There are as many different floral needs for a wedding as there are weddings, so don’t worry if you only wish to use some of these suggestions. By no means is this list a “must do”, please remember that this is your day, and be sure to customize to what reflects your vision.
First, let’s discuss the bride’s flowers. Most brides wish to carry a bouquet composed of favorite colors and flowers. Formal or casual, round nosegay or cascade, or even a single flower, make this be a reflection of you. Often what I will do is design the bouquets with one distinct “signature” flower that is used only in the bridal bouquet and grooms boutonnière, and incorporating the additional flowers in the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets and groomsmen boutonnière. This sets the bride and groom flowers apart, and can be a very cost effective way to use higher end flowers with maximum oomph.
I have also designed gorgeous corsages for brides who wish for classic simplicity, so this is another option. I recommend using magnets for corsages or to consider a wristlet style to minimize damage to fabric.
Do you want flowers for your hair? This is a romantic way to add beauty and glamour. Some flowers are more suited for hair, such as stephanotis or a single cymbidium orchid.
For the bridesmaids and maid of honor, consider the color of the dress, style (formal or not) and whether you would like to add contrast. I do recommend some contrast, for example a bridesmaid wearing a bright yellow dress and carrying bright yellow flowers would be pretty but would not show up as well as a bouquet that has bright yellow flowers as the focus with some touches of blue or green. This will give a lush, abundant look as well as photograph beautifully.
Do you wish to have the same style and flowers for the maid of honor and the bridesmaids?
If you are having a flower girl, there are many floral opportunities to choose from. For little girls with long hair, it looks charming and sweet to place a few flowers in her hair or even wear a floral halo of babies’ breath and ribbon. If she is going to be scattering rose petals, a cute little basket works perfectly. A dainty “just her size” bouquet lets her feel like one of the big girls. Lots of options and one is just perfect.
For the important women in your life, honoring them with a corsage to wear to the wedding is a sweet way to show your affection. For mothers, stepmothers, godmothers, grandmothers, personal assistant, readers, and soloist, each can reflect the color of their attire or be a bit more neutral, such as cream, soft pink or butter cream yellow. The options abound for fastening corsages, either pin on, using magnets (doesn’t damage fabric) or wristlet style. I have also made corsages to fasten to an evening bag, dramatic and unexpected style.
Boutonnières for the groom, his best man and groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and ushers complete the personal flowers. They can be as classic and elegant as a single calla, or go for a little more dramatic flair and have the stem wrapped with thin copper wire. I do like to have a chosen flower from the brides bouquet to be a counterpoint for the groom, to designate he is the chosen one for her.
At the ceremony, flowers are a great way to celebrate the joy and love being felt. An altar bouquet or chuppah with flowers and foliages or a memory arrangement adds to the beautiful surroundings. A memory arrangement is a loving way of honoring those loved ones who aren’t with us, whether they have passed on or are miles distant. This can be placed on the altar or on a pedestal near the entry.
Pew or chair décor can be a fluffy bow, or perhaps a few flowers and greens tied with a bit of tulle or organza. If the wedding ceremony is being held in a garden, it is so charming to have garden urns at the entrance with tall curly willow. It is a very dramatic, yet a very cost effective way to decorate naturally.
Candles being lit by the groom and his bride are a tradition, and as with all traditions, new ones are being made. I have seen the sand ceremony becoming very popular, with the bride and groom pouring colored sand into a clear vessel, representing two becoming one.
Now, its time to celebrate! Things to consider are using wedding color flowers for the centerpieces for the tables. This is a great way to complement the colors used in attire, yet you can be budget conscious by using an array of seasonal flowers. Another option would be to scatter flower petals across the tables, accented with flickering romantic candlelight. An autumn wedding looks seasonal and fun using colored leaves, mini pumpkins if casual, and bowls of nuts and acorns. Closer to the wedding date to finalize the count of tables will give you the number of arrangements needed.
For the head table, placing your bouquets in clear glass cylinders allows you to get full use of the bouquets, plus a safe place for your flowers while you enjoy your first meal as husband and wife.
Other opportunities to decorate with flowers are near or on the cake, and if you have trays being passed with hors d oeuvres a few blossoms or sprigs of herbs tucked here and there are a nice touch.
Some additional things to consider are style – formal or more casual. A more formal style would be calla lilies, roses, orchids, and hydrangea and a more casual style could include gerbera daisies, delphinium, cottage garden roses, and scented stock. All flowers are beautiful and a good designer can take elements of each style and make the bouquets stunning. Season plays a big part in selecting flowers, what is in season will be the freshest and most lovely. Enjoy!!!
