Weddings Winter 2011 > Planner

Elan Flowers

Elan’s imaginative arrangements have appeared at the St. Regis Hotel, the Metropolitan Club, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Known for their color, contrast, and texture, these bouquets combine indigenous species with delicate exotics. Bouquets and centerpieces from $125. (good value)

Elizabeth Ryan Floral Design

Over the past 30 years, Elizabeth Ryan has designed events for notable clients as varied as Paris Hilton and the Dalai Lama. Her poetic arrangements may incorporate uncommon touches such as feathers, vegetables framed in wooden boxes, and Japanese teacups. Specialty linens and custom lighting add to her unique floral displays. Bouquets from $125; centerpieces from $150. (good value)

Emily Rose Floral Design

Emily Wood, who studied floral design at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, specializes in custom arrangements using vintage ribbons, trims, fabrics and jewels. Centerpieces and bouquets from $100. (good value)

Emily Thompson Flowers

The sculptural background of this florist informs the vessels she uses and her ornate, neo-Baroque designs. She buys her flowers from local growers whenever possible and works with foragers to find wild materials. Thompson enjoys incorporating nontraditional elements (fruit, acorns, feathers, etc.). Centerpieces and bouquets from $200. (ecofriendly)

Flessas Flowers

Since 1891, the family-owned Flessas Flowers has been creating European-style floral designs for highbrow clientele like JFK, Carolina Herrera, and Paul Newman. Bouquets and centerpieces from $100; chuppas from $2,000. (good value)

Fleurisa

Designer Isabelle Bosquet-Morra’s work is intense with color and variety. She delights in the “limitless palette” of floral design and lends a French touch to her arrangements, which have wowed high-society clients like Nan Kempner, Tory Burch, and Yves Saint Laurent. Her creations are a hit in the Hamptons. Centerpieces from $165; bouquets from $195.

Fleurs

Designer Jessica Wolvek’s training in Japanese flower arranging is reflected in her gorgeously constructed bouquets. Many arrangements sprout from driftwood and logs rather than traditional vases. She draws inspiration from diverse vintage styles ranging from French countryside to Art Deco. Bouquets from $125; centerpieces from $175 ($6,000 minimum).

Fleurs Bella

Creative director and founder Bella Meyer earned a Ph.D. in art history at the Sorbonne and approaches each project as an art installation. No two weddings she designs are ever the same. Meyer uses seasonal wildflowers, organic flowers, and recycled containers where possible. Bouquets from $85; centerpieces from $150. (good value/ecofriendly)

Floralia Decorators at the Waldorf Astoria

This floral company focuses on overall event design and incorporates not just one-of-a-kind arrangements but also linens and chairs. Unlike some, these designers will create sample tables to show couples exactly how they will be set. They do both small and large events and are exclusively recommended for events at the Waldorf-Astoria. Prices upon request.

Floralies, Inc.

Traditional designer Kostas Panagopoulos uses viburnum, lilacs, and hyacinths in abundance. He never takes on more than one wedding per weekend (about twenty a year). While his main clients are affluent types who can pay up to $2,000 for a single centerpiece, he’ll also work with brides on a budget.

Flora New York

Design specialist and owner Jeff Chen’s “feng shui chic” bouquets, accents, and centerpieces add a vibrant touch to weddings in Manhattan and beyond. With flowers like phalaenopsis orchids and circus roses, almost nothing is out of reach. Centerpieces from $150; bouquets from $250.

Floratech

This quaint Tribeca flower shop specializes in tight, vivid arrangements and hand-tied bridal bouquets. Styles range from elegant tropical centerpieces to Asian-inspired bouquets. Centerpieces and bouquets from $100. (good value)

Florisan

Lynn Jawitz’s passion for flowers shows in her dense, richly colored bouquets and arrangements. Centerpieces from $85; bouquets from $150. (good value)

Florisity

Formerly Takashimaya Floral, Florisity continues its forebearer’s tradition of creating arrangements with a sculptural sensibility. Katsuya Nishimori constructs large, geometric rectangles from wisteria, dogwood, or bamboo that tower eight feet above the table. Bouquets of lush garden flowers like peonies, hydrangea, and orchids come wrapped in the shop’s signature leaf-wrap cylinders. Centerpieces from $100; bouquets from $250.

Flowers by Daye

Fans of simple, elegant Japanese-style arrangements will love the tasteful creations of floral designer Ritsuko Daye Deura, who studied at Musashino Art University in Tokyo. She’s happy to create basic floral bouquets and centerpieces but also has ideas for incorporating innovative elements, such as kimono sashes and fruits. Centerpieces from $125; bouquets from $150. (good value)

Flowers by Richard

With more than 28 years of experience under his belt, designer Richard Sonnick specializes in designing full-blown wedding arrangements with flowers mostly imported from Holland or Thailand—calla lilies and orchids are favorites. Centerpieces from $75; bouquets from $125. (good value)

Flowers of the World

Known for contemporary arrangements that combine traditional elegance and modern sophistication, Flowers of the World continues to be a driving force in the industry. Bouquets and centerpieces from $250.

Fox Fodder Farm

Taylor Patterson’s work is inspired by wildflower fields and overgrown ruins. Her whimsical creations have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, and she’s a favorite of shoe designer Dieppa Restrepo; brides also seek her out for romantic floral headpieces. Centerpieces from $65; bouquets from $75.

Frank Alexander NYC

Alexander and his colleagues work with florals to create entire environments for weddings, from monochromatic centerpieces in bold colors like fuchsia to wild, woodsy chuppas. His team also designs custom furniture and reception tabletops. Prices upon request.

Glorimundi

Owner Priscilla Schaefer is known for her wild combinations of textures and colors, such as purple with celadon or green with apricot. Word of mouth has spread far: She once filled a Saudi Arabian palace with flowers for the royal family’s 3,000-guest wedding. Bouquets from $200.

From the Summer 2011 New York Wedding Guide