|
|
Tender Blossoms
Choosing the perfect blooms for your big day
by Weatherly Brewer
Every woman loves beautiful flowers and most have strong opinions
on which flowers are their favorites. However, when given the option
of choosing from an unlimited array of beautiful flora for your
wedding day, the task may seem overwhelming. Allen Baney of Avant
Garden says that it is important to pick your florist early. “A
year ahead is not unheard of,” he says. “Most of the
time someone books us a year to eight months early and then fills
in the details.” That being said, here are a few tips to
ensure that you not only make the right decision, but also make
it on time.
Hiring a florist: Ask friends and family members for suggestions
on florists with great reputations. Make note of any particularly
nice arrangements at weddings or functions that you attend and
ask the host about the florist who created them. Once in the florist’s
shop, pay close attention to the feel of their place and make sure
it coincides with your style. If you are a wildflower person and
all of the displays feel contrived to you, you may need to keep
looking.
Budgeting: Flowers often account for nearly eight percent of your
entire wedding budget. When looking for flowers, it is important
to have a rough figure in mind so as to not overextend your pocketbook.
Beautiful arrangements can be created with limited financial resources.
Buy flowers that are in season, and, if possible, grown locally.
And don’t forget to think about what kind of flowers are
appropriate for the time of year. “If you’re getting
married in July or August, you’re not going to want flowers
that are too fragile,” says Stephanie Woodring of Woodring’s
Floral Gardens. Keep in mind that bouquets can be created with
a few elegant blooms such as calla lilies; or, create big beautiful
bouquets with inexpensive flowers such as baby’s breath.
If your wedding or reception is held in an outdoor venue with abundant
natural flowers, it may not be necessary to buy as many of your
own. Baney also recommends checking on the florist’s services. “We
promote double usage—bringing flowers that you used at the
ceremony to the reception,” he says. You can also keep prices
down by avoiding dates that fall on or near major holidays such
as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
Silk or real: If you want 100 percent assurance that there will
be no wilting or drooping flowers on your wedding day, then silk
flowers may be your best bet. Silk flowers require less maintenance
and can be used for future occasions. It is also no trouble to
preserve your bouquet and other special displays for years to come,
although, as Baney notes, “It is nice to put something fresh
into an artificial arrangement.” Before you make your decision,
however, bear in mind that artificial flowers can often cost as
much, if not more, than their fresh counterparts.
After finding a florist: Share your vision with your florist by
collecting examples from books and magazines of arrangements that
you particularly like. If at all possible, show your florist photos
of your wedding dress and a swatch of fabric from your bridesmaids’ dresses.
Start with your bridal bouquet and then move on to the rest. Once
you’ve chosen your flowers, communicate with your florist
before purchasing things like bowls and vases, says Woodring. Chances
are good he or she already has a variety of those kinds of items
to choose from.
“Listen to your florist,” advises Lisa Haas of The Cat’s
Meow. “Have a really good idea of what it is you want for
your flower arrangements, but be open to the suggestions your florist
has, too.”
Like dresses and gowns, floral design can beautifully carry the
current trends in style. Baney says that he is still seeing a lot
of reds like candy apple and crimson. “We’re also seeing
many accents, like beads, crystals, rhinestones and feathers to
add sparkle and to dress up the bouquet,” he says.
Whatever flowers you choose, let them reflect you and your groom’s
personality. Be creative and don’t be afraid to use unique
combinations. You never know how many guests you might inspire! – SCB |
|
