Choosing the flowers for your wedding is one of the best parts of the planning process. With all of this fun comes a host of decisions that you will need to make about the direction that you want to take with all of the floral arrangements for this big day in your life. Here are some of the top things to keep in mind when choosing your gorgeous buds.
Do Your Research
It is a good idea to do some homework before meeting with potential florists. Having some idea of the mood that you want to convey and how much money you have earmarked for this part of your budget will help to guide the conversation. Knowing some basic floral terms will also save valuable time as you discuss your vision for your special day. Be sure to also ask around for recommendations for local florists from friends so that you can narrow down your choices with confidence.
Budgeting
There is no easy answer when it comes to figuring out how much to budget for your flowers. How much you spend is largely dependent on your overall event budget. Most wedding planners will recommend allocating approximately 10% of your budget to flowers. If flowers are particularly important to you, you are going to want to set aside more money. Likewise, if you feel like you can make a lot of the wedding decor on your own, you may be able to get by with spending less.
Use What is in Season
One of the cardinal rules of picking the flowers for your wedding is to use what is in season. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you end up with the freshest and most fragrant blooms. Choosing flowers fit for the season will also guarantee that your buds do not wilt in the weather elements.
Make a List and Check it Twice
There is no shortage of ways that you can integrate flowers into all aspects of your wedding day. The obvious ways that you need flowers are for the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaid bouquets, and the men’s boutonnieres. Beyond this, you may also choose to order corsages for the important women at the event, including the mothers of the groom and the bride.
In addition to these arrangements, you need to think about all of the ways that you can use flowers for decor. At the ceremony, you may want to consider arrangements for the welcome table, the altar, and for lining the aisle. At the reception, possibilities include the centerpieces on the head table and the guest seating areas, the bar, the cake table, decor in the powder room, and more.
Lean on Your Venue
Savvy brides and grooms let their choice of wedding venue influence their decisions regarding flowers for their day. Where you have your ceremony and reception can play a big role on the flowers that you choose. For example, if you are lucky enough to exchange your vows in a park or garden, you can keep the floral budget to a minimum and lean on the natural backdrop of your venue for beauty and decor. Or if you are having a fancy ballroom affair, you will want your flowers to match the venue. This is when you would want more elegant rose arrangements instead of whimsical bouquets of wildflowers.
Make Them Meaningful
When chosen wisely, your flowers can also carry sentimental meaning. Different flowers have distinct meanings, making it easy to choose blooms that come with special symbolism. You can also look at ways to incorporate family traditions with your floral choices. For example, perhaps you want to choose the same type of arrangement that your mother carried on her wedding day?
Most importantly, be sure to let your true personality and style shine through with your floral selection.
