Visualize your style

Imagine your ideal wedding. Do you see a formal event or a more casual setting? Is it dramatic or laid-back? Do you see bold or neutral colors? Do you see yourself being more traditional with roses or lilies or more modern by including greens, herbs and fruits? Wedding flowers set the mood for the entire event, so you want to be sure they evoke the right emotions. Need some inspiration? Browse our wedding flower examples here.

Consider Your Color

Your color scheme should reflect your style. If you like the more traditional look you should stick to a color scheme made up of whites and pastels, however if you’re more on the modern side go for more bold and bright hues. Your colors need to match your wedding theme. If you’re not sure where to begin bring a fabric swatch of one of your bridesmaid dresses when you come in for your consultation and choose coordinating shades.

What’s in Season

When your picking the specific flowers you’d like in your bouquets and arrangements, make sure to think about what blooms are in season when you get married. Selecting seasonal wedding flowers can greatly impact your floral budget and the variety of flowers availability.

Your Wedding Florist

At Vogue Flowers, flowers are our passion and we pride ourselves in creating beautiful, expertly designed wedding flowers, which are custom created to perfectly coordinate with each bride’s wedding vision. We are a full service florist offering wedding flower consultation services, the finest and largest variety of flowers available in Richmond and superb customer service all at unbeatable prices.  For a free, no obligation, consultation call 1-800-923-1010, email Zoie@VogueFlowers.com, or complete our online wedding survey here.

The Do-It-Yourself Bride

For the bride on a budget or the more artistic bride, you may consider ordering some of our loose flowers so you can create your own wedding arrangements and bouquets. We also have the space and supplies necessary to create your own arrangements at our headquarters (located at 1114 N. Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230). In addition, you can store your wedding flowers in our coolers overnight and have them delivered to your ceremony/reception location. For more information on creating your own arrangements, call us at 1-800-923-1010.

Want more great ideas for your wedding flowers? Join us for a free bridal seminar at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 28th! Get details, directions and reserve your seat here.

First of all, make sure have the right variety in the right environment…You can make Big Leaf Hydrangeas switch from pink to purple to blue or vice versa, however white hydrangeas will stay white no matter what. Changing flower color requires changing the soil properties, which is easier done with potted plants. That being said, these tips will work on plants in the ground, but it may be a little more difficult.

Turing your hydrangeas blue is done by lowering the pH in the soil to 4.5-5 and increasing the amount of aluminum present. There are a few ways which can be accomplished; you can add a small amount of aluminum sulfate to the plant. Placing several nails right below the plant usually does the trick as well. Dumping coffee grounds in the soil will help keep the pH low.

Making your hydrangeas pink is done by raising the pH and depriving the plants of aluminum. The ideal soil pH for pink hydrangeas is 6.0-6.5, keeping the pH in this range will ensure the plants can’t access the aluminum in the soil. Add lime to raise the pH or plant your hydrangeas near a sidewalk or concrete foundation…Lime tends to leach out of cement and helps keeps hydrangeas pink.

You can also create purple hydrangeas by balancing the pH between the ranges state above (soil pH between 5-5.5 is ideal for purple hydrangeas).

Keep in mind that you have to continue to adjust the soil’s pH to maintain the desired color. We also recommend that plants be at least 2 years old before you attempt the color change.

Shop for cut hydrangeas here.

Here are some photos of hydrangeas grown on Vogue’s Hanover farm:

It is important to send the right graduation flowers, as they come in many different types, colors and sizes. Here are a few tips to ensure you’ll be sending appropriate flowers with a message from the heart:

 -Think about how the flowers will be displayed:

• If you would like to present flowers to a family member after he/she walks across the stage and receives their diploma a flower bouquet would be an excellent choice. 
• You may want to create a special moment before the ceremony by presenting the graduate with a corsage that can be proudly displayed in graduation photos. 
• Friends and relatives may find it more fitting to select a centerpiece for the graduation party or deliver a potted plant to the graduate’s home.

 -Keep color in mind:

If you’re planning to give a graduation bouquet or corsage it’s a good idea to coordinate the flower color with the color of the cap and gown or school colors. 

You can also use color to evoke a particular emotion, here are a few examples:

• Yellow flower express joy, freedom and friendship
• White flowers are related to perfection, peace and calmness
• Red flowers convey strength, courage and distinction
• Blue flowers represent wisdom, trust and confidence
• Light pink flowers signify joy and happiness

 -Other things to think about:

• Consider the graduate’s favorite flower
• Match flowers to the mood of the graduation party (balloons are great for a more casual event)
• Determine the desired size arrangement

We have many different types of graduation arrangements available in a variety of colors and sizes, browse our graduation selection here.

