Floral Tips & Trends
<b>What It Costs</b> You could pay $900 or less if all you need are several personal arrangements. If you hire a full-service florist to create a blooming masterpiece, you can spend upward of $15,000. On average-personal flowers, a few nice ceremony and reception arrangements, and centerpieces for ten tables or so-you'll probably spend between $3,000 and $5,000.
<b>Ways to Save</b> The more complicated your arrangements, the more you'll spend; think simple and elegant. Stay in season. Easily acquired flowers will probably be less expensive. Choose built-in decor-if your reception site is a garden or is otherwise very ornate, you can use fewer flowers and still have a stunning room. A church will already be beautifully decorated for Christmas or Easter. On the other hand, roses (and florist's are in major demand (read: expensive) around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.) Focus on reception centerpieces and the bridal bouquet. Use rented potted plants instead of large floral arrangements; flowering plants rather than cut-flower centerpieces. Have bridesmaids lay their bouquets decoratively on the head table or cake table.
<b>Have Faith</b> Hire someone you trust to make the right floral decisions, someone who instinctively knows what will look good together. Don’t obsess-as long as they re beautiful, who cares if the roses in the centerpieces are blush instead of pink?
<b>Show, Don't Tell</b> Bring a bridesmaid-dress fabric swatch and/or a photograph of your dress when you first see a florist. They'll help him or her understand your style.
<b>Pick a Palette</b> If color is the most important thing to you, just give your florist guidelines and let him or her choose the most affordable (and gorgeous) flowers available at the time of your wedding.
<b>The Size ls Right</b> Be sure they aren't too heavy, too fragrant, or too hard to carry your bridesmaids will thank you.
<b>Choose Hardy Blooms</b> If your wedding will be in a very humid climate-especially if it's outside-certain flowers will wilt before you say your vows. Ask your florist which can withstand your weather.
<b>Say Bouquet!</b> Coordinate personal-flower delivery times with the arrival of the photographer-you'll want them to be worn or held in formal pictures.
<b>Bloom Rules</b> Ask your officiant if your ceremony site has any restrictions about
floral decorations.
<b>Go Wild</b> Top floral designers are including elements such as herbs, berries, fruits,
and grasses in arrangements. The look is modern, intriguing, and definitely worth
a try.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
