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!
