Congratulations! You are eloping with your partner, and the planning has begun. You're choosing your dress, location and ticking all the important details off your list. But what about your elopement bouquet?
When it snows, the pop of color will stand out against the white blanket of snow. Maybe you are eloping in the desert, and an earthy-toned bouquet will suit you best. Choosing your bouquet is fun and exciting, but there are some things you need to consider beforehand. Some flowers won't do well in the heat, and others wither in the cold. And on top of that, we need to be mindful of the environment.
The most important part of picking your elopement bouquet is ensuring that you are allowed to have them at national or state parks.
Leave No Trace
Mother nature is one to be revered. We come into its space to say "I do," so we need to ensure we leave no tracebehind when eloping.
Before you choose your bouquet, make sure you know the local rules and regulations of the park. Several parks don't allow any foreign flowers, but they do allow faux or native bouquets. You want to avoid bringing non-native species of flowers, as pollen or seeds can drop to the ground.
No matter how pretty they look, don't pick any flowers! If one of your guests sees you doing it, they may follow your lead, and soon there will be no flowers left to enjoy. Instead, get your photographer to capture the beauty of your surroundings to keep as a memory forever.
If you want to know more about being mindful of the environment, read here!
Let's discover the best flowers for an elopement bouquet! These are recommendations but as mentioned, confirm with the park you are eloping in to ensure they are allowed to be used in a bouquet.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums come in every texture, shape, size, and color for you to choose from. The layers of brightly colored orange petals will remind you of a beautiful golden sunset across the sky. If you prefer more colors, they also come in red, purple, and green! If you feel creative, mix and match the different colors.
Chrysanthemums bloom in late summer and fall, but florists carry these spectacular flowers all year round. These colorful flowers are especially perfect for elopement bouquets because they are sturdy. Do you plan to hike all day in the desert? Chrysanthemums can take the heat!
Cymbidium Orchids
When you talk about orchids, you might be thinking of a frail flower – well, think again! Cymbidium Orchid has a gorgeous spray of flowers and perfectly made to withstand the heat and humidity. With a thick stem making it easy to carry and a beautiful spray of flowers, add some Cymbidium Orchids to your bouquet for a unique look.
Carnations
Carnations are deeply romantic and consist of blooms that look like ruffles. They are perfect for an elopement bouquet and a number one filler flower because they can withstand most weather types once cut.
What are the color meanings of Carnations?
Deep red carnations are a symbol of love and affection.
Light red symbolizes admiration.
White is a symbol of luck and purity.
Pink means gratitude.
While there are many more carnation colors and meanings, these are the best for elopement bouquets because they’ll stand out in many landscapes!
Anthurium
Anthurium are unique flowers because they can withstand any weather – extreme heat, cold, and humidity – no problem! These hardy and resilient flowers can be shoved in your backpack, taken on a trek through the desert, or roll around in the snow; you can't go wrong with these resilient flowers.
The gorgeous waxy-leaved flowers are found in various vivid flowers, and you can use them the moment they are cut!
The Wooden Bouquet
A wooden bouquet is something out of this world. Any flower that you can dream of can get made into a wooden bouquet. Why is this a top choice for elopement bouquets? They last forever! Not only are wooden bouquets the perfect keepsake from your big day, and they won't wither or break, but they are good for the environment.
A Faux Bouquet
Faux elopement bouquets can be really diverse and unique, the best part about a faux bouquet is that you can keep it forever and it will be able to withstand any weather for any length of time on you elopement day. Faux bouquets can also appear very realistic so it will feel and look like a totally real bouquet!
Ranunculus
Also known as buttercups, ranunculus is perfect for bouquets and boutonnieres. They have layers upon layers of petals, and you can choose from a variety of colors such as white, burgundy, pink, and orange. Expect these silk-like flowers to last all day on your elopement journey.
Flowers to Avoid When Eloping
Some flowers don't do well in extreme heat and cold. Let's find out which flowers you should avoid for your elopement bouquet.
Magnolia: These dramatic flowers may be beautiful; unfortunately, they don't fare well once they get cut.
Tulips: Tulips also don't survive very long once their stems are cut, and if you are hiking in the cold or heat, they won't make it to your destination.
Hydrangeas: Although a graceful flower, hydrangeas can wilt within 3 hours of being outside.
The Ultimate Elopement Bouquet
When you choose your elopement bouquet, keep in mind the time of year, location, and the season you plan to elope in. Some flowers do better in heat and others in the cold.
More importantly, we leave no trace. Call the park where you are eloping and ensure that you are allowed the bouquet you want. Before leaving, take your bouquet home and don’t leave it behind. Consider eloping with innovative wooden bouquets and be uniquely you.
Whichever route you choose, remember that it's your day, and you must do what YOU want!
