It’s a race of flowers

By Laura Timberlake

Every major race day in the Spring Racing Carnival has a specific flower dedicated to it.

These serve as an official emblem, a symbol of celebration and (for the dedicated punters) a symbol of luck.

To create a twist to your race day outfit, why not consider incorporating one of the symbolic flowers?

These are the flowers for the appropriate days:

White Freesia – Turnbull Stakes;

Lavender – Caulfield Guineas Day;

Dutch Blue Iris – Catanachs Jewellers Blue Sapphire Race Day;

White Rose – Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup;

Cecil Brunner Rose – Cox Plate Day;

Cornflower – AAMI Victoria Derby Day;

Yellow Rose – Emirates Melbourne Cup Day;

Pink Rose – Crown Oaks Day; and

Red Rose – Emirates Stakes Day.

Leucadendron (Safari Sunset) – Spring Carnival in the Country

Men traditionally wear the flowers as buttonholes on the day, but fortunately the ladies can have a lot more fun with them!

It’s advisable to use a florist for any floral pieces, because garden flowers can end up drooping.

(And if you’re entering any fashion on the fields competitions, that’s the last thing you need!)

A florist can also deliver to your doorstep, taking some of the hassle out of the race day frenzy.

Popular options to consider:

A floral fascinator ;

A floral bracelet or wrist corsage;

Colour co-ordinate your race-day with the symbolic flower;

Decorate a hat with the race-day flower; and

Consider a single flower or a cluster through your hair.

The flower theme doesn’t have to stop at attending the races, either.

Are you planning on a barbecue with friends to watch the race?

Or maybe a night out at the pub with your mates?

You can still have a flower theme!

The beauty of it is that it’s really up to you.

Some people choose to plan their outfit from the shoes up (or vice versa) – but if you plan around a specific flower, half the decisions are made!