https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/410457/wedding-flowers-beginners
We’ve outlined some basic but important facts you
should know about wedding bouquets and centerpieces, including how to
save money and how to get the look you want—even if you don’t know what
that is right now!
Flowers that are in-season and local are the best choice.
That’s
because they’re more affordable and fresher than flowers that are out
of season in your area and have to be flown in from halfway around the
world. So unless you’re having a spring wedding, forget about tulips. An
experienced florist can suggest a different flower that, while not
tulip’s doppelganger, will evoke the shape or feeling of it, and should
make you just as happy.
You should pick your wedding dress first, then your bouquet.
The
dress’ style and shape should have a big impact on what flowers you
choose. They should complement what you’re wearing rather than compete
with it. Imagine how a sleek modern gown would look with a flowing
bouquet of wildflowers. Something’s off, right? Now picture that same
gown with a hand-tied bouquet of calla lilies, which have more elegance
and structure. Much better!
DIY can be daunting.
A year before
your wedding when you’ve got all the time in the world, you decide
you’re going to do your own flowers. The reasoning: You’ll save money,
get the exact look you want and get to have some fun with your friends.
The reality: It’s the day before your wedding and, as organized as you
are, there are still lots of last-minute things to take care of. Oh, and
you’ve got 20 centerpieces to arrange. Right now. Avoid this nightmare
and hire a pro for all your flower needs.
The bigger the bloom, the fewer you’ll need.
If
you want to stretch your floral budget, think big. When they’re
jumbo-sized flowers like cattleya orchids, you won’t need that many to
create a full and dramatic look. Add in some well-placed greenery and
you’ll have a luscious bouquet or centerpiece you can afford.
Floral inspiration can be found in a variety places, some unexpected.
To
figure out colors, let everyday objects (a paint chip, ripe fruit) and
your favorite things (a colorful scarf, a painting) influence your
decision. Go on Pinterest and Instagram (#weddingflowers) to see what
other brides have done. Bring photos to your florist of your favorite
styles, color palettes and looks.
When you’re flexible, the florist is free to create something beautiful.
Rather
than give an absolute list of must-have flowers, you’ll get a better
overall floral design if you give examples of flowers you like, what’s
appealing about them (maybe it’s their soft shape or petite size), the
look you’re after (rustic) and color scheme (lavender, green and white).
You can reuse the ceremony flowers.
Think
about it—ceremony flowers have a short, look-at-me lifespan. Once the I
dos are done, so are the flowers’ time in the spotlight. But to prolong
their 15 minutes, ask your florist to design them to be repurposed at
the reception at the entrance, on the escort card table or any other
place you were planning to decorate.