers get older, so I can justify plucking out the petals and featuring just that beautiful brown center” – Janet

3. Create Works of Art With Flowers

Pressed flowers look beautiful on their own, however when arranged properly, they can be a true work of art. Just like creating arrangements, choose colors, sizes and textures that flow together and arrange them in unique ways on a flat piece of cardboard (such as the insert to a photo frame). Add a thin layer of acid-free glue to help the flowers stay in place. You can even cover the board in fabric or a nice paper (acid free works best and will make flowers last longer) to add to the look you’re going for.

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Creative & Custom Funeral Flower Trends

First of all, let’s think of the purpose of funeral flowers: to show one’s love, and support for the family and the departed. Flowers comfort and soothe us as we say our final goodbyes, but why stop there? Creative florists everywhere are using funeral flowers to construct personalized tributes to fallen friends.

What Kind of Personalized Funeral Flowers Are Available?

The limit is your imagination. Consider your lost friend and the biggest loves in their life. Perhaps they were an avid fisherman, loved bowling, or were closely involved in an organization. Use their favorite hobbies, passions and accomplishments as inspiration for their final tributes. Funeral flower tributes spark wonderful memories of times past, and lift the mood with stories and laughter about time spent together.

How Do I Purchase Custom Flowers For Funerals?

That’s easy! First, find a local florist in your area, or in the location of the funeral. Flower Shop Network makes it easy with our real, local florist directory. Click below to find local florists in any city in the US & Canada.


Find a Florist

 

Next, call your florist directly and discuss your ideas for the funeral tribute. Explain their favorite hobbies or affiliations, and let them know their favorite colors and styles. If you have something specific in mind, find a picture of it or something in a similar style. Send that to your florist to make sure they can create exactly what you’re wanting.

(Let FSNfuneralhomes.com help you find a funeral home.)

Funeral Flower Pictures Inspiration

Here are pictures of unique funeral flowers from local florists all across the US.

Hobby – Themed Funeral Flower Photos

Pilot Funeral Flowers - By A Local Florist

Airplane Funeral Flowers
“A funeral design, for a pilot about 5 years ago.
Buds ‘n Bows Flower Shop in Crawford, GA

Gardening Funeral Flowers - For Gardeners

Gardening Funeral Flowers
For an avid gardener. I got complimentary calls from the family, the minister (who had never seen anything so beautiful) and the funeral home on this one. :)”
The Petal Patch, McFarland, WI

Garden/Gardener Funeral Flowers

Gardener Funeral Flowers
We actually made this for the funeral of a dear friend and floral mentor of ours as our tribute. :-)
Charlotte’s Flowers, Cresson PA

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Out With The Old In With The Hues!

Florist Color Trends For 2011

Bright and Bold

2011 is citing exotic elements of luxurious artistry in foreign lands like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey as inspiration for this years color trends.  These color pallets are BRIGHT and bold! As shown below, tropical, fun and whimsical sets the overall tone for a year of color indulgence.  The intense and radiant colors like apple green or clementine orange are best showcased when in contrast with the neutral colors of these selections like slate gray or smokey navy blue.

Colors shown above from left to right*: apple green, mauve, lilac, hot pink, slate gray, celadon, aged gold, coral, red, violet purple, mocha or chocolate brown, navy,  pine green, clementine orange, and yellow.

Neon Splash Bouquet Birthday Confetti Bouquet Pot of Posies Flower Arrangement

Masculine and Earthy

If your design calls for something a little more masculine then these vintage, earthy and sun-washed colors are sure to provide a solution.
Gray is the “it” color, but mocha is sure to return to one of the top favorites, along with orange and triad hues of green for an eco-nomic/urban color scheme.

However you choose to combine these palettes, they are sure to add visual interest and creative value to all your floral arrangements and designs.

Masculine & Earthy Hues
Colors above shown from left to right*: dark chocolate, dark charcoal gray, sangria/brick red, myrtle (dark) green, dark tangerine, dark chestnut, asparagus, Tyrian purple, dark midnight green, deep blue, Persian green, mocha taupe, agate blue, amazon green, scallop shell, moccasin, olivine green, khaki, carrot orange, oyster gray, gray taupe, and antique white.

