October Flower of the Month: Calendula

Photo Credit: Bows and Arrows

Calendula is the birth flower of those born in October.

The meaning of Calendula is grief, sorrow or sympathy.

The Calendula is also commonly called Marigold or  "Mary's God" by early Christians.

The Calendula is easily grown making it affordable for the Bride who has the patience to grow their own wedding flowers. It is avaiable in shades of orange and yellow which makes for the perfect fall wedding flower!

Photo Credit: Bows and Arrows

 Calendula leaves are edible and are used for seasoning and coloring of  food by some and as a healing medicine by others.

Photo Credit: Adventures of a Whole Wheat Pastafarian

September Flower of the Month : Aster

Photo Credit: Botanic-Art

Aster is the birth flower of those born in September it is said that when the Virgo sprinkle stardust on the earth the star burst -shaped Aster was created. The Aster is available from November until May however they can be imported from South America year round. The Aster is a fragrance less flower however the perfume of the dried and burned flower is believed to ward off evil. This moderately in priced flower  is available in a variety of shades from white, pink, yellow  to deep purple.

Meaning of Aster: Daintiness, love, patience and good luck.

Fun note: The Aster is often give to lovers as a love charm and believed to hold mystical power to draw out love and affection.

August Flower of the Month: Gladiolus

Photo Credit: Jeremy Beasley

Gladiolus is the birth flower of those born in the month of August.

Meaning: The Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, honor, faithfulness and sincerity.

The Gladiolus is a perennial that is available year round in a wide variety of colors from bright to pastel shades ranging from white to of purple including some bi colors. Gladiolus are inexpensive and produce bulbs making the  easy for someone getting married to grow themselves and enjoy them every year after their wedding as a reminder of the beautiful flowers used for their wedding!

May Wedding Flower of the Month: Lily of the Valley

Photo Credit: Michelle Rago

Lily of the Valley is the birth flower of May the meaning of Lily of the Valley: Sweetness, return to happiness, delicacy and chastity it is also know as the "May flower" or "the Ladder to Heaven".  In the Bible the Lily of the Valley was mentioned 15 times most often in the song of Solomon it is also said to be the tears that the Virgin Mary wept at the Cross of Christ.

The Lily of the Valley is available year round and it quite expensive it has a very fragrant scent and comes in white and in a very rare pink the Lily of the Valley is not a recommend flower to carry as a wedding bouquet it is best used as a filler or accent flower.

Today the Lily of the Valley is also know as the flower used in the bouquet that Kate Middleton carried in her wedding bouquet when she married Prince William but before Kate Middleton carried them they were carried in the bouquet of my all time favorite bride and in my opinion the most beautiful bride ever and whom I named my little one after "Grace" Kelly also known as Princess Grace the American Princess.

I'm so excited the leaves have emerged from the soil and every year I look forward to seeing these flowers bloom in my flower bed hopefully any day now ... Here is a hint if you plant in your flower garden keep in mind that the Lily of the Valley is an invasive plant and will overtake other flowers and should be planted in containers or along a barrier. 

March Wedding Flower of the Month : Daffodil

Daffodil is the birth flower of March.

The meaning of Daffodil : Regard and Respect and because of it's meaning it makes the perfect wedding flower! The Daffodil is available from December thru April and is available in a range of colors from bright yellow to white, combinations of yellow and white with a touch of orange and pink coronas. It's a member of the Narcissus and Jonquil family the Daffodil scent ranges from no scent at all to being very fragrant. As stunning as this flower is it is inexpensive and perfect for the Spring Bride that is looking to burst into Spring!

I absolutely love this idea! It can be easily  recreated by planting Daffodil bulbs in a the shape of a heart in the Fall,  Right after the last winter snow and just in time for a Spring wedding they will make their grand appearance!

Photo Credit: Sarah Winward

Photo Credit: Springwell Gardens

Photo Credit: Bridal Guide

Visit: Bridal Guide for the  fabulous DIY tutorial for the above centerpiece!