Wedding Bouquets Go Country

So many brides these days are looking for a way to cut corners on their wedding, it's ironic that they're still willing to spend $300-$400 for the perfect bouquet when the hot trend right now is implementing flowers commonly found in your own backyard.

First daughter Jenna Bush and Rebecca Romjin are just two of the most recent A-List brides who have embraced country fresh blossoms like geraniums, ranunculus, steel grass, thistle, fiddlehead ferns, scabiosa pods and other field greens

These blooms add an organic elegance to any wedding, and are often paired with old antique vases, mason jars and steel buckets to create the perfect table arrangement.

While these types of field greens do tend to be cheaper than your typical rose or lily, they can cost more when purchased out of season, so it's a good idea to talk to your florist first before you get your heart set on a hosting your own version of Little House on the Prairie.

photo: Craighead/White House

Flower Power

Your love may be in bloom, but how can you be really sure you’re making the most out of your flower arrangements? According to celebrity florist Michael George of Michael George Hybrid in New York City, it's all about matching the right florals to a specific ambiance. George, whose client list includes Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Vera Wang and Calvin Klein, suggests sticking to something organic for an outdoor summer event.

"Anything that complements the surroundings and seasons, the stolen views of the outdoors, e.g. roses for rose gardens, lilac and peonies in the spring," he suggests.

Will your wedding day be indoors? For a modern space, George recommends using "graphic, minimal, chic, monochromatic flowers," while a traditional church ceremony calls for "ethereal white florals [like] hydrangea, and calla lilies."

Just don’t get your heart set on a certain bloom, he cautions. Much like designers-in-demand and hot bands, some flowers can end up being way too trendy for their own good.

"At the moment, peonies just came into season and everyone can't get enough of them," says George.

For more flower options, check out WeddingChannel.com.

photo: Todd Rafalovich