Scenic City Weddings

8 Smart Flower Tips That Every Bride Can Use

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1. Think About Location and Temperature

“If you’re having an outdoor summer wedding, make sure your florist knows that the flowers have to stand up to sun and heat so that they can choose hardier varieties,” says Rachel Bowes, owner of Seattle-based Finch & Thistle Event Design.

“Orchids come to the rescue in warm weather,” adds Diane Wagner, a New York-based floral designer and author of “Beautiful Wedding Flowers: 350 Corsages, Bouquets, and Centerpieces” (Hearst, 2011). “I like cymbidiums; they’re available in a wide variety of colors, from creamy white to fresh green, soft pink, burgundy and even brown! And the interesting shape is perfect for both bouquets and table arrangements.”

2. Be Smart About Your Spending

“You may dream of large bowls of fluffy peonies for your centerpieces, but if that’s not realistic with your budget, then consider just incorporating peonies in your bridal bouquets,” Bowes says. “[Bouquets] will be the most photographed arrangements and are worth spending the most money on.”

3. Incorporate the Date into Your Floral Details

“Think about picking your wedding date based on when your favorite flowers are in season,” says Bowes. “Love dahlias? How about an August or September event? Love peonies and anemones? May is the best time of year for you.”

Adds Wagner: “Using seasonal flowers and mixing colors, textures and sizes will achieve a lovely natural style. For fall weddings I like to use multi-petaled dahlias, feathery astilbe and velvety celosia with berried ivy. Add individual charm with bittersweet vines, wheat and mini gourds or pumpkins.”

4. Don’t Overdo It

“If you have a large number of bridesmaids, ask your florist to design interesting but small bouquets,” Wagner says. “A few cymbidium orchids, a clutch of mini calla lilies wrapped with beautiful ribbon, or a nosegay of spray roses are all good choices. When the girls are lined up for photos, their personalities will shine through rather than focusing on a line of large bouquets.”

5. Keep Your Attire in Mind

“Lace dresses are very popular right now and choosing flowers that compliment (and not overpower) an exquisitely detailed pattern can be challenging,” says Wagner. “My favorite selection is a bouquet of beautiful, lush garden roses in a single shade. The color statement (pale or bright) and delicate texture of the numerous petals looks perfect against lace patterns.”

6. Pick appropriate groom blooms

“I like to relate the groom’s boutonniere to the bride’s bouquet,” says Wagner. “If she chooses large, fluffy peonies, give him a ranunculus or spray rose in a similar color. The size and shape will be perfect for his lapel, and they will look wonderful together in photos!”

7. Be Sensible About Scents

“While herbs, lilies and scented garden roses can be a subtle and beautiful way to add atmosphere to a tented or garden wedding, they could cause guests with allergies serious problems in an indoor venue,” Bowes warns.

8. Trust Your Vendor

“Tell your florist your look and style (bring pictures), and then let her/him run with their imagination,” Bowes says. “You chose your florist because you love their style, so let them pick the best flowers and foliage for the time of year and your color palette.”

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