Roses are perhaps the most versatile and popular of all wedding flowers, available in almost every shade with the exception of blue and dusty pink; both of which are frequently requested. Each variety has a different name, such as "avalanche" or "black velvet", with its own characteristics.
Roses are a particularly good choice if you are having your bouquet preserved.
Cala lilies have become very popular, and with their clean shape and a wide range of powerful colours, ranging from mango to almost black, it is easy to see why.
They are inexpensive during the height of summer, but much harder to find in the winter. The larger, less versatile white arum lilies are more usually associated with funerals. Â Bright, cheerful gerberas are available in a multitude of colours and have been very popular for the past couple of years, particularly for Brides looking for a very bold colour scheme.
Six varieties, including Sundance, Dino and Amby make a good substitute for sunflowers, and many of the varieties are similar to chrysanthamums if you are looking to match them with a smaller bloom for some of your arrangements.
Cymbidium orchids, larger than Singapore orchids and available most times of the year, can look exquisite trailing from the bridal bouquet and they make unusual buttonholes.
However, they can easily get lost in larger arrangements, so for greater effect in pedestals, but at much lower cost, substitute orchids with big, bold, impressive lilies.
Alstromeria are similar in shape to lilies and orchids. They last well, but need to be wired so will not be suitable for a simple hand tied bouquet.
The English varieties tend to be the more vibrant colours and are only available in the summer, whereas the pink and white varieties, which are grown in Holland are available year round.