FLOWERS WHERE TO START Without even knowing it, your floral research has probably already begun. Any time you admire a blooming centerpiece, dreamily eye flowers at the local farmers’ market, or pin a stunning bouquet to your wedding Pinterest board, you’re developing your own taste in flowers. Keep doing this as you prepare to meet your florist. Create a flowers-only Pinterest board to gather images that you love, and maybe some that you don’t. It helps to have lots to show your potential florist. It’s also critical to have a set budget. FINDING A FLORIST If possible, book a florist 8 to 10 months before your wedding. Select up to four florists to meet with in-person as any more would be overwhelming. Your goal is to find someone who is organized, professional, and whose style and personality meshes with your own. Have a budget in mind. Know your wedding colors and ceremony and reception locations. If you have a picture of your wedding dress and any fabric swatches from the bridesmaid dresses, bring those along as well. The right florist will take all of these elements (your style, venue, and budget) and create something special just for you. Florists know which flowers will and won’t wilt in the sun, which are best for indoors, and which will work better in a centerpiece rather than in a bouquet. Foster open communication from the start and hire someone you can trust. FOR YOU AND YOUR WEDDING PARTY You’ll first want to determine the look of your bridal bouquet. All other floral pieces will take their cue from this piece. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your style and personality to the forefront. Full, rounded bouquets are gorgeous, as are cascading bouquets which are a classic choice making a modern comeback. PREMIERBRIDEFLORIDA.COM
Today’s cascades are a loose, more natural style of bouquet. Also on trend are dried floral elements combined with fresh blooms for gorgeous texture and dimension. Then there’s the wedding party flowers: Just as bridesmaids might mix-andmatch dresses, you can also mix-andmatch bouquets and boutonnieres. Remember to also consider corsages and boutonnieres for parents, grandparents, and other important people. These miniature arrangements have been updated in recent years. Corsages often take shape on metal cuff bracelets, while a spray of small flowers makes an easy pocket boutonniere. FOR THE CEREMONY If you’re having your ceremony in a place of worship, check with your officiant for any restrictions before finalizing the flowers. Consider aisle adornments and arrangements — such as an arch, swag, or spray — to frame your vows. Oftentimes ceremony flowers can play double duty by adorning the ceremony as well as the reception hall. FOR THE RECEPTION There’s an endless array of options for floral reception centerpieces: elegant vases filled with cut flowers, footed pedestals brimming with blooms, glorious bunches of wildflowers, assorted small vases with single stems, nature-inspired elements, and so much more. You may even think beyond the tabletops themselves in favor of hanging floral installations. Use your imagination to incorporate flowers into one-of-a-kind centerpieces and scenesetters that reflect your style and your wedding’s theme. Keep in mind that the height of the arrangements shouldn’t get in the way of conversation. Florists can create SUMMER/FALL 2022 • PREMIER BRIDE • 89