So what do you do to say thank you and show your appreciation to your secretary?  It’s important to send the right message and keep your gift business oriented.  Be sure to avoid intimate gifts, like jewelry, clothes or gift certificates for personal care items.  However, gifts can be individualized to the specific person, which is why flowers and plants make excellent gifts for Professional Secretaries Week.

Here are some suggestions on flowers to use and the meanings they convey:
•    Alstroemeria lily signifies wealth, prosperity and fortune
•    Bird of Paradise denotes good perspective and faithfulness
•    Heather (lavender) demonstrates admiration
•    Iris symbolize wisdom and compliments
•    Sunflowers designate adoration and pride

This year Professional Secretaries Week is April 19th-23rd.  Vogue Flowers has a variety of arrangements and plants perfect for Professional Secretaries Week available for delivery nationwide, browse our selection here.

Another popular Easter flower is the daffodil, or narcissus.  Because the daffodil is one of the earliest spring blooms it has been thought of as a symbol of rebirth and renewal since the ancient Greeks. According to legend, the daffodil first appeared in the Garden of Gethsemane during Christ’s last supper, making it the most popular Easter flower for decorating centerpieces for Easter dinners.

The pussy willow is commonly used as a replacement for palm braches in church services on Palm Sunday, especially in northern areas where palms don‘t grow.  The pussy willow signifies health and youth, which resonate the Easter theme of rebirth.

Another way to add meaning into your decorations is to include deep red accent flowers, such as tulips or azaleas, to symbolize the blood that Christ shed for his followers.

We have many beautiful Easter arrangements available for delivery nationwide, browse our selection here.

If your looking for some Easter decorations that infuse a personal touch, here are a few tips on how to create your own Easter flower arrangements that make great gifts, centerpieces or decorations:

• Use a tea set as an eye-catching centerpiece by filling a tea pot with a loose arrangement of Easter lilies, pastel tulips and pansies. Then surround the tea pot with teacups and place pansies inside the teacups, finish the look by tucking decorative Easter eggs among the teacup flowers.
• To make a beautiful Easter decoration for your home, simply find a rustic shallow wooden box at a flea market or garden store. Place tiny terra-cotta pots inside the box forming several rows. Then alternate filling half the pots with dyed hard-boiled Easter eggs and the other half with tulip blossoms (cut the stem very short and be sure to add some water to these pots). Use some decorative moss or green Easter basket grass to fill in the spaces between the pots.
• For a festive gift fill a clear glass cylinder vase with a bunch of tulips or ranunculus. Then set it inside a wire basket and surround the vase with 2 dozen white hard boiled eggs.
• For a creative centerpiece at the kid’s table, fill white plastic egg cups with pastel jelly beans and top with mini daisies.  Line up several of these egg cups in the middle of the table for a unique centerpiece that the kids can eat after dinner!

Vogue Flowers’ headquarters (located at 1114 N. Boulevard Richmond, VA) has all the tools and loose flowers necessary to help you create your own Easter decorations and arrangements.  Find directions and store information here.

• Select an arrangement that uses natural greens, like green hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, bells of Ireland, green cymbidium orchids or green goddess calla lilies
• Include a few white roses or fuchsias to add color to your arrangement. When using roses you may want to leave the outside guard petals (often removed to encourage a larger, quicker bloom) to add a bit of subtle green
• Use seasonal plants, including Shamrock vine, kale, green hypericum berries or variegated green and white foliage
• Items like casserole dishes and hollowed out bamboo stalks can be repurposed to hold flowers, bringing an extra touch of green
• Submerge your flowers in water in a clear glass cylinder when preparing for a special gathering. This visually increases the size of your flowers. You may consider using floating green LED lights for a more unique and creative look.
• You can also use fresh fruit or vegetables to spruce up a water-based display. For St. Patrick’s parties limes, green grapes and peas are appropriate.

If you’d like to buy some ready-to-use floral decorations, please browse our creative St. Patrick’s Day arrangements available for delivery here.

You can also stop by Vogue Flowers headquarters (located at 1114 N. Boulevard Richmond, VA) to create your own St. Patrick’s Day arrangements…We offer everything you need to design and display your own arrangements. Get directions here.

