Are There Flower Options for Allergy Sufferers?

My fiancé is allergic to flowers. But the site really needs decorating, and I want to carry a bouquet of some sort. Everyone’s suggesting silk flowers, but I don’t like them. Do you have any other ideas for me?

First, don’t rule out all flowers yet. Some people with allergies can still tolerate waxy flowers like lilies and tulips (the pollen on these flowers is too heavy and sticky to float into the air and cause major headaches), or blooms like sunflowers, which possess few allergens. Ask your florist for other recommendations.

If your hubby-to-be sneezes around these allergy-friendly flowers, there are still plenty of natural ingredients that’ll make great centerpieces and bouquets: branches of berries and small fruits can be tucked into a bouquet with interesting greenery for a harvest-like look.

Greenery of every type, fruits and vegetables, nuts and stark branches can be used in centerpieces and arrangements. For instance, a golden pedestal bowl overflowing with ruddy apples and champagne grapes would be simply stunning for a formal wedding, or try stark branches in glass cylinders for a sleek, sophisticated look.

Or go totally allergy-free on the centerpieces. Some couples skip having a single multi-tiered cake and instead place a beautifully decorated cake on each table as a centerpiece. Try goldfish swimming in a gorgeous glass bowl, or the old standby—candles, whether in candelabras, votives or hurricane lamps.

Just be sure you allergy test your ideas on your hubby-to-be months ahead of time—you’ll both breathe easier on your wedding day.