Not every
florist has wedding experience. Before you select one, ask
to see photographs of past work. Make sure the florist you
are thinking of using can produce the look you want.
To help your florist to do a good
job, describe the style of your gown, your attendants'
dresses and the overall effect of the wedding. The bouquet
requires special attention. Besides the obvious
considerations relating to colour (white is preferred), it
should be of a size that does not overwhelm you. Although
the bridesmaids' bouquets should be identical to yours, the
one carried by your maid of honour can be slightly different
in style or colour.
Of course, the men will wear
boutonnieres made of roses, carnations or some other
colourful flower. The groom's boutonniere should be
different to those of the groomsmen.
For mothers and grandmothers,
corsages should be colour co-ordinated to their dresses.
Order your flowers three to six
months before the ceremony. Specify a delivery time in
advance of the photographer's arrival.
CEREMONY
There are a number of designs and types of flowers to use.
Before you start making definite decisions, check to see if
your church or synagogue has any regulations or restrictions
that might affect your choices.
The types of arrangements should be
determined by the size and lighting of the church, the
season, and the colours of your wedding. For example, in a
large church with a high ceiling a larger arrangement using
bolder flowers is best. The purpose of flowers at a church
ceremony is to direct attention to the front of the church
and to the bridal couple. Therefore, they also need to be
visible to the guests seated in the rear.
For elaborate, formal weddings with
larger budgets, flowers and ribbons are draped down the
aisle to mark the pews and add colour. When cost is a
concern, this is one place to cut down. Use live flowers in
decorative baskets either at the altar or to line the aisle.
Another cost-saving idea, which can be realized if the
ceremony and reception are held in the same location, is to
use table centrepieces on both sides of the altar or arrange
them down the aisle.
In a Jewish ceremony the vows are
said under a chuppah that is placed at the altar and covered
with greens and fresh flowers.
For outdoor ceremonies decorated
arches are always popular. Your florist may have some
suggestions.
RECEPTION
A with everything else, the flowers for the reception should
fit your style and colour scheme. Most reception flowers
include table decorations that can consist of cut flowers
arranged in baskets or placed around a centre candle. The
arrangements should complement the table linens and the size
of the table.
To keep the cost down and for less
formal receptions, use small potted flowering plants placed
in white baskets. Or consider using dried or silk
arrangements that you could make yourself and give later as
gifts.
If buffet tables are used, use
flower arrangements to add colour. It can help transform a
stark reception hall into a warm, colourful room. In
addition, consider renting indoor plants or small trees to
achieve a garden effect.
