Mini cattleya orchids pop from a vintage silver cup, a small detail that has big impact. Keep it solo or group them for a striking tableau.

Slender trumpet vases and assorted silver vessels feel of the moment -- and far, far removed from their colonial associations -- when filled with exotic blooms. (Take note: not a single garden rose in sight.) For an unexpected personal touch, incorporate your own silver pieces. Flowers, from front: yellow cattleya orchids; lemon phalaenopsis orchids; mini cattleya orchids; calla lilies with apricot-tinged parrot tulips; lady's slipper orchids; a statuesque vase of butterscotch ranunculus.

For the bride's bouquet, silver ribbon encircles the clutch of exotic mini cattleya orchids, yellow and apricot calla lilies, and blush-colored tulips.

These flowers complement tables in bursts of yellow blooms, shimmery accents, and an aura of luxe glamour. Boutonnieres glitter when wrapped in shiny ribbon and accented with silver millinery leaves. A compact bouquet of ranunculus, parrot tulips, and mini cattleya orchids are held together by a rich copper bow. Lady's slipper orchids and calla lilies peek through the frilly gloriosa lilies for this maid-of-honor bouquet (bottom).

Audacious, hot colors just beg for a festive, outdoor summer wedding that's anything but traditional. This boisterous bouquet -- so big you'll need both hands! -- of sweetpeas, tulips, and orchids in flashy magentas, corals, and golds (tied with a wide raspberry satin sash) is the floral equivalent of a blast of sexy salsa music on a Miami Beach dance floor.

Try tempering all of the daring hues with earth-toned vessels. Copper mugs, compotes, and kettles are the perfect containers to subdue the striking, lush arrangements of red and orange poppies, hot-pink sweetpeas, jasmine, and fringed tulips. Carry this theme of graceful, natural accents throughout the reception by setting the table with wood chargers, hammered flatware, and rustic linen for texture and warmth.

What it lacks in color, this bridal bouquet more than makes up for in texture and fragrance. A glorious cascade of stephanotis vine, fritillaria, and muscari tied with a cluster of lily of the valley is luxurious yet carefree enough to feel as if it's just plucked from the garden. Calligraphy by Grace Connell.

Like a tailored oxford shirt, an all-white wedding feels at once fresh and timeless. Bring the color's polished elegance to every aspect of your big day, from almond dragees to creamy centerpieces. Here, lilacs, garden roses, jasmine, and fritillaria, plus pale-green hellebores, create an arrangement that would have felt spot-on in an Edith Wharton novel.

This flirty bouquet features the same ruffly shape and mix of pale and punchy hues. Peonies, garden roses, poppies, and blush-pink lilacs are tied with (and barely contained by) a striped ribbon. Calligraphy by Grace Connell.

To keep a refined palette from looking too, well, refined, create centerpieces with an interesting landscape by varying the widths and heights of containers. Clear glass vessels also add interest by incorporating the green stems into the overall look. Here, plump coral peonies in tall vases hover over single stems in low vases. Clusters of ballerina-pink sweetpeas and poppies mimic the larger forms in a softer hue.