The brainchild of Raj Somaiya…21st century entrepreneur, modern day socialite and star of 4OD’s ‘My Big Fat Asian Wedding’…Silverfox Events is one of Europe’s fastest growing event companies with an impressive reputation for creating the unusual, the unexpected and the unforgettable.
Why are florals used for weddings?
Flowers have graced wedding aisles and highly esteemed events, with origins tracing back to ancient Rome. Brides adorn themselves in floral garlands and crowns, not only for their innate beauty but for their symbolic significance- warding off negative energies and bringing fortune to those celebrating.
As history progressed, we see the first example of a modern bouquet, with brides from the Middle Ages utilising the fresh floral scent to subdue the odour of the Middle Ages. It was the Victorian era, however, that refined floral selection into an art form. Here, the language of flowers – floriography – was born, enabling brides to carry sentimental messages down the aisle with them.
Beyond their aesthetic charm, flowers remain a profound cultural symbol. Various traditions worldwide incorporate floral elements with distinct meanings.
For instance, in Thailand, both the bride and groom adorn exquisite floral garlands throughout the ceremony. This is called phuang Malai, and it is symbolic of luck, respect and paying homage to the sanctity of the occasion.
Similarly, in Southern Indian weddings, the Haldi ceremony is a revered tradition of purification, where a turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. Flowers play a crucial role beyond aesthetics, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. One such floral adornment is the Gajra, a delicate garland worn in the hair or around the wrist, representing love, purity, and devotion. Traditionally, Gajras feature vibrant hues of yellow, white, and orange, often crafted from roses, jasmine, lotus, and tulsi.
Northern Indian and Punjabi weddings embrace florals in a more celebratory manner during the Sangeet ceremony. This joyous pre-wedding event unites both families through music and dance, with floral decorations enhancing the festive atmosphere. Here too, Gajras make an appearance, symbolising beauty and tradition while amplifying the visual splendour of the occasion.
The colour psychology of florals
Selecting a floral arrangement is more than just picking a favourite bloom, it can set the tone, evoke emotion and create a lingering visual impact. Every hue plays an integral role in shaping the energy, and understanding this interplay allows for truly sophisticated floral design.
Warm tones
Red
A colour of passion and intensity, red flowers add drama, romance, and an undeniable depth of emotion to any arrangement. A bold choice, perfect for those seeking an atmosphere of love and ardour.
Pink
A softer evolution of red, pink exudes femininity, grace, and tenderness. This hue works beautifully alongside bolder colours, adding a gentle, romantic touch.
Orange
Vibrant yet warm, orange symbolises joy, enthusiasm, and energy. When incorporated thoughtfully, it can create a glowing, sunset-like aesthetic.
Purple
Purple hues often signify passion, richness and mystique. Historically reserved for nobility, its presence in a floral arrangement elevates the overall grandeur.
Cool tones
Blues
Serene and calming, blue is reminiscent of open skies and tranquil waters, making it a perfect choice for an intimate, reflective atmosphere.
Green
A representation of nature, balance and restoration. Greenery incorporated into florals brings an organic, grounded feel, reflecting the eternal nature of love.
Black
Bold and enigmatic, black is a colour of sophistication and elegance. Offering a contemporary, striking contrast in floral arrangements. Symbolic of confidence and luxury.
White
Purity, new beginnings, and clarity—white is the quintessential wedding colour. Timeless and refined, it sets the perfect canvas for any floral composition.
Floriography
Floriography, the language of flowers, emerged as an intricate form of communication in the 19th century. Yet, its roots can be traced back even further to ancient China and Egypt, where flowers conveyed unspoken messages. In an era where open expressions of emotion were restrained by societal norms, the elite used floriography as a discreet way to express desires and sentiments.
Today, this tradition endures, weaving deeper meaning into wedding florals. Every bloom tells a story, adding layers of symbolism that transcend mere decoration. Whether a bride seeks to whisper a secret love note through lilacs or convey devotion with roses, floriography ensures that each bouquet speaks volumes.
The perfect pair (flower coupling suggestions)
Pairing the perfect florals together is an art in itself. Thoughtfully curating floral compositions elevates any event, ensuring the arrangement as breathtaking as the moment they accompany.
All white
A refined bouquet featuring baby’s breath, calla lily, privet, and jasmine, decorated with strands of eucalyptus. A vision of purity and grace.
A touch of the tropical
Exotic orchids, forget-me-nots, and vibrantly coloured lilies cradled by monstera leaves create an opulent, tropical-inspired arrangement.
Something Blue
A dreamy blend of blue hyacinths, lilacs, and crisp white roses, enriched with wisps of wheat or pampas grass for added texture and movement.
Romantic rouge
Using the lovestruck rose variation, interwoven with sprigs of dried red or white Phalaris and laurel leaves, evokes the essence of passion and devotion.
Curating a breathtaking bouquet for your big day can be daunting when you’re not sure where to begin. At Silverfox Events, we aim to make the process really simple, our bespoke weddings are meticulously thought up and crafted with an unwavering commitment to artistry, Sheetal and our expert design team collaborate with the most renowned florists to craft bespoke bouquets and floral installations that are nothing short of breathtaking.
