Avoid Hay fever on Your Big Day
You are not alone – it’s estimated that some 14 million people around the world also suffer the same runny, watery, itchy, scratchy, pressurized existence that hay fever sufferers do in autumn and spring; the peak allergy seasons! If you’re one of those people and are planning your wedding, be it set for any time of the year, the following are some tips to minimize the possibility of your nose and eyes interfering with your “I do’s” and fabulous make up.
I’m sure you’re well aware that your biggest allergy trigger will come from your wedding flowers. It’s not the fragrance of a flower that makes you sneeze but rather the pollen. Large, brightly colored flowers such as roses, daffodils or daisies have large pollens that are too heavy to be airborne and therefore, less likely to cause allergies. Here are a few wedding flowers that you can use for your wedding that have very low pollen. Other low pollen flowers that would be suitable for bridal bouquets, buttonholes and other floral arrangements, include:
Spray Roses – Tiny roses with approximately 5 tiny heads on each stem. They grow in a huge variety of different colors and have a light fragrance.
Hydrangeas - The pom-pom-like blooms of the hydrangea will have any allergy sufferer cheering on Spring, comes in pink’s, white, red, blue, green and purples color.
Camellias – A pollen free flower that has a very light fragrance and grows naturally in shades of white, red, or pink.
Orchids – A beautifully radiant and durably versatile flower that grows in over 25,000 species; surprisingly all of which are edible.
· Irises - The dramatic iris sticks out in a bouquet and won't leave allergy sufferers reaching for the tissues. These also come in a lovely white variety.
· Tulips - Pretty tulips traditionally signify Spring has sprung, but they are available throughout the year - there is nothing ordinary about the wide range of color choices available.
· Snapdragons - The barely fragrant snapdragon is a good choice for allergy-prone flower lovers.
· Hyacinths - The bulbous hyacinth adds a punch of color, without the itchy, watery eyes.
· Roses - Even a baker's dozen of this allergy-friendly favorite will still have low levels of pollen. Roses come in an unimaginable array of colours and there is over 150 known verities!
· Daffodils - A bouquet of yellow daffodils is the perfect way for an allergy sufferer to welcome Spring
Yet, anticipate all potential allergy triggers, couples should think “beyond the bouquet”. If the wedding or reception is to be held outdoors, I’d suggest that the lawn be mowed two to three days ahead of time by a really good mower with an even better grass catcher. Other nasal symptoms can be caused by everyday non-allergic triggers in the environment — such as hairspray (speak to your hairdresser in advance), smoke, perfume, strong odors. This doesn’t mean that couples should avoid topping off their look with a good scent, but you may want to test it in advance, especially if it’s a new scent and you aren’t sure how you’ll react to it.
When it comes to allergies and weddings the best plans don’t always account for and stand up to mother nature, you’ll want to make sure that your wedding emergency kit includes moisturized tissues and a no-dose allergy medication just in case all precautionary measures fail. Drink plenty of water to keep the toxins, uh, “flowing”. Rinse and repeat.