The bouquet you carry down the aisle is as integral to your look as your gown and veil. When everything jives, the effect is spectacular. You probably visited more than one bridal boutique and certainly tried on more than one style when searching for that perfect gown. Your flowers deserve the same treatment. Follow these tips to make your relationship with your florist bloom.
Deciding Factors
Before choosing a florist, view the window displays in several local flower shops. Windows are a florist's portfolio, giving you a sneak peak at what they can do. When you sit down with a florist, bring photos or sketches of your gown and the bridesmaids' dresses, as well as swatches of fabric in all your theme colours. Also bring pictures of flowers and bouquets you like, plus a list of what you need (five bouquets, seven corsages, 25 centrepieces). Let the florists present their ideas for colour variations, bouquet shapes and sizes, and price ranges.
Colour Scheme
Once you've decided on a florist, colour schemes are usually the first consideration. Opt for coordinating colours linking you and your party together. Depending on the season, fresh flowers offer a wide variety of colours, shapes and scents.
Floral Configurations
The next consideration is the size and shape of each bouquet. The height and figure of you and each attendant, as well as dress designs and fabrics, are important factors in the decision. For instance, an enormous, cascading arrangement can overwhelm a petite bride. Having seen pictures or sketches of the gowns, the florist should be able to recommend a suitable style that won't interfere with any detailing: a bouquet should enhance your wedding day style, not overpower it.
Fresh Fragrance
When choosing fresh flowers consider their scent. In ancient times, bridesmaids carried rosemary and garlic to ward off evil spirits; today's bouquets, however, can offer pleasure to both the eyes and the nose. Note that heat from the sun (or even from hot lights) causes many flowers to produce stronger fragrances. Have your florist recommend some sweet-smelling flowers with durability.
Petal Pass
Before opting for fresh flowers, ask your attendants if they have an allergy to any particular blooms: your bridesmaid would be embarrassed and uncomfortable if she had a sneezing fit during the ceremony. As well, be aware some flowers may stain fabrics. Your florist should remove the pollen from the flower or offer other suggestions to avoid such wedding day mishaps.
Label It
Have the florist label the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres to avoid mixing them up on delivery day. (A groomsman may not recognize he's just pinned the Mother of the Bride's corsage on his lapel!)
Questions to Ask the Florist
- Are you familiar with your ceremony and reception locations? If not, could you accompany us to the sites so you can make suggestions to enhance the setting or mood of the wedding?
- Can we see photographs of previous bouquets and centerpiece arrangements? Can you offer you testimonials or client referrals?
- What are the popular flower choices in the season we are getting married? How difficult or expensive would it be if I wanted to carry certain off-season flowers down the aisle?
- What kind of service do you offer the day of the wedding? How many weddings do you take on in one day? Who will be setting up the day of the wedding?
- When will the flowers be delivered? Is there a delivery and/or set-up fee?
- How much of a deposit do you require, and what is the cancellation policy?
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