by Eileen Livers and Monica Bernstein

Q

Dear Wedding Women:

Do you know of a site or book that discusses flowers for different seasons? I'm having a fall wedding and would like to incorporate the season's flowers.

Jzuzelo



A

Dear Jzuzelo:

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call ... and a florist should be able to get you any type of flower you want, even if it's out of season in your area. However, that will mean having the flowers imported from another region or even another country (where they are in season), which will cost you more money. So you have the right idea when you say you want to stick to flowers that are in season in your area in the fall. What's available when varies from region to region, so you should consult with a florist about your choices. But for general information, here's what's typically available in the fall (meaning September through November): amaryllis, chrysanthemum, fuchsia, statice, sweet William, yarrow, zinnia and ornamental berries. You may also want to include some other fall decorations, such as beautifully colored foliage, pumpkins, other squash varieties and gourds. As far as books go, there are many wedding flower books available, as well as bridal magazines that feature flower options by season (look for back issues of Martha Stewart Weddings, for example). Some good books to try: Maria McBride-Mellinger's Bridal Flowers: Arrangements for a Perfect Wedding (Bulfinch Press, 1992); Shirley Monckton's The Complete Book of Wedding Flowers: Stunning Flower Arrangements, Inspiration for Everyone and Every Location (Casell Books, 1995); Diana Tonk's Flowers for Your Wedding Day: A Guide to Creating Beautiful Bouquets, Arrangements, & Decorations (NTC/Contemporary Publishing, 1997); and Shane Connolly's Wedding Flowers (Trafalgar Square, 1998).

Good luck!
The Wedding Women