Decorating & Design
February 10, 2016
12 Bouquets That Are More Beautiful Than A Dozen Red Roses
This Valentine’s Day, we dare you to go beyond the standard bouquet of red roses. Yes, they are — and will always be — lovely flowers, there are so many other gorgeous, unusual blooms and arrangements out there worth spoiling someone (or yourself!) with.
Here are some of our favorite designs from florists across Canada, with options to suit any style and taste. And if you should just happen to leave a couple images open on your computer for your special someone to find, all the better!
This citrus-hued arrangement by Jordana Masi of Toronto-based White Oak Flower Co., is stunning and seasonal. ‘”During these months we tend to see a greater use of citrus palettes. It’s the right time of the year for them, with fruits ripe on the branch,” says Jordana. “By making use of winter and spring flowers like ranunculus, anemone, tulips and narcissus, you can really develop beautiful and unique arrangements.”
A rustic aesthetic is the hottest trend in floral design right now, and this arrangement’s asymmetrical styling is the perfect example of the look. It’s moody and perfectly disheveled, which adds to its dramatic feel.
Going local doesn’t just apply to your dinner plate — stick close to home with your bouquets, too, by choosing flowers that are in season in your region. Jordana specializes in locally-grown blooms, sourcing them from growers around Ontario. “It’s pretty cool to gift something that was grown in the same province, especially when everyone else is gifting roses that were grown on the other side of the world,” she says.
A good alternative to the standard rose is a free spirit rose, seen here in an arrangement by Calgary’s Amborella Foral Studio. Free spirit roses have an amazing fragrance and, even better, a longer vase life than garden-variety roses. They can open up to 4” across, making them a perfect statement bloom.
If you’re going to have a stunning bouquet then you have to have the vase to match it. Not only is this romantic centerpiece by Blush & Bloom full of depth and variety, but its golden urn sets it off perfectly. (The tangerines are a fun addition, too!)
While Toronto-based Timberlost Design’s Lauren Wilson advises clients to steer clear of trends and follow their own personal tastes, there’s no use denying that white flowers are having a moment. “Whites and greens are very popular right now and I love working with bold, clean whites and lush, deep greens,” says Lauren. “When I have a client who wants color, I suggest blushes, plums and creams instead.”
If you still love roses, then consider including one or two in a loose, garden-inspired arrangement. “I am an advocate for pulling from your landscape,” says Lauren. And if you don’t have a garden? No problem. “Get inspired by your surroundings — base your palette off a favorite dress or a certain shade of pink,” she advises.
If you long for colorful flowers but hate those cheesy dyed bouquets at the grocery store, then this romantic bouquet for you. “I love garden-inspired, rustic bouquets that are still romantic. I achieve this by using big, bold blooms, soft textures and woodsy accents,” says Lauren. “Some of my favorite flowers to work with this year are poppies, anemones, veronica, wax flowers, scabiosa, garden roses, parrot tulips and magnolia branches.”
Nova Scotia-based Chelsea Lee Flowers does red roses in a totally unique way. Complemented by luscious greens and soft pinks this bouquet is perfect for those wanting a little pop of color to brighten their winter days.
This arrangement by Coriander Girl, a West End Toronto flower and antique shop, incorporates two-tone roses amidst moody blooms and lush greenery for a Valentine’s Day bouquet that’s anything but cliché.
Vancouver’s Flower Factory styled blooms in a soft and gentle palette of buttery yellows, soft pinks and crisp whites for a celebration of springtime in a vase. The pastel hues lend a dreamy vibe, while a wide variety of flowers add depth and visual interest.
Small bouquets can be just as stunning as large arrangements. In this one by Edmonton’s Swish Flowers, one scene-stealing protea is anchored by smaller, complementary blooms for a tiny bouquet with big impact.