I’m Ruby the Rochester Bride! As a newlywed of the Rochester area, I love sharing my knowledge of the wedding experience with newly engaged couples. This week, we are going to discuss everything to do with wedding flowers!
{1} Selecting Flowers: When selecting flowers for you wedding, be sure to keep in mind your color, scheme, dress style, other wedding apparel, time of day, season, environment, what you like and of course your budget. Typically flowers will cost around 10-15% of your overall budget.
{2} Seasons: Each season calls for different flowers. Spring is a good time for daffodils, lilacs and peonies. Summer calls for asters, gladioli and orchids. Autumn is best for zinnias, marigolds, mimosas and button chrysanthemums. Lastly, winter is good for deep red roses, poinsettias, stephanotis and freesias.
{3} Expert Advice: Start at least six to twelve months before your wedding, and get advice from a professional florist or floral designer. Bring fabric swatches, descriptions and photos of wedding apparel. Always know the number of people who need flowers, a description of the size/number of tables at the venue as well as a date, time and location of deliveries.
{4} Bouquets: If you plan on saving your bouquet, ask about purchasing a small one for throwing. Bouquets for your bridal party are usually similar to yours in size and shape, but the colors and flowers may differ. Other people to remember flowers for are the flower girl, mothers, grandmothers, the wedding party, fathers and ushers. Whether you choose boutonnieres or bouquets, it’s all up to you.
{5} Church: The church may or may not be decorated with flowers and plants. Flowers are usually used to draw attention to the front of the church and the bridal couple. People also use flowers to mark the end of the pews or as centerpieces on both sides of the alter.
{6} Reception: Flowers at the reception should complement the table linens and the size of the table. If there will be a buffet, an arrangement could be placed on that table as well. A great alternative to fresh flowers is silk flowers; they last longer and can be enjoyed after your special day. You can opt for all fresh, all silk or a combination of both.