• Red Ginger and red anthuriums pair wonderfully together
• Bromeliads have a sense of “cool” that is comfortable for any man to receive
• A flowering plant, such as red tulips or an azalea
• A bright and bold tropical design
• Orange and green roses
• Ivy topiary
• Herb topiary for the guy who loves to cook
• Pincushion protea in a clear glass container with stones in the bottom – men love this kind of arrangement
• Dish garden
• Orchid plant
• A large snack basket filled with his favorite flavor of energy drink, nuts, candies or chips. To top it off, add a bud vase with a single red rose on the outside decoration to add Valentine’s Day flair
• Terrariums.  The endless possibilities of unusually shaped glass containers also make great gifts for men
• Bright, bold colors (not just red) of any type of flower designed in a more architectural styling
• Any “going green” plant can be created with tremendous textural appeal with upgrades on the container and plant decor.

• Colored roses other than red are popular.  Ask Vogue Flowers for some unusual varieties that can really make an impression; there are so many fabulous choices that will impress your Valentine with your creativity: orange roses are hotter than hot, peach roses, lavendar roses and pastel roses.
• Orchids: dendrobium orchids, cymbidium orchids and vanda orchids in shades of blue and purple, stems of green cymbidiums evoke an eco-friendly feel
• Tulips are a great choice and there are great colors available
• Gerbera daisies in hot pinks and oranges paired with a citrus green foliage
• Alstroemeria
• Callas or miniature callas
• Chrysanthemums
• Carnations
• Gardenias
• Lilies
• Hydrangea
• Waxflowers

Want to do something different?

• Amaryllis stems in geometric glass conatiners weighted with river rocks
• Compact flower arrangements in heirloom containers
• Floral designs in monogrammed containers
• Tropical flowers, like protea, arranged with exotic foliage and bamboo accents
• A cactus garden
• Small peace lily plant
• Anemones
• Freesia
• Ranunculus

On a tight budget? There are lots of wonderful flower options for consumers on a budget:

• Ask Vogue’s florists for their specials in your price range and ask about the price of an earlier delivery.
• Consider sending a few stems of something wonderful like roses, tulips or lilies.  Volume isn’t everyting.  Vogue Flowers can make a few stems look romantic and lovely.
• Mixed bouquet of brightly-colored flowers
• Carnations are a great endearing flower full of texture. The bang for your buck is just great and teh vase life is quite long when cared for properly.
• Tulips are a tremendous value flower
• A bud vase with six, three or even a single rose
• Consider flowers in colors other than red, such as peach, orange, hot pink or chartreuse green
• Pompons or chrysanthemums are long lasting. Consider a bunch of green Fuji Mums or a bunch of Kermit Pompons. The chartreuse green is a huge attention getter!
• Stargazer lilies or other lilies
• Alstroemeria
• Gerbera daisies
• Blooming plants

Flowers come in so many beautiful colors.  Some POPULAR COLOR TRENDS AND COLOR COMBINATIONS this year include:

• We always think of red for Valentine’s Day, but many other combinations can say “I Love You.” Hot pink and orange for a fresh young look.  Purple is fun in either a monochromatic combination or mixed iwth red, very luscious. Chartreuse and pink is sweet yet crisp.  Orange and red is a powerful, masculine combination.
• Monobotanic design (all one type of flowers)
• Monochromatic design (flowers all in the same color family)
• Reds, burgundies and browns
• Hot pink, purples and browns
• Monochromatic reds in various textures
• Greens mixed with chocolate browns or stunning pinks
• Greens and purples
• Complementary colors cause excitement, such as lavender paired with yellow or blues coupled with oranges
• Green, lavendar and peach form an upscale color combination
• Rich purples and lavenders mixed with red

Flowers can take you places and help you relive fond, romantic memories…whether it be reminiscing about a Caribbean honeymoon, creating a relaxing spa retreat feel, or reliving a wine country getaway – here are some tips to use flowers to set the stage for a romantic evening.

Beach Honeymoon

• Tropical flowers, such as Birds of Paradise, anthurium, ginger or orchids with an accent of fresh fruit and foliages
• A simple collection of orchids in a vase
• Bells of Ireland and delphinium.  The cool greens and blues will conjure up the memories of the beautiful Caribbean.
• Recreate a Hawaiian honeymoon complete with long-lasting tropical flowers and a lei to wear.  Picture your Valentine wearing a gorgeous orchid lei when it’s sub-zero outside.

