Sunday, May 23, 2010

Wedding Flowers - tips for choosing

When you and your significant other are wedding planning, the florist will be an important consulttant to guide you with your selection of what flowers, for whom and what the various flowers mean.

Wedding flowers will be a personal choice but good advice will be beneficial. Will the bride carry a wedding bouquet, a posy or wear a garland of flowers? What do different flowers represent, what wedding traditions dictate floral arrangements, who should wear what and in what colour?

Flowers will be everywhere on your special day, be sure that they express a message close to your heart.

The Florist
Whether choosing a large bouquet or a very simple posy, a professional florist is a must. Along with magazines, the florist can assist when choosing the right flowers and arrangements. Don't be shy to ask for references from past brides and photo proof of their workk. Make sure your florist can work within your budget. Decide how much you can afford, then ask your florist for suggestions within this amount. Flowers have to be fresh, undamaged and delivered on time to the right location - be sure you trust your florist.

Seasonal Flowers
Most flowers are seasonal depending on location. Ordering flowers that are out of season in the local area will be expensive. The florist can source just about anything the bride desires but if you're watching the budget, seasonal flowers are best. There are some blooms that are easily sourced all year round such as roses, various lilies, carnations, gerberas, orchids and baby's breath.

The Bridal Bouquet
The bride's flowers will be chosen to compliment the wedding gown and will be a personal choice based on individual personality and possibly, the season. Keep in mind the wedding gown style when deciding on flowers. The florist and dress designer can provide invaluable recommendations regarding the flowers and if a large trailing bouquet would be ideal or if a small posy of colour would look best. On the wedding day the bride will be holding the flowers for much of the day so an arrangement that is not too heavy is always a good idea.

Buttonhole Flowers
Today, buttonhole arrangements usually consist of a flower that compliments the bride's bouquethowever, the wedding tradition is for white buttonhole flowers. Buttonholes are worn by the groom, and all male members of the wedding party including the best man, groomsmen, and ring bearer.

Traditionally, buttonholes are also provided for both the father of the bride and the groom's father, grandfathers, brothers, brother-in-laws, spouses of bridesmaids and any person involved in the ceremony. This may mean ushers, someone doing a reading at the wedding, the master of ceremonies or toastmaster.

Remember, buttonholes are worn no the left.

Floral Corsages
Corsages are traditionally provided for important female participants in the wedding ceremony and will also compliment the bride's bouquet. Corsages are worn on the right by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, grandmothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, spouses of the groomsmen, and any other involved females.

Floral Arrangements at the Wedding
Flowers can also be situated at the ceremony. Floral arrangements should complement the bride's bouquet. Place flowers at the entrance to the ceremony, on the pew ends (or on the back of seats), on the alter (or the table to be used for signing) an in the arches or doorways. At the reception, place flowers at the entrance, on staircases and balconies, the gift table and if desired, as centerpieces on the tables. The bridal bouquet and wedding party flowers can be placed on the bridal table in a floral display.

Some reception venues such as hotels and restaurants often include wedding floral arrangments as part of their overall wedding services. Others may make a separate charge - be sure to ask. A lot of venues will allow you to provide your own wedding flowers and floral decorations. The venue management should be consulted to arrange a convenient time to set up the displays which will not inconvenience the catering arrangements.

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