Most brides picture themselves walking down the aisle, with a drop-dead bouquet of flowers. It is traditional to buy some type of flower for every member of the wedding party. Wedding flowers show off a bride’s unique personality. They can also be a fun recognition of who is important to the bride and groom. Usually, the groom’s family pays for the wedding flowers. It’s important to talk with the groom’s family to make sure that they expect to fund the flowers and to ask what their budget is. Most florists are great at giving a clear picture of what the flowers will cost.
Go With an Open Mind
Most brides have a Pinterest board full of flower ideas. It is actually helpful to take photos into the florist to give them an idea of what look you desire. You may have your heart set on gorgeous pink peonies, purple hydrangeas, or yellow tulips. Remember that flower prices are seasonal. If the wedding is in July, spring flowers like hydrangeas and peonies will be very expensive (like $20 a stem!). If you’re willing to look at similar options, the florist can help you come up with some beautiful substitutes. Often florists use high quality artificial flowers to replace only the out of season flowers in a bouquet. By pairing a few silk with mostly fresh flowers, it is almost impossible for wedding guests to notice that some stems are not real. Also, an experienced florist can recommend substitution flowers which will have a copycat look. For example, garden roses and ranunculus can work in place of peonies, and they’re in season all summer.
Remember the Theme
Some flowers are more formal than others. If the wedding is formal, consider pairing roses with gardenias or stephanotis. The effect will be a stunning contrast. Roses are a traditional symbol of love and beauty, so they add to the ambiance. They come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. There is a new rose florists have started carrying called the “sweetheart rose.” The petals actually form a heart! They’re pretty fabulous.
Peonies and hydrangeas work for formal or informal weddings depending on what they are paired with. Remember that hydrangeas, though gorgeous, are very sensitive to heat. If your reception is outside, they will look droopy within minutes.
If the wedding is casual, daisies, tulips or sweet peas may be perfect. One bride opted for very few flowers on the table and in replacement asked the florist to create “fairy gardens” out of wood and moss. The effect was magical. Florists love getting creative and working outside the box.
Choose a Florist You Have Experience With
It would be horrible to expect gorgeous flowers, only to be disappointed. Make sure that you meet the florist in person and have a sit-down consultation with them. Choosing a local florist, who you have experience with, will help to make the wedding day less stressful. Also, if there is a problem with something, they are close by to fix it. Remember to order the extras like flowers for the wedding cake or the pews.
Use Flowers to Show Love
Don’t forget siblings and grandparents even if they’re not in the wedding line. It is an inexpensive way to show them that even though they’re not part of the bridal party, they matter to you. Florists can make small boutonnieres or corsages at a reasonable price. Consider ordering one extra boutonniere and corsage to cover any oversights.
Choose Someone to Tend the Flowers
Smart brides know how to delegate. Ask someone outside of the bridal party to help with the flowers all day. A good choice may be an aunt or cousin. If the bride has a fresh bouquet with the stems showing, it needs to be put in water whenever it is not in use. Some florists recommend trimming the stems part way through the day. The “flower tender” can also be in charge of transporting the flowers from the wedding to the reception. He or she can make sure that everyone gets their boutonniere or corsage (of course many will need help with the pin!)
Bridal Focus: Tips for choosing wedding flowers
Bridal Focus: Tips for choosing wedding flowers