They remind me of certain diaphanous dresses that I wish you could get away with wearing every day.
Lately, I’m slightly obsessed by poppies. They’re always in the background: a cute Kate Spade bag, a clutch, a poppy wrap skirt at Etsy on a field of sky blue. Poppies aren’t frilly, and you don’t see them at tons of weddings. But what they are is funky, original, and kind of commanding. They’re the Bjork of florals.
Sometimes you do see them. At weddings, that is. They show up in different guises: zen-style, on backgrounds of black and white. Or Eastern, where lush table linens compete with the super-saturated blooms for attention. Or just plain modern, where you might fuse the reds and oranges with fuchsias and lime greens, for fun.
Keeping the tables clean lets the poppies, um, pop.
On the whole, you won’t see brides lugging around these delicate blooms in bouquets. They’re as fragile as any wildflower, and the tips of the stem have to be sealed — with flame — as soon as you pick them, or the sap will flow out and your flowers will sag.
But if someone’s on hand to manage the logistics, nothing looks quite like a table runner of poppies, with their colors and their curvy green stems, nodding over slender glass cylinders. And your wedding won’t look quite like anyone else’s.
Oh, and even though they’re not the same, let’s lump in anemones, which sport similar black-eyed centers and saucy petals. Both poppies and anemones play similar roles when it comes to juicing up designers. They’re free, unpredictable, and enlivening. They’re the Parisian schoolgirl you always wished would move in next door.
Because it’s impossible for poppy moods to get too serious, you have lots of decorating freedom. So paper flowers and pomanders are definitely on the menu. (Don’t miss KenzieKate’s jaw-dropping poppy creations.) Or poppy party lights. Or flower girl dresses that are both electric and elegant.
When it comes to poppies and parties, these are a few of my favorite things …
Though fragile, poppies make wonderful motifs in weddings.
Top to Bottom, L to R: Tangerine paper poppies by St. Jude’s Creations; Metallic Poppy Notecards by Ignafruit at Etsy; “Country Cake” with anemones by April Reed. Bria Gown (Pergura Collection) by Smitherman & Barnwell; poppy with black river stones; red anemone bouquet. Custom poppy wedding gown by Zac Posen, from The New American Wedding; Pink and poppy shower cake, Martha Stewart; Poppy Bloembox, FavorIdeas. Icelandic poppy bouquet; silk floral party lights; pink anemone bouquet; all by Martha Stewart.
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Can you help me? In my searches on the internet I saw this whitish silvery dress (sleeveless, but not strapless) that had large red poppies printed on the bottom half. It may have been silk (or satin?) but I have no idea where I found it or how to find it again! I've spent HOURS searching. Anyway, t would make a beautiful non-traditional bridal dress for a poppy themed wedding – and I want it! Email me if you have any leads! Thanks! -thehouseofburgess@yahoo.com