Wedding Arrangements

• Selecting wedding flowers might help you decide on colors for bridesmaid dresses. Ideally the flowers for the ceremony and the reception will reflect the colors of the day. Instead of white calla lilies, heighten the drama with alternating complementary arrangements that feature "black"-- a very dark purple--and cream callas with bear grass and burgundy and pale green callas with deeper green barker bush. Spring reception tables might feature peach roses with blue hydrangeas and lily of the valley for a softer, old-fashioned look.
  
  

Dinner Parties

• A formal dinner is an occasion for the crystal or silver vases and elegant flowers to match. Yellow and purple will work in any season. Mix sprays of dendrobium orchids in yellow with red-violet freckles into an arrangement of cream-colored tulips or pale butter heritage roses and purple irises for the sideboard. The different height of the flowers allows the individual colors to be seen and the mix of color intensities lends harmony to the arrangement. Arrange a low bowl filled with roses and irises in precise concentric circles for the middle of the table.
  
  

Holiday Parties

• Holiday arrangements are naturally complementary. Red and green are as opposite on the color wheel as you can get. Use classic poinsettia with its deep red leaves and surrounding dark green foliage. Or surprise your guests with deep pink peonies, pale pink roses, rich green salal leaves and some variegated white and green rhamnus or silver-sprayed philodendron.
  
  

Baby Showers or Christenings

• Today's baby is a stylish contemporary trendsetter. Whether or not the baby has already made an appearance, a party to celebrate should reflect a modern sensibility. Forget the pink and blue. Use complementary colors that pop to welcome the newcomer. Orange gerbera daisies are bright, intense and festive. Pair them with pale blue roses and baby's breath in nosegay-size bouquets. For a large center arrangement, mix orange gerberas with blue hydrangeas and strands of bear grass or stems of curly willow in a full, round container. A vivid color and a pale color will harmonize and not vie for attention in the center of the table.