ShareThisQ: I'm allergic to most flowers. Are there any that are allergen-free or less likely to upset my sinuses?
A: Surprisingly, yes -- there are hypoallergenic blooms. Lucky you! Allergies to flowers are typically caused by pollen, so you're going to need a pollen-free or low-pollen-count choice. Fortunately, many traditional bouquet flowers meet this criterion and are also available in a formal doubled version (translation: they're hybrids bred to be allergen-free). Some popular blooms are lilies, orchids and tea roses. Test whether or not these flowers will do the trick by taking home a bouquet or centerpiece sample and seeing if it affects your allergies. Another option? Go silk! Not only will you not have to worry about your allergies, but your bouquet will also serve as a keepsake. You can also use fruit or candles to create centerpieces that won't have you sneezing at your reception!
(Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, the nation's leading wedding resource, advises millions of brides on modern wedding etiquette at www.theknot.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
