Picotee ranunculus are particularly elegant, recalling the contrasting border of featheredge creamware or an antique book with gilt-trimmed pages. Once cut, ranunculus last up to a week, making them the perfect choice for bridal bouquets or centerpieces. These and airy and loose arrangments are easy to arrange, but beautiful to the eye.

Feathery wisps of nerine surround a bridesmaid's nosegay of pink and white blooms with green centers; nerines peep out from among a flower girl's vivid array of fuchsia and red ranunculus accented with white ones; salmon-pink begonias enhance the charm. Shoes from Bu and the Duck.

This stationery suite, from Grace Connell Designs, features a drawing of the ranunculus bloom engraved in deep pink on the invitation. A bud plucked from the same illustration graces the reception card, as do the flower's arching leaves on the reply card. Pale pink and buttery yellow seating cards and envelopes are calligraphed, and a pink favor box is tied with a creamy budlike knot. Illustration by Kevin King. All calligraphy by Grace Connell.

This sunny bunch of large and small blooms boasts creamy white, muted yellow, pale orange, and mossy green ranunculus; the texture comes from a mix of budded and open blossoms. White garden roses and yellow begonias add volume, while weigela leaves complement the color scheme. The stems, which are nestled in floral foam inside a footed compote, are cut to varying lengths, allowing for a loose symmetry.

Few flowers come in more hues than the ranunculus. Not just clean whites, pale yellows, and bright pinks, but also burnished coppers, neon greens, and even a creamy cafe au lait. Many lighter varieties are tipped with another shade, from lemon and rose to brick-red and magenta, lending them an added voluptuousness. Note that in many arrangements, earthy green ones can stand in for foliage accents.

Sprays of mini orchids, sweetpeas, and lilies of the valley set off a billowy bouquet of ranunculus in spring-sweet shades of pink and yellow. Three fine silk ribbons from the Store Across the Street play up the soft palette of this hand-tied, asymmetrical mix.