Bloomin' Good Advice
Bryna Bates
“Selecting your flowers is one of the most important touches of your special day,” says Chicago bridal florist Carol Geiger. To help you choose the appropriate flowers to compliment your wedding we’ve put together this step-by-step guide that walks you through everything from setting your budget to decorating your reception venue.
ESTABLISH A BUDGET EARLY - Frequently, flowers are one of the items that are considered last, and by then the budget is exhausted and sacrifices are made on the floral decorations. Plan on spending five to ten percent of your total budget on flowers and decorations. For really nice reception centerpieces you will want to budget more.
MATCH THE MOOD – Your flowers should complement the mood and theme of your wedding. Is it formal, semi-formal, or casual? Is it traditional, contemporary, or modern and edgy? Also think about a certain feeling you want to convey. Do you want a clean tailored look or a wildflower garden? Will the reception be a rocking party or a more refined evening?
THE BRIDAL BOUQUET - A round hand-tied bouquet is a classic that seems to go with anything. You can make it simple or more elaborate through the selection of flowers. A cascading bouquet goes with a more formal gown and wedding. For a casual look, a loosely tied bouquet of garden flowers or an English Garden style bouquet with a variety of seasonal blooms would be just right. If you’re a modern girl, a neatly tied bundle of calla lilies or tulips might suit you better.
THE WEDDING PARTY - The groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnieres can mimic one of the flowers in the bride’s bouquet. And the bridesmaid’s bouquets should match the groomsmen’s boutonnieres. These bouquets can be the same flowers as the bride’s in a different color or the same color, but a different flower. The mothers’ corsages or bouquets and the fathers’ boutonnieres can either match the bridal party or be different. A special touch for the mothers and grandmothers is to have them wear or carry their favorite blossoms or the flowers they carried in their own weddings.
SEASONAL BLOOMS - Consider what is blooming outdoors during your wedding season. Spring flowers are primarily bulb plants, such as tulips, hyacinth, and daffodils. A summer selection is full of bright colored flowers, like phlox, snapdragons and lilies. Fall berries and pods added to classic rich colors are a vibrant touch. And blooms like amaryllis and gardenias are excellent winter choices. Flowers that are in their peak season usually are high quality and less expensive than out-of-season ones. Of course you’re not limited to seasonal suggestions. Many flowers, including roses and freesia, are grown in the southern hemisphere or in both hemispheres, so they are available year round.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES - There are no guarantees in the floral business because the supply is affected by the weather. A stretch of cool, wet weather in California may cause a commonly available flower to be difficult to get. Shipping problems also can occur. If you want a particular flower that’s not in season, it usually can be obtained, but the price will be elevated. It might seem strange to plan your wedding date by flower availability, but if you have your heart set on peonies, then early June is the best time to get married. If you want peonies in the fall they probably won’t be available at any price.
THE CEREMONY - Two large sprays on either side of the altar and a long low centerpiece for the unity candle are ideal for a typical church wedding. Bows, aisle candelabra, or floral decorations on the ends of every other or every third pew are also pretty. Another idea is to make paper cones and fill them with flowers to hang on the pews. Check with your ceremony site for any décor limitations before your visit to the florist. Outdoor decorations, such as floral wreaths for the doors, and tulle or garland on railings announce that a wedding is taking place and welcomes your guests. A decorated arch or gazebo for an outdoor or banquet hall wedding establishes a beautiful setting. Jewish weddings take place under a Chuppah, which is usually rented then decorated by the florist.
THE RECEPTION - Start with the centerpieces. Fresh flowers on each table, even a small bouquet; helps set the mood and make your guests feel special. Decorating the head table is also a high priority. A gorgeous arrangement on the place card table will be the first thing that greets your guests. There may be other venue areas to decorate, such as a mantelpiece, bar, or lounge. If you are not sharing a large washroom with other parties, put a small vase of fragrant flowers there.
SELECTING YOUR FLORIST – When you speak to your florist, be frank about your budget and ask for less expensive ideas if that’s a major concern. An expert florist has the experience to predict problems and suggest solutions before you notice them. It’s also important to see pictures of a florist’s work to ensure their capability of creating your special designs. Some florists have a very specific design style and others are very versatile. Find a florist whose ideas and judgment you trust. Then allow them to do their job. This way you’re sure to be delighted with your flowers.