Flat Flower Beads

Your wedding flowers should not just sit in the background, but be a lively part of your ceremony and reception. You can hire a professional to help you determine the best look for your ceremony or opt to design your own wedding flowers for an even more personal touch.

Go Pro or DIY?

Meeting with a florist or floral design specialist is an easy solution to navigating the wide world of flowers. Though you likely won't be ordering your wedding flowers for a few months before the ceremony, you should get an early start in finding a florist, as they often get booked a year in advance.

A florist can help you determine what type of bouquet you want to have, as well as the color and style that coordinates best with your wedding ceremony. Similar to when choosing a wedding photographer, you should get referrals and recommendations for a florist. Simply choosing the first name that comes to you may result in disappointment, so be sure to vet several candidates beforehand.

If you have an eye for detail and the time to do so, you can arrange your own wedding flowers for even more cost savings. You will need to choose flowers that are in-season and buy them wholesale from markets or florists.

There are a number of tutorials online that will instruct you on how to make your own bouquets and floral arrangements. Also, taking a trip to a craft store can serve as a good source of inspiration, and these retailers also often offer in-store classes on floral design.

What Flowers Do I Use?

In addition to your bridal bouquet, you can add floral details for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, centerpieces for your reception and as adornment for the venue where you will walk down the aisle.

Different flowers hold different meaning, so when choosing your wedding flowers, consider both the color and appearance, but their significance as well. Roses, hydrangeas and gardenias are popular blooms for weddings, but don't be afraid to branch out to more exotic varieties like chamomile, alliums or foxgloves.

Remember the Details

As you choose your wedding flowers, keep in mind details like your wedding location. If your wedding is outside, choose blooms that can withstand wind and other elements. If you are holding a ceremony in a small, intimate venue like a church, choose flowers with a subtle scent that won't fill up the entire room. Also note that some people may be allergic to certain scents, so when possible, opt for hypoallergenic varieties of flowers.

Also remember how your chosen wedding flowers will look on you. Brides with a smaller figure should chose arrangements that are similarly petite so they don't get overwhelmed, as taller brides can go for a bouquet that is a little more substantial.

Flowers make a that much more memorable. Choose arrangements that complement the ceremony without stealing the spotlight. Remember that the won't just be taking pictures of you and your spouse, but the scenery overall - including your floral arrangements.