Bring along fabric swatches, photos or
descriptions of wedding attire, color samples and favorite flower
suggestions when meeting with your florist for the first time. This
will give him or her the best idea of what you've got in mind, and you
can be advised on the best flowers for different uses and occasions.
To stay within your budget, choose flowers that
are in season rather than those that need to be imported. Bulb flowers
such as tulips, anemones and daffodils are good choices for spring, as
well as roses and blossoms such as peach, cherry and apple. Lilies,
stephanotis, varieties of carnations and roses are good choices for
summer through fall. An assortment of white flowers, including roses,
stephanotis, carnations, orchids and gardenias are best for winter,
complemented by a touch of evergreen.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen should have
boutonnieres and corsages that coordinate but are different from the
bride's and groom's. Mothers, grandmothers, servers and other special
people should also have corsages. Fathers, grandfathers and ushers
should wear boutonnieres.
As an additional keepsake of your wedding, have your
bouquet professionally preserved. Several drying
methods are available including: sand drying, silica
gel, freeze drying and also the unique avenue of
pressed floral art. Each option offers different
benefits in floral preservation. Certain flowers
preserve better with each technique. Contact your
preservation specialist for care and handling tips and
instructions on appropriate framing and displaying.
A formal bouquet can consist of a long-stemmed arm
arrangement, a spray or an elegant cascade. If you plan to preserve
your bouquet, order a smaller replica for the bouquet tossing ceremony.
The florist can make a cheaper version at a lower cost.
