You might think you know all about popular wedding culture. Contemporary trends are marketed on magazine covers, and extravagantly creative proposals are posted online for the world to enjoy. Modern society is certainly changing the face of traditional marriage ceremonies, but there are still timeless wedding traditions that have never lost their allure over the centuries.

Proposals are most often inspired by the element of surprise and awe. From choosing the perfect ring, to deciding where the engagement will take place, a lot of planning and preparation goes into making the proposal truly unique. Proposing to that special someone has not always been so creative, however – and one tradition was particularly strange. In medieval times, a man simply took a hawthorn branch, left it outside the door of his intended bride and waited for her answer. If she removed the branch and replaced it with a cauliflower, the proposal was considered declined. If the woman left the branch at the door, she was professing her love and acceptance of the proposal. Of course, many cultures dismissed a proposal altogether, as parents arranged marriages long before their children even understood the tradition.

Do you believe in good luck and bad luck? Throughout history, these beliefs were taken very seriously as superstition often permeated the culture. Signs that would symbolize a successful marriage included seeing a rainbow or a black cat on the way to the ceremony; encountering a chimney sweep on the day of your wedding was also a positive omen. Although these beliefs may seem frivolous to us today, there are still traditions that we hold close even in modern times. For instance, many still believe it bad luck for the groom to see his bride in her gown before the ceremony; and others consider “something borrowed , something blue” to be an indispensable way to ward off bad luck.

Of course, no wedding is complete without flowers. Traditions include bridal bouquets, centerpieces, altar flowers and rose petals – and each holds an important place regardless of what style of wedding you choose. At Gainan’s Flowers, our floral arrangers are passionate about assisting Billings couples in making their wedding dreams come true – with the help of beautiful and unique flowers.

For those planning a 2016 wedding, there are plenty of places from which to draw inspiration. Wedding experts are weighing in on the popular trends, from dresses to venues, and couples have a myriad of sources to help them determine what they like. Across the board, muted color schemes – such as blush pinks and gray blues – are replacing bright colors and neons in ceremonies, while soft ambient illumination, such as from candles or twinkling lights, continues to be the lighting of choice.

Flowers tend to follow trends as well. This year, one such floral trend showing up at thousands of weddings is the tall centerpiece – from contemporary to traditional weddings, these soaring arrangements are well suited; they can be designed in any number of styles, to match any venue.

The high centerpiece is visually impressive, but also is being chosen for more practical and functional reasons. For instance, a tall arrangement makes for a gorgeous focal point in photographs, rising gracefully above place settings. These centerpieces also deliver an additional benefit as your family and friends gather – large centerpieces at weddings can make it nearly impossible to see across the table to the other guests. The simple act of raising the centerpiece overhead allows for more natural interaction.

Tall centerpieces are appropriate in any locale and with any theme; but they are especially effective to fill large open spaces – a venue with cathedral ceilings, for instance, looks amazing when bouquets are positioned on tall central pillars. Open air weddings are also a great opportunity to utilize a graceful tall centerpiece, generally comprised of wildflowers and other natural elements. When it comes time to choose your flowers for your Billings area wedding, Gainan’s floral professionals will meet with you to hear your vision and ascertain your desired outcome; then recommend flowers and arrangements to make it all come to life. Whether you are someone who follows the trend or not, the bouquets and centerpieces for your 2016 wedding are destined to be memorable when you work with Gainan’s Flowers.

Each year as the holidays draw to a close, wedding planners brace for the influx of new business, created by an abundance of proposals that happen every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. If you find yourself planning a wedding for the New Year, congratulations on your new engagement!

In the spirit of the New Year, here are a few resolutions to keep in mind as you plan your special day.

Do: Take it step by step. Checklists will help you to organize your thoughts and keep your sanity.

Do: Follow your own personality and unique flair..

Don’t: Feel pressured to follow a formula.

Do: Research top wedding trends, colors and tips on wedding sites for awesome ideas.

Do: Decide on the guest list first, then pick a venue that will work. Your décor will naturally follow.

Don’t: Stress too much. Wedding planning is a celebration, not a chore.

The same rules apply when it comes to choosing your wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. Whether you love the idea of a traditional wedding, are wistful for the nostalgia of a vintage wedding, or prefer to spice things up with dramatic contemporary elements; Gainan’s Flowers has the expert advice and floral selection you are looking for.

