Regardless if you want a grand gala or a small private affair, planning and organizing a wedding is a daunting task. However, it’s an experience you’ll have with you the rest of your life, so don’t forget to enjoy the ride! One important (and fun) part of this whole process is picking the perfect wedding flowers.
The wedding flowers you end up choosing help set the tone and vibe of your wedding, so they should be given careful consideration. There are many factors to consider when selecting bouquets and floral embellishments for your special day. Your personality, budget, the season, the ambiance you wish to create — these should all play a role in your final decision.
Seasonal Picks
Talk with your florist to determine what flowers will be in season in your area during the month of your wedding. Selecting seasonal flowers can definitely be easier on your wallet. If you aren’t fond of the ones that are in season, you must consider the availability of the flowers you pick. For instance, tulips are readily available in the spring months, but they would cost you a pretty penny for a November or December wedding. Remember that the flowers would have to be flown in and that you can’t be sure of the quality until they arrive. If they don’t meet your expectations, there will be little recourse.
There are some flowers that bloom all year round, and it doesn’t matter what time of year you are getting married if you choose one of these. Some flowers available year-round are lily of the valley, bachelor’s buttons, carnations, gardenias, roses and baby’s breath.
Silk or Fresh?
Whether you choose silk flowers or fresh depends on your personal preference. Many brides like to keep their wedding bouquet on display in their new home under a glass cloche or in a curio cabinet. Others like to use the flowers from the leftover floral displays to make wreaths and other decor to decorate their first home. If your heart is set on flowers that aren’t in season during your wedding month, silk flowers are a fantastic option because they can create your desired look for a better price than having those particular flowers flown into your city.
Consider the Budget
If money is no object, choose your favorite flowers and decorate to your heart’s content. However, if you’re planning a wedding on a budget, remember that floral displays can end up costing you if you don’t choose wisely. If cash is tight, many brides will ask their creative friends to help them make beautiful bouquets and other floral decorations out of silk flowers purchased on sale.
You can purchase silk flowers in autumn colors at a huge discount if you purchase them after Thanksgiving. You can buy spring silk flowers at low clearance prices after Easter. Another way to save big bucks on your wedding flowers is to buy ones that are available all year round and aren’t expensive. Lovely bouquets can be made from carnations, bachelor’s buttons and daisies, plus they come in a wide array of colors.
These less expensive flowers can form the bulk of the bouquet and you can still feature your favorite types (there’ll just be fewer of them). Do this by adding one to three of your favorite flowers, such as stargazer lilies or roses, to the center of the bouquet to add beauty and pizazz.
What’s Your Personality?
Your personality should come into play when picking wedding flowers. Here are a few suggestions to help you pick ones that complement your personality. Some personality traits include:
- Nostalgic: If you are old-fashioned, love antiques and anything retro, consider choosing flowers like hydrangeas, lily of the valley, roses, hyacinths, delphiniums, magnolias, stephanotis or dahlias.
- Bold and exotic: If you love to make a statement in your clothing and personal style, choose flowers that pop, such as ranunculus, sun flowers, zinnias, Gerbera daisies and poppies.
- Gentle and demure: If you are a kind, compassionate person and prefer helping others than being in the spotlight, choose flowers that reflect the real you. Wise choices are peonies, freesia, stock, baby’s breath and lisianthus.
- Playful and full of fun: If you are happy-go-lucky and always like to see the positive in every situation, choose flowers that are as colorful as you are. Good choices are tulips, daisies, roses, daffodils, stargazer lilies and orchids.
Colors of the Rainbow
Some brides find inspiration in the colors of the season for their wedding flowers. For instance, she may choose deep orange, burgundy, yellow-gold and brown tones for the floral displays for an autumn wedding. Others ignore the season and choose their favorite color as the primary theme for their flowers and wedding decor. However you do it, remember that the final decision is yours.
Try choosing theme colors that complement your skin tone. You’ll be happier with your photos.
Flowers are available in every color of the rainbow. You might choose a monochromatic theme with various shades of one color, such as pink. Or you may decide to have an all-white bouquet or one with splashes of many colors. Whatever colors you choose, make sure that they make you glow and that you are happy with your choice. After all, your wedding day is sure to be one of the most memorable days of your life!
Do you have any words of advice on how to pick the best flowers for a wedding? Your comments and suggestions are welcome! And for more awesome images of floral arrangements, bridal gowns & inspired wedding ideas, feel free to explore our Facebook and Pinterest pages.
