What about the Flowers?

Maybe you've already picked your venue, you even have your colors all coordinated. But what about the flowers? (Hopefully you take them into consideration when you're choosing colors).

The main questions lately are regarding how much or how many. Do you only want flowers for your bouquet and the brides maids? What about the boutonniere? And family - who all is entitled to a corsage? Will your tables have flowers in the centerpieces or the head table be all decked out?


It's traditional for the bride, maid of honor, brides maids, groom and groomsmen to have flowers. Also, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom. When you include grandparents and siblings with a corsage or boutonniere - they can feel more included in the wedding.
The best idea for keeping floral costs low is to get flowers that are in season. If you are dead set on a unique flower that needs to be imported - you are paying for a lot of shipping and handling instead of just the flowers.


"Picking" a florist (pun intended) is similar to choosing any wedding vendor. Interview several and feel comfortable with your decision. If you're not sure what you need to know, ask them? Ask what are the biggest hurdles they come across with weddings? What do they suggest to coordinate with your dress, colors, venue etc. Do you or your fiancé have allergies? What about silk flowers? (sometimes silk flowers get a bad rap - but they have come along way from the generic plastic stuff you remember)

Doing it yourself? I'm not going to tell you that you can't put together your own flower arrangements. However, keep in mind that professional florists know a whole lot more about flowers. They can assist with design, color coordination, and have everything fresh and ready on the big day. If you feel comfortable doing the flowers yourself - just remember that the few days before the wedding to have plenty of space in a refrigerator available for flowers, buy the flowers as fresh as possible, remember all the supplies you'll need and plan on putting together arrangement the night before. By the time you purchase all the necessary supplies and consider your time - DIY may not be the cheapest way to go. Also, remember to research what flowers do better in the heat or last longer out in the open. The last thing you want is wilted flowers because you didn't know they wouldn't last or shouldn't be touched too much.



As you decide on how many flowers to include and where to get them - remember that it's your wedding. Tradition may state that certain things are important, but realistically - this is your day and you can do whatever you want.

Photo courtesy of Ventola Photography

Bouquet pictured from Thee Wedding Warehouse Home of Endearing Floral Design