I like to be different. When I planned my wedding, I wanted a bouquet that was unlike anything I'd seen in our area. I scoured bridal magazines and floral shops for innovative designs. After all of that research, I opted to for simple and elegant. While the crazy unique designs were lovely, they did not fit my personal sense of style. If you are anything like me, you many enjoy making a simple statement and let the flowers speak for themselves.

• Lilacs, if in season, make a beautiful simple bouquet. They come in white or lavender. Lilacs are can be tied with a silk ribbon to match the wedding dress or match the colors of the bridal party.
• Roses are classic and timeless. Using a traditional nosegay bouquet shows off the gorgeous blossoms and adds texture and interest by leaving the stems exposed.
• Hydrangeas are my most favorite flower. They smell sweet and the blossoms are huge. They come in a variety of colors to compliment any ceremony.
• Gerbera daisies come in a wide variety of bright colors and make simply beautiful bouquets. They are readily available and inexpensive.
• Stephanotis is small and delicate buds that have been a bridal favorite for years. To accent the center of the flower, beaded hat pins can be inserted to add a bit of elegance.
• Calla Liles make beautiful arm bouquets. Long stem Calla lilies make an elegant statement and are stately in their own right.
• Tulips come in a variety of colors and are simple and sleek. If you want to express sentiment though flowers, the various colors of tulips can express a wide range of emotions.

Simple does not have to mean boring or small. The flowers listed above are beautiful and vibrant. They can express all of the traditional sentiments florals convey in a wedding. Take time to look at photos in magazines or on-line to choose the style of bouquet you like before you meet with a florist to discuss which flowers will best suit that style.

All of these florals will work well as table arrangements too. Again, keep the look, clean, sleek and simple. If you like a variation, you can alternate high and low centerpieces. The low cut stems may require marbles or stones to weigh them down in a low container. Mixing round and square containers can also add variety to the look for the room.