Low bun
Kondai maalai around the bun; charam along the parting can be added too.
Preparation guide
Flowers that
finish your look.
A practical guide to what to buy, what to ask for, and how flowers work with your hairstyle.
First
Check your hairstyle first.
The flowers you need depend on how your hair will be styled. Before ordering, message Niv to confirm the plan. It helps avoid buying flowers that do not suit your chosen style.
Already shared your inspiration images? Niv can use those to advise what may work.
Explore hair styling ↗Find your style
Which flowers go with your hair?
These are starting points. You can combine flower types, and Niv can help confirm what suits your look.
Braid
Charam along the length of the braid.
Open or half-up
Loose flowers pinned individually into the style.
Many looks use more than one. A bun can have both a kondai maalai and charam.
At the florist
What to ask for.
These photos show flowers in finished hair, rather than loose flowers as sold. Ask the florist to show you the flowers before they are arranged.
Open or half-up
Loose flowers
Pin individually into the hairstyle.
What to buy
- Eustomas, which have thinner stems and are easier to pin than large roses
- Baby’s breath
- Carnations with baby’s breath
Avoid
Large roses can have thick stems that are difficult to pin. Ask whether spray roses or another fine-stemmed option is available.
How many? Confirm the amount with Niv for your hairstyle and hair length.
For braids and partings
Charam
Along a braid, or beside the parting with a bun.
What to buy
- Arali in white, pink or red
- Kanakambaram
- Jasmine
Ask the florist
For jasmine, ask them to remove the red plastic flowers in between if you would like an all-white finish.
How many? Confirm the amount and combination with Niv for your hairstyle.
For low buns
Kondai maalai
Worn around the bun itself.
What to buy
- Carnations with baby’s breath
- Jasmine, red rose petals, or both
Ask the florist
Ask for black string so any excess blends into your hair.
How much / how long? Confirm the size and amount with Niv for your bun.
Style photographs are examples of finished hair by Beauty by Niv. They are not botanical identification photos.
Save this for your visit
What to tell your florist.
Florists around Campbell Lane and Tekka in Little India are familiar with these flowers. You can screenshot this list and show it at the counter.
For a kondai maalai:
Please use black string, so any excess blends into my hair.
For jasmine:
Please remove the red plastic flowers in between for an all-white finish.
For loose flowers:
Please show me fine-stemmed options, such as eustomas or spray roses, that can be pinned.
For a flower crown:
Please make it to my head size so I can try it on before the event.
After choosing
Ordering and keeping flowers fresh.
Fresh flowers vary, so confirm timing and care with the florist when you place your order.
Order
Ask the florist how far ahead to place your order and when to collect your chosen flowers.
Keep fresh
Ask how to store each variety, especially if collecting the day before. Follow the florist’s care instructions for your specific flowers.
Choose a colour
Unsure whether white, pink or red suits your outfit? Send Niv a photo of it and ask for her guidance before you order.
If the flowers are substituted or do not look as expected, contact Niv as soon as you can before styling begins. She can advise what may work with the look.
One more thing
If you’re having a flower crown.
Flower crowns are made to a set size and may not be adjustable on the morning. Try yours on when you collect it. If it does not fit, tell the florist straight away and contact Niv before the event to discuss what may be possible.
Take it with you
Print it, or keep it on your phone.
The original one-page flower sheet is handy to forward to whoever is collecting your flowers.
A little guidance, personally.
Not sure what you’ll need? Send Niv a photo of your outfit and she can advise which flowers may suit it.
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