After the proposal, comes choosing a venue, a dress and bridal party ... The easy bit most say, most brides have dreamt of their special day for years, however they may not know what is expected from them when it comes to flowers... For the majority its a pretty coloured minefield of roses, lilies and gerberas; flowers you see often and can recognise.

Until you meet with a florist you may have limited knowledge of whats seasonally available and what shades of your colour theme are available in which flowers, unless you have a friend or family member with extensive knowledge.

So on the request from some bride-friends and from the lack of realistic information available I have compiled a guide of what flowers people choose to have.  Please remember this is by know means what you must have, or indeed all you can have, but if you follow this list you will have all area's covered... Sometimes even two areas with one item!

We'll begin with the bridal party;

Brides bouquet; the shape of this needs to compliment your dress, and the colours should blend in with your theme. (a blog on bouquet shapes to follow!) Bridesmaids bouquet's; often a smaller version of the brides bouquet, using similar flowers sometimes in different colours, this could also be a pomander, hair flowers or perhaps a wrist corsage.

Flower Girl; often something simple like a flower wand will be carried, or a petal basket which contains petals to be scattered down the aisle. Sometimes if you'd rather they didn't carry anything a floral hairband or circlet can look just as sweet.

Now to dress the men in flowers;

Often the groom will have a buttonhole which matches something in the brides bouquet, with some smaller detail e.g. beads or a filler flower and foliages.

 

Photo Courtesy of Signature Flowers by Emma Newman

The best man, ushers and father of the bride and groom are traditionally given a buttonhole to wear, this is often a more simple version of a flower featured in bridal bouquet and simple foliage.

Not forgetting the Mum's;

Whom it is traditional to give a corsage too, ask them what they are wearing and see what your florist recommends to compliment their outfit. Perhaps they would like a wrist or handbag corsage as an alternative to a lapel corsage.

A good florist will visit your venue/s with you unless they have been before and know it well. Often in a church or ceremony room two large arrangements, vases or pedestals either side of the aisle and a ceremony table arrangement will suffice, however its nice to decorate features such as balconies and pillars if they are available and depending on budget. These items can be removed by ushers or another trusted friend and taken to be placed at the next venue if necessary - advise the person in charge of where you want them to be situated or for an extra fee your florist will do this with you.

At your reception venue you will need table decorations, these could be simple but stunning lily vases, martini glasses overflowing with an abundance of flowers or small pots of seasonal plants and herbs, which could also be used as favours.  The top table generally has a different arrangement something long and low so as you can be seen by your guests.

 

Finally there are often people you need to say thank you too; Mum's and perhaps a wedding organiser at the venue. What nicer way to do it than with a beautiful gift bouquet or large wrapped plant as a momento.

Happy Planning
Emma x

For guidance and more floral ideas for every colour and theme get in touch 'email' emma@signature-flowers.co.uk 'visit' www.signature-flowers.co.uk 'like' @Signature Flowers by Emma Newman 'follow' us on twitter:SignatureEmma

 

Article and Photos courtesy of Signature Flowers by Emma Newman