Wedding Flower Considerations

Fresh cut flowers add a romantic and breathtaking backdrop to your wedding celebration. Throughout history they have been used for their fragrance, beauty of color, or even as symbols of purity and fertility.

Consider these important factors when selecting the variety, color and source of your fresh cut flowers for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and church or reception decoration:

• Durability - Some flowers are more likely to succumb to the effects of strong, direct sunlight if exposed for several hours. If you are determined to use these flowers, use them in small doses where their beauty will not fade. For the remainder of your flowers, select those with staying power that will resist wilting and still look fresh as the last couple leaves the dance floor.
• Color - Let your personality and your wedding's theme guide your choice of flower colors. Pick colors that coordinate, contrast or blend, whichever your preference; pale pastels, brilliant jewel tones, deep and rich hued colors, or maybe the purity of white. Don't forget to the greenery, which adds a lush and full appearance to your arrangements without breaking the bank.
• Fragrance - Be sure to consider your flower's aroma before adding it to your arrangements. Strongly fragrant blooms such as gardenia, jasmine or freesia which are ideal for bouquets, may not work quite as well in dining table centerpieces. The strong aromas may overwhelm some guests, as well as trigger allergies.
  
• Availability - Plan on using wedding flowers that are in season to take advantage of freshness, logistics and cost savings. Plan ahead to manage your budget and avoid last minute suprises regarding availability.

Commonly used fresh cut wedding flowers and their meanings:

• Carnations - distinctions
• Lilies - purity and innocence
• Roses - love
• White Daisies - innocence

Wholesale Flowers Fact Sheet

Here are some of the latest statistics regarding the fresh cut, wholesale flower industry:

• Roses continue to be the single most popular fresh cut flower with consumers. Approximately 1.3 billion stems were purchased in 2005.
• Nearly 180 million stems of roses are bought in the USA just for Valentine's Day gift giving.
• For the 2004 twelve-month season, imported cut flowers and greens accounted for some 80% of the total U.S. supply.
• Consumers purchased an estimated $19.5 billion of floral items (including artificial blooms, potted plants, outdoor bedding/garden plants and related items) in 2005. Approximately half of that was spent on fresh cut flowers and greens.
• The nation's 22,753 retail florists averaged $290,000 per shop annual sales in 2005.
• There are some 23,000 supermarkets selling fresh cut flowers in the United States.
• Most flowers are purchased during four key holiday months: February, April, May and December. Besides holiday sales, flowers are typically purchased for gifts and remembrances.
• Women prefer flowers in softer pastel colors (pale pink and pale purple top the list), while men tend to choose flowers with bold primary colors, like red.
• According to the nation's florists, secretaries are the number one recipient of floral gifts in offices. Bosses, they say, are the least likely to receive a gift of fresh cut flowers.
• Most growers pre-cool boxed flowers prior to shipping to prevent heat build-up and premature decay.

Information courtesy of the California Cut Flower Commission

Flowers Beat Depression!

We fresh cut flower fanatics know that flowers bring happiness, and research confirms that correlation. Evolution Psychology published results of three recent Rutgers University studies:

1. FLOWERS BRING SMILES: Of 147 women of varying ages, those who received flowers smiled significantly more than those who received fruits and sweets or a candle.
   
2. A SINGLE BLOOM CREATES TALK: Another study took place in an elevator where a single flower was handed to a man or woman. Both women and men who were presented with a flower (rather than a pen, or nothing) were more likely to smile. They were more likely to stand at a social distance (rather than an impersonal one) and were more likely to begin conversation.
3. BOUQUETS BEAT DEPRESSION: Retirees, whose average age was 73, were asked to keep a diary of daily social interactions. Those who received bouquets were happier and perhaps less depressed than those who did not, and scored higher on memory tasks.

GardenSmart by Fran Sorin (USA Weekend, Jan 20-22, 2006 issue)

Color Wheel Makes Choosing Flowers Easy

When designing fresh cut flower bouquets and arrangements one of the first questions often asked is, "What color flowers should I use?"

