es

Wedding Flowers

From the bride’s bouquet to the tables you’ll need to decorate, or do you just need to assemble a few bouquets for the wedding party? What’s your budget like? The time of year will also be important—remember, flowers are quite seasonal! You may also want to consider doing the flowers yourself, which is a great way to save money and ensure that the flowers are exactly as you envisioned them. Ordering flowers in bulk from a grower or online supplier, or purchasing them at a farmer's market can often be cheaper, and gives you an outlet for your creativity. It's also much easier than you'd expect, particularly if you're using only a few varieties of flowers, or if you want simple, elegant arrangements.

Roses

Roses are the classic symbol of love and passion and have always been popular for weddings. Roses are also highly versatile because of their wide variety of colors; other than a pure, royal blue, you can get roses in just about every color or color combination you could want. Two-tone roses have a particularly magical look about them. There are several kinds of roses available, so they get a section all to themselves!

Orchids

Orchids are grown in greenhouses and are therefore available year-round. Although they are rarely fragrant, they are always stunning! Colorful, exquisitely sculptural, and often highly patterned, orchids are great on their own or when mixed in with other flowers. With so many species available, it would be a shame not to show at least a handful of the most popular!  

Other Year-Round Flowers

Most of these are available all year, although prices may go up and down depending on the season.

Springtime Flowers

In the spring, everything is bursting into colorful blooms. Below are some of the most popular choices, but you can also just look around and think about what blooms in your area around your wedding date. Your florist might be able to help you find interesting branches as well, such as pussywillow in March or cherry blossoms in April.

Summer Flowers

At the height of summer, the air buzzes with busy bees and everything is lush and green. Try some of these summer flowers out, but check with your florist; depending on your wedding month and your area, you may also be able to have spring or autumn blooms that are more to your liking. The most important thing to remember is that you'll need sturdy flowers, especially for an outdoor wedding; you don't want your blooms to wilt before you've finished saying your vows, do you? !

Autumn Flowers

Harvest colors and imagery are popular in the autumn, but you aren't restricted to red and gold. Choose the color scheme that works best for you; you'll be able to find the right flowers. Zinnias and dahlias alone are available in almost any color you could want. If you do go with an autumnal theme, think about incorporating other design elements besides flowers. Grapes and grapevines, fall fruits like apples and pears, bunches of sheaves of wheat can all be used as decorations! 

Winter Flowers

If you are having a wedding during the early part of the winter, sometime between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, you might want to consider a Christmas/"holiday season" approach to your decor. Here are some of the most popular plants for a Christmastime wedding. In addition to flowers, foliage and berries can play a big part in winter decorative arrangements. Flower Packages Consider how many arrangements, bouquets, and other decorations you'll need and ask a florist what types of package deals he/she can offer. For large, lavish, formal weddings the more arrangements you'll want to have. For smaller and less formal weddings, you will probably pick and choose the arrangements you feel best complement the ceremony and reception sites. # Bride and bridesmaids bouquets. # Flowers for the bride's hair. # Boutonnieres for the groom, fathers, and for the male attendants. # Corsages for the mothers. #garlands, arbor or chuppah flowers. #garland for her to wear. # Reception decorations for the tables and chairs. # The cake may need flowers and perhaps the cake table as well. # The guest book table can be decorated if you wish. # The bar and/or buffet table might also need flowers.

Money-Saving Tips

* Use seasonal flowers and those that are native to the region in which you plan to marry. * Have your wedding close to the holidays (except Valentine's Day or Mother's Day) since the churches will already have floral decorations. * Use the flowers for your reception for your ceremony too! Just check with your florist, if using one, that this is okay (transport is not always easy, some flowers are prone to wilting, etc.). Also ask the house of worship, if using one, if you must leave the flowers. Also note that you can sometimes use the same flowers for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and morning-after brunch! By styling the flowers differently each time (for a fee, if you use a florist) you'll save money and get a unique look every time that keeps the continuity of the themes and colors for your entire wedding event. * Don't invest a lot of money in flowers that people won't see up close, like the arrangements on an altar or chuppah. Go for the pricey blooms on bouquets, boutonnieres, and table/chair decorations, etc. * Use the bouquets from the bridal party to decorate the tables. * See if the reception site will be booked prior to or after your wedding. Perhaps you can contact that party and invite them to share flowers and split the costs. * Rent potted plants instead of buying them. Or buy them and keep them for yourself after the wedding. They also make great wedding favors! * Call up a floral design school and ask them to make your flowers. Chances are it will be much cheaper. * Have an outdoor wedding and let nature decorate for you. * Don't be afraid of using cheap flowers, such as carnations. You'll be surprised what a little ingenuity can create! * Do it yourself! Many flower wholesalers have websites; with a little creativity and a few DIY pointers, you'll can create your own arrangements at a deeply discounted price.

Flower Trends

Related Articles

* Hiring a Wedding Florist * Learn more about Annuals and Perennials.