Let's face it. Flowers can either make or break your budget. But it is your day, so you and you alone can decide to what extent you wish to be arrayed. If you are fortunate enough, begin your florist visits one year prior to your wedding date. This way, you can investigate the floral possibilities in the season in which you will wed. In-season flowers are always less expensive than the hothouse varieties.
Always make an appointment with the manager or sales consultant of the shop. View their portfolios and ask for suggestions based on your budget, tastes, and needs. Ask if they have ever done a reception where yours is booked. If they have, the specialist may have some wonderful suggestions that will camouflage any undesirable aspects of the room.
Bouquets
Traditional bridal bouquets typically consist of orchids, gardenias, stepha-notis, or roses. Always choose what appeals to you, but keep your height and figure in mind. The bridesmaids' bouquets generally follow the fashion of yours. If you carry a dozen long-stemmed roses your attendants could, for example, each have a single long-stemmed rose. One area of cutting costs on any bouquet is to make up for a lack of flowers with baby's breath and greens that complement the arrangement. Also, ribbons can be added that match your bridal party colors, but for a perfect match, you yourself should supply the ribbon.
Wire-wrapped bouquets are nicer and more natural. A plastic holder tends to feel awkward, and often makes your hands sweat. (If you do choose to use a plastic base, however, make sure that all the water has drained out of the arrangement before holding it close to your gown!)
Another important point is to make sure that you are not allergic to the floral arrangement of your choice. And don't just test the flowers! Hold the filler greens close to your face for a few moments and see if you have any reactions. True, you can always take an over-the-counter medication, but beware of the "spaced out," groggy feeling that some of these drugs may create.
You should also look into prices for a bouquet to toss. A smaller version of your bridal arrangement can be made as a keepsake for that special single lady who catches the bouquet. Or, if budget problems come in to play, ask the shop to show you samples of what can be done in a practical price range.
Boutonnieres
The groom may wear a single lapel rose, lilies of the valley, or a bouton-niere spray of your bouquet arrangement. The ushers generally wear carnations that have been dyed to complement your bridal party colors. If the groom is wearing something other than a rose, the ushers may then wear roses.
Mothers Corsages
The bride's and groom's mothers and grandmothers traditionally wear corsages. Orchids or roses are often the nicest selection. Just keep in mind each woman's height and figure. (In other words, don't encumber your tiny little grandmother with a spray of orchids that trail from her chin to her shoulderl) And the style of dress is also important. These ladies may not wish to be pushing pins through very expensive chiffon dresses. In such a case, you may wish to opt for a wrist corsage.
Ceremony Flowers
When considering what flowers should adorn your church altar, keep in mind the distance from which they will be seen. Sit in a pew a dozen or so rows back and evaluate what height is necessary to be seen with the bridal party arranged in the foreground.
One area in which you can save money is to ask your clergy if there is to be a wedding before and/or after yours. If so, you can contact these brides and ask if you might be able to share arrangements and costs. This is particularly helpful when your house of worship gently hints that the altar arrangements should be considered a donation to the church! If two or more brides are dividing the costs, the best compromise is to select white flowers when your bridal colors differ. Each bride should obtain a quote from her own florist for the arrangement agreed upon. The best price wins.
If you are considering having a flower girl in your bridal party, you may wish to avoid having her strew loose petals in your path. Not only might you slip and fall, but so might your guests. Depending on the girl's age, have a basket made of firmly secured flowers. A silk arrangement can double as a nice "thank you" gift for her participation.
Reception Flowers
The head table always boasts the most elaborate centerpiece. Just remember to keep your selection low to the table so that you can see and be seen. Additionally, ferns or other greens can be inexpensively ordered and arranged around the front and side edges of the head table. This adds color and acts as a base for your bouquets which should be placed on the head table so that your guests may enjoy seeing them.
Potted plants and flowers look nice on the "service" tables, such as the place card and guest book tables. They also make nice gifts for anyone you want to thank in particular.
Does your banquet room have hideous support columns? Encircle them with ivy. Large potted plants and other such arrangements can be used to mask those bland corners, or to "bring in" a room that seems too big for your particular crowd. As mentioned, your floral specialist may know the room your reception is to be held in. If not, arrange a visit to the facility and with his or her help, you can transform your reception hall into a paradise for very little money, especially if some of the "effects" can be rented.
If guest table arrangements are not included in your wedding package plan, discuss with your florist what options are available to you.
Many florists will rent bud vases to you in which you can place a single rose or a cluster of carnations that match the colors of your bridal party. But this can often create problems. Your guests may unknowingly walk off with the whole arrangement, which results in your having to purchase the missing bud vases at a price dictated by the florist.
As with every service aspect of your reception, select your florist with full knowledge of all deposit, cancellation, and final payment policies. You may look at various types of centerpieces, but if you want to put your signature on every table, check out the next posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment