The selecting and purchasing of wedding flowers for your marriage ceremony and wedding reception can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the entire wedding planning process.


The Meaning of Flowers
Red Rose ~ Passionate Love
 White Rose ~ Pure Love
Pink Rose ~ Innocent Love
Yellow Rose ~ Friendship

Gardenia ~ Joy
Orchid ~ Beauty
Blue Violet ~ Constancy
Forget-Me-Not ~ True Love
Red Chrysanthemum ~ Sharing
Lily of the Valley ~ Happiness
White Lilac ~ Youthful Innocence
Purple Lilac ~ Regal Unity


Selecting a Style of Bridal Bouquets

The primary factor in determining the style of your bridal bouquet is the style of your wedding gown and your bridesmaids' gowns.  It is important to choose bouquet flowers that complement and balance with the gowns, rather than detract from or overwhelm them.

The size of the bouquet is also very important and should not overpower or diminish the bride's or attendants' overall appearance. 

Bouquet styles range from the casual 'picked fresh from the garden' look, to a highly stylised and formal presentation.

There are six main bouquet styles to consider:

Cascade: A large, tear-shaped arrangement
Nosegay: A round, tightly bound cluster of small flowers
Arm Bouquet: Crescent shaped and designed to be held in one arm
Hand-tied Bouquet: A simple cluster of long stem flowers tied with a ribbon
Spray Bouquet: A triangular shaped cluster of flowers
Pomander: A ball of flowers suspended from the wrist by decorative ribbons


Selecting A Florist 

A professional florist can be an invaluable asset in helping you select flowers and arrangements to complement your entire ceremony and reception.

Floral varieties are as varied as the breeze and can range in price from very inexpensive to exorbitant.  If you wish to determine a cost effective floral budget, you will want to avoid exotic blooms and out-of-season flowers, which tend to be quite expensive. Your florist should have a good understanding of your budgetary requirements and be willing to work with you in order to get the most from your floral budget.

A good florist will be able to offer appealing alternatives to out-of-season varieties. And, keep in mind that the time of year can play a significant role in the cost of certain flowers.  For example, roses are in high demand and their value increases as Valentine's Day approaches...

Your florist should be attentive and willing to listen to your ideas.  Be careful with florists that dismiss your ideas and insist they know what would look best.  Be politely assertive.  They are the artist you have hired to create the masterpiece you envision.  Ask to see samples of what they have in mind in order to be sure you are in agreement.  You will be sorely disappointed on your big day if your flowers are not as you envisioned.


Flower Hints & Tips & Questions To Ask Your Florist

The best way to make sure that you end up with the types of bouquets, displays, and flower arrangements that you want for your wedding, is good communication skills with your florist. This checklist of questions will help prepare you with all of the facts for any situation that may arise, let your florist know exactly what your wants and needs are, and help you to make the final decision of which flowers will work out best for your wedding:

How much will the flower arrangements, bouquets, etc., you want cost? 
Make sure that the quote you receive includes delivery, setup, and transportation fees.

Has your florist worked in the same venue that you are using? 
Your florist may have several ideas for you, based on past clients that he/she has worked with before, or may be willing to check it out first to offer you some suggestions.

What flowers will be available on your wedding date? 
Seasonal flowers will cost less than others, and there may be a wider variety available to you.

Can you see samples of what your florist has created before? This way, you can find out how visually talented your florist is, and find some new ideas on how you want things arranged.  

How prepared is your florist if something goes wrong on the day of your wedding? 
Find out what happens if the flowers you have chosen are not available, and how he/she can ensure coverage.

What has contributed to the success of the past weddings your florist has worked on?
Discuss some of your florists past clients, and learn more about what made their weddings eventful. 

Can you preserve the bridal bouquet after the ceremony?
If you choose to have your bouquet preserved, make sure that your florist is both willing and capable to do the job.


Flower Varieties & Seasonal Alternatives

The following flower varieties are an alternative to some of the more exotic and out of season alternatives.  Consult with your local gardeners for other varieties that may be readily available in your area.

Alstroemeria Lilies: A tiny Lily available in many shades - complementary to bouquets and arrangements.

Carnations: A classic appeal for the altar, aisle, and window appointments - use miniatures for bouquets and arrangements.

Chrysanthemums: A hearty and colourful filler for bouquets and arrangements - especially in Autumn.

Freesia: A delicate, sweet-smelling flower in white, pink, orange, lavender, and red - an aromatic addition to bouquets, as well as window and aisle appointments.

Gerbera Daisies: A large Daisy that works well in all arrangements.

Gladiolus: A long-stalked radiant bloom that adds height to arrangements - colours include white, pink, red, coral, yellow.

Statice: A deep purple blossom that adds a regal touch to bouquets and arrangements.

Queen Ann's Lace: A dainty filler that is usually plentiful and inexpensive.