Flower Crush: Protea

The bridal bouquet of Pink Mink protea, ranunculus, peonies, tulips, stock, astilbe and hyacinth in varying shades of pink accented with seeded eucalyptus foliage.

Exotic exuberance that effortlessly bridges the gap between tropical and traditional.

If you have even a little familiarity with cut flowers, you may have a few that come to mind when you hear the term “tropical”: ginger, birds of paradise, heliconia, anthurium… Once you’ve seen them, they’re hard to forget! Long, woody stalks with large, vibrant, hugely expressive heads of waxy grandeur. Many of these tropical treasures evolved to attract birds – rather than insects – to facilitate their pollination, so understandably they are impressively sizeable. Nevertheless, although absolutely gorgeous, their size and graphic nature can make it very difficult for them to “play nice” in more traditional wedding arrangements. In short, tropical flowers beg to be showcased. If you want a totally tropical feel for your wedding, any combination of these are sure to create a heady, equatorial lushness for your celebration.

Love the idea of bringing the tropics to your table or are just fond of a hint of different, but feel a little intimidated by these all-star tropicals?  Then let us suggest (drum roll, please!) PROTEA! Protea, specifically varieties like pin cushion, leucadendron, blushing bride and sunset, are remarkably versatile flowers that provide an amazing burst of texture and color while being small enough to nest in with a near-endless array of more traditional options. Think fluffy hydrangea and spring favorites like ranunculus, cymbidium orchids, and craspedia paired with the sophisticated fringe of pincushion protea atop a leaf-lined vase.

King and Queen varieties of protea are larger, more “center-stage” flowers with subtle, muted colors. Think lush, tumbling cascades of jasmine vine, seeded eucalyptus, anemone, and poppy pods with soft pink king protea as a worthy focal point to get you that cascading, impossibly gorgeous “just picked” feel. 

There’s a ton of potential for subtly tropical, seriously eye-popping combinations! Protea is definitely a team-playing tropical that won’t drop the ball on the big day.

Protea Facts:

Season: Available year-round with limited availability for some varieties

Colors: Yellows and oranges, reds, blush pinks, and burgundies

When to Use: When you want a twist of the tropics without sacrificing traditionality. Or for full-on rainforest lushness, of course.

For more protea perfection, check out our Pinterest board!

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We call it the creep…

Everyone talks about the rising cost of flowers, but there’s another story behind the numbers: time. Over the years, wedding timelines have stretched. First looks, detail shots, getting-ready portraits, ceremony and reception setups starting hours earlier than before, and more complex with event breakdowns. Florists are often still paid by the piece, not by the hour, yet the hours have multiplied.

What was once a 2 to 4 hour delivery day has quietly turned into a 12 to 16 hour production days with setup, standby, and late-night breakdowns. And flowers are still perishable, so they cannot sit out waiting for the photography timeline to catch up.

When couples ask why flowers cost more now, this is part of the answer. It is not just about stems or supply chains. It is the labor, the logistics, and the reality that perfection takes time, often a lot more than it used to. 

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Did you know that baby’s breath can be a showstopper all on its own? 🌟 

At Meaghan & David’s Willard Hotel wedding, we used this delicate bloom to create everything from airy, elevated centerpieces to rings of the tiny flowers to circle candles and lush runners on the head table. The result? A look that’s both ethereal and elegant, proving that baby’s breath can be more than just a filler flower. It’s a versatile, often budget-friendly option that brings a soft, romantic vibe to any wedding. Who’s ready to fall in love with this understated beauty? 😍

📍 @willard_intercontinentaldc
📷 @kellylossphoto
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