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 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, suggested Crystal Mitchell, owner of Signature Brides. Pin back a few pieces on one side, and place the lily beside the pinned locks.
If worn on the wedding day, the bride doesn't need to sprits on 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 are the most popular.
GERBERA DAISY
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, Mitchell said. Gerberas are available in a painter's pallet of intense colors, including bright red, yellow, pink and orange.
STEPHANOTIS
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, with one sticking out further than the rest, pinned behind her ear. For an up-do, Mitchell said to 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. Coming in an array of colors, and available in larger and smaller blooms, roses can be beautifully placed in barrel rolls turned forward. "It's almost more of an old-fashioned look," Mitchell said.
GARDENIA
Somewhat similar in appearance to the garden rose but more costly and delicate, gardenias are a classic addition to any hairstyle. But brides use caution this potent flower's petals are fragile and may bruise easily. "Gardenias wilt pretty fast," Boyle said. "They're really only appropriate for cooler weddings like in the spring."
Kathy Garamendi, owner of Flowers by Kathy, said 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's more dramatic looking than a tiara," she said.
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.
ORCHID
Delicate orchids will stun your guests. You could use one or a few of these flowers in your hair, depending on the style. Mitchell suggested 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. "Most flowers if you're going to do them in a clump instead of randomly I would generally pick one side of the hair because if you put it in the middle of the up-do it will take away the attention of the hairdo," she said.
The three most common orchid types, each durable enough to stay in full bloom for the big day, are cymbidium, dendrobium and phalaenopsis. Boyle said cymbidium orchids, although slightly more expensive, are gorgeous for a more elegant wedding. "Since they're a little bit bigger they have more of a presence and they're a little more stylish," she said.
Orchids are usually available year round and come in a variety of colors. Garamendi said the hot flower for this spring's brides is a lime green orchid.
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. Garamendi recommended leaving the flowers in the refrigerator overnight if they're picked up a day early.
