How to Pick the Best Blooms for a Spring Wedding

Melissa Paniagua
Feb 05, 2016

Spring brides, listen up! By now you’ve probably chosen your cake flavor, selected your signature cocktail and you’re ready to say “I do.” But have you thought about what type of blooms you’ll be holding as you take a walk down the aisle? Floral expert Holly Chapple of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers — who has worked on The Knot’s Dream Wedding and has been recognized as a top florist by Martha Stewart Weddings — is here to share with us which spring blooms you should incorporate into the big day if you’re getting hitched this upcoming season. Scroll on for some tips on how to make your wedding bloom-ful and gorgeous.

Tell us more about Holly Heider Chapple Flowers. How did you get started?

“I started my home-based wedding and event floral design studio 24 years ago. But I really got my start with my father, who owned a garden center. He introduced me to floral design because he needed me to help with holiday centerpieces and garlands. Creating my own studio allowed me the opportunity to stay at home with my children.

On July 30th 2015, my husband Evan and I purchased a 25-acre farm that we named Hope. Hope Flower Farm is a flower art farm and Bed & Breakfast. Designers and educators from around the world will gather at Hope Flower Farm for educational workshops and art installations. Hope Farm is also available for weddings, special events and photo shoots.”

What’s your number one tip you want to give couples for saving money on wedding flowers?

“If a couple is on a restricted flower budget, I always suggest they choose a monochromatic color scheme and work with as few varieties of flowers as possible. For instance, a ball of all-white hydrangea are considerably less expensive to design than a mix of white hydrangea, white roses, white stock and white orchids.”

What are the best blooms to use for spring wedding bouquets?

“Peonies are by far the most popular of the spring time blooms and I truly love working with them, but I also adore lilac, lily of the valley, tulips, flowering branches and shrubs, ranunculus, poppies, fritillary and hellebore. Below are some of my favorites!”

1. Bright Sunshine Bouquet:This bouquet was created with yellow daffodils and yellow tulips, yellow garden roses, white phalaenopsis orchids, yellow eremurus flowers and ivy. It would be great for a bright and beautiful boho wedding.

2. Whimsical Florals: Holy peony. This bouquet was created with pink tree peony, smoke bush and cinnamon stick fern. Pair it with the all-white wedding trend so the florals really stand out.

3. Sweet Spring Blooms:This one’s for all the pretty-in-pink brides out there.The design was created with white and blush peony, heuchera leaves and geum flowers.

4. Secret Garden Bouquet:If you are looking for a more non-traditional bouquet, this is the one for you. The floral design was created with poppies, kangaroo paws, tulip poplar leaves, geum flowers, honeysuckle vine and Peruvian daffodils. It would look great for any backyard ceremony or mountaintop nuptials.

5. Fairy Tale Dust Florals: Hello, gorgeous!This bouquet was created with pink peonies, snapdragons, weigela and caladium leaves. The cascading flowers and greenery are what wedding dreams are made of.

Are you ready to decide which flowers to use for your upcoming nuptials? Tweet us @Britandco and tell us what you’ve chosen!

(Photos via Holly Heider Chapple Flowers)

15 Stylish Fall Wedding Decor Finds We Spotted on Etsy for Under $100

When it comes to your fall nuptials, cooler temps and dusty colors are the order of the day. But there's no reason to spend all of your hard-earned money on wedding decor, especially when you still have a wedding dress to buy. Wedding trends right now are all about making a statement, so we rounded up 15 stylish Etsy finds to help you get the look for your autumn celebration while staying on budget.

Tiered Cake Pick in Fall Colors ($28+)

This fall-ready cake pick is made with a mix of dried and artificial flowers that includes grass, wildflowers, herbs, eucalyptus, and lavender.

Lighted Mason Jar Centerpiece ($19+)

Each of these quart-size mason jar lights includes a set of LED fairy lights, a beige sunflower with coordinating flowers, and a jute bow

Fall Wedding Pumpkin Cake Topper ($21)

Say hello to two of the most darling little pumpkins you will ever lay eyes on.

Cake to the Top Fall in Love Banner ($13)

Gold and on-trend, this adorable banner is perfect for hanging over your sweetheart table. Another idea? Hang it as part of a photo booth where guests can cake photos.

Little Pumpkin Balloon Garland Kit ($32+)

This pumpkin balloon DIY kit includes an assortment of balloons, a strip to make the garland, glue dots, and instructions (both written and video).

Earth Entwine Macrame Wedding Cake Decor ($38)

Having a fall wedding means you can go as earthy as you want. This macrame wedding cake decor looks fab and will add boho vibes to your big day.

