“Roses are by far the tried and true number one wedding flower,” claims Frank DeNegris of Mayfield Floral in Mayfield Heights. Twenty-six years in the industry, DeNegris labels roses the “Hall-of-Famer in the world of weddings, whether in solid colors or bicolor varieties.” Roses are available year round and the main roses are hybrid tea, spray - which have small heads on each stem and old fashion garden with open heads and plenty of fragrance. Store floral designer Shannon Appell says the trumpet-shaped Calla Lily is also a favorite. “There’s the large-headed variety with the long stem and creamy ivory is the most popular color, but these beauties are also spectacular in yellow, pink and dark purple.”
Tulips are often a wedding choice in a wide range of colors. They work well in bouquets, boutonnieres and table arrangements. Other chosen varieties include Lily of the Valley, Hydrangeas, Peony, and Ranunculus. The star-shaped Stephanotis with dainty, waxy florets is also a favorite as is the mildly-scented Victorian whose meaning is “marital happiness.” The Sweet Pea was first brought to England from Sicily in 1699. It has a candy-like scent. The Gardenia’s name has an Italian ring to it but is actually a South Africa native. A single flower delivers an intoxicating fragrance yet bruises easily.
Appell says the most spectacular wedding floral display she has seen was this past June at the Shoreby Club in Bratenahl. There was a big ball of more than 400 yellow and white roses hanging from the ceiling of the tent. That was the focal centerpiece of the evening. Sadly, as the young bride and groom sauntered off at evenings’ end, the roses were tossed. They would have made great wedding favors!