Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

The first and most important rule to picking any of your wedding accessories is to choose what appeals to you. After that, allow your florist to help with suggestions based on their years of experience. A good florist can work with you and your budget. Their expertise and your personal taste will make your flowers an important and impressive accent to your wedding day!

If price is a major concern, consider a home-based florist. They can usually keep costs down because of low overhead. In today's market you should expect to pay at least $150.00 for the brides bouquet and attendants bouquets will fall into the $35-$50 price range. When looking to cut costs it is better to eliminate unnecessary items such as pew bows and aisle runners rather than skimp on the bouquets. After all your bouquets will be in the majority of your wedding photos.

Flowers like anything else range from the expensive to the affordable. If you want an impressive display at a reasonable price then consider carnations, daisies, alstromeria and baby's breath. Remember that the end result, your photos, will be just as nice showing carnations as they will showing orchids. And the beauty of these flowers goes beyond appearance. They are also durable and work well with the popular hand tied style of bouquet because they last well out of water.

There are three things to consider when planning your flowers. Color, flower type and style. You may not know much about flowers so concentrate on color and style and your florist will recommend flowers that fit both as well as advising you of availability and cost. If you have personal favorites allow your florist to show you the best way to use them. Remember not all flowers are available in all colors and at all times of the year. And some flowers may not be cost effective for your budget or work well with your bouquet style.

Flower colors do not have to match the gown color exactly. Darker or lighter shades accent the gown better. Complementary or contrasting colors can be used. Chocolate brown gowns look stunning in the fall with bright yellows, oranges and rusts or just as lovely with pale pinks or blues in spring or summer. Use your imagination or rely on your florist's. Bringing pictures to your florist is a good idea but be aware that bridal and craft magazines are not always realistic in their choices. Your florist may suggest a more practical or affordable substitute. Trust their judgment as they have far more experience dealing with local flower availability as well as durability, cost and quality.

Style is an important decision. Bouquets can be round, crescent, or cascading. They can be laid in the arm or a hand tied clutch. They can range from a few roses or calla lilies to an elaborate collection of seasonal or exotic blooms. Formal weddings tend toward long cascades and sophisticated flowers such as lilies, roses and orchids. A country wedding can use clutches of roses, daisies or carnations.