Roses, tulips and peonies are just some of the few flowers that brides love to add to their wedding. From the ceremony to centerpieces, flowers are a visual element that add elegance to any wedding. Don’t be intimidated if you don’t know the difference between an orchid or a lily; we’re here to help!

How do you express what you want when you don’t know the names of the flowers you like? Pictures are the answer. Taking pictures to a flower consultation is the best way to go! Samples of your wedding color choices, swatches from your linens and pictures of your dress and the wedding party wardrobe are always a big help.

With this information in hand, your florist will be able to suggest floral combinations and artistic treatments to create beautiful floral complements for your wedding.

You may want to consider the traditional meanings behind flowers as you make your selections. For example, hyacinth signifies constancy. Some herbs, too, are important in bridal lore. In medieval Germany, brides wore rosemary to guard against pregnancy!

For non-traditional wedding flowers, consider including unusual greenery. Asparagus fern and multicolored coleus are attractive in summer bouquets. Holly and pine sprays are popular for December nuptials. Stalks of golden-brown wheat are a sentimental touch for harvest brides.

With all of your flower selections, be guided by the advice of your florist and remember, if budget is a consideration, flowers and greenery in season are more abundant and generally less expensive. Also, be sure the flowers you select will hold their shape throughout the day. Tulips, for example, look lovely when fresh, but by the end of the day in Texas heat they will open fully, loosing their normal appearance.

Some things to consider when choosing flowers are:

• Seasons
  • Choosing flowers that bloom in the months around your wedding may be less expensive because they are more abundant
• Color
  • All white wedding flowers are a trend of the past. Infuse your wedding theme with color through bright blooms in your bouquets and centerpieces.
• Your Dress
  • Tie together your ensemble by accenting it with a great bouquet. Add embellishments such as pearls and crystals to your bouquet to make it a coordinating accessory.
• Ceremony Location
  • Check with your ceremony location for any possible restrictions.  Repurpose your ceremony flowers for your reception if possible to save on flower costs.
• Reception Location
  • The size of your reception hall may call for a bolder more dramatic arrangement. Take into consideration if you have an indoor or outdoor venue and what flowers and greenery are at your reception location. Again, check with the reception venue for any possible restrictions.
• Centerpieces
  • Floral centerpieces are a great way to incorporate color into your reception. Centerpieces can be large and dramatic, low and simple or a combination of the two.
• Personal Flowers
  • Traditionally, wedding ceremonies include bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers and guest corsages, and boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, fathers and grandfathers.
• Cake
  • Adding flowers to a traditional white wedding cake is a beautiful and elegant way to add color.

Flowers by The Elegant Bee

When you are selecting your florist, be sure to ask about special packages. Also, ask to see photos of their work, not just arrangements from a catalog, as well as references. Expect to spend about 9 percent of your budget on flowers. Once you have decided on the right florist, it is always a good idea to request that your florist give you an itemized bill in advance. Make sure that you in turn supply the florist with the names, addresses and times for delivery of your bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and floral arrangements.

Tags: Advice, austin wedding, bridesmaid, Cake, centerpieces, ceremony, Event Ideas, Flower Ideas, Flowers, Flowers for my wedding, Reception, san antonio wedding, wedding, wedding flowers, wedding ideas, weddings

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