Wedding Flowers

WEDDING FLOWERS

Wedding flowers and the bridal bouquet are a tradition that most brides don't even consider an option - if there's a wedding, there will be flowers. Wedding flowers include the flower arrangements that decorate the wedding ceremony and reception site, to the flower petals that flower girls toss as they precede the bride down the aisle, the bride's bouquet and the groom's matching boutonniere. Wedding flowers add life and color to any event and are an important part of the wedding scene.

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS

When choosing flowers, look for the ones that reflect your style and coordinate with your wedding colors and theme of your wedding. While the traditional wedding flower is the rose, many modern brides are opting for other types of flowers. Some of the other types of flowers that you might want to consider for your wedding include the Gardenia, Calla Lily, Lilac, Forget-Me-Not, Lily of the Valley, Tulip, Daisy, Orchid, and even wildflowers. You may even want to choose several types of flowers in the same color scheme that work well together.

WEDDING FLOWER BUDGET

Wedding flowers can be a significant portion of your wedding expenses, averaging 10-15% of the wedding budget for most weddings. To help stay within your budget, determine the amount you are allotting for wedding flowers before you go shopping for flowers. No matter what your budget, you should be able to find flowers that are just right for you and your wedding.

BUDGET TIPS: Choose flowers that are both seasonally and locally available to you. It will cost more and be more difficult to get flowers that are out of season or not available locally. Another great way to work within a budget, is to downsize. As the cost of bouquets can quickly add up, a simpler style may be the better option. A sensational look can be achieved with choosing a stunning solitaire flower (one great choice is the Calla Lily), and it would also be more affordable.

HIRING A FLORIST

Why should you hire a florist when ordering wedding flowers? The same reason you pay someone else to sew your wedding dress - you are receiving the benefit of someone who has experience, talent, and expertise in their profession. A good florist will be able to work within your budget and provide you with the flowers that you'll love for your wedding.

If you have preferences in the flowers you want for your wedding, it helps the florist if you can provide lists and pictures of your flower likes and dislikes. You want to select a florist that listens to you and can provide you with the flowers you want, but it is also beneficial to be open to the florist's ideas and suggestions. Together you will find the right wedding flowers for you and your wedding.

To find a good florist, rely on word of mouth recommendations. If you are having to find a florist on your own, visit the business and see if you are impressed by what you see when you walk in. Are the flowers fresh, does the business look professional and organized, do you like the arrangements on display?

THE BRIDAL BOUQUET

Wanting to follow with the tradition of carrying flowers down the aisle, most brides will choose a bridal bouquet. Whereas the tradition began when flowers were chosen to ward off evil spirits and to symbolize fertility and lasting love, today's bride usually chooses flowers for their color and beauty. The bridal bouquet should complement the bride's dress and coordinate with the other wedding items. The bridal bouquet should be a shape, size, and style that enhances the bride's appearance, and does not overwhelm or distract from her overall look. It is also important that the bouquet is well constructed so it lasts through the day.

MEMENTO TIP:  If you want to keep your bridal bouquet, rather than toss it away, have your florist design a smaller and less expensive "toss bouquet" for the event.

THE GROOMS BOUTONNIERE

The groom wears a flower on his jacket that matches the flowers in the bride's bouquet. This tradition is from Medieval times when a knight would carry his lady's colors as a declaration of his love for her.

LIST OF FLOWER NEEDS

This list will provide you with all the many possibilities you may want to consider as you make your list for wedding flowers. Don't be overwhelmed by all the possibilities, but use the list as a guideline to help you decide what wedding flowers you want and those you do not:

Flowers for the Bridal Party: Bride's Bouquet, Maid/Matron of Honor, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Bridesmaids, Flower Girl, Grandmothers, Groom's Boutonniere, Best Man, Father of the Bride, Father of the Groom, Ushers, Ring Bearer, Grandfathers.

Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony: Altar Arrangements, Aisle Markers, Aisle Runner, Stairway Garlands, Candelabras, Canopy or Archway, Kneeling Bench.

Flowers for the Reception: Bridal Table, Cake Table, Guest Table, Buffet Table, Bandstand, Gift Table, Guest Book Table, Bathroom Arrangement, Bouquet to Throw.