Tip: This year’s hottest style trends include the 2016 Pantone colors of Quartz Rose and Serenity Blue, which are soft shades of pink and blue. The colors create a warm, country ambiance with an antique touch, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to utilize trending style while not sacrificing tradition.

Gainan’s Flowers stands ready to help you to plan your 2016 Billings area wedding. Whatever your style, preferences or budget – we can assist with wedding planning that never loses sight of the fact that your day is just for you. Congratulations again on your engagement – we hope you will allow Gainan’s Flowers to help create your perfect wedding day.

You’re a trend-setter and a free spirit. You’ve always done things your own way. And when it comes to choosing a time of year for your wedding, it might be slightly nontraditional to select winter – but it is just your style.

One of the more popular color palettes of the season is ivory and gray. So starting there as inspiration, here are some helpful tips to keep everyone warm and happy, even on a cold winter day.

• Acquire gray and white fur lined boots for the bridesmaids to wear between the ceremony and the venue; or for outdoor photos. Pair dark gray gowns with light gray or white fur lined capes; or an ivory woolen coat that complements the dress.
• A little cold is no excuse to dispense with the romance. A horse drawn carriage – or if snowy enough, a sleigh – is made possible by cozy white and gray down blankets to keep the bride and groom warm as they travel in style.
• Consider portable space heaters to warm walkways, from parking lots to sidewalks if there is not valet parking at the venue.
• Create the warmth immediately; provide a gathering place complete with roaring fireplace, hot white chocolate mocha and silver-gray ornaments, baubles and accents.
• Line interior walkways with large winter branches adorned with white snowflakes and pewter stars. Icicle lights can create a starry or snowy indoor scene.
• The elegance of gray can turn simple place cards and table numbers into works of art; choose an opaque ivory card, embossed with charcoal calligraphy worthy of framing.

Although gray flowers are fairly rare, ivory roses, hydrangeas and spider mums look elegantly frosty when air brushed with a gray tint – the same floral scheme can be used in bridal bouquets, place settings accents, centerpieces and cake details. The gray and ivory perfectly reflect the steely beauty of the winter months, and your winter wedding celebration.

For all your wedding floral arrangements, call Gainan’s. We love proving that winter weddings are as beautiful as any other time of the year and are here to help you create a winter wonderland all your own.

Is there anything more romantic than a rose? Roses are the quintessential flower of love, and therefore of weddings. From deep and passionate red roses, to pure white – roses bring drama and eloquence to any wedding bouquet or centerpiece.

Tea roses originally came from China, and are so named because their light aroma resembles that of tea leaves. Tea roses are grown as bushy shrubs with many flowers, known to have some of the most beautifully delicate naturally occurring hues in the floral world. The blooms are known as “weak-necked”, and the blossoms often droop, with the flowers looking downward; they also are quite susceptible to weather damage and can have their petals “ball up” or spot.

Because of these attributes, hybrid tea roses were cultivated. The hybrids retain the full, lush head of the tea rose, but stand straight up on long stems; their popularity caused extensive continued hybridization into more colors. Hybrid tea roses are actually the flowers you will find in flower shops; their “stiff necks” are more appropriate for bouquets and arrangements.

With a full spectrum of colors to choose from, and a decidedly elegant aura, roses can fit into nearly any wedding motif. From vibrant purples and oranges, to more traditional reds, whites and pinks; roses are used for the bridal bouquet; for striking ceremony flowers, or as décor for the reception. The classic rose can be quite prolific, showing up as lapel boutonnieres and as stunning garnish for the wedding cake itself.

Some things just never go out of style. Tea roses are likely to enjoy a long tenure as the flower of choice for every special occasion, but most certainly for weddings. Come into any of our locations to see the varieties and colors of tea roses best for your bouquets, altar flowers and venue décor; your wedding roses are sure to be almost as beautiful as you on your wedding day.

