One of the most important elements of every wedding is the flowers. Arrangements, bouquets, corsages, centerpieces, garlands – no matter the form, flowers must be present at your wedding day. A wedding that is adorned with beautiful fresh flowers becomes a scene of romance and magical atmosphere. Even if you choose the simplest flowers you can still have a really beautiful wedding, as long as you know how to arrange everything and have a good plan which you stick to. Using flowers in a creative way will guarantee a great decoration on your big day. You can rest assured that every guest will inevitably remember the flowers.
The Florist
Meeting with a floral designer is essential – this professional knows how to adorn your wedding the best way and how to create a special theme that you want. Make sure you choose your florist carefully, someone who listens to you and gives it to you straight. If you want orchids, but can’t afford them the florist should advise you on a cheaper flower which can create the same sophisticated and delicate feel. If you want only pink flowers, again the florist should be able to provide you with samples. Don’t be afraid to say exactly what you want – this is the only way to get the perfect wedding flower decorations.
Questions to Ask
Once you have chosen a few potential florists, it’s time to interview them and ask them the important questions. Here are some of them.
1. Which style are you best at?
2. Can your arrangements fit into my budget?
3. Can you provide past references?
4. Can you show me a portfolio of your previous work?
5. Can you create a theme or a color scheme for my wedding?
6. What types of flower decor will be needed for the ceremony and the reception venue?
7. Will you have enough time on the day of our wedding in order to provide final touches?
8. What is the delivery fee, if any?
9. Can you provide a written agreement, stating the services, price and cancellation policy?
The Floral Checklist
Here is a full checklist for the flowers for your wedding which will assist you.
WOMEN:
The Bride: a bridal bouquet and a toss bouquet (optional), a floral headdress or just flowers for the bride’s head, a corsage.
Include: When are these going to be delivered and where, their cost and person for contact.
Bridal Attendants: Flowers for the maid of honor and the bridesmaids, the basket for the flower girl, floral headdresses (optional).
Include: Place and time of delivery and cost.
MEN: Boutonnieres for the groom, the best man, the groomsmen and the ring bearer.
Include: Time and place of delivery and cost.
FAMILY AND HONORED GUESTS: This list can be rather long so make sure you have discussed everything in advance. The flowers are for the bride’s parents, for the groom’s parents, for grandparents, cousins, aunts, etc.
Include: Time and place of delivery and cost.
WEDDING HELPERS AND PARTICIPANTS: These flowers are optional, but you will see that they shouldn’t be overlooked. The flowers are for: readers, soloist, officiant, guest book attendant, instrumentalists, gift attendant and hostess.
Include: Time and place of delivery and price.
CEREMONY SITE: This list is one of the biggest, along with the reception site and it needs plenty of discussion and preparation. The flowers are for the following areas: aisle runner, aisles, arch, altar, petals for the aisle, flowers for the seats, candelabras and others.
Include: Time and place of delivery and cost.
RECEPTION SITE: Flowers for the bar, cake table, cake (optional), cocktail tables, tables’ centerpieces, petals for tossing, greenery, garlands and drapes, for the head table and gift table, plants, shrubs and many others.
Include: Time and place for delivery and cost.
Rehearsal Dinner: Centerpieces for the tables.
The Florist: Include company, contact details, the amount of deposit, the date for final payment.
