A Rose by Any Other Name

Whether prepping for a wedding or for a wedding issue of a magazine like NFocus, a clever and creative floral designer can make the event memorable. Among the talented florists Nfocus relies on for inspiration, Ashley Cooper of Forget Me Not Designs helped adorn the photoshoot for our January Bridal issue. 

You may remember Forget Me Not from lush floral-scapes at past Symphony and Ballet balls. Ashley works out of her Forget Me Not studio in Donelson, and she was generous to share some commonsense tips to make extraordinary impressions.

Consider Color

“Winter brides are often afraid of using color,” Ashley says, adding that cold-weather brides have traditionally leaned toward green and white. But lately she’s been infusing a lot of color into winter weddings, pulling in unexpected hues such as golden mustard and coffee-colored roses with names such as Barista and Cappuccino. 

Keep Growing Seasons in Mind

Naturally, it’s easier and more economical to source flowers in season, but that doesn’t just mean spring and summer. Sure, it’s tough to pull off a peony-themed palette in, say, January, but hydrangeas can be lush and luxurious all year long. Ask about year-round flowers. You might be surprised by what’s available around the calendar.

Explore New Varietals

Iconic flowers are ubiquitous for a reason: They’re time-tested. But growers and florists are always exploring and experimenting to introduce plant material that is both lovely and long-lived. Ask about what’s new. For example, if you like ruffly wide-open garden roses but not their price tag, maybe a Playa Blanca rose—with its high petal count and longevity—can deliver the floral extravagance you’re looking for, at a less-extravagant price point. 

For more floral inspiration, check out @forgetmenotnashville or email forgetmenot.designs@yahoo.com