| u are in the process of planning a wedding, you | | | | happy to select specific flowers, colors, and design |
| know that there is much more involved in tying | | | | styles with you. Many will also offer to create a |
| the knot than just… well, tying a knot. It | | | | sample or two for approval before delivery. |
| takes a considerable amount of time and effort | | | | Consider a Few Extra Touches |
| to prepare for the day that you have dreamt | | | | For the most memorable day of your life, you |
| about for so long. Flowers are an important | | | | may also want to consider accent pieces for |
| aspect. The right wedding flowers will compliment | | | | doorways, pews, the cake, the alter, and even |
| you, as well as make your ceremony and | | | | your car. Think about how others can remember |
| reception more beautiful. Fortunately, choosing the | | | | the day, as well. Small bags of candy will be eaten |
| right wedding flowers doesn’t have to be | | | | and forgotten, but many will cherish the novelty |
| difficult. Your florist can help, and here are some | | | | of individual flowers placed at every setting. It will |
| tips from wedding professionals to make the job | | | | make your guests feel as if you are thinking of |
| even easier. | | | | each and every one of them. You might also |
| Contact Your Florist | | | | consider allowing the guests to take the |
| Once you’ve set the date, it’s a | | | | centerpieces home, as a token of thanks for their |
| good idea to contact your florist to inquire about | | | | friendship, and to help them understand how |
| availability. If you’re not sure which florist | | | | special this day is to you now, and how |
| to call, ask friends and relatives if they have | | | | unforgettable it will always be. |
| recommendations. The best wedding florists | | | | Discuss Your Budget |
| decorate lots of weddings. So, it’s usually | | | | Wedding flowers can be anywhere from a few |
| easy to find people who have seen their work. | | | | hundred dollars for an intimate nuptial to tens of |
| When you call, confirm that they can serve the | | | | thousands of dollars for an impressive ceremony |
| locations for your wedding and reception. You | | | | and reception, with the average normally in the |
| may also want to ask about other weddings | | | | $2,000 to $3,000 range. A lot depends on the |
| they’ve done, whether they can provide | | | | location, number of guests, and how you want |
| any pictures of their work or referrals from local | | | | your wedding to be remembered. Be upfront with |
| customers, and when you could meet. Most | | | | your florist about your wishes and your |
| florists are happy to schedule free consultations | | | | approximate budget. Get their best |
| to help you. | | | | recommendations, but don’t be afraid to |
| Take One Step At A Time | | | | ask how you might economize, too. Your florist |
| The next step is usually selecting the gowns for | | | | may be able to suggest ways to use some |
| the bridal party, because the flowers should | | | | pieces at both the ceremony and reception. Some |
| compliment their color and style. Get some | | | | will provide the transportation for this, as well. |
| pictures or fabric swatches to show to your | | | | Many florists can also provide plants, votive |
| florist. It’s also helpful, before meeting | | | | candles, candelabra, linens, and other decorations |
| with your florist, to go through a few bridal | | | | on a rental basis to help you save money. |
| magazines and clip any photos of flowers and | | | | Use Your Imagination |
| bouquets you particularly like. These simple tools | | | | No matter what you see in magazines or at other |
| will help you communicate with your florist, so he | | | | ceremonies, remember that almost anything is |
| or she knows where to start in helping you select | | | | possible when it comes to wedding flowers. For |
| something you’ll love. Don’t worry | | | | example, compact nosegay style bouquets are |
| if you don’t know the names of particular | | | | popular but so are clusters of calla lilies or other |
| flowers. You don’t have to be an expert. | | | | single flower types, and traditional cascade style |
| Your florist will guide you through the process. | | | | bouquets are back in vogue, too. When it comes |
| Meet with Your Florist | | | | to color, pale pinks, peaches, and whites are |
| If possible, you should have the dresses picked | | | | always popular, but many brides today are opting |
| out and meet with your florist about four to six | | | | for reds or more fashion-forward colors such as |
| months prior to the big day. Earlier is better. | | | | oranges and greens. Almost anything goes. The |
| Remember, you don't want other bridal parties to | | | | important thing is to work with your florist. He or |
| beat you to your florist of choice for a particular | | | | she knows what’s hot and what’s |
| date. Bring your photos or fabric swatches with | | | | not and can create almost anything your heart |
| you. If you’d like additional input, bring | | | | desires. So, whether your wedding will be simple |
| your mother, bridesmaid, or friend along. The key | | | | or elegant, traditional or high-style, your wedding |
| elements for your wedding flowers will be the | | | | flowers will be perfect for the occasion. |
| bridal bouquet, selections for the bridal party and | | | | ### |
| parents, decorations for the ceremony, and | | | | This article may be republished in its entirety as |
| centerpieces for the reception. Your florist will be | | | | long as the byline and link below are included. |