If you are in the process of planning a wedding, you know that there is much more involved in tying the knot than just… well, tying a knot. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to prepare for the day that you have dreamt about for so long. Flowers are an important aspect. The right wedding flowers will compliment you, as well as make your ceremony and reception more beautiful. Fortunately, choosing the right wedding flowers doesn't have to be difficult. Your florist can help, and here are some tips from wedding professionals to make the job even easier.

Contact Your Florist

Once you've set the date, it's a good idea to contact your florist to inquire about availability. If you're not sure which florist to call, ask friends and relatives if they have recommendations. The best wedding florists decorate lots of weddings. So, it's usually easy to find people who have seen their work. When you call, confirm that they can serve the locations for your wedding and reception. You may also want to ask about other weddings they've done, whether they can provide any pictures of their work or referrals from local customers, and when you could meet. Most florists are happy to schedule free consultations to help you.

Take One Step At A Time

The next step is usually selecting the gowns for the bridal party, because the flowers should compliment their color and style. Get some pictures or fabric swatches to show to your florist. It's also helpful, before meeting with your florist, to go through a few bridal magazines and clip any photos of flowers and bouquets you particularly like. These simple tools will help you communicate with your florist, so he or she knows where to start in helping you select something you'll love. Don't worry if you don't know the names of particular flowers. You don't have to be an expert. Your florist will guide you through the process.

Meet with Your Florist

If possible, you should have the dresses picked out and meet with your florist about four to six months prior to the big day. Earlier is better. Remember, you don't want other bridal parties to beat you to your florist of choice for a particular date. Bring your photos or fabric swatches with you. If you'd like additional input, bring your mother, bridesmaid, or friend along. The key elements for your wedding flowers will be the bridal bouquet, selections for the bridal party and parents, decorations for the ceremony, and centerpieces for the reception. Your florist will be happy to select specific flowers, colors, and design styles with you. Many will also offer to create a sample or two for approval before delivery.

Consider a Few Extra Touches

For the most memorable day of your life, you may also want to consider accent pieces for doorways, pews, the cake, the alter, and even your car. Think about how others can remember the day, as well. Small bags of candy will be eaten and forgotten, but many will cherish the novelty of individual flowers placed at every setting. It will make your guests feel as if you are thinking of each and every one of them. You might also consider allowing the guests to take the centerpieces home, as a token of thanks for their friendship, and to help them understand how special this day is to you now, and how unforgettable it will always be.

Discuss Your Budget

Wedding flowers can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars for an intimate nuptial to tens of thousands of dollars for an impressive ceremony and reception, with the average normally in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. A lot depends on the location, number of guests, and how you want your wedding to be remembered. Be upfront with your florist about your wishes and your approximate budget. Get their best recommendations, but don't be afraid to ask how you might economize, too. Your florist may be able to suggest ways to use some pieces at both the ceremony and reception. Some will provide the transportation for this, as well. Many florists can also provide plants, votive candles, candelabra, linens, and other decorations on a rental basis to help you save money.

Use Your Imagination

No matter what you see in magazines or at other ceremonies, remember that almost anything is possible when it comes to wedding flowers. For example, compact nosegay style bouquets are popular but so are clusters of calla lilies or other single flower types, and traditional cascade style bouquets are back in vogue, too. When it comes to color, pale pinks, peaches, and whites are always popular, but many brides today are opting for reds or more fashion-forward colors such as oranges and greens. Almost anything goes. The important thing is to work with your florist. He or she knows what's hot and what's not and can create almost anything your heart desires. So, whether your wedding will be simple or elegant, traditional or high-style, your wedding flowers will be perfect for the occasion.

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