Amidst dresses, tuxedos, guest lists, invitations, receptions, and locations for the actual ceremony, choosing the right wedding flowers can be one of the most important decisions. With a little work, and the help of a good wedding florist, it's easy to get flowers that will be both memorable and reflect the personality of those in the wedding. While the process of selecting flowers can seem a bit overwhelming, if you keep a few things in mind it can help to save you time and, more importantly, money.

Keep the date in mind

Keeping the date of your wedding in mind is key to selecting your flowers. This goes beyond the growing trend of weddings being on a Friday or Sunday as opposed to Saturday. Spring and summer are ideal for using flowers like orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and lilies, while autumn and winter are better suited to roses, lilies, narcissus, gardenia, mums and poinsettias .Just remember, you won't be able to find all the flowers you want year round.

Set your budget early

Figure out your budget, be upfront with your florist, and from there you can figure out what flowers you like the most and what is available during the time of the year you're getting married. Don't wait until the last minute to order your flowers. It is usually a good idea to schedule a consultation about 6 to 8 months in advance. By this time you will have a good idea of how many people will be attending, who will be in the bridal party, what they will be wearing and where the ceremony and reception are being held. Ordering well ahead will ensure that you get what you want, and can often save you money.

Match your colors

"White is always most popular for brides. I don't think there's one color that's more popular than the others for the bridesmaids." Sharon Mayer of Vogue Flowers in Richmond, Virginia said when asked about the current trends in flower colors. Blues, reds, oranges, yellows, and purples are gaining popularity for bouquets, centerpieces, corsages, and boutonnières. Picking out the right color really depends on the themes and colors you've picked out for your invitations, cake, etc. and whether you want to match the dominant color or accent it with something else. A few color swatches and a visit to your florist can help you to decide which you prefer.

Location is important

When picking the flowers that are right for your wedding, it's a good idea to keep in mind where the wedding will be held. If the wedding is going to be outside, floral arches, columns, blooming plants and garden flowers are a great way to add a nice touch to the wedding. Beach weddings can be enhanced by simple flowers with bright colors or exotic and unique flowers that really complement the beach setting.

Pick the type that's right for you

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but that doesn't mean you have to use roses for your wedding any more. Orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils, and even more exotic and unique flowers are making their way into weddings everywhere. With a variety of colors and shapes, orchids have quickly become a highly popular flower for everything from centerpieces and bridal bouquets to the corsages and boutonnieres.

Using a unique flower is an easy and often affordable way to put your own stamp on your wedding, as well as match the setting that you've chosen for your special day. There's nothing wrong with trading out the white rose for a purple orchid if it matches your wedding better.

It's ok to ask for help

The best way to get the flower arrangements that are best for you is to work with a qualified wedding florist. They'll be able to let you know about the current trends, what's available during what time of the year, and help you order far enough in advance so that you can get the flowers that you want at a far more reasonable price. Make your special day a bit more memorable with flowers that will stand out and add a personal touch to your wedding.