Fall Flirtation Vase ArrangementOh Happy Day Father Knows Best

* color names may differ per source.

This post is brought to you by local Bloomington, MN florists.
Not in Minnesota? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s handy online directory of local florists.

Predicting For What’s Hot In 2011

    What's Hot For 2011???

2011 is looking to be a HOT year. Last summer’s trends were all about bright, BOLD colors and dynamic patterns. Do you think this will change in the upcoming year, or stay the same? Here are a few of my predictions for 2011.

Hottest Colors? I think the fab colors for 2011 are going to be light and airy, especially in spring. With Pantone selecting a honeysuckle pink for their color of the year, and 2010’s fall being so dark, I think we will all be popping for pastels! However, I don’t see them being straight hue, they will be slightly muted.

Barbatus Green Ball DianthusHottest Flowers? I think, this year, it’s going to be all about great textures! It began in 2010 and I think we will see even more in 2011. The ‘Barbatus Green Ball’ Dianthus and the uniquely colored carnations are going to be a hit! Also unique focal flowers like ranunculus, protea and anemones will be a hit with chic flower fans.

Hottest Centerpiece Trends? Because we are all used to customizing everything to fit ME ME ME, I see centerpieces going the same direction. I predict medium-high centerpieces that are very organic. Perhaps even use a bit of wood or a branch from the hostess yard. For weddings, bring in even more personal items: textures from grandma’s quilt, an antique brooch of your mothers. Also things from the garden are going to continue to be popular in 2011, and not just veggies. Bring in herbs, fruit, etc. — especially if they are from your own garden.

Hottest Wedding Colors? Again, 2011 is all about bright, beautiful wedding colors. Expect to see lots of pinks, corals, oranges, blue-green to greens and purples — with gray as a neutral accent. For dark colors: navy blood, deep reds, hunter green, chocolate browns.

Hottest Wedding Bouquet Styles? Again, it’s all about texture. I think the hand-tied clutch bouquets and Juliet nosegays are what the brides will be looking for. Also unique arm bouquets and cascading bouquets are not far behind! Do keep and eye on the cuff bouquets and even the tight pomander!

So… those are MY predictions… now it’s time for you to share YOURS!

Answer 1 or all of the trends questions in the comments below. Be sure to include a link to your flower shop’s website! Also somewhere in the comment, let us know where you are from. We all know styles and trends in southern Louisiana are going to be totally different from those in upstate New York…

  1. What colors are going to be HOT in 2011?
  2. What are the hottest flowers of 2011?
  3. What centerpiece trends are you foreseeing this upcoming year?
  4. Hottest wedding colors of 2011?
  5. Hottest wedding bouquet styles of 2011?

You can answer these as brief or as detailed as you want! There is also no sign up required to comment, so there are no excuses!

Can’t wait to hear from you!

This post is brought to you by local Ithaca, NY florists.
Not in New York? No worries, Flower Shop Network’s handy directory connects you to your real local city florist.

Trend Alert: Sushi Flowers!

Sushi lover or not, you have to appreciate the care, artistry and composition a sushi chef puts into their work. Sushi is quickly becoming one of the trendiest foods around! Even if you don’t like eating the raw-fish rolls, you can still get your hands on cute sushi gear — from stuffed animals to jump drives — sushi is invading pop culture!

Don’t forget our favorite way to use sushi — in trendy floral designs! Check out these great sushi-themed flowers we saw at floral shows this summer:

This dynamic design uses greens and flowers as sushi rolls. They recycled stems and wired them on as chopsticks! This design is very impressive and so easy to do! Great way to get some use out of those to-short, scrap flowers! The tray he selected works great for the presentation. You might also consider inexpensive plates (especially in unique shapes), lined box lids, bamboo-style place mats, simple wooden blocks and almost any container with an Asian-theme.

