Flowers are one of the most important aspects of a wedding. Flowers infuse color and life into a wedding. They help make table settings more beautiful and can transform a formerly dull space into a beautiful, lively one. They create a peasing visual ambience.
Firstly decide what do you need flowers for
You will need personal flowers,bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom, father of the bride and groom, groomsmen, and corsages for mother of the bride and groom.
Ceremony flowers, whether it’s a home wedding or a Church wedding.
Reception flowers, usually includes centerpieces for tables, guest book table and the cake table.
Then determine the average cost for wedding flowers
The average cost for wedding flowers can range between $800 – $1,000 dollars.
Where and how do I begin
Begin by collecting ideas. Start looking pictures of flowers and color schemes from bridal, home & garden and food magazines. The internet can be a great inspiration for ideas. Try looking at wallpaper or fabric books. They have wonderful ideas for color palettes. Ask for recommendations from family and friends.
When to start looking for a florist
Start looking 6-12 months ahead of your wedding. Many of the best wedding floral designers are booked well in advance.
Your concern should be to view their work and feel comfortable with the designer. Be sure to inquire how many weddings they’ve done and to see photos of their work.
After choosing the florist
Once you have made your choices for floral designers, secure the date by leaving a deposit. Usually a deposit ranges from $50 – $100. Make sure you get the date in writing and find out whether the deposit is refundable.
Decide where to put the flowers
Don’t let your floral designer talk you into putting flowers in every nook and cranny. It isn’t necessary. Put your most expensive arrangements where it would create the biggest impression or where they will be seen the most. Use lots of greenery, alone or with baby’s breath or bows. Bows may even be used alone. Greenery with tulle looks very romantic.
Simplify Your Centerpieces
Labor costs make florist bills bloom. Trim them by opting for less labor-intensive arrangements like simple centerpieces instead of wild topiaries. Also nix any elaborate blooming structures, gateways, windows, railings, frames that will take a long time to set up.
Color Cues
Arrangements of cool contrasting colors, mint green and cherry red are vivacious. Make sure the flowers you pick suit your wedding style and colors.Take a bridesmaid dress fabric swatch with you when you meet your floral designer so that she has a good start.
Choose seasonal blooms
Choose blooms that are in season for your wedding or locally grown. . If you have a summer wedding go for hardy flowers that won’t wilt, such as sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, lilies, and hydrangeas. Avoid gardenias, lily of the valley, tulips, and wildflowers.
Size matters
Choose smaller bouquets.You won’t want to carry a burden. And don’t choose the bridal and attendants’ bouquets without regard to dress style. A delicate nosegay will get lost against an elaborate ruffled dress, for example, and a small bride will be overshadowed by a massive cascading arrangement.
Make necessary arrangements
Don’t assume your florist will have access to your ceremony and reception site early on in the big day. Ask if your designer would be willing to transport the flowers from the reception site to the ceremony. If they are not willing to include this in the price, ask a friend to transport them and place them appropriatley at the reception site
Protect the flowers from direct sun
Have your flowers delivered boxed with cellophane and well misted so that they look fresh throughout the wedding ceremony and reception. Check out each bouquet and remove any damaged blossoms.
Tossing Tradition
You don’t have to toss the actual bridal bouquet — many brides have their florists create a smaller tossing bouquet for the traditional ritual. It is an extra fee so be sure to pick a low-maintenance arrangement. There’s no need to break your budget on this bouquet.
Streamline Your Vendors
These days, florists are actually more like event designers. You may be able to get decorations like balloons, streamers, lanterns, and chairs from your florist.