'Romantic' weddings are back - with pearls, beads and unique "floral jewelry" of victorian age

Sharon McGukin, AIFD, PFCI
Smithers-Oasis Design Director

[2006] Brides-to-be with dreams of having a romantic wedding this year are in luck. Romance is vogue again. Lace, layers and luxury are all the rage this season, according to floral trends designer and Smithers-Oasis Design Director, Sharon McGukin, AIFD, PFCI, of Carrollton, Ga.

"Gowns are being designed with soft, feminine lines using layer upon layer of sheer, delicate fabrics with intricate dressmaking detail that float gracefully down the aisle," she said. "Beaded, appliquéd, or elegantly draped, these soft fluid materials enhance the natural beauty of any woman who wears them by adding feminine allure."

The elegance of these dresses is being matched by the elegance of fashionable floral design, such as jewelry made from unique plants and flowers. "Body flowers are truly a unique accent and reminiscent of more romantic times when women wore flowers in their hair and on their bodies," said McGukin. She has created cascading necklaces, wrist bands and even dress accents. "With the popularity of more revealing dress styles, floral jewelry is often an accessory of choice," she said.

Bands for wristlets or necklaces can be fashionably shaped using OASIS™ Aluminum, Bullion or Two-Tone Wire from Smithers-Oasis, the world's leading manufacturer of floral foam products. Corsages or floral accents can be secured with the company's LOMEY™ Corsage Magnets, which are designed for attaching floral elements to delicate fabrics. The magnets are strong enough to even use on shoes, hats or purses, and on some hard surfaces, such as glass.

For bouquets, pearls and beads with metallic accents that once were reserved for dresses now add a soft romantic look to floral bouquets. "This luxurious look says there is something very important to celebrate and even the flowers have dressed in their finest accessories," McGukin said. "Whether flowers are fashioned into jewelry shapes or costume jewelry pieces are added to bouquets for visual interest, beads and baubles are primary to current design."

Soft, feminine colors, from ballet slipper pink to muted shades of delicate rose, are often chosen along with champagne, blush, and the basic peaches 'n crème palette. Colors can even be extended to the groom's boutonniere through the use of LOMEY™ Corsage Pins, available in 10 colors.

The long, graceful lines of today's popular sheath dresses create the perfect backdrop for the newest trend in wedding florals—vertical bouquets. Cascading from the wrist or even hand-held, these elegant bouquets are lightweight, easy to hold or wear and add floral enhancement without hiding the beautiful bridal gown. New OASIS® ELEGANT® Bouquet Holders from Smithers-Oasis make it easy to create these elegant, tumbling flowers of beauty. The beautiful holders are available in three sleek designs (Metallic Leaf, Twist, or Hammered) and two colors (silver or gold), and are specially designed to keep flowers fresh all day. A unique water-wicking system incorporated into the handle of the holder keeps flowers continuously hydrated. And the sophisticated design is a perfect complement to a romantically-themed wedding.

So, if you are looking to return to that romantic look of the Victorian Age, this is your year. Fabrics, fashions, and all the new (and old) adornments await you.

For more information, contact usainfo@smithersoasis.com