Peonies

[Mrs. Smith {5.22.10}]

I'm using red rose pomanders as decoration for my ceremony and as bridesmaids bouquets in my May 2010 wedding. I want to use white and red peonies like the Candy Heart, White Frost and Many Happy Returns for my bridal bouquet. My questions are:

When are peonies considered "in season"?
Typically how much do they cost per flower?
In your professional opinion would using so many doubles with the bomb-type be too much? (I know everyone says it's personal preference but I don't want it to look like I'm carrying a big poof ball in my hands!) Should I replace the Many Happy Returns with somthing like the semi-double Paladin?

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Just for fun:

For the reception I am using deep red cymbidium orchids with white bog orchids. DF says that we have too many different types of flowers and it's "tacky" because they don't match (i.e., not all roses). The colors all blend really well and FMIL, who runs a wedding garden, and I think they look great! Plus the roses and peonies will be used for the ceremony, and the orchids are for the reception so they are in two completely seperate spaces and not technically being "used together".

As a florist, do you run into alot of people who believe you have to have all the same type of flowers for a wedding?
How do you make them see that you can blend many different types of blooms and colors without it looking like a meadow threw-up all over the reception hall?

[Botanica Floral Designs]

Peonies are considered to be in season March thru June. You will have to check with your local florist or wholesaler for variety availability. Cost depends on many factors, and varies on region, variety, availability, etc. You again will have to check locally with your resources. The look you are going to get with the doubles is that "poofy" look, so if that is not your style, maybe consider mixing your bouquet up with some other blooms.

As for using different flowers for different areas, I usually see that brides carry out the same flowers throughout the wedding ceremony as well as reception. However, it is your wedding day, so it is totally your choice. Peonies and roses are more romantic styles of flowers while orchids are more on the modern side for me. It all depends on how your florist is planning on tying everything together.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Audrey Gardemeyer
Botanica Floral Designs
http://www.botanicafloraldesigns.com
http://www.botanicafloraldesigns.com/blog