Although it’s possible to have a wedding with no fresh flowers, wedding flowers often play a big part. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding between the available options. Keep reading for tips on how to select just the right wedding flowers for your special day.
The Budget
Before making any wedding-related decisions, create a budget. Then you know what you can spend in each category. The budget for wedding flowers narrows the options. Those with a smaller budget may want smaller bouquets made with seasonal flowers and non-floral centerpieces and decorations. Reuse the bouquets from the ceremony as decor at the reception. Put them in vases on the tables to decrease costs. Make the bridal bouquet the top consideration. Make those for the bridal party smaller and less elaborate if trying to cut costs.
The Wedding Colors and Theme
Your wedding flowers should coordinate with the rest of the decorating scheme for the wedding. Bring samples of other decor items, such as linens, to help the florist find a color match. Choose two colors to narrow the options for flowers if the task feels overwhelming.
The Season
Choose seasonal flowers to save money, be more environmentally friendly, and get flowers that last longer and look nicer. For example, asters, dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are available during fall. Out-of-season flowers are harder for the florist to source. They don’t last as long because of the travel time and unsuitable temperatures involved. Hydrangeas, bachelor’s buttons, orchids, calla lilies, alstroemeria, roses, lily of the valley, and carnations are available all year.
The Venue and The Wedding Style
The wedding flowers you choose should suit the venue and the style of the wedding. Don’t pick wildflowers when planning a formal event in a ballroom. They would appear out of place. Choose something that will fit with the event’s setting and style. Likewise, avoid choosing wedding colors that clash with the colors in the decor in the venue.
Your Taste
Do your research and bring the florist examples of flowers and bouquets you like. This helps get the discussion started and narrow the options. If the exact bouquet is too expensive, the florist may offer a more affordable alternative with a similar appearance. Don’t expect an exact recreation of a particular bouquet. The pictures serve as inspiration for the florist to create something special for you.
The Smell
Some flowers have a strong aroma, which is fine if you love that scent, but not if it isn’t one you enjoy. Remember, some people are sensitive to smells. Check with the florist if you prefer a bouquet that’s not so strongly scented. Gardenias, lilies, lilacs, and freesias are examples of particularly fragrant blooms.
Your Size
A very large bouquet of large blossoms overwhelms a small stature bride. Likewise, a tiny bouquet may appear out of place with a larger bride. Consider also the weight of the bouquet, as a large cascading bouquet may wind up being heavier than you planned. It might not be comfortable to carry and hold this size of bouquet throughout the ceremony.
The Meaning of the Flowers
Choose your wedding flowers carefully. Don’t choose flowers with unsuitable meanings for the occasion. For example, people associate marigolds with grief, lavender with distrust, and larkspur with infidelity. Tulips stand for love and passion, roses for love and beauty, and the lily of the valley means happiness.
The Stem Count
When speaking with florists, ask for a stem count. Then you know the exact composition of the bouquet. It minimizes disappointments at the event. It also makes it easier to see why one florist is quoting a higher price than another.
The Bouquet Shape
Smaller brides and those with extravagant dresses often opt for posy bouquets with flowers arranged in a circular fashion. A cascade bouquet suits those with simple long, formal gowns that want to make a statement. People use these bouquets in rustic weddings. Arm sheath bouquets consisting of long-stemmed flowers work well for brides who want to put the bouquets into vases after the ceremony. These work particularly well for tall brides and those wearing simple streamlined dresses. The other main shape is the Biedermeier bouquet which looks like a ball with blooms arranged in circular patterns.