DON'T TOSS THE BOUQUETS
  So far, no one has tossed out the notion of floral bouquets and decor at weddings, as florists around the country describe today's growing use of flowers as "lush and opulent." From New York to Missouri to California, florists say that the English Garden look is more popular then ever, emphasizing a natural and romantic style. This can be seen in the type of bouquets carried by the bride and bridal party. "We are seeing more hand-tied bouquets rather than wire-held or structured ones, this gives the sense that the flowers were just picked, not cut." Floral colors are also more natural. "The flower colors being used are 'botanically correct,"' explains Bill Harper, vice president of services at Stuppy Mid-America School of Floral Design in Kansas City, Missouri."We are not seeing flowers dyed to match the decor anymore." Specifically, a few popular colors this year are burgundy, fuschia, cranberry, plum and orange. "There isn't as much emphasis on pastels as before," Pamper says. "Instead, people are interested in the fully saturated and rich colors." Robert Smith of Laurels in Los Angeles believes that one reason for these latest looks is the improved availability of certain plants.  'We now have growers here who are competing strongly with the European market," Smith says. "Before, certain roses or orchids and a number of flowers were expensive and difficult to buy with any certainty." Since it is not always possible to get a guarantee on specific items, Harper recommends that florists approach clients with a color or seasonal theme. "This allows us to take advantage of wholesale bulk buys as well as satisfy the client," he says. Harvey Bresch of Floral Park in Boynton Beach, Florida suggests a substitution clause in the contract in case a particular flower is unavailable. As Romeo said to Juliet, "A rose by any other name..."