Wedding Flower Quick Tips

Flower Quick Tips

• At least two months before your wedding, call your florist to arrange a consultation.
• Look for trained professionals who specialize in weddings, and make sure that you speak directly to the person who will be creating your arrangements rather than one who is just taking your order.
• Find out when the flowers will be delivered, and if there is an extra charge for this service. Also find out how involved the florist will be at the ceremony reception site -- will he or she stay to arrange the flowers and light candles, or just drop off the flowers and leave? Will the florist transfer the arrangements to the reception site after the ceremony?
• When you go for your initial consultation, bring pictures of flowers and arrangements you like, as well as a picture and swatch of your bridal gown.
• Many churches do not allow anything to be placed on the altar or pews. Ask the officiant what time your florist is able to get into the church to set up before the ceremony. Don't forget to measure the aisle length so that your florist can supply the correct length of runner.
• One rule of thumb in this endeavor: whichever varieties of flowers you choose, it is best to consider in-season flowers since these are cheapest and easiest to get in mass amounts.
• Flowers on the cake, knife, goblets, and hors d'oeuvre trays are elegant details that can really make a difference. Centerpieces on the guest tables are decorative musts that can double as party favors when the night is through.
• A corsage or boutonniere is a nice token of appreciation for the organist, soloist, guest book attendant, scripture reader, and anyone else participating in your wedding.
• Mothers and grandmothers always receive corsages, and fathers and grandfathers boutonnieres. The groomsmen's boutonnieres should match the bridesmaids' bouquets, and the groom's boutonniere should consist of flowers used in the bride's bouquet.