Wedding Flowers
The selection process of your wedding flowers will usually begin with a discussion of the Bride's bouquet. You will have a choice of several basic styles. These are cascade, crescent, contemporary, nosegay, hand tied bouquet and arm or presentation style. You can better prepare for your first meeting with your florist if you bring the following;
? A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.
? A list of what flowers you will want at the ceremony.
? A list of what flowers will be needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.
? Color/fabric swatches and pictures of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.
? Feel free to also bring pictures of flowers that you like.
Your florist will also have pictures of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a "theme", let your florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there are any specific flowers you want.
Keep in mind that some flowers are not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do not photograph well.
It is important that you are upfront with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception. Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable flowers if you are on a budget. Don't plan your wedding near big flower holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother's Day. If you do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist's want to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during these busy holidays based on growing and demand.
Once you have chosen your Bouquet you have selected the "center" of your wedding flowers. The other pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your "Special Day"...
? Bride's Bouquet
? Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw
? Maid of Honor Bouquet
? Bridesmaids Bouquets
? Grooms Boutonniere
? Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding
? Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom
? Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor
? Boutonniere for Ring Bearer
? Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*
? Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at your buffet)
? Vase at Guest Book Table
? Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)
? Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)
? Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)
*If you are considering petals for the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals are recommended for carpeted areas.
A very important detail is to make sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.
Finally, when it comes to your wedding flowers, don't skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride's trying "do-it-yourself" flowers or having a friend design them, only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don't risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests on your special day!
Congratulations!
Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.
MORE RESOURCES:
How Getting Married Made Me An Activist Newsweek - This NEWSWEEK editor's wedding has put him in the middle of the culture wars. Now, as he and his spouse wait to see if their marriage is valid, ... |
Wedding season is back with a bang in Capital Times of India, India - NEW DELHI: Wintry Delhi days may slow down much of the city, but for the effusive marriage season it is time to stir again. Quite literally, weddings wake ... |
Prince Charles' wedding might be 'illegal' Expressindia.com, India - London, November 10: The legality of Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles has come into question after constitutional experts revealed that ... |
The 5 W's of getting your wedding license New York Daily News, NY - BY ANNA T. HIRSH White dresses, colorful bridesmaids, fondant-covered cakes and cover bands – these delightful details might be the building blocks of a ... |
Late night weddings and fireworks continue The News International, Pakistan - By M. Zeeshan Azmat Last night I attended a wedding ceremony near the Five Star signal, North Nazimabad. The series of marriage lawns and halls on both ... |
 Where I Live - News Limited Community Newspapers | Hard work key to couple’s marriage Where I Live - News Limited Community Newspapers, Australia - Golden couple ... Peter and Joan Waltisbuhl, of Cashmere, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 25. CHILDHOOD sweethearts Peter and Joan ... |
Think of the children??? Pleasanton Weekly, USA - I agree with you. How dare the Yes on Prop 8 campaign use children in their commercials? The parents of the children on field trips did not consent to their ... |
Maui Weddings – Exotic Marriage with Deep Rooted Values NewDesignWorld (press release), UK - Maui Weddings are getting popular day by day. The way in which these marriages are conducted is exceptional. In order to relish their marriage day for the ... |
www.jaintoday.com offers free services for jain community. BigNews.biz (press release), MA - ... jain university, jain schools, jain colleges, jain centre, jain society, jain homes, jain sanskar, jain vivah low cost marriage wedding, jain schemes, ... |
RE[3]: Too bad Newmobilecomputing.com - It seems to me that the marriage side of things should be handled completely by the church, and after you get married you should go off to the courthouse to ... |
|
Shop Online for Champaign, Wines, Glasses, Chillers and all you need for your wedding |
||
|
|
Destination Weddings in Oregon
Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the world. Blessed with a variety of climates, landscapes, cultural diversity, tourist attractions, beautiful cities and friendly people can make the wedding day fantasies of any couple come true.
