Choosing Your Wedding Flowers
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The bridal bouquet is one of the most important uses of wedding flowers and deserves special attention. Start by selecting the color and shape of the bouquet. The bridal bouquet should be carried low enough so that all the intricate details of your gown are visible. There are many colors, scents, sizes, shapes and styles of bouquets to choose from.
A traditional bridal bouquet is made of white flowers, but any and all flowers are acceptable. If you prefer a colorful bouquet, you may want to consider using wedding flowers like roses, tulips, stock, peonies, freesia and gerber daisies, which come in a wide range of colors. Select flowers that are in season to assure availability.
Your wedding flowers should complement the season, your gown, your color scheme, your attendants' attire, and the style and formality of your wedding. If you have a favorite flower, build your bouquet around it and include it in all your arrangements. Some flowers carry centuries of symbolism. Consider stephanotis - tradition regards it as the bridal good-luck flower! Pimpernel signifies change; white flowers radiate innocence; forget-me-nots indicate true love; and ivy stands for friendship, fidelity, and matrimony - the three essentials for a happy marriage.
GROOM'S BOUTONNIERE
Boutonnieres are generally a single blossom such as a rosebud, stephanotis, freesia or a miniature carnation. If a rosebud is used for the wedding party, have the groom wear two rosebuds, or add a sprig of baby's breath to differentiate him from the groomsmen. Consider using a small cluster of flowers instead of a single bloom for the groom's boutonniere.
FLORAL DECORATIONS
The purpose of wedding flowers at the church is to direct the guests' visual attention toward the front of the church and to the bridal couple. Therefore, they must be large enough to be seen by guests seated in the back. The flowers for the ceremony site can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Your officiant's advice, or that of the altar guild or florist, can be most helpful in choosing wedding flowers. When choosing floral accents, consider the decor of your ceremony site. Some churches are ornate enough and don't need extra flowers. Select a few dramatic showpieces that will complement the existing decor. Be sure to ask if there are any restrictions on wedding flowers at the church. Remember, decorations should be determined by the size and style of the building, the formality of the wedding, the preferences of the bride, the cost, and the regulations of the particular site. If your ceremony is outside, decorate the arch, gazebo or other structure serving as the altar with wedding flowers or greenery.
AT THE RECEPTION SITE
Wedding flowers will add beauty, fragrance and color to your reception. Flowers for the reception, like everything else, should fit your style and color scheme. They can help transform a stark reception hall into a warm, inviting and colorful room.
CAKE
Wedding flowers are a beautiful addition to a cake and are commonly seen spilling out between the cake tiers. Use only non-poisonous flowers, and have your florist - not the caterer - design the floral decorations for your cake. A florist will be able to blend the cake decorations into your overall floral theme.
Your wedding flowers should complement the season, your gown, your color scheme, your attendants' attire, and the style and formality of your wedding. If you have a favorite flower, build your bouquet around it and include it in all your arrangements.
Ordering flowers on-line is one of the easiest steps towards pulling your wedding together.