The Nuts and Bolts of Flowers

Flowers are so delicious that you might want to fling yourself headlong into the nearest florist’s fridge as soon as you start thinking about your wedding.

Before you become completely intoxicated, though, you’ll need to lay some groundwork. Start your flower decision by picking a ceremony and reception site, choosing your wedding colors, and figuring out the bridal gown. The florist tailors her art to these elements–and the more informed she is, the better her results will match your vision.

Three things to consider:

• How much to flower: Since you probably can’t afford 50,000 flowers like Hollywood’s top earners, be selective about where to include them. The bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere generally rank highest, followed by ceremony arrangements and reception accents. A lush outdoor setting will require fewer flowers; a spare indoor one will require more.
• Picking and choosing: Wedding florals should be beautifully colored, gently aromatic, and somewhat durable in constitution so they don’t wilt halfway down the aisle. Your choice of flowers can also stem from their connection to a personal memory, their expression of a locale, or their traditional symbolic meaning.
• Achieving your vision: Is the wedding you want fabulously chic, down to earth, or classically romantic? Whatever your answer, your flowers should reflect it. Bridal magazines, other weddings, and your everyday style can help you come up with ideas. For inspiration off the beaten path, check out arrangements at your favorite restaurants, boutiques, and salons.

And about that budget. In general, flowers run up to 15 percent of the total wedding tab. Ordering in-season blooms keeps costs down, as does ordering a particular flower in bulk. Ask your florist for guidance so that you can get the most bloom for your buck. And remember, prioritize the parts most important to you, and no one will notice if you nip and tuck where minor elements are concerned.

– Emily Bedard, Amazon.com Wedding Expert

Tags: Bridal Gown, Bridal Magazines, Florist, Reception Site, Wedding