Wedding Flowers 101: Your guide to knowing your florals (Part 1 )

Wondered if hydrangeas come in blue (they do!) and if marigolds are available all year round (they are!) and what flowers to use for your next garden party? This curated flower guide is part inspiration, part knowledge and an expert’s guide to flowers put together by none other than wedding designer Devika Narain. The next time you ask your decorator for a 'that yellow vala open flower', you may want to show off your mad wedding planning skills by asking him for a 'Cymbidium'  instead ;)

Hydrangeas

Fun fact: Hydrangeas are usually white, but they also come in lilac, blue , pink and a host of other colors.

Availability: Usually Imported from Europe, but many people don't know that they are available in Bangalore , though the Indian variety has a smaller head size.

Price: The imported ones go for around 240 Rs  per head  to 150 Rs per head

Roses

Availability: Roses cannot be imported into India. They are available in a variety of colors within India itself, except the black rose which does not grow here.

Price: Retail price can go for 15-20 Rs per stem, but the bulk rate that most decorators would get it at would be around 5-7 Rs per rose.

Bright yellows cheer up any space. I recommend pairing them with an emerald or navy.

The Lily

Availability: The Lily is the most 'common' luxury flower that is available within India itself.

Price: Stems are priced at 30 Rs per stem in the retail market, but around 20 Rs per stem in wholesale  

 Calla & Cymbidum

Calla is a version of the Lily and Cymbidium is an imported yellow orchid with a bigger head size. Cymbidiums come in a variety of colors in lilac pink to a beautiful  green. Availability: Imported from Thailand and China  

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Mix lemons with pink and orange tropical flowers for a stunning summer centrepiece.

Carnations

Availability: Commonly available in almost every flower market in India Price:  Similar to roses. Retail stores price them at 15-20 per stem, but wholesalers can give these to you for Rs 7 per stem.

Mokara Orchid

Availability: These are orchids with a smaller head size which are imported from Thailand.

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Blush inspired English flowers, perfect for a vintage inspired wedding.

The Iris

The Iris is a European flower which is beautiful as a 'filler'.

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Love how beautiful the marigold and Indian rose look together.

Marigold (Genda)

Availability: Available in three colors-  orange, yellow and Maroon. The Calcutta Marigold has a beautiful, full head size and the flower in general is an extremely versatile and probably the most used flower traditionally for Indian weddings Price: Costs  50 bucks per kilo or around 10 Rs for a string of many marigold heads.  

Desi Gulab

Availability: A rich jewelled toned flower, this rose is grown in India in the winter time. The beauty of the flower is in how gorgeous it smells and can instantly transform your venue into an aromatic Indian setup.  

Stay tuned to Part 2 as we show you a few more flowers which are local to India.

See Devika's blog here