Think of the ” oohs” and the “ahhs” when the bride and groom arive at their wedding to see the gorgeous flower arrangements designed by Flowers By Cynde.

Carnations are actually ideal for floral arrangement ideas, as they can be versatile and elegant. At Flowers by Cynde, we think all flowers have the potential to create stunning arrangements. Whether you’re looking for the perfect floral arrangement ideas for a wedding or a dinner party, don’t rule out including carnations, just because they’re not exactly the rarest of flowers.

Sand drying—If you have fine white sand laying about, you can put it to good use by using it to dry out your flowers from flower baskets. Grab a cardboard box with a few holes in the bottom. Cover the box bottom with newspaper and pour about a half-inch of sand inside. Place the flowers from the flower baskets face-down and cover with more sand. It should take one or two weeks for the flowers to be completely dry. Punch holes in the bottom of the box and let the excess sand run out.

Pressing—If you have fragile flowers, pressing may be the most effective way of preserving them. Simply put your flowers between newspapers sheets and weigh them down with heavy books.

Oven drying—You can dry flowers from flower baskets in a shallow pan with an inch of sand in it. Place the flowers in the pan and completely cover with additional sand. Place in the oven for two hours. Be sure to keep the oven set at its lowest reading.

This summer, the cutting edge in flower fashion for bridal bouquet arrangements is all about bold colors. Think deep, lush tawny tones like magenta combined with vibrant chartreuse and accents of orange. Check out chic and modern color combinations at the Flowers By Cynde Website here and here.

But you may be surprised to find that preserving fresh cut flowers is likely easier than you thought. And there’s more than one method for preserving your most coveted petals. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Hanging—One of the easiest and most popular methods of drying out fresh cut flowers is by hanging them. It’s also the cheapest, as there’s nothing you need to buy. All that’s required are a few strings that can be used to tie the flowers into loose bundles. Hang them in a warm, dark room until completely dry. It may take one to three weeks for the flowers to become completely dried out.

Borax—The great thing about borax is that it keeps the fresh cut flowers from shrinking and losing all semblance of their former selves. Colors will usually stay the same, as well, although pinks and reds may change a bit. Be careful not to leave your flowers in borax too long, or they may become brittle.

When drying with borax, it’s up to you to decide whether you want the flowers dried face-up, face-down or horizontally. The best method usually depends on the type of fresh cut flowers you are drying.

When drying face-up, you’ll need a shallow box that’s resting sideways on another carton. Punch holes in the box’s surface that are just large enough to place the stems inside. Make sure that the box is large enough so that the flower heads are not touching. Then sift a mixture of borax and corn meal under or between the petals until they are all lightly coated.

When drying face-down or horizontally, cover the bottom of a box with about an inch of the borax and corn meal mixture. You can make little piles of the mixture to place the flowers in. then sift the corn meal and borax mixture around the fresh cut flowers until they are covered.

When the flowers are dry, you’ll be able to remove the meal and the borax with a soft brush.

Choosing Fresh Flower Delivery for Summer Weddings

Choosing Summer Flowers for Fresh Flower Delivery

• Alstromeria—Also known as a Peruvian Lily is available in yellow, purple and violet. They are a beautiful, exotic looking flower.

• Chrysanthemum—These summer blooms come in large and compacts varieties. Colors range from white, red, yellow, purple, pink and orange.

• Forget-me-Not—A beautiful bright blue bloom that makes a lovely accent flower in you wedding flower arrangements.

• Gerbera Daisy—Comes in a variety of beautiful colors like yellows, pinks and oranges.

• Sunflower—Large or small varieties make a terrific summer wedding flower arrangement.

• Poppy—Brilliant red flowers as well as yellow

• Hibiscus -  Colorful additions to any summer wedding bouquet

• Peony—Large, gorgeous flowers in pink, white or red add brilliance to  bridal bouquet. Also come in other varieties to add to summer bouquets or wedding reception flowers.

• Rose—The traditional wedding flower available in many colors, and some not so traditional. Select from small buds to larger varieties.

• Orchid—A tropical flower in many exotic colors including white, pink and purple.

• Calla Lilly—A gorgeous bloom in an amazing array of colors. Choose from white, pink, lavender, red, yellow, orange and more. These flowers are very tolerant to heat and humidity, and will witstand outdoor weddings as well as many days after.

Ensure you talk with your florist regarding the types of flowers you want as well as how many you’ll need, so that they order enough in time for your wedding.

Still not sure which types of flowers will look best with your dress and color scheme? Contact the flower experts at FlowersByCynde, we’re here to help!

Guests may rave about the chef’s expertise on the grill, but they’ll stop more than once to smell fresh summer flowers on the table.

Select summer flower bouquets to coordinate with the picnic theme or flowers that will withstand the summer heat including lilies, carnations, and alstroemeria.

After the picnic or barbeque, the hostess can take the flowers home and still marvel in their beauty and fragrance.

Natural Methods For Preserving Fresh Cut Flowers

• Mix one part lemon-lime soda (not diet) to 3 parts water. For each quart of this solution, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach. Then add 1/4 teaspoon bleach after every 4 days of use.
• Add  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water.
• Add 2 ounces Listerine mouthwash for every gallon of water. Listerine contains sucrose (food) and a bactericide.
• Place  a penny at the bottom of your vase of fresh cut flowers and add an aspirin tablet (not Tylenol or ibuprofen) to form an acidic solution to keep flowers fresh longer.

Here are a few popular flower meanings, so you know what kind of fresh flowers to send to everyone on your list for any occasion.

Carnation – pride and beauty – Express your pride or acknowledge the beauty of a job well done with a bouquet of carnations or slip a couple in with a bouquet of mixed flowers.

Alstroemeria – friendship – Include alstroemeria with a bouquet of mixed flowers to express your appreciation for a special friendship.

Aster – patience – Fresh cut aster with a planter or bouquet adds heartfelt sentiments.  

Aster symbolizes patience

Daisy/Chrysanthemum – fidelity – Want to express your undying love and trust to someone special? Add a few daisies or chrysanthemums to let them know.

Gladiolus – strength of character – Send gladiolus to your co-worker or as a thank you bouquet for sealing a big contract. Maybe a friend or relative experienced some rough times, send him or her a fresh flower delivery to express your support.

Iris – my complements – Iris make a prominent statement of “Thank You” or “A job well done.” A fresh flower delivery of iris and other mixed flowers are both appropriate for corporate gifts and personal wishes.

Lily – majesty- Send lilies with your fresh flower delivery for the most regal and beautiful people in your life. Everyone will feel like royalty with these flowers.

Snapdragon – desire – Snapdragons are a beautiful addition to not only a bouquet but also potted plants and steadfastly grow in dry or humid climates. Whether you desire a friendship, business association or something more, sending fresh snapdragons make an excellent statement.

Statice symbolizes remembrance

Statice – remembrance – A few stems of fresh statice will let your recipients know that you remember them often whether you seee them every week in person or only once a year.

Tulip – decoration of love – Roses are most often sent as a declaration of one’s love, but sending tulips is less formal and can be sent to anyone, for any occasion.