Flowers

The power of flowers

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet….”

One of the services you may want to find early on is a good florist.  You might have had recommendations from friends or been to a wedding where you have admired the flowers, or perhaps seen something you like in a wedding magazine.

If starting from scratch look in your telephone directory and then visit some florists or go to one of your local wedding fayres for suppliers.  Choose someone who appears willing to listen to your ideas as well as having their own, remembering that florists are the experts so do listen to them too! Look at their portfolios and see if you like their style.  Keep in mind practicalities like cost, season and delivery.  Is hayfever a problem if it consider artificial or flowers with low pollen.

The most likely theme to base your choice of flower on is colour.  If you have chosen the colour scheme the florist can give you ideas of which flowers are in season or will be available at the time of the wedding.
However, another popular way is to base your choice on the different symbolic meanings of flowers.

The following are just a few suggestions offered for meanings:

 

Red rose Love/passion
Pink rose Perfect happiness
White rose Innocence
Carnation Pure love
Lavender Devotion
Anemone Truth
Sweet Pea Pleasure
Camelia Graciousness
Orchid Delicate beauty
Lily Purity and faith
Iris Faith, hope and wisdom

Bouquets

The bride’s bouquet will be seen on most of the photographs so choose carefully and think about her height and frame when selecting the size and weight of her bouquet.  If the bride has a particular favourite flower, check availability and practicality with the florist.  Also bear in mind the size of bouquets for the bridesmaids; they should be smaller than the brides and again suitable for their size e.g. small posies for small bridesmaids.

Consider the ages and personalities of your bridesmaids when choosing their flowers.  Alternatives could be bags, teddy bears or perhaps a muff in winter.  If you want to or want the bridesmaids to wear fresh flowers in their hair, do get advice on the flowers that have longevity and also consider comfort for the wearer.  Be warned, that a 5 year old with an un-comfy headdress is likely to have it dangling from her ears before she is halfway up the aisle.

Button Holes

The bridal group, usually the ladies might all like to discuss their choice of buttonhole.  Consider your outfits, large corsages will not suit delicate floaty fabrics.  If you don’t all want the same, no fighting ladies, at least try not to wear clashing colours and remember whose day it is!
 
The groom and his merry men will probably not like any idea you have so be sympathetic.  Not all men will wear pink but often a simple cream rose can look very effective and compliment the brides dress.  You may decide the groom should have something different to the rest of the party, it may be worth checking he’ll wear it before you buy it.

Ceremony flowers

This will depend on the ceremony venue; if it is a religious ceremony check with the priest/ minister for any restrictions.  Very often there are a team of “flower ladies” who will be willing to decorate the church for you.  Check if there is more than one wedding on the same day and consider sharing costs if colour schemes can be agreed.  Also make sure the chief bridesmaid carries the brides bouquet up to the register table for photographs.  For a civil ceremony remember you will not be in the room for long so ensure arrangements can be moved on to your reception venue.  Some ceremony venues e.g. register offices; hotels may have permanent flower arrangements provided.  Check with your venue provider.

Reception flowers 

Your florist will be able to offer many different styles and arrangements depending on height, style of venue, colour themes etc.  If cost is restrictive you might like to consider alternatives such as :-

  • One single bloom on each table
  • More foliage less flowers.
  • Balloons.
  • Mirrors/ tea lights.
  • Candles
  • Ribbons
  • Wedding confetti.

Should the bride decide she wants to throw her bouquet it may be worth getting a smaller version for her to throw or perhaps use one of the bridesmaids.

As a final thought, if you want to preserve some flowers from the day, there are several different methods, from simple pressing to preserving in gel; ask your florist for advice beforehand.