Flowers are an important part of the wedding ceremony and a thoughtful addition to the décor at the reception location. From boutonnieres and bouquets, to seasonal arrangements and petals down the aisles, flowers add color, mood and flair to your special day. How do you choose the floral elements that provide just the right mood, expression and style for your event? See below for tips when making your selections:
Establish a budget
The floral budget will surely influence the flowers used, and the arrangements created {in both size and quantity}, so establish your spending amount early on and share it with your florist. While it is not necessary to over-spend, its important to determine the number of arrangements needed and the types of flowers you wish to include. Often, the larger the budget the more elaborate the design can be. Adding greenery can be a beautiful alternative to pricier floral options.
Pay attention to the venue
Its likely that you have already considered the set-up and décor of the wedding venue when establishing your style, but re-visit it briefly prior to selecting your floral pieces especially if your chosen florist is unfamiliar with the space. Aside from the overall style and the colors that are permanent to the site, stop and review the options for tables, chairs and place settings, as well as any non-moveable decorative or architectural elements within the space. An historic mansion with burgundy and gold-leafed wall coverings may not play well with your dream of pale blue and lavender colored centerpieces. Consider the look and feel of the finished product before committing to a certain flower.
Consider the style of your wedding
Rustic. Traditional. Beachy. Glamorous. Modern. Elegant. What style are you aiming for with your wedding? Flower selections, and the displays used should complement the intended overall style of the wedding. For example, calla lilies provide an aura of time-honored elegance, while a bouquet of hand-tied daisies may reflect a more relaxed tone. If you are going for a “toes in the sand” & wind-swept feel, allow your flowers to reflect that. Your florist can be the best guide in selecting theme appropriate flowers while sticking to the budget.
Incorporate color scheme
Choosing a flower that comes in a variety of colors, such as roses, mums and tulips, means you are more likely to find just the right match for your color-scheme. Of course, your flowers do not have to be an exact color match, but they should complement the theme of the wedding. Consider bridesmaids dresses, table linens, and the internal decor of the wedding venue to avoid negatively contrasting elements.
Embrace the season
While some flowers such as roses and carnations are easily retrieved year-round, others are much more seasonal in nature. Though tulips, daffodils and hyacinths may be plentiful for a spring wedding, they can be nearly impossible to come by later in the year. A late fall wedding may best utilize hydrangeas and dahlias, as they are plentiful during autumn. While your favorite spring bloom may be available in October, it’s likely that it will be harder to get, which in-turn raises the price tag. Meet with your florist to discuss in-season options that meet both your color requirements and your budget.
Floral traits and meanings
If you are sensitive to smells, do consider the fragrance of the bloom. For example, you may want to avoid lilacs, lilies, jasmine, and gardenias as they are some of the most perfumed flowers. When selecting items for both bouquets and centerpieces you might ask your florist if particular flowers have traditional meanings behind them that may have a significance to you or your fiancé.
25 popular flowers and the meaning they carry:
Alstroemeria – Friendship and devotion
Amaryllis – Splendid beauty
Apple Blossom – Better things to come
Aster – Love and Daintiness
Carnation – Pure Deep Love
Chrysanthemum – Fidelity, optimism, joy and long life
Clematis – Love Vine
Daffodil – Regard and chivalry
Daisy – Innocence, purity and loyal love
Freesia – Trust
Gardenia – Purity and sweetness
Hydrangea – Heartfelt emotions
Iris – Wisdom and Hope
Ivy – Marriage
Jasmine – Amiability
Lily – Purity
Orchid – Exotic beauty
Poppy – Imagination
Rose – Love
Red Rose – Passionate Love
White Rose – Innocence and Pure Love
Red and White Rose – Unity
Tulip – Perfect Lover
Red Tulip – Declaration of Love
Yellow Tulip – Hopeless Love
Whether or not you are a flower enthusiast, remember incorporating a few blooms into your event will not only soften the space, but also provide visual attraction to the important aspects of the day. For example, the bouquet and boutonniere will highlight the bride and groom, and an arrangement placed at the alter or near the ceremony allows for the “framing” of the honored couple. The bottom-line in choosing just the right options for you is – do your homework prior to engaging a florist, then rely on their expertise & guidance once you do.
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