Vintage weddings have always been popular, but it seems they are becoming even more so with every passing season. Perhaps with the world getting ever more fast paced and complex, people yearn for a simpler moment in time to celebrate. Whatever the reason, there is no denying the popularity. The word vintage evokes images of anything from our past. From the whimsical and extroverted fun of the Roaring 20’s, to the sophistication and elegance of the first Hollywood starlets; or even the rustic vintage setting of an old barn with bunting, homemade desserts and an old fashioned tea party; vintage is here to stay.

The venue obviously goes a long way to contributing to the mood of the day, and couples are choosing such unique settings as old movie theaters and railroad depots – which incidentally make for stunning photo shoots. Be creative when looking for a space. If the perfect location doesn’t advertise rentals, don’t be shy! Ask about the possibility of holding your celebration in the space; it will make your wedding even more memorable and unique. Strings of old lights, mismatched furniture and do-it-yourself decorations are all popular trends in these venues.

Vintage dresses can come in the form of old fashioned lace with high necks, or daring, sleek gowns inspired by the red carpet. Pearls and old jewelry are popular accent details, and the flowers are instrumental in defining your style. Classic romantic blooms include tea roses or lavish peonies reminiscent of the garden; graceful, elegant lilies give off a more cultured and upscale vibe. Whatever your theme, the floral arrangements from the aisle to the head table; from the bridal bouquet to the place settings – will go a long way to creating the ambiance you desire. Create a nostalgic walk in the country or an exciting walk down the red carpet, all with flowers. Gainan’s Flowers of Billings has the expertise, experience and inspiration you need to create a beautifully vintage wedding from start to finish. Call us today, and create the journey into the past that will be the perfect beginning to your new life.

If you are looking for unique floral bouquets and decorations for your wedding, foliage and greenery provide a lush option. Herbs such as rosemary and mint, ferns and ivy are all popular ways this year to create striking looks that depart from the ordinary. There are many ways that you can infuse greenery into your wedding with a fresh and basic design.

From graceful ivy headbands to herbal bouquets, weddings in 2015 are celebrating nature like never before. Rustic outdoor venues are gorgeously complemented with moss runners on the tables. When strewn with wildflowers, and accented with candles in glass vases, you will create a romantic woodland effect. Hanging lanterns or antique chandeliers look hauntingly beautiful draped in trailing vines, and whimsical centerpieces can be easily and affordably made by utilizing natural containers, ferns and leaves surrounding a single candle.

Green accents can be utilized to decorate place settings, create a verdant backdrop for photos or adorn the bride and groom’s chairs. Ideas are limited only to your vivid imagination and your personal vision for your wedding day. Send your guests home with a lasting reminder of the day; tiny terrariums with succulent blossoms make lasting keepsakes for your guests that will last long after the celebration of the day.

However you choose to infuse greenery into your wedding décor and flowers, you can be assured it will lend a classic effect reminiscent of natural beauty. The wedding experts at Gainan’s Flowers look forward to assisting you with selecting the perfect flowers, arrangements and greenery to make your day as special as you want it to be. Visit us at any of our three  Billings locations for inspiration.

The wedding colors you choose will decide the ambiance for the event. The colors tie together all of the other details and elements—from the flower girls sashes to the ambient lighting. When choosing your palette, it’s best to go with what you love – your style and personality are sure to shine through. If your home and your wardrobe are saturated with a specific color, that may be a color to consider. Doing so will ensure that your wedding is a true reflection of you. Of course, we have plenty of inspiration online as well; wedding sites such as the The Knot and social media sites like Pinterest are fantastic sources of ideas.

And what you are likely to find on these sites is pink – lots of pinks. From blushes to fuchsias, the color remains one of the most popular choices that brides make.

Maybe pink is so sought after because it is known to be the color of romance. Maybe it is because there are so many shades to choose from, or that the colors match with so many color palettes. Or maybe it is because some of the most gorgeous and elegant blooms available come in shades of pinks – luscious peonies, sophisticated roses, whimsical tulips and carefree hydrangeas. These flowers create beautiful bouquets, whether the arrangements are all one type of flower, or if you mix and match numerous varieties.

Pink represents romance, demure affection and purity. Choosing a coral or hot pink brings in a bit more excitement and passion, but the romance remains. To plan your pink – or any other color – weddings, call Gainan’s Flowers (delete the word Shop) in Billings to help you get started with the bouquets, centerpieces and floral arrangements. We have the flowers – you bring the passion and personality.