More Than A Flower: The Sunflower

No flower can lift spirits quite like sunflowers can. A gift of radiant warmth with meanings to include loyalty, adoration and longevity; as well as symbolic of good luck, wealth, happiness, strength, and ambition. It's no wonder the sunflower is a perfect selection for a wedding flower! (and also one of Aisha's favorite blooms!!)

The history of the sunflower begins in the Americas, the land to which it is indigenous. To the Native Americans, the sunflower symbolized strength and endurance, and was a prominent feature in their ceremonies. Bright, vivid color and long, strong stems make the Sunflower a fantastic focal flower for summer and autumn events, wedding bouquets, table centerpieces and floral arrangements. It is the state flower of Kansas and the national flower of Russia.

Sunflowers are becoming a popular flower for the bridal bouquet. Bright, bold and beautiful, Sunflowers are the "happy" flowers of summer! Let your light shine through by adding the sunflower to your wedding flower plan.

For a flower which reflects so many of the sun's positive characteristics, it is little surprise that people enjoy basking in the sunflower’s warming glow. With the sense of brightness and warmth that sunflowers naturally impart, they have become an ideal choice for sending sentiments of cheerfulness and sunny thoughts.

Stay tuned for our next feature bloom: The Tulip

More Than a Flower: The Peony

The Peony symbolizes "healing"- Happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity and it grants the recipient the power to keep a secret. It is the longest used flower over time and is the state flower of Indiana.


 It is a native bloom to Asia, seen in many LUXE events.  Their large, fluffy, cotton-like blooms add dimension, and give a magificant scent!  Here Martha Stewart features the bloom in her garden "Peony Party".

Of course, the peony is a flower of choice for many weddings.  Below is a photo of a Bouquet featuring white peonies from Ayer and Alex Drayers Celebrity Wedding.

Symbolizing healing and health could also explain why lush burgundy peonies were accompanied with over 4,000 roses in the celebrity wedding of Ian Smith, M.D. & Triste Noelle Lieteau.

Peony joined with orchids in Celebrity Wedding: Brandon Routh & Courtney Ford.

Photos Credits of InStyle Magazine and Marth Stewart.

Follow our blog for our "More Than A Flower" series providing insight into the relationship between florals  and personality. Remember, there is more to a flower than what meets the eye.  Stay tuned for our next feature bloom: The Sunflower.

REAL Insider Tips: Protect your blooms from the summer heat

Fresh flowers are affordable and with these 3 tips can be durable and easy to care for.  With the heat,  several brides have expressed their concern for their flowers.  Flowers account for approximately 15% of your wedding investment. With our 3 simple tips- you can protect your blooms.


1. Go Local - Ask for recommendations on flower types that are in season.  These flowers will more likely sustain the climate and also save some money versus shipping in flowers from a different climate zone that cannot bear the heat in the midsummer.

2. Double, No Triple Duty - Use your wedding party bouquets as accents throughout your reception.  Placing your bouquets in vases or holders on your wedding cake, place cards, or gift table, will save you money by allowing your flowers to serve double duty and keep hydrated during the reception.

3. Allow a sip - Opt to use a water source. Bouquet holders and stem wraps allow your flowers to sip cool water during the ceremony, photos, or while dancing the night away at the reception. The constant hydration keeps your stems fresh and perky. Accents such as Swarovski crystals, pearls or sequins add a touch of elegance (almost every bride's vision), royalty, and personalization to their day.