Planning is the most important part of pulling off a spectacular wedding, especially when it comes to flowers and decoration. Since there are no rules when it comes to wedding flowers, it really is all about what the couple, well mainly the bride, wants and can afford. Decorating options are limited only by the imagination and even the most outrageous floral images can be made to fit practically any budget, if you're willing to research the many options and ideas that are out there.
Your bridal party can get involved to help generate new ideas which you probably have never thought about. Besides, being a help to the bride is part of their responsibilities so why not get them involved. Don’t expect the groom to help. The most he'll probably care about is that you stick within the amount that has been budgeted.
You want to give yourself plenty of time, so begin planning the wedding flowers at least 6 to 12 months prior to the wedding date. The type and color of your flowers are one of the things you will want to consider while you are choosing the wedding attire you will probably want the floral arrangements to complement the overall color scheme and theme/look and feel of the wedding. Bridal magazines are full of pictures of bouquets so that's a good place to go for ideas. It is also important to keep in mind the types of flowers that will be in season at the time of your wedding. Choosing flowers that are readily available is one way to keep costs under control.
Remember, besides boutonnières and bouquets for the wedding party favors, you can also make flowers and decorations part of the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Pew bows, arrangements for the altar, head table, cake table and gift table, as well as centerpieces for all the guest tables should be considered. These will definitely add to your costs, but they're also areas where you can really get creative.
For budget control use the bridal bouquet as part of the decorations for the head table, the gift table or the cake table. Most of the times, once the formal photographs are complete most don’t carry their bouquets around anyway. Using less expensive balloons or candles as centerpieces is another way to reduce cost. Making your own pew bows can be fun and a cost saver even if you are not good at crafts. Another great idea is to add more 'filler' to your floral arrangements by using more greenery, baby's breath or tulle.
As you can see, it really is all in the planning. Finding a capable florist who is able to give life to your thoughts and ideas is your next step. Selecting a florist early in the planning is very important. Even the most creative florist will be limited as to the amount they will be able to handcraft. When you sign a contract with the florist you choose, make sure that you read over the contract carefully. Things to look at are the number and type of arrangements you agreed on, the type of flowers to be used as well as the details on the delivery. Make a record of the amount of the deposit as well as the payment schedule.
