YOUR SPECIAL DAY...
Getting Started
Chances are you're a novice when it comes to flowers. However, now you are a bride–to–be planning your dream wedding, and suddenly you must make decisions on bouquets, boutonnières, reception centerpieces and ceremony arrangements. Overwhelming? I know! Fortunately, I am here to guide you through the process so you can enjoy planning your wedding flowers without wilting from the stress. Read through these useful tips gathered from experts in the field.
Discover Your Style
Close your eyes and envision the perfect look to your wedding. Will it be formal or casual? Elaborate or simple? Bold or neutral colors? Are you a traditionalist in favor of roses or lilies, or do you favor a more contemporary floral theme? Your wedding flowers are more than eye candy; they set the ambiance for the entire event. Choose blossoms that match the formality of your wedding day. Knowing your wedding style is a start in the right direction.
Pick Your Palette
Your color scheme should flow directly from your desired style. Today's trends embrace an “anything goes” mentality, from wedding flowers in traditional whites and pastels - to modern and adventurous dark hues and citrus shades. Flowers in matching shades or cool contrasts are breathtaking, but make sure they coordinate with your overall wedding theme. Choose your colors accordingly, and your wedding will express your spirit. If you are still not sure where to begin, bring a bridesmaid dress fabric swatch when you meet with me and we can discuss coordinating shades.
Seasonal Flowers
You know your floral theme and you've chosen your color scheme. When deciding on which specific flowers your want in your arrangements, be sure to consider the season in which you are marrying. Typically, fall weddings lend themselves to rich-toned flowers in burgundy, rust and deep yellows, while winter brides can create a sparkling wonderland of whites and silvers. Spring and summer weddings may call for pastels or juicy citrus hues.
Hiring a Florist
Even the most creative and artistic bride will benefit from a florist's professional capabilities. Your wedding day will be full of activity, and you won't want to spend vital hours fumbling with the wiring of each bouquet. A florist is not necessarily a budget breaker. I am able to work with any floral budget.
Your Floral Budget
Let's face it: determining your budget is probably not the aspect of your wedding that you've been dreaming of since grade school. You may see your floral budget as the biggest nemesis between you and your wedding flowers. If you plan wisely, however, you should have enough money to create the floral theme of your desires. Expect to spend between 8% and 10% of your overall budget on wedding flowers. According to the latest figures from costofwedding.com, the average couple in the Phoenix Metropolitan area spends $29,910 on their wedding with an average of $2127 for flowers. According to theweddingreport.com that figure is $40,110 when adding in the cost of the honeymoon. And, from weddingchannel.com the figure is over $27,000 – with 10% of that amount budgeted for flowers. Check out the “Budget Worksheet” that I have provided. It will help you tremendously!