Searching For A Discount Mother Of The Bride Dress
You can look fabulous at your daughter's wedding in a discount mother of the bride dress. There's no need to spend a lot of money on an expensive dress if you don't have to.
What Happens If You Dont Wear Proper Wedding Shoes?
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding her father's arm, but suddenly the shoes slip and she fell down. Wow?knocks on wood, hope that don't happen you.
The Bachelor Party: A Guide For The Best Man
If you forget the ring, there is still a chance that you might be forgiven. If you throw a poor bachelor party, you might as well throw away your friendship.
Marriage Advice: Twelve Steps to Creating an Affair-Proof Marriage
There's no way to absolutely guarantee that your marriage won't be blindsided by an affair on your part or your spouse's, but there are definite steps you can take to greatly reduce the probability of that happening.It's important to know what you can do to strengthen your marital connection and keep your marriage vibrant and healthy.
Extreme Age Differences In Marriage Can Lead To Infidelity
"Extreme age differences between husband and wife may lead to infidelity" says author and infidelity expert, Ruth Houston, who was recently quoted in an article in First magazine. Houston's comments were included in the sidebar of an article in the May issue of First entitled "The Surprising Way Women Are Turning Back the Clock," which discusses the pros and cons of marriages and relationships in which the woman is considerably older or younger than the man.
Anniversary Gift Guide
An anniversary gift is the opportunity to show your loved one precisely how much they mean to you and how special you think they are.The list at the bottom of this post shows the traditional anniversary gifts for each of the major wedding anniversaries.
Family Law
A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one of every two marriages ends in divorce and the average length of a marriage before divorce is only five years.
Wedding Dresses - How to Buy Dreamy Wedding Gowns Online
Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on every bride's wedding day. You can find perfect wedding gowns online, or simply brainstorm which style of wedding dresses to start looking for as you narrow down your search.
Wedding Rings
Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They are the unique symbol of your devotion to each other and the design should be something that you both can agree on.
Marriage Problems: Help in Preventing Them
When we want to be successful at something in life, we usually don't attempt to "wing it." That's why those who want to play the piano take lessons.
Marriage Advice: Ten Ways to Add Romance to Your Marriage
Every marriage needs a healthy dose of on-going romance to add spice, delight, and fun to the relationship. It's not enough to just start out with a sizzling romance.
Games For A Wedding Shower
Games for a wedding shower are the best ways to make the most of your merriment in a wedding shower party. There are a lot of unique and varied games for wedding showers like the fish pond, men or women-who are better off?, coffee pot, guess the answer, guess my name, weave a story, my secret friend, how well do you know the bride/ groom games? etc.
How To Tell An Extraordinary Wedding Disc Jockey From Someone Who Could Ruin Your Reception
You have your band (around your finger), now it's time to find your Wedding disc jockey. You search the internet for "Wedding disc jockey" and come up with a list of potential wedding disc jockey choices.
Growing and Connecting with Your Spouse
Do you remember when there were no children in your life? Hanging out with your spouse was your first priority. You had fun going on dates.
Wedding Jewelry Tips Tricks and Helpful Hints
So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models who has the luxury of the finest gems and diamonds being loaned to them by the likes of Harry Wintson. No matter, you can add a little sparkle and look extra-ordinaire in your gown on your wedding day.
How to Plan a Cheap Wedding
There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 - $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.
Bridal Shower Gift Ideas
You've been invited to the bridal shower - what fun! You already have a wonderful wedding gift, but you aren't sure about bridal shower gift ideas. The first rule of thumb is that a bridal shower gift is generally a bit more personal; that is, it focuses on the bride rather than the couple.
The Second Time - Another White Wedding?
That first wedding was a dream, a gorgeous long white wedding dress, a beautiful church, luscious bridesmaids and the groom in tails. Plus all the trimmings and a heavenly reception and a great honeymoon.
Wedding Budget - What Can You Do To Shave It, Yet Still Have A Memorable Wedding?
OK, so you have your heart set on the top banquet facility in the area. The only thing is once you've done that, your wedding budget is shot.
