Picking wedding flowers can be a challenge. If you pick flowers that are in season, you can save yourself a bundle. You can get flowers that are out of season but you will pay more for them. Talk with your florist about your options. Roses are available all year round but you will pay more in the month of February.
Spring flowers – anemone, bells of Ireland, boronia, casa blanca lily, daffodil, delphinium, hyacinth, lilacs, narcissus, peony, ranunculus, star gazer lily, sweetpea, tulip, waxflower
Summer flowers – alstromeria, bells of Ireland, chrysanthemum, English lavender, forget-me-not, fressia, gerbera daisy, hydrangea, iris, larkspur, liatris, asiatic lily, oriental lily, lisianthus, matsumoto asters, monte casino asters, queen anne’s lace, snapdragons, solidaster, statice, stephanotis, stock, sunflower, tuberose, yarrow, zinnia
Fall flowers – chrysanthemum, dahlia, marigold, statice, zinnia, dried leaves
Winter flowers – amaryllis, anemone, bells of Ireland, camellias, casa blanca lily, cosmos, daffodil, forget-me-nots, holly, jasmine, narcissus, poinsettia, ranunculus, star gazer lily, star of Bethlehem, sweetpea, tulip, waxflower
Year round flowers – baby’s breath, bachelor’s button, calla lily, carnations, delphinium, eucalyptus, gardenia, gladiolis, heather, lily of the valley, orchid, protea, rose, scabiosa
Your flowers should compliment your bridal gown, the bridesmaid dresses, the colour scheme and the formality of your wedding. Flowers establish the emotion and romance of your wedding and establish the ambience of the event.
Look through bridal magazine and the internet to find pictures of flowers or arrangements that appeal to you. Bring them into the planning sessions with your florist so they can get a better idea of what you are looking for and your style. Book your flowers earlier rather than later, especially if you are getting married during the peak wedding season.
Think of your dress style and how your flowers will compliment it. Flowers should compliment your gown and overall theme. Remember to colour coordinate with your wedding party to get the look you want to achieve. Keep in mind the photography; you want flowers that will last throughout the day. Consider allergies and pollen and work within your budget.
When choosing your bouquets, keep these tricks in mind. Small formal bouquets are for the petite bride, a simple elegant gown or a traditional gown with some modern flair. Tear drop bouquets are good to provide balance to a fairy-tale bridal gown with full skirt. They also add a finishing touch to the traditional bridal gown and create the illusion of a slimmer figure as the bouquet helps draw the eye downwards.
Large hand-tied bouquets add impact to a striking modern gown, detract from any problem areas you may want to hide and create a strong, bold impression. Small hand-tied bouquets compliment a bias-cut gown, create an understated look and add balance to a medium height bride.
Don’t assume your florist will have access to your ceremony and reception site early on your big day. Make all the necessary arrangements – with written permission and a key if need be – to ensure that everything will be in place before you walk down the aisle.
