Flowers: Fresh Ideas

In this age of nontraditional weddings, one constant remains: flowers. Vivid, fragrant, exploding with color and fragrance, the flowers a bride carries and decorates with make as unique a statement as her wedding dress. They show off your personality, and make your wedding the memorable occasion you always wanted it to be.

It follows then that selecting flowers is an important task. With so many varieties to choose from, the decision-making process will no doubt be extensive. Still, if you keep in mind the overall theme and style of your wedding, the perfect flowers will jump out at you. Don't skimp on floral decorations, for these make your wedding uniquely "you."

Before you even speak to a florist, do your homework. Peruse flower books and bridal magazines to find types and arrangements that appeal to you -- and involve your fiance in these decisions.

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.

When choosing a florist, you will need to ask certain questions. 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. This will allow the florist to create a bridal bouquet that will complement instead of compete with your dress. Also bring a picture of the bridesmaids' dresses for this same purpose.

Before you and your florist even discuss flowers, you should visit the ceremony and reception sites together. If you can obtain floor plans, this would be a big help to your floral designer. Also at this time, find out about any decorating restrictions at either of these places. For example, 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. Once these details are taken care of, you can begin to select your wedding flowers.

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.

Other than that, the choice is up to you. Brides are no longer relegated to carrying bouquets of white flowers and ferns, and there are many other beautiful options besides roses that will bring individuality to your decor. Many couples are after tradition, but don't limit yourself to only common flowers. With such a variety to choose from, your own personal tastes should be the greatest indicator.

Now you must coordinate your florists' services with those of the other vendors to create a unity in your decor. Many florists will be willing to work with caterers and cake bakers to provide decorations for the buffet table and cake table. 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. One suggestion in determining this is that the guest at each table with the closest birthday has the honor of taking home their centerpiece.

Another way you can use flowers is as a "thank you" for each wedding participant. 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.

Also, 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.

These simple guidelines provide the background you need to create elegant and beautiful floral decorations for your wedding. Your florist is knowledgeable and has many terrific ideas, but your desires should be considered first. If you can communicate your ideas well, the wedding of your dreams will only be enhanced by the vibrant beauty of your flowers. The fresh radiance they bring to your wedding symbolizes your wonderful new union -- and the variety of flowers allows you to convey the uniqueness of your marriage.