Well, that depends on your goals and expectations. Are you imagining a dramatic display of stunning colors that grabs everyone's attention with its bold style and bright color? Or perhaps you had something more subtle in mind; soft pastels that add a touch of elegance while providing that final detail to your event's theme.

Using the artist's color wheel can prove to be a tremendous aid in your flower color selection process. Take a look at these examples to get you started on your next fresh cut flower project.



The monochromatic theme uses one color, with tints, shades and hues of the same color: Using various red and pink flowers together.





The analagous theme uses colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel: Cobalt can work with blue-greens, greens, blue-violet and violet.





The complementary strategy utilizes colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel: Red flowers in a green vase result in a dramatic arrangement!




The triadic theory requires using three colors of the color wheel that are equal distance apart; a balanced and strong approach.




The color wheel has three primary colors: red, yellow and blue. These three colors are what make all other colors, and they cannot be created from any of the other colors.

Secondary colors are created when two primary colors are mixed together. The three secondary colors are orange, green and violet.

Intermediate colors are created when an adjoining primary color and secondary color are mixed. For example, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet and red-violet.

Give the color wheel a spin while designing your next fresh-cut flower arrangement!

Carnations: Rich in History and Beauty

The carnation is a flowering plant that has been cultivated for the past 2,000 years. Originally its color was a pinkish hue, however many cultivars have been developed since, including reds, whites, yellows and even green.

Pink carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. According to Christian legend, the Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus, the pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day.

A red carnation may be worn if one's mother is alive, and a white one if she has passed.

Carnations are also worn on special occassions and at weddings. They were known as "Jove's Flower" in ancient Rome as a tribute to one of their beloved gods. In Korea, a young girl places three carnations in her hair to tell her fortune. If the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult; if it is the middle flower, her earlier years will bring the most grief. Worst of all, if the bottom flower dies first, the poor girl will be miserable her entire life.

For the most part, carnations express love, fascination and distinction. Light red carnations express admiration, while dark red denotes deep love and affection. White carnations indicate pure love and good luck, while striped carnations symbolize regret that a love cannot be shared.

Send someone a special gift of carnations today!

Design Your Own Wedding Bouquets

How many of us have dreamed of a wedding with thousands of beautiful flowers, but are also faced with the realities of a budget? You can still achieve your dream without breaking the bank. All you need is a little imagination and preparation. Do it yourself wedding bouquets and centerpieces are easier than ever with the easy access to fresh cut flowers from farm direct wholesalers.

Preparation
Working with fresh cut flowers does require some preparation. Receive your flowers in a cool location not exposed to direct sunlight, and have plenty of buckets with cool water available. We recommend the common, 5 gallon painter's buckets that are available at any hardware store. Spritzing your flowers often will keep them fresh and easier to work with than a droopy bloom.

Don't try to accomplish everything on your own! Most likely, you are already managing all of the event's details, so recruit a family member and friend to help you. Plan on completing bouquets and centerpieces the day before your wedding, so you are not working until the last minute.

Bouquets
The degree of difficulty involved in making a wedding bouquet can mean all of the difference between a do it yourself project or something better left for floral arrangment professionals. We recommend keeping things simple for first time bouquet designers. The ideas below are elegant, beautiful and easy to arrange.

Nosegays are in style and easy to make! First, groom the flowers by removing any thorns, extra leaves or outer petals. Wrap thinner stems with a little wire for support. Next, trim the stems to the correct length, probably between 8 and 10 inches. Place the flowers in your hand, forming a dome shape and wrap all of the stems together with wire. To finish, wrap the stems and wire with ribbon and tie it all off with a bow.

For a variety of nosegay designs, experiment with color, or with one or more flower types, perhaps adding freesia to your rose bouquet. Also experiment with size. 25 roses make a generous bridal bouquet, but consider fewer stems for your bride's maids.

Presentation bouquets were all the rage in the 1920's, and their understated elegance is roaring back into wedding events. Choose long flowers, such as calla lilies, delphinium, asiatic and oriental lilies, or orchids.