This design takes sushi flowers in a completely different style! You can see the little box of sushi, but also individual rolls are on the bamboo place mat. The rolls are very simple to do too — just wrap your flower heads in leaves (water pick or use a small block of floral foam for water source). This designer used chopsticks for this sushi floral design. These sushi roll flowers make GREAT hostess gifts! Plus your computer guy’s nerdy girlfriend would love these geek flowers (I would)!

Not familiar with sushi? Do a quick Google image search for sushi and you will see hundreds of styles you can interpret into floral designs!

Florists, sushi designs are easy and small. Try a sushi flowers promotion! Send a couple of little example arrangements to areas you know will be frequented by teens to college students, perhaps a college student center, movie theater lobby, or your local sushi bar! Display with a card telling about your promotion. (Also, promote it on Facebook!) To really hit with the young people, offer several size and price options.

This post is brought to you by local Long Beach CA florists.
Not in Long Beach? Use Flower Shop Network‘s handy directory to find your city’s real local florists!

January Wedding Flower Trends For 2009

Ask the Expert: What flowers/colors will be in for Jan weddings
What flowers and colors will be “in” for January weddings?

Fall In Love With Fall Wedding Flowers

Fall wedding flowers burst upon the scene in a kaleidoscope of colors. Paint an idyllic wedding picture on this fall’s canvas when using a rich palette of the season’s colors.

Featured Fall Wedding BouquetsWhether the celebration takes place during the sun dappled day, or in the crisp autumn air of evening, the fall wedding introduces a season of excitement. September, October, and November bestow bright flowers and abundant foliage – just the right ingredients for a fabulous fall ceremony.

Deciding on the type of fall floral arrangements will often determine the style of wedding. Consulting a professional florist can be of invaluable help when considering the theme and cost of the wedding. Don’t hesitate to convey what you envision for your wedding along with a review of your budget.

When meeting with your florist, it’s wise to discuss the size and location of your wedding and reception. And, don’t forget to include the number of attendants and guests. It helps if you provide your favorite wedding photographs, color preferences, and fabric samples when talking about your ceremony. A professional florist can assist in creating a plan that helps you to make informed decisions, which can save time and reduce stress.

A CORNUCOPIA OF COLORS

The fall season lends its self to vibrant colors. When selecting fall wedding flowers consider the colors of: Yellow, Gold, Bronze, Orange, Red, Dark Pink, Burgundy, Rust, Brown, Purple, Egg Plant, Green and Tan. Although the types of wedding flowers are usually chosen by the bride, the color palette of the flowers are often determined by the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

A professional florist can explain your floral options. Discussions will include the difference between selecting flowers that are in season, as opposed to choosing flowers that are out of season. Out of season flowers increase prices significantly.

With nature’s brilliant colors, here are just a few of the fall wedding flowers that are in season:

