Flowers for Your Special Day

Underscore the drama of your wedding with the right flowers. Find a professional who will take the time to learn about you and the ambiance you want to create.

Six months before the wedding is not too early to select your florist, especially if you’re planning an elaborate wedding. When you talk with your florist, be guided by these elements: the style and mood of your wedding, the season or environment, your budget, and, more to the point, what you like.

• Go prepared! Have the date, location, and a number of attendants ready when you go as well as your budget.
• Selecting your gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and the overall color theme is a must before visiting your florist. Take fabric swatches and descriptions (pictures are even better) of your selected wedding apparel.
• It is always a good idea to request that your florist give you an itemized bill in advance and make sure that you, in turn, supply the florist with the names, addresses, and times for delivery of your bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages, and floral arrangements.
• Expect to spend at least $1,000 on flowers, although they should not be the largest expense of the day. Talk to several florists; many will offer special packages. Ask to see photos of their work, not just arrangements from a catalog, as well as references.
• Traditionally, the bridal bouquet is composed of all white flowers but, if you would prefer, the addition of colorful blossoms is certainly appropriate.
• The groom’s boutonniere, worn on his left lapel, is usually a spray of the same type of blossoms used in your bouquet. Ushers and groomsmen wear boutonnieres different from the groom’s and your attendants’ flowers are different, of course, from your bouquet.
• Corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for the fathers are coordinated in color and style within the general floral theme.
• Think about including a smaller, toss bouquet in your floral order.
• Consider including unusual greenery plants. Asparagus fern and multi-colored coleus are attractive in summer bouquets. Holly and pine sprays are popular for December nuptials. Stalks of golden-brown wheat are a sentimental touch for harvest brides.
• Flowers and greenery in season are more abundant and generally less expensive.
• Some florists will rent silk altar arrangements and other pieces for a fraction of the cost of fresh flowers.
• Ask your florist for guidance. Their artistry, knowledge of wedding protocol, and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you’ll get a good value for your money and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day.