Arrange your flowers in order of height, according to the longest stem, creating an arrow shape. Gather the flowers in your hand, maintaining the arrow shape, and tie all of the flowers together with a ribbon just below the base of the flower heads.

It only takes a few minutes, and you have created a traditional, beautiful and romantic bouquet!

Single stem bouquets are all that you need if your desire is the elegance of simplicity. Consider carrying a single stem down the aisle, perhaps adorned with a grosgrain ribbon bow. Larger flowers make a bigger impact, so experiment with the dramatic colors of of an Oriental lily or flowers with similar characteristics.

Centerpieces are easy if you keep two things in mind; never construct your centerpiece taller than 12 inches. You don't want your guests having to stand up at the tables to talk to each other over the height of the arrangements. Secondly, always order a box of flowers to experiment with your design before your event. You need to know in advance if your design works!

Table bouquets are a simple design of three different flowers mixed together in a low vase with several sprigs of greenery. Trim one flower to test its height against the vase, then cut the others. Keep in mind that you will probably want some variation in length for your arrangements.

Or try this variation for a quick and simple solution for your table arrangements. Choose three different flowers and three low vases. Trim the flowers for appropriate height if necessary and simply place a handful of each flower into each different vase. Next, place three vases on each table with a lovely assortment of complimentary colors and styles that will accent your event's theme.

Floating flowers make dramatic centerpieces, especially when lit by tea lights. They are easy to create and add a unique touch to your table design. Picture hot pink Gerbera daisies floating in a clear bowl or exotic lilies and candles in a shallow bamboo basin. Simply choose a flower with a large bloom, like Gerberas or Oriental Lilies. Cut them short, leaving only about 1 inch of the stems to serve as an anchor, and float your blooms in bowls of water.

Because most decorative bowls can hold about 5 flowers, floating centerpieces are as inexpensive as they are beautiful.

Caring For Your Fresh Cut Flowers

Follow these simple steps after receiving your shipment of fresh cut flowers. You will enjoy their stunning display of vibrant colors and delicious aromas day after day!

1. Always begin with clean tools and containers: scissors, shears, vases.
   
2. Add lukewarm water to your container. Hot water signals the flowers to open much faster.
3. Cut approximately 1 inch from the flower stems, using a 45 degree angle.
   
4. Mix in your floral food or preservative according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Remove all foilage from below the water line. This prevents decay and bacteria.
6. Do not place flowers in direct sunlight, or drafts from air conditioners or heaters.
7. Every 2 or 3 days, re-cut the flower stems and replace the water and floral food.

Remember to treat your freshly cut flowers with care and affection. They will reward your efforts with long lasting beauty, elegance and style!

Floral Holiday Calendar

Special events and occasions that are ideal for sending fresh cut flowers to family and friends.

• Mother's Day - May 14th, 2006
• Memorial Day - May 29th, 2006
• Father's Day - June 18th, 2006
• Grandparent's Day - September 10th, 2006
• Halloween - October 31st, 2006
• Thanksgiving - November 23rd, 2006
• Christmas - December 25th, 2006
• Hanukkah - December 16th to December 23rd, 2006
• Valentine's Day - February 14th, 2007
• Saint Patrick's Day - March 17th, 2007
• Passover - April 3rd, 2007
• Easter - April 8th, 2007

Mother's Day Celebration

This is an exciting time for the entire Sun King Wholesale team!

Mother's Day is an opportunity to celebrate love, appreciation and devotion with our closest family members. And we take take great pride in having been given the opportunity to participate in making this day special and unforgettable for you and your loved ones.

The past week has been exciting and full of non-stop action. Your orders have kept our staff busy; from confirming variety and color availablility, to coordinating delivery from our farms in Colombia and Ecuador.

All of us on the team of Sun King Wholesale would like to share a genuine, "Thank you!"

Your confidence and trust are greatly appreciated and we will always strive to serve your needs.