The Basics of Wedding Flowers: Where to Start

You’re getting married! How exciting! There are so many fun elements to plan in the months leading up to your wedding, flowers being one of them. But, if you are not a “flower person” or décor is not your forte, you might be wondering where to start. Here are some tips that will help you make your flower decisions!

The Flowers You Will Need

Let’s start with the floral arrangements you might need for your day.

The Ceremony

If your reception and ceremony will be taking place in different areas, the ceremony is the first spot that will require flowers and greenery. This includes the bouquets for your bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groomsmen, flower girl basket, and confetti as well as corsages and boutonnieres for your moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, as well as any other guests who are VIPs. Don’t forget flowers for your arch if you have one, as well as floral décor around your ceremony site that will frame you in your portraits.

Don’t worry about a boutonniere or corsage for your Minister or Officiant – we don’t wear them unless we are a guest as well.

Cocktail Hour

Will the guests be enjoying a beverage while you have your photos taken? You’re going to need one or two arrangements here too. You could also have your ceremony flowers moved to this area if there is time. If you choose to move your flowers, make sure you have hired people to do this for you while you are away getting all of your photos taken.

This is also a great time to include a flower booth so your guests can make their own mini bouquets or flower crowns!

The Reception

Lastly, there’s the reception. Flowers are generally a part of the centerpiece for each table, but you may also want to add something to the seating plan, gift table, and cake table. Don’t forget flowers for your memorial table if you plan to have one!

Flower Planning Tips

Now that you know where you will need flowers, here are a few extra tips to help you plan your arrangements.

Consider seasonality

Before you start picking flowers for your big day, consider whether they will be in season by the time your wedding rolls around.

Budget

It can be tempting to just pick and choose all your favorite flowers but make sure that you have a budget in place before you start this process. Do not make up a budget in your head! Do your research and find out what flowers cost before coming up with an imaginary number you won’t be able to stick to. Forget what YOU think things are worth, accept what they cost.

Consider the outfits

What colors will your bridal party be wearing? You want to ensure that your flowers don’t clash with their outfits or blend in with them completely, both of which will impact your photos. Make sure your florist has a photo or swatch of the dresses so they can make sure everything works together.

Take a walk around your venue

Before you decide on a specific number of floral arrangements, take a walk through your venue with your florist. Note any areas that are particularly empty and might require an arrangement or two. Having too few arrangements in an overly large space could mean your beautiful flowers are hardly noticeable. Ask the event manager for photos of past weddings to see what other couples have done with those areas!

What about the guest list?

Yes, the number of guests matters too because it will determine how many table centerpieces you will require.  The shape of the tables will matter too!

Consider your wedding style

Something else you should decide on before you start selecting flowers is the overall theme and style of your wedding. Certain flowers can look completely out of place with some themes.

Get it in writing

Lastly, make sure that once you decide to work with a florist that you get all the details in writing. From prices and flowers to specific requests, it is always best to track your discussions and agreements.

Remember, your florist is here to assist you, so don’t think you need to make every decision on your own. And if you are not 100% sold on a florist, rather continue your search. In fact, it always helps to get quotes from at least two florists before you make a final decision.

And please…hire a professional to take care of your flowers! I have had frantic calls from way too many brides who bought flowers in bulk because it seemed easy to make their bouquets and at 3am on their wedding day realize they just don’t know how to get all of the arrangements and bouquets done.

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