Flower speak

The colors, shapes and scents of flowers are added impact to any wedding. Flowers are a staple decoration and accessory. They are the first impression people have when they walk into the room. Choosing the right flowers for bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and arrangements comes down to personal taste, season and even location of your ceremony.

In the Taos environs, wildflowers, sage and sunflowers are naturally abundant. Local florists also have portfolios of other flowers and a choice of arrangements.

Flowers aren't just beautiful accents; they have a language all their own. Beginning in the Victorian era, some flowers replaced words in a most romantic way.

Here is a sampling of four of the most popular "tried-and-true" wedding flowers (according to theknot.com) and their wedding-appropriate meanings.

1. Rose

Meaning: Red signifies love, beauty, respect and courage; dark red means unconscious beauty; white represents happy love; pink symbolizes gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement; yellow means joy, gladness, friendship and promise of a new beginning; and red and white placed together signifies unity.

Best for: Bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and arrangements

Scent: Lightly to very fragrant, depending on variety

In season: Year-round

Price range: Moderate to expensive

2. Tulip

Meaning: Love, passion

Best for: Arrangements and bouquets

Scent: None

In season: Late spring

Price range: Expensive

3. Calla Lily

Meaning: Magnificent beauty

Best for: Bouquets and arrangements such as tall centerpieces

Scent: None

In season: Year-round, peak in winter to late spring

Price range: Moderate to expensive

4. Lily of the Valley

Meaning: Linked to the Norse goddess of springtime, Ostara; also means return to happiness and delicacy.

Best for: Bouquets and to infuse a centerpiece

Scent: Very fragrant perfume

In season: Year-round in limited quantities, peak in spring

Price range: Expensive