Vintage bouquets with blooms of soft, feminine shades are a popular choice, explains Floriginality's floral designer Jenny Kershaw.

Q. What flowers aren't recommended for weddings and why?

A. There is no flower that isn't suitable for a wedding, but some have more disadvantages than others. Some flowers struggle to last through the day, especially in hot climates, or they may require more preparation. Frangipanis and gardenias, for example, go brown very easily but they are wonderfully fragrant!

Q. What should a bride know when considering lilies?

A. Oriental lilies are popular and fragrant but they require a lot of preparation. Stamens must be removed when the bloom opens as they can severely stain clothing. Lilies are also extremely fragile - the petals bruise easily, and they wilt when out of water for long periods.

As they are a large flower they also don't travel well, and great care must be taken when delivering the bouquets. They look beautiful in teardrops, but they must be prepared and conditioned properly to be able to last the duration of the wedding day.

Q. What are your top wedding flower suggestions?

A. The phalaenopsis orchid is beautiful and holds up well even without water. Full sprays of phalaenopsis orchids can be used on their own or can be wired and placed throughout the bouquet. They look stunning on their own without greenery and also make beautiful corsages and buttonholes.

Roses are also beautiful and last extremely well as a feature in teardrops or used on their own in a natural stem posy. They are available most of the year but are in shorter supply in winter. Roses come in a huge array of colours and tones to complement almost any dress colour.

Q. What are some of the more unusual trends in bouquets?

A. Bouquets are becoming more adventurous with the addition of berries, dodda vine and green lotus pods. Succulents mixed with tropical leaves are popular while teardrops or phalaenopsis orchids with magnolia leaves and dodda are also being requested.

Q. What are the latest trends in wedding day blooms?

A. There are no easily definable trends with wedding flowers today, although contemporary colours are generally softer and more antique. Vintage looks are in with old-fashioned flowers such as carnations and baby's breath making a big comeback!

Wedding Day Floral Tips

• Whether your flowers are extravagant or simple, following a colour theme will make your wedding come together visually.
• A full-scale wedding might include a bridal bouquet, a bouquet to throw, bridesmaids’ bouquets, buttonholes, corsages, hair pieces, rose petal confetti or pomanders for the flower girls, floral arrangements for the ceremony, reception centrepieces and blooms for your wedding cake.
• Speak to already married couples to learn about any hiccups they may have experienced with their wedding day blooms.
• Need some more inspiration and advice? Look to Bride to Be Flowers annual for the latest trends in floral design across the country.