Magpie Linens Burgundy Velvet Table Runner ($26+)

This beautiful and luxurious burgundy velvet table runner will take your reception tables to the next level. Pair it with moody blooms for a classy autumn affair.

Bloom Bar Floral Design Deluxe Dried Flower Posie Bouquet ($17+)

Fall kicks off with Virgo season, and nothing represents the maiden like dried sheaths of wheat, flowers, and grasses. These gorgeous dried bouquets are perfect for using in tablescapes, groomsmen's pockets, favors, or anywhere else you need an elegant autumn touch.

Large Velvet Pumpkins, Set of 3 ($40, was $50)

This handmade set of lush velvet pumpkins has three pillows in rust, gold, and olive. Each one measures 6 x 3 inches (plus, the 4-inch tall stem).

Eucca Hair Comb ($45)

Ditching the veil for a non-traditional hair accessory? This lovely comb puts a trendy twist on your look. It's made with real preserved and dried flowers so it's sure to last months — or even years!

Sheila Weil Studios Wool Felted Acorns ($21)

These ADORABLE felt acorns make for the perfect autumn detail. Your can scatter them across your table, decorate with them, or give them as favors.

Eucca Succulent Boutonnieres ($13)

Let your S.O. embrace the theme of your seasonal wedding with these assorted succulent boutonnieres. They're made with dried blooms, berries, lavender, and textural elements. And the best part? You can plant these cuties afterward!

Emma's Attic Store Terracotta Boho Wedding Cheesecloth Tablerunner ($6+)

Line your tables, drape your displays, and wrap your silverware in this beautiful boho cheesecloth. This material isn't just on trend, it's both rustic and elevated.

Personalized Skeleton Wedding Cake Topper ($60)

Get you initials monogrammed on this Halloween-ready wedding cake topper featuring bride and groom skeletons.

Gold Pumpkin Place Card Holder with DIY Place Cards ($31)

This set of 12 gold resin place-card holders come with coordinating blank place cards.

Which item is your fave? Tell us over @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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10 Romantic Wedding Florals You Can DIY — Yes, Really!

As a bride, planning your wedding florals, your dress, and your cake (to name a few) can be magical and hectic in equal measure. We bet your budget is stretched thin! But never fear: Your DIY floral skills are going to pay off for you big time. We’ve rounded up beautiful, doable (really!) arrangements using both real and faux flowers that you or your crafty friends and family can do before the big day. The payoff: beautiful, cost-effective flowers that come out exactly the way you want.

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Statement centerpieces for every table can be a sinkhole for your budget. Cut out the middleman and assemble this graceful arrangement in minutes using faux blooms that you don’t have to worry about drooping before the dancing starts. (via Afloral)

Naked Cake With Flower Topper

This Pinterest-perfect cake is easy to assemble yourself, and a budget-friendly alternative to the fondant masterpieces at the bakery. Make this smaller display cake for photos and the ceremonial cutting, and serve sheet cake to your guests — no one will be any the wiser. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hanging Flower Installation

Is your dream venue a bit of a blank slate, decor-wise? Suspend this colorful element to create a magical canopy of color and texture. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Geometric Floral Mobiles

No obvious altar in your amazing loft space? Create one in situ with these hanging metallic mobiles adorned with pretty flowers. They’ll frame your ceremony space, then add color to your gift table or bar. (via Brit + Co)

Ultra Violet Bouquet

The best part about this vivid DIY is the instructions apply to making an eye-catching bouquet in any color of the rainbow. (via Ruffled Blog)

DIY Boutonnieres

Give your groomsmen a punchy pop of color with these cheery boutonnieres. The sunny yellow color couldn’t be more perfect for a spring event! (via Paper & Stitch)

Succulent Flower Crown

Ditching the veil for a flower crown? This lovely version puts a trendy twist on the form with succulents, but the basic technique is one you can use with your favorite blooms. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Floral Photo Backdrop

This tropical stunner will make your photobooth pics the best on the ‘Gram. And by using a pegboard, you’ll have no trouble getting it to and from the venue. (via Lovely Indeed)

Hanging Floral Chandelier

Set the head table apart with this magnificent chandelier and give your wedding the wild romantic garden feel you’ve been dreaming about. (And yes, this is DIY-able, we promise!). (via We Are Scout)

Floral Hair Comb

Want that boho look but not ready to commit to a full-on flower crown? These smaller, more delicate hairpieces are easy to incorporate into your updo. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY wedding inspo, and tons o’ tutorials!

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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