How to Pick Wedding Flowers

Picking wedding flowers isn't always as easy as it sounds. Flowers make a wedding beautiful and that much more romantic. But knowing which wedding flowers to pick, from the thousands of varieties, can seem overwhelming and stressful. Read on for some easy tips on picking the perfect wedding flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wedding flowers should coordinate with the bridesmaids dresses (for tips on picking bridesmaid dresses see the link in the resources section below), the season, and the formality of the wedding. So wait until you have these three things set before you pick your wedding flowers.

2. 
    

   Look at wedding magazines, websites and books to get an idea of what type of wedding flowers you like. Be looking for specific flowers, color combinations, bouquet styles, centerpieces, even cake flowers. If you find something you like cut it out. This way when you go to see the florist you'll be able to better describe what you like AND don't like.

3. Meet with your florist about 8-10 months before the wedding to coordinate your wedding flowers. It's best to take a color sample of the bridesmaids dress with you. If possible, take a picture of your wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses, as well. This will help the florist to understand the formality of the wedding and the gowns. You probably don't want daisies if you're having a black tie affair, but you may opt for daisies if you're having an outdoor spring wedding on a Saturday afternoon.

4. Ask the florist which flowers will be in season at the time of your wedding. This will help you stick to your flower budget. If you pick flowers that are totally out of season, you'll still be able to get them but they'll have to be shipped in and they won't be as fresh and they'll be a lot more expensive.

5. 
    

   If you're looking for something different to do with your wedding flowers remember you don't have to have a bouquet and neither do your bridesmaids. Some brides have their bridesmaids carry a single rose or another long stem flower.

6. 
    

   If you want to distinguish between the bridesmaids and the maid of honor or the bride's bouquet and the rest of the bridal party's have flowers be similar but with subtle differences. The maid of honor's bouquet could be a little larger or have a variation on the color palette. You could also have her stems wrapped in a different color silk ribbon. If you want the bridal party to carry white flowers but you know they won't show up well with a white wedding gown - why not carry the same flowers in a color that compliment's the bridesmaid dresses?

7. Stick with the same theme throughout with your wedding flowers. Coordinate the church flowers, the bouquets, boutonnieres, and reception center pieces. Your florist can help you do this.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to get an extra bouquet to throw. Some florist will give you a complimentary bouquet.
• Make sure the flowers your flower girl will carry aren't too heavy. The flower balls on a ribbon are adorable, but they can be heavy for a little girl.

Resources

• Picking Bridesmaid Dresses Made Easy
• Be Your Own Wedding Planner

[starlet67]

on 1/30/2009 Excellent tips for wedding flowers! 5*
Nice photos too :)