Do I need flowers for my wedding?
No. However, weddings are celebrations of the marriage vows - whether this celebration is held in private or displayed in front of a large group of people. Flowers add a touch of natuarl beauty to this celebration.

Choosing the right florist is very important. Many considerations jostle for prominence in the wedding preparation process, however one major consideration always tops the list. Beautiful flowers!  Back to Index

Choosing a Florist
The process of choosing a florist is as subjective as it is elusive. This usually begins with referrals from friends and family, followed by reviewing photographs of the florist's previous wedding arrangements. After a short list of possibles is prepared, make an appointment with each to discuss options and budgets. The first appointment should usually take approximately an hour.

To make the most of the time spent with each florist, assemble a list of the things you want most. The florist will need you to bring helpful items as photographs of desired arrangements, magazine clippings of flower arrangements you like, a photo of your wedding dress to match the style of the flowers with it and a fabric swatch from your bridesmaids' dresses for color comparison.  Back to Index

First, work out a general budget for your wedding flowers. Ask yourself questions like:

• How many bridesmaids and groomsmen will there be?
• Who outside the bridal party will receive flowers to wear?
• Will the florist decorate the pew ends or the altar in the church?
• Will flowers be required for the wedding cake?
• Will flowers be required for the guest registry table?
• Will flowers be required for the wedding gifts table?
• Will the florist decorate the reception site, including the head table and other tables?

One of the most important things to remember about hiring a florist is to plan ahead as much as possible. Many florists are booked a year or more in advance.  Back to Index

Color Saturation
According to local florists, brides should carefully consider color choices for bouquets. Blue is still a very trendy color for flowers, especially when paired with purple or a periwinkle. Subdued colors such as taupe tinged with pink are edging their way into bouquets everywhere. These colors go well with the taupe and pewter dresses worn by modern bridesmaids.

The shape of bouquets should be "simple and elegant".

What kinds of flowers do brides choose for their bouquets?
Roses are usually at the top the list. Brides also choose fresh lavender, sages and other herbs. Berries, Lisianthus and hydrangeas make regular appearances.  Back to Index

Elaborate ribbons are also used to contrast the simple look of today's flower arrangements, whether formal or natural. Satin ribbon might wrap around a bouquet's stems to hide them and to ensure unstained, unpricked hands. Wide satin ribbon in silk gives a lush simplicity when tied in a simple bow. Sheer ribbons add a fairy-tale feel to a tight cluster of elegant blooms.

Butonniéres
Boutonniéres also have a new, updated look - simple and sometimes decorated with a satin ribbon. Boutonniéres often forego greenery to achieve an understated, simple elegance.

Decorations
The trend toward simple elegance has carried over to the way churches and religious ceremonies are decorated. More attention is now given to events that happen after the wedding ceremony, such as reception halls, dance floors and such.   Back to Index

This trend also means that attention to receptions have increased. At receptions, things like topiaries and wheat sheaves usually add a touch of elegance to tables and chairs. Lighting is often kept soft with shimmeing candles. Many brides opt to leave small gifts beside each plate, such as candies, keepsakes and hand-written cards, which also serve as decorations.

How far in advance should I contact the florist when ordering wedding flowers?
Flowers are one of the most important aspects of most wedding celebrations. Flowrs set the mood and tone for the event that will be captured in photos and videos and remembered for years to come. Many florists will handle only a specific number of weddings on any given day. Therefore it is important to contact your florist well in advance to begin planning. A good rule of thumb is to contact your florist at least three months in advance of the wedding day. However, if your wedding is going to be an exceptionally elaborate event, take place during peak wedding season or fall on a holiday, then six months to a year is not too soon to contact your florist. This time window will allow the florist to begin looking for any specialty items you might need. Wedding flowers can be highly specific and colors often have to be very precise, so florists need advance notice to place flower orders.  Back to Index

Will a florist work with my budget?
Yes. Florist realize that wedding day memories will last a long time and brides want to make this day as special as possible. This means that spending money in the things that count are essential. When speaking with your florist, be honest and straightforward about your budget on the initial consultation so the florist knows what to recommend. By taking your budget into consideration from the very beginning of the planning process, the florist can give you the best advise on how to place the flowers for maximum effect and what types of flowers will be the best value to achieve your desired look.

Is it okay to visit several florists to get estimates?
Yes, however, maintain your intetrity by informing the various florist you contact that you're gathering estimates at this point and will contact them later if needed. Making an appointment and taking the florist' time and energy before making final decisions is not appropriate.  Back to Index

For consultations, be prepared with a detailed list of your floral needs and wants. Forist will be able to give a rough estimate without a lengthy meeting. If you are gathering ideas and then comparisons, it is best to inform the florist of your intentions in the beginning of the consultation. Floral designers are no different from other professional consultants. Floral specialists are highly trained and skilled artists and their ideas and time have a dollar value. You may be asked to pay a consultation fee if you want to discuss a florist's actual ideas and suggestions for your wedding. In most cases, the fee will be applied to the flowers once the order is placed.

What can a florist do to help me maximize the available budget for the ceremony and reception?
In addition to suggesting specific types of flowers that will work within your budget, a professional florist can offer other helpful suggestions as to what flowers might be used at both the ceremony and reception hall. For example:

• Bridesmaids' bouquets can become table decorations
• The bride's bouquet can become the head table arrangement
• The pew markers can become festive bows on cars or doors
• Altar designs can flank the buffet or cake table

Cost
The cost of wedding flowers can vary widely depending on several factors. Exotic out-of-season flowers will cost far more than locally-grown and easily obtained in-season flowers. Upscale, cutting-edge floral designers will most likely be more expensive than more traditional local florists. Bouquets rich in certain flowers and light on greenery will certainly cost more to arrange.

The average cost of wedding flowers ranges between $1,500 and $2,500 for most weddings. Consult with your florist to choose where to best spend your budget for maximum effect.  Back to Index