  • ROSES (Rosa) – Many people tend to think of roses as either traditional red or delicate pink. However, the colors of roses range from gold to chocolate. Brides may want to consider the radiant rose colors that include golden apricot, tomato-red, deep yellow, red-orange, tangerine, dark burgundy, coral-orange, burnt- orange, or chocolate brown. These striking shades make beautiful wedding bouquets, floral decorations, and arrangements.
  • DAISIES (Gerbera) – There are a number of varieties from a single petal to a double petal. The bright colors and varying sizes of this flower make for beautiful bouquets and eye-catching arrangements.
  • SLIPPER ORCHIDS (Paphiopedilum spp.) – This fall flower’s colors of brownish red, green and yellow can set the seasonal tone.
  • CALLA LILY (Zantedeschia) – The “green goddess” has deep green leaves and generous blooms. This is a sophisticated flower that often stands on its own. Not only do calla lilies come in the traditional white, but they also come in the rich and beautiful shades of cream, yellow, burgundy, and bronze.
  • GLORIOSA LILIES (Gloriosa rothschildeana) – A glorious bloom that makes a bold statement. The strikingly curved petals in lustrous red will certainly turn heads.
  • ORIENTAL LILIES (Lilium Oriental) – Versatility is the key. Colors include white, cream, yellow and burgundy. One of the most famous hybrids is Stargazer, which has a white background with reddish/pink markings and dotted throat.
  • HYDRANGEAS (Hydrangea quercifolia) – The late blooming Oak Leaf Hydrangea gets its name from the shape of its large leaves. These beautiful leaves often turn colors of brilliant yellow, orange, red, and burgundy.
  • SUNFLOWERS (Helianthus annuus) – When you think of autumn, picture the Sunrise Sunflower. The medium short deep double yellow petals and dark center make an excellent choice for use as cut flowers that have a long vase and arrangement life.
  • CHRYSANTHEMUMS (Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum x morifolium) – The word chrysanthemum is taken from the Greek, chysos (gold) and anthos (flower). This fall flower is generally found in the following forms: button, daisy, decorative and spider (or quill). The size, color, height and time of bloom make it one of the most popular fall flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
  • BABY’S BREATH ( Gypsophila paniculata) – This is the delicate name for the “work horse” of arrangements. Colors range from white to pink to blushed purple. Baby’s breath can be coupled with flowers and greenery to create fullness and depth or stand-alone in an interesting container, or elegant vase.

THE ORNAMENTS OF AUTUMN

Fall wedding decorations can be more than colorful cut flowers. A medley of textures such as beautiful berries, fall foliage, and autumn accessories create the look of a bountiful harvest.
Consider the use of berries when decorating tables, window ledges, archways or columns.

Autumn Berries

  • Rusty Rose Hips
  • Red Nandina
  • Red or Black Aronia Berries
  • Flaming Pyracantha
  • Orange Pepper Berry
  • Orange Cotoneaster
  • Rustic Bittersweet Vine
  • Burnt Sienna Hypericum Berry
  • Pink Pepper Berry
  • Blue Privet Berry
  • Fall Blueberries
  • Green or Red Viburnum Berry
  • Cranberries

Cuttings from fall foliage make stunning centerpieces and arrangements.

Autumn Foliages

  • Red Oak Leaf Hydrangeas
  • Red Dogwood Branches
  • Red Huckleberry
  • “Redbore” Kale
  • Liquid Amber Branches
  • Yellow Maple
  • Vine Maple Branches
  • Eggplant Smoke Bush
  • Green Cherry Laurel
  • “Illumination” Periwinkle
  • “Bright Lights” Swiss Chard
  • “Ogon” Japanese Sweet Flag
  • “Yellow Ripple” English Ivy
  • Black-Eyed Susan Vines
  • Grapevines

Don’t forget autumn accessories add interest.

Autumn Wedding Decorations

  • Apples, Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates and Artichokes
  • Grains, Nuts, Melons, and Gourds
  • Dried Garland or Flowers
  • Spanish Moss
  • Ribbons that reinforce the color scheme
  • Raffia
  • Woven Baskets
  • Colorful Pottery

FALL WEDDING DECORATING TIPS

Continue an autumn atmosphere your guests will remember by considering the following areas for decoration. These locations may be enhanced by the use of flowers, berries, foliage and accessories.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY: The altar, columns, candelabra, backdrop for the ceremony, archways, podium, for Jewish weddings the chuppah, the aisle, end of pews, communion rails, vestibule, guest book table, doors leading to the sanctuary, and stair rails outside the entrance.

THE RECEPTION: The entry area, place card table, buffet table centerpieces, table arrangements, head table design, free standing decorations, candles, stage decor, wedding cake and cake table and restrooms.

The wide variety of fall wedding flowers and large array of berries, foliage and accessories make autumn a wonderful time of year for your special celebration. Whether your theme is large and elegant, or intimate and casual – let a professional florist customize an unforgettable fall wedding for you!

Photo by C & C Sensations, a local florist in Waynesboro VA.

 

Find a local florist to help create your fall wedding flowers.
Planning a wedding? Check out Wedding and Party Network for all of your wedding needs.