European Vacation

• Richly colored flowers in purples, reds and blues
• Hand-tied bouquet of all accent flowers and a couple of roses
• Textural hand-tied bouquets embellished with decorative beads and wires with colorful wraps
• A loose arrangement of garden-style flowers such as tulips, hydrangeas, ranunculus and roses in a clear glass vase or decorative container
• An arrangement that resembles the French countryside: Fresh herbs and wild flowers like heather, daisies, delphinium and miniature roses would be pretty and romantic.
• A French Garden of bright-hued f=blooming plants arranged in a classic wicker basket
• European garden – mixture of flowering or green plants and fresh flowers

Spa Weekend

• Aromatic flowers like freesia, stock and sweet peas to sooth the senses.
• An arrangement of relaxing blues, lavenders and greens with fresh eucalyptus and soft foliage and some select bath products
• Several small blue and green arrangements to place in the bathroom or bedroom
• All white arrangement with sea glass vases or frosted aquamarine accents
• A fragrant selection of purple freesia in a clear cylinder with pale pink petals floating in the vase.  The soft scent of freesia combined with the soothing color palette will embrace your sweetheart with a sense of calm.
• Monobotanic bouquet of blue iris in a clear glass vase with sea glass or shells clustered together in the bottom of the vase.
• A simple glass vase filled with callas or white Casablanca lilies and cool blue glass gems inside the vase

Wine Country Getaway

• A few beautiful roses or lilies arranged in an empty wine bottle shared on a past date.  She’ll love the sentimentality
• Deep reds (roses, carnations and soft greens).  Add accents of vines, mosses and a bottle of wine.
• Grapevine or wreath around the design on the base or in and around, some fruit and a bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a wine shop
• Grapes, sunflowers, grasses-outdoorsy and lots of yellow/peach/olive greens
• Burgundy flowers with fresh grapes and Brie cheese in a large basket
• Include a bottle of wine or fresh fruit and grapes with deep wine colored roses
• Bold collection of vibrant purple anemones or alstroemeria, green hydrangea, hepericum and red roses.  This strong combination of color and texture will evoke the feeling of a stroll in the vineyards.
• Rich royal-colored floral bouquet consisting of a mixture of textural materials such as purple tulips, magenta stock, green hydrangea and lavender roses tied with natural raffia.  The disgn may include clusters of grapes.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year begins on February 14 and 2010 is the year of the tiger.  Ring in the New Year by sending your valentine:

• Orange roses in a red vase
• A red vase filled iwth mokara orchids

Other Exciting Destinations

• Conjure up the charm of the South Pacific with a beautifully designed arrangement with an Asian flair.
• Orchids and other fragile blooms can remind couples of rainforest getaways.
• An assortment of flowers from the garden in a bouquet conjures the feeling of a stroll through a country garden
• Experience a trip to Japan with an Ikebana floral design of several stems of orchids or Fuji Chrusanthemums.  Ad a Japenese flower arranging kit and book along with some wonderful teas.
• Go for the gold with a bouquet of green spider chrysanthemums, green hypericum berries and green aspidistra leaves, just like the bouquets for the Winter Olympics medalists.

Special Moments

• Recreate the love you shared on your wedding day by featuring some clooms from her bridal bouquet.
• Recreate the magic of the proposal or first date with flowers
• Send a spring or summer sunshine bouquet to say you’re looking forward to spending time in warmer weather together or you’re looking forward to gardening together
• Instead of recreating a memory, why not send a bouquet that evokes the charm of a place you dream of going to some day with your loved one

Simply Sweet Staycations

• Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” said, “There’s no place like home.” Staying at home can be the “warm and fuzzy” choice for many.  Add some lovely flowers in a favorite vase, sprinkle some rose petals and lay a single rose on the pillow.  Be creative and make staying at home fun.
• Make a flower trail throughhout your house leading to a bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals.

Here are a few simple tips that will help you prolong the life of your floral bouquets!

1. Bacteria can clog flower stems and prevent water and nutrient circulation, so be sure to use clean containers. Vases should be washed and rinsed with a mild solution of bleach after each use.

2. Help the stems of your flowers absorb water properly by cutting each stem at an angle

3. Flower stems stay open and moist in cold water, so make sure to fill your vase with 1 cup of cold water.

4. Place your arrangement near an open window where they can get some clean air…Pollutants reduce the health of fish and animals, just as they do the life of cut flowers.

5. Chill your flowers in the fridge overnight, this will preserve the petals and keep them bright. Plus it can extend their vase life up to 4 days!

6. Trim the stems every 2 days.

7. Be sure to refill the vase with cold water every day to help your flowers stay hydrated.

8. Most cut flowers live longer in a 2% sugar solution, which is about 4 tsp. sugar in 1 quart of water . Daffodils, marguerite daisies and tulips do not benefit from sugar.

9. Your florist can also supply you with floralife (plant food) that you can dissolve in the water. That helps to keep your flowers hydrated.

Try these tips on your next arrangement from Vogue Flowers and see the difference, shop here.

Enjoy your flowers!