Spring Racing

Spring Racing and Fresh Flowers

A Winning Partnership

Spring into fashion with fresh flowers - when you attend the races, when you organise your next party and when you celebrate… Fresh Flowers are perfect for creating a magic look and atmosphere for every Spring Racing occasion. Here you will find the official guide to race day flowers and racing events for the Carnival. Plus, we bring you the latest floral fashion tips, facts and figures about the carnival and links to where you can find out more about this fantastic event.

About Melbourne ’s Spring Racing Carnival

The Spring Racing Carnival is one of the world’s most prestigious and best known annual racing events. The carnival runs for 50 days and includes 10 major metropolitan events as well as 76 country events held throughout the state of Victoria. The Spring Racing Carnival is a time to dress up, to wear the latest spring fashions, to party, to have fun and to enjoy the sport of kings. It is a great social occasion.

In Melbourne the carnival is for everyone and each year many hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life attend meetings. Many more are involved in racing parties and activities away from the track such as picnics, cocktail parties and breakfast barbeques by the Yarra River or their local park. Melbourne is the only city in the world that has a public holiday to celebrate its major race day, the Melbourne Cup, which is the central event for the Carnival and held on the first Tuesday in November. It is known as “The Race that stops a Nation”.

Fresh Flowers Play an Important Role in Every Event

Each of the 10 major metropolitan race days has adopted a fresh flower as its official emblem. For most serious punters the flower of the day is a symbol of luck and a must have item for every event. Race Day flowers are also a symbol of celebration and a great way to add style and flare to an outfit. For men flowers of the day are most commonly worn as buttonholes. Ladies too can wear buttonholes or mini corsages, but increasingly women are also wearing fresh flowers on their hats, in their hair, on handbags or strung into floral bracelets or other fashion items. Many of the corporate marquees are also themed with the fresh flowers of the day and fresh spring flowers play a key role in the overall carnival celebration.

Tips on Flower Fashion
Stylish	Wear a flower or a cluster of flowers on the lapel
Chic	Colour co-ordinate with your outfit
Daring	Decorate your hat, wear a corsage or pick up on a new floral design to add a dramatic but natural touch to any outfit
Simply Stunning	Fresh floral fascinators
A Fun Touch	Decorate your picnic basket with flowers of the day
Party Magic	Give all your guests a fresh flower buttonhole as they arrive, it’s a great ice-breaker, sets the tone and makes everyone feel very special
Evening Time	Perfect for a perfumed bloom or exotic orchid in your hair
Set the Stage	Theme your dinner party or luncheon with fresh flowers

Wearing floral pieces to express your personality

Fresh floral fascinators are the quintessential accessory for any lady going to the races. Unique and stylish, each design can be created to embody each individual’s personality. Simplicity usually typifies class and elegance, but that is by no means the rule. Elaborate, intricate pieces incorporating colour, texture, fabric in addition to flowers, exotic leaves and grasses can be a phenomenal hair accessory, but require the attention of a professional. fascinators are a great way to express yourself at the Spring Carnival, whether you are in the mood to be bold and bright, simple and understated or classy and sophisticated. No matter what colour or style of outfit you are wearing on the day, fascinators can be fashioned to coordinate with you.

Why it’s best to use a florist for all your Floral fashion items

Think of a florist as your personal floral fashion expert.

Discuss your needs with your chosen florist in advance.

Your florist can advise you on the right flowers and look that suits you, your outfit and the event.

Some flowers need to be treated in special ways such as wiring and providing a moisture pocket. Your florist knows the best way to ensure your flowers stay fresh and lovely all day and night. Always use a specialist florist who will ensure the best service and outcome. On this occasion do it yourself is not recommended. (Garden flowers are generally not suited for use as floral accessories. You can end up with floral droop or damage your outfit and look.)

Importantly, your florist will save you time and worry. You can order in advance and pick up or have your flowers delivered on the day. It’s that easy!

You can even have your flowers delivered to your hotel room or hairdresser to save precious time. We recommend the flowers are kept cool until use.

How many people attend the Spring Racing Carnival?

Throughout the 50 Days of the Spring Racing Carnival in excess of 730,000 people take part in racing events

In 2005, the Spring Racing Carnival had over 75,000 interstate visitors and over 25,000 overseas visitors. Melbourne Metropolitan and Country Regional centres benefit significantly from the tourism and business activity generated over the carnival season.