Brides Trade In Tiaras For Flowers

Some brides this summer, are foregoing tiaras, letting their tresses down and pinning flowers up in their hair. For every bride there is a matching flower in taste, style and ambiance. Flowers can be used with a veil or can stand on their own for a beautiful look. The hottest flowers and hairstyles will be everything from sweet to sultry. With smaller flowers, a couple or a few will do. It depends on what the bride wants: if you want one that takes the cake, or a few here and there. From lilies to orchids, the following flowers will set you apart this summer.

LILY

The lily, especially the oriental lily, is a timeless flower frequently associated with weddings. A symbol of purity, this glamorous bloom works best with up-dos twisted or curled in the middle to the lower section of the back of the head. The lily can easily be pinned to the side of the do. This style is especially stunning for bridal photos. For a down hairstyle, curl the hair in barrel rolls and pin back a few pieces on one side, placing the lily beside the pinned locks. If worn on the wedding day, the bride doesn't need much perfume because of the lily's strong scent. Lilies' petals can reach a span of six inches, making it a perfect flower for the bride who wishes to make a statement. Lilies come in shades of pink and red, although white is the most popular.

GERBERA DAISY

Distinquished by their large, beautiful blooms and wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies have become a favorite flower choice. The gerbera daisy is a symbol of beauty and innocence and an expression of cheerfull sentiments. For a less formal approach, gerbera daisies are perfect for the bride with long locks. Pull a few pieces back and pin them with a gerbera daisy. Or sport a very simple french twist with the daisy set in the crease.

STEPHANOTIS

The Stephanotis flower has always been a popular wedding flower, symbolizing happiness in marriage, good luck and bonds of affection. Stephanotis florets enhance an up-do of curls and must be pinned carefully because of their flimsy stems. Discuss with your florist how many stephanotis you will need depending on the style and thickness of your hair. A bride with short hair may use five to six stephanotis in a clump, pinned behind her ear. For an up-do, consider a french twist with individual stephanotis in a straight line up the crease. Or leave the hair down, randomly pinning them in the curls. These small white florets are available year round and have a soft scent.

ROSE

Charming roses are a signature flower for weddings. There is no flower that has been revered and celebrated as much as the rose. As a source of inspiration to people throughout history, roses are the definitive symbol for love and appreciation. Coming in an array of colors, and available in larger and smaller blooms, roses can be beautifully placed in barrel rolls turned forward. Roses are always elegant, classic and romantic.

GARDENIA

Somewhat similar in appearance to the garden rose but more costly and delicate, gardenias are a classic addition to any hairstyle. Symbolizing joy, refinement and beauty. These fragrant flowers create a more sophisticated look than the traditional headpiece. If you have one gardenia in your hair and your hair is pulled back, that can be more dramatic looking than a tiara. Because of this bloom's sensitivity, a style off the face with the gardenia pinned in back would be best to avoid contact with the petals as they are fragile and may bruise easily.

ORCHID

With an exotic appearance, orchids have come to represent rare and delicate beauty. Those seeking to make a lasting impression with a unique flower have found the orchid to be a perfect choice. You could use one or a few of these flowers in your hair, depending on the style. One suggestion is overlaying three orchids on top of each other and pinning them toward the top or bottom of the hair on either side. Offsetting is the key. These flowers appear best when clumped together rather than scattered randomly. The three most common orchid types, each durable enough to stay in full bloom for the big day, are cymbidium, dendrobium and phalaenopsis. Cymbidium orchids are gorgeous for a more elegant look. Orchids are usually available year round and come in a variety of colors. The "hot" flower for the summer bride, is a lime green orchid.

Each bridesmaid should wear a simpler form of hair accessory such as one or two of the flowers that have been used in the bride’s hair. These can be used with a headband or pinned into the side or back of the style. Whatever flower you decide to use, make sure you discuss it with your stylist before your hair appointment. For healthy, rich-colored petals, pick up your blooms the morning of the wedding and take them with you to the salon. It is recommended that the flowers be left in the refrigerator overnight if they're picked up a day early.