Petals and Ponderings: Dear Pantone: Your Color of the Year Took Us By Surprise

Dear Pantone:

We love following color trends in wedding design and watching the Pantone Color of the Year wash over the entire design world.

And then came Radiant Orchid, Color of the Year for 2014, which took us a bit by surprise. While it sounds like a perfect color trend for us (being floral and all), it didn't really tickle our fancy. In fact, some among us here at Dragonfly would go so far as to call it garish (we aren't naming names).

So how will we incorporate this color into our design concepts this year? We agree that a little Radiant Orchid can go a long way. As an accent color, it adds a bright pop to an arrangement. We also like how it can go from delicate to bold in the right floral combination.

Little Silver rose with soft and romantic creams, pinks and greys

For softness, we will mix it with creams, lavenders and greys. Lilacs can be a soft shade of orchid. Muscari (grape hydrangea) ranges from pale blue to a deep purple. Dahlia comes in wide array of similar hues. Garden roses come in delicate orchid. Hydrangeas come in similar shades, Dutch in the winter and New Zealand in the fall. Dusty Miller's furry grey leaves will add sweetness and texture.

Alternatively, we can go bold with deep greens, dark purples, burgundies, and rich pinks. Red callas, hot pink peonies, and even purple or burgundy hyndrangea can provide drama in a bridal bouquet. But ever in small doses.

Cattlaya Orchid (photo courtesy of www.envygfx.com)

Then, of course, there are this year's color namesake: orchids. Phalaenopsis, cattleyas and vandas are gorgeous and delicate, yet quite hearty.

And so are imaginations are off and running with ways to use this color for our clients this year. We'll let you know all the creative combinations we develop.

Sincerely,
Dragonfly