“I have hay fever, but I really want to carry a bouquet on my wedding day, is there anything that can be done to combat symptoms, or is there a good alternative to fresh flowers?” – Ruth
1. Lynette from Little Daisy Flowers – View Profile
Hi Ruth, double head flowers like the double chrysanthemums often have no pollen, and there are some more flowers which are low in pollen and therefore a friendlier flower to work with. Daffodils, agapanthus, peonies and hydrangeas are good examples of this. Ask your florist to make you a “sneeze free” sample bouquet to test out before your wedding day. Other alternatives would be to use high quality artificial flowers which come in various colours or you can opt for an heirloom brooch bouquet which is a popular choice also.”
2. Lorna, A Room in Bloom – View Profile
Hi Ruth. There are a few things that can be done if you want to have fresh flowers in your wedding bouquet. Hay fever in Ireland is generally triggered by grass pollen rather than flower pollen and you can be tested for this. You can get an antihistamine injection before the day and line the inside of you nose with Vaseline. Alternatively, you can pick flowers that do not have a lot of pollen. Alternatives to fresh flower bouquet would be: – Artificial flowers – Brooch bouquet – Button bouquets – Material bouquet – There are a lot of options for alternatives depending on your taste and style!
3. Barbara, Jimazin Flowers – View Profile
Hay fever need not stop you enjoying fresh flowers on your wedding day, but you do need to avoid flowers with visible pollen. There are a number of different options now for hay fever sufferers. Flowers that don’t have a high pollen count for example orchids, exotic flowers, roses with little or no scent are just a few examples. Flowers that I would avoid include Asiatic, Longiflorum lilies or spring blossoming trees. Make sure you inform your florist of your hay fever allergy so they can recommend the appropriate flowers for your bouquet.
Artificial Flowers are now as beautiful and stylish as the real thing, they’re perfect for hay fever sufferers, the cost of good quality silk is only marginally cheaper than fresh flowers but they can be kept indefinitely.
And lastly an Heirloom brooch bouquet, these are bouquets made from brooches or other keepsake items that can be included in the bouquet. Roses made from satin can be used to match or compliment the brides dress. This is also a keepsake bouquet, where a special presentation box can be commissioned to store it safely for many years.
To find a wedding florist or heirloom brooch bouquet designer in your area, see our wedding florist directory!
Photo: Studio33Weddings (l) Pauline Forde Brooch Bouquets (r)
