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- set a budget
- Plan on about 10% of your overall
wedding budget going toward flowers for the wedding and reception.
- find a reputable florist
- select flowers that reflect
the overall style of your wedding and your personality -wildflowers
- informal & spirited, etc.
- start planning at least two
to three months before the wedding
- Buy flowers that are in season.
Your florist can provide a variety of options based on your area
and what they know about local growers.
- Use less expensive varieties.
Opt for wildflowers instead of exotic flower varieties. You will
get more for your money.
- Reuse flower arrangements.
Use large ferns for added greenery at the wedding and then transport
them to the reception site. Use smaller houseplants to work double
duty at the bridal luncheon and again at the rehearsal dinner.
Select tiny, inexpensive, individually potted houseplants and
cluster them to decorate tables at the reception. Decorate them
with ribbons or bows and give them to guests as party favors.
- Avoid wedding dates near holidays
that are "floral intensive". Flower costs skyrocket
around Valentine's Day, Christmas, Mother's Day, etc.
- Think out of the box - All
of your flowers don't need to be fresh cut. House plants, dried
or paper flowers, garlands and a variety of other flora offer
inexpensive alternatives.
- Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for
recommendations. Select two or three that you feel good about
and schedule appointments to review their work. Look at photos
of weddings from each florist. If the sample arrangements don't
reflect your style, keep looking for a florist. Don't stick with
a florist to save money if you don't like his or her work. You
will probably be disappointed if you do.
- Cut out pictures from bridal magazines or
gardening magazines so your florist can see exactly what you have
in mind regarding colors, flower varieties, etc.
- The purpose of flowers at the
ceremony is to direct visual attention toward the front of the
church and to the couple. Check with your church to see if there
are any restrictions or regulations regarding floral arrangements,
usage of archways, candelabras, etc.
- Flowers and/or bows are normally
used to mark special seating for family members at the front of
the church. All rows may be marked with bows or flowers, but be
sure to differentiate special seating with more ornate arrangements.
- List the names (or at least
the number) of people in the wedding party, including the mistress
of ceremonies.
- Give the florist a visual description
of the wedding site or a photo. Think about existing decor and
color schemes at both the wedding location and the reception site.
Certain flowers or colors may clash with the decor, so keep your
florist informed. If your florist is unfamiliar with the wedding
or reception sites, schedule a meeting at both locations.
- Take color swatches or pictures
of bridesmaids gowns. Bouquets and corsages should complement
the wedding party's attire. Also, let the florist know what color
dress your mothers and grandmothers will be wearing.
- Consider allergies among members
of the wedding party, and select flowers accordingly. It is your
wedding, but a sneezing, sniffling, itchy-eyed wedding party won't
make for the best wedding day. Check with everyone to see if they
have major allergies to any of the flower varieties you select.
- Normally the mistress of ceremonies
handles distribution of flowers on the wedding day. However, you
will need to confirm the delivery date and time, and that contacts
will be available at the wedding and reception sites to receive
the flowers. Have the florist label each arrangement by name.
This will eliminate confusion regarding which flowers go to whom
on the wedding day. Have your mistress of ceremonies confirm delivery
and placement of all flowers. She can also handle transporting
flowers from the wedding to the reception.
- If you plan on taking some
wedding photos prior to the wedding, have flowers delivered earlier.
- Bride
Your bouquet should complement your body proportions, your gown
and your personality. If you are petite or have an ornate gown,
choose a small, simple arrangement. If you are tall or have an
understated gown, an arm full of long-stemmed flowers or a cascading
bouquet will make a dramatic impact.
- Give the florist a photo or
fabric swatch of your gown. This will help the florist select
colors, ribbons, etc. and enable him or her to create an arrangement
that is in proportion to your dress
- When considering colors, think
about your tastes, but consider the time of year, time of day
and wedding location. The bridal bouquet sets the tone for the
entire wedding and dictates all other floral arrangements for
the big day.
- Bridesmaids and Maid/Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids' bouquets usually pick up colors from the bride's
arrangement, or are similar in shape or style. Bridesmaids bouquets
are traditionally smaller than the bride's but do not have to
match each other. Each arrangement may differ slightly in design
or color for dramatic effect.
- Flower Girls
Most flower girls carry a basket filled with flower petals and
scatter them as they walk down the aisle. The basket is normally
decorated with ribbons, bows or flowers in keeping with the wedding's
floral theme.
- Corsages
These wearable flower arrangements are normally given to mothers
and grandmothers of the bride and groom, but also can be given
to readers, soloists, special family members. It is also a good
idea to give the mistress of ceremonies a corsage to wear so that
she is quickly recognizable to members of the clergy, wedding
party, wait staff or others that may need her direction or assistance.
Corsages can be pinned to dresses or worn on the wrist. You can
also give the mothers and grandmothers a single flower or small
bouquet to hold instead.
- Boutonnieres
The groom's and groomsmen's flowers should reflect a single flower
or small, simple arrangement that complements the color and style
of the bridal party's flowers. All of these should be the same,
except for the groom's, which should be unique.
- If you or your bridesmaids plan to wear
flowers in your hair, coordinate flower selection with both your
florist and your hair dresser.
- Reception Flowers
Cut flowers are a great way to decorate the top of your and your
cake table. You can also have bridesmaids place there bouquets
to frame the base of the cake, or place them at intervals on one
of the buffet tables.
- Tossing the Bouquet
Have the florist create an inexpensive "toss" bouquet
to throw over your shoulder to guests. That way you can keep and
preserve your bridal bouquet.
- Cake & Cake Table
Cut flowers are a great way to decorate the top of your and your
cake table. You can also have bridesmaids place there bouquets
to frame the base of the cake, or place them at intervals on one
of the buffet tables.
- When selecting flowers, ask
you florist about their stamina. Some flowers are beautiful, but
will have great difficulty withstanding heat, or even a simple
walk down the aisle. Make sure selections for the wedding and
reception will hold their shape and not wither before the festivities
are over.
- Don't forget the greenery.
Rent ferns or other green plants to fill space and frame the ceremony
site. Use lighted ficus trees at the reception add warmth and
set the mood for the reception.
- Don't carry your flowers too high. Your
lower arm should rest on your hipbones.
- Once you and the florist agree
on the cost, color, quantity and types of flowers; you will need
to sign a contract. The contract should :
- list prices
- specify delivery and setup
information
- dates, times, contact information,
emergency contact information (mistress of ceremonies), locations,
expected condition of flowers (fresh, blooms open)
- list unacceptable substitutes
- any colors or flower varieties that you dislike or are allergic
to
- specify cleanup of any accessories
provided by the florist (candelabras, etc.)
- specify deposit requirements
and payment schedule
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