If money is no object, then exotics are your flower of choice and abundance is what you want. Orchids (specifically cymbidiums and dendrobiums), hydrangeas, and calla lilies are the in-demand flowers of the season.
"I've seen a lot of people going with callas because they seem to have timeless elegance," says Randy Lowe, president of Lowe and Behold Event Accents. "Callas always work."Large arrangements of callas, along with hydrangeas and a variety of orchids, are the perfect way to add ambience and style to your event. Orchids can be arranged in tall glass vases and lit from below to create a mood. River rocks, crystals, and leaves and other greenery can also be added to the bottom of the vase.
These designs, however, are not available solely to those with cash to burn.
"It's up to me as the creative designer to come with a way to do your event that fits within your budget," says Lowe.
For example, instead of using multiple orchids or calla lilies in an arrangement, several florists suggest using tall vases with a single bloom and greenery, crystals, or rocks. That will give you a streamlined design while capturing the elegance you're after.
Arrangements such as these are a prime example of the Japanese style of design known as ikebana.
"Strong ties to ikebana have greatly influenced the floral design community, allowing arrangements to be created through the use of minimalist design incorporating texture, color, and other techniques to create artful designs that reflect value," says Cheryl Andrews, owner of Cheryl's Distinctive Creations in Orlando.
Collections of flowers are also popular lately, according to Ian Prossor, owner of Botanica European Florist in Tampa. In this type of arrangement, suitable for all budgets, monobotanical arrangements are integrated together on the same table. For instance, bunches of peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and orchids can be arranged in their own vases, but presented on the same space. This appeals to those who want to incorporate some premium flowers into their design but don't have the budget to use them and them alone.
Karen Cohen, president of Always Flowers in Miami, has begun incorporating lighting into her designs.
"Clients are looking for more of a vibe and ambience," Cohen says. "They are understanding the importance of lighting more than ever."
Lighting is being incorporated into décor placed on tables through the use of candles and lamps along with your arrangements, as well as featuring tables lit from within like lounges, coffee tables, and cocktail tables. From the use of video screens as an alternative to the basic pipe and drape wall décor, lighting is key in creating this atmosphere.
Another option to fit all budgets is the compact arrangement. By cutting the stems short and placing many flowers together in cubic or cylindrical glass vases, the blooms take center stage. This can be accomplished with hydrangeas, lilies, peonies, or the classic rose.
"This type of arrangement works for meetings, because it allows for viewing over the arrangement and doesn't get in the way," says Allyson Harman, president and C.E.O of Creative License.
Additionally, by incorporating just one or two orchids into the arrangement, you are able to elevate the style, add some height if desired, and showcase the hottest flower of the season, all while staying within your budget.
When it comes to colors, rich chocolates, deep oranges, reds, and greens are the go-to colors for fall.
"Chocolate brown is the new neutral color that blends with almost everything," says Andrews. "It can be mixed with green for an organic earthy essence, pink for social occasions, teal to create that Tiffany feel, and used with gold and orange to give the classic autumn décor a rich update."
However, "monochromatic" is the buzzword this season.
"The monochromatics, like coppers and oranges together, are very big and will be huge for fall," Prossor says. And as always, crisp white is in style for tulips, calla lilies, and roses.
"I've seen a lot of people going with callas because they seem to have timeless elegance," says Randy Lowe, president of Lowe and Behold Event Accents. "Callas always work."Large arrangements of callas, along with hydrangeas and a variety of orchids, are the perfect way to add ambience and style to your event. Orchids can be arranged in tall glass vases and lit from below to create a mood. River rocks, crystals, and leaves and other greenery can also be added to the bottom of the vase.
These designs, however, are not available solely to those with cash to burn.
"It's up to me as the creative designer to come with a way to do your event that fits within your budget," says Lowe.
For example, instead of using multiple orchids or calla lilies in an arrangement, several florists suggest using tall vases with a single bloom and greenery, crystals, or rocks. That will give you a streamlined design while capturing the elegance you're after.
Arrangements such as these are a prime example of the Japanese style of design known as ikebana.
"Strong ties to ikebana have greatly influenced the floral design community, allowing arrangements to be created through the use of minimalist design incorporating texture, color, and other techniques to create artful designs that reflect value," says Cheryl Andrews, owner of Cheryl's Distinctive Creations in Orlando.
Collections of flowers are also popular lately, according to Ian Prossor, owner of Botanica European Florist in Tampa. In this type of arrangement, suitable for all budgets, monobotanical arrangements are integrated together on the same table. For instance, bunches of peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and orchids can be arranged in their own vases, but presented on the same space. This appeals to those who want to incorporate some premium flowers into their design but don't have the budget to use them and them alone.
Karen Cohen, president of Always Flowers in Miami, has begun incorporating lighting into her designs.
"Clients are looking for more of a vibe and ambience," Cohen says. "They are understanding the importance of lighting more than ever."
Lighting is being incorporated into décor placed on tables through the use of candles and lamps along with your arrangements, as well as featuring tables lit from within like lounges, coffee tables, and cocktail tables. From the use of video screens as an alternative to the basic pipe and drape wall décor, lighting is key in creating this atmosphere.
Another option to fit all budgets is the compact arrangement. By cutting the stems short and placing many flowers together in cubic or cylindrical glass vases, the blooms take center stage. This can be accomplished with hydrangeas, lilies, peonies, or the classic rose.
"This type of arrangement works for meetings, because it allows for viewing over the arrangement and doesn't get in the way," says Allyson Harman, president and C.E.O of Creative License.
Additionally, by incorporating just one or two orchids into the arrangement, you are able to elevate the style, add some height if desired, and showcase the hottest flower of the season, all while staying within your budget.
When it comes to colors, rich chocolates, deep oranges, reds, and greens are the go-to colors for fall.
"Chocolate brown is the new neutral color that blends with almost everything," says Andrews. "It can be mixed with green for an organic earthy essence, pink for social occasions, teal to create that Tiffany feel, and used with gold and orange to give the classic autumn décor a rich update."
However, "monochromatic" is the buzzword this season.
"The monochromatics, like coppers and oranges together, are very big and will be huge for fall," Prossor says. And as always, crisp white is in style for tulips, calla lilies, and roses.
An arrangement of cymbidium orchids and tulips rolled in flax leaves with grass detail.
Always Flowers
Renderings created by Always Flowers show how projected light can be incorporated into floral design.
Always Flowers
Large ball arrangements of cymbidium orchid blooms and tall lamp shades of dendrobium orchid garland lit from below by candles were the centerpieces for an event designed by Always Flowers.
Roy Llera
Always Flowers composed short, compact arrangements of white tulips and lilies in square glass vases to serve as centerpieces at a dinner event.
Julie Dixson
