Flowers and More

design a beautiful wedding

Through decades of evolving wedding traditions and styles, certain things remain constant like a bride’s white dress and gorgeous flowers to adorn the day. Though we think of flowers as an accent, they’re so much more at a wedding. Flowers help define a wedding’s colors, theme, and mood.

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

FLOWERS

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. 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-and-match dresses, you can also mix-and-match 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 scene-setters 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. The key is to either make the arrangements low enough to talk over or high enough to talk under. A riser or vase that is about 24 to 32 inches will elevate above the conversation as long as the vase is narrow enough to talk around.

If your budget allows, consider adding floral flourishes throughout the reception hall to tie everything together. Thinking big, a gorgeous floral backdrop certainly makes for a fabulous photo-op. A ceremony arch could even double as a sort of floral photo booth during the reception. On a smaller scale, your florist might sprinkle flower petals on serving trays or trim the dessert table with an extra flourish. Simple greenery placed throughout the venue is also a lovely way to bring the outdoors in. Run any and all ideas past your florist so they can help you refine your vision, stay within your budget, and create a beautiful, memorable ambiance.

FLOWERS IN ALL SEASONS

Everything has its season, and flowers are no exception. In fact, seasonality plays an even bigger role when it comes to florals. One of the most important things for you and your florist to factor into your choice of flowers is the season in which your wedding falls. You’ll find flowers that bloom during the month of your wedding will be more

affordable and will last longer than those that are out of season. Let’s look at some popular flowers in each season to kickstart your search. Winter: Amaryllis, Casablanca Lily, Freesia, Gerbera Daisy, Heather Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Rose, Stephanotis. Spring: Peony, Sweet Pea, Lilac, Ranunculus, Hydrangea, Tulip, Calla Lily, Magnolia. Summer: Anemone, Azalea, Camellia, Daffodil, French Tulip, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Mimosa, Pansy, Primrose, Violet. Fall: Celosia (Cockscomb), Chinese Lantern, Chrysanthemum, Crosnia, Dahlia, Statice. Year-round: Baby’s Breath, Calla Lilies, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Cymbidium Orchid, Daisy, Dendrobium, Orchid, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lily, Rose, September Aster, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Tuberose.

KEEPING IT CLASSIC

No doubt roses are the most widely used flower in wedding arrangements. Florists rarely deal with fancy roses. These are most commonly found in supermarkets and they tend to wilt rapidly. Roses that are of top quality will last the longest. Traditional bouquets are all white and can combine an array of blossoms that are unique in shape and size. It’s also possible to have a vibrantly colored bouquet that still reflects classic styles and shapes. Whatever your wedding’s theme and style, by collaborating with a professional florist, you’re sure to have the flowers of your dreams. Work together, but always remember to trust your florist’s expertise. In doing so, your wedding flowers will be the envy of all.

Unrivaled Artistry and Elegance

Our approach to each event takes its cues from the beauty of your story. We offer custom designed floral and décor for your special day! Reserve your complimentary consultation with one of our wedding specialists.

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