Wedding Flowers

The selection process of your
wedding flowers will usually begin with a discussion of the Bride’s bouquet.
You will have a choice of several basic styles. These are cascade, crescent, contemporary,
nosegay, hand tied bouquet and arm or presentation style. You can better prepare
for your first meeting with your florist if you bring the following;

? A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.

? A list of what flowers you will
want at the ceremony.

? A list of what flowers will be
needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.

? Color/fabric swatches and pictures
of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.

? Feel free to also bring pictures
of flowers that you like.

Your florist will also have pictures
of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create
the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a “theme”, let your
florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit
the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there
are any specific flowers you want.

Keep in mind that some flowers are
not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are
those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony
and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid
conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet
flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do
not photograph well.

It is important that you are upfront
with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of
your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only
have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids
bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception.
Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different
kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your
needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as
Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable
flowers if you are on a budget. Don’t plan your wedding near big flower
holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. If you
do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist’s want
to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during
these busy holidays based on growing and demand.

Once you have chosen your Bouquet
you have selected the “center” of your wedding flowers. The other
pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire
wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your
“Special Day”…

? Bride’s Bouquet

? Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw

? Maid of Honor Bouquet

? Bridesmaids Bouquets

? Grooms Boutonniere

? Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding

? Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom

? Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor

? Boutonniere for Ring Bearer

? Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*

? Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at
your buffet)

? Vase at Guest Book Table

? Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)

? Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)

? Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)

*If you are considering petals for
the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember
that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals
are recommended for carpeted areas.

A very important detail is to make
sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be
delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to
set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your
florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your
flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have
somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist
a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can
handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.

Finally, when it comes to your wedding
flowers, don’t skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride’s
trying “do-it-yourself” flowers or having a friend design them,
only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don’t
risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum
presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements
of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding
party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your
guests on your special day!