Choosing Flowers/Florists
Article by: Diana Marcketta
Petals flow like colorful ribbon in a wedding procession adorned with a garden-variety of tulips, peonies and roses.
Next to choosing a dress, flowers can be one of the most influential and creative factors in determining the ambiance of a wedding or a special event.
Flowers, like colors, carry different meanings. And the arrangement and choice of those flowers may have a significant impact on the attractiveness and overall beauty of an event.
So choosing both a florist and the flowers that will appear in an arrangement is an important decision.
“Choosing a florist is almost as important as choosing your gown or an event coordinator,”. “Flowers help create romance and charm.”
A florist can help determine the mood and feel of the wedding using various flowers, which should coordinate with dress colors and compliment the entire bridal party.
For instance, an informal wedding on the beach in bare-feet may need simple bouquets of daisies.
But a formal occasion may call for thousands of cala lillies, hundreds of roses and arrangements for every member of the wedding party.
And as florists have evolved into artists, some creations may be more cutting edge or different than traditional bunches.
“You have to choose who is right for you, but often one florist can do a variety of looks…
Some floral designers have found new ways to display flowers in homes using an artificial “trug” that enables flowers to be placed in stabilized vases three in a row in a log-like design. But that kind of arrangement though trendy in a window would not be suitable for a wedding.
Artists have all sorts of fabulous ways to arrange flowers, as well as to decorate the wedding location or a reception area.
White-on-shades of white – or monochromatic styles -- have been a popular trend recently mixing white lilies with white roses or soft ivory colors; or various shades of red or lavender in one bouquet.
In addition to choosing color and style, each flower has its own meaning.
Anemonias carry the meaning of expectation. Baby’s Breath, which was practically a must-have in bouquets a few years ago, carry the meaning of innocence. Bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids often wear a sprig in their hair or their bouquets are graced with a shower of baby’s breath.
Freesia, which also carries the meaning of innocence and has a light fragrance, has become the “new” baby’s breath.
Cala lilly’s, which carry the meaning of magnificence and beauty, became very popular in the last few years. They are often coupled with lilies, which mean majesty, honor and truth, and lilies of the valley, which mean happiness.
Hydrangea’s, which have experienced a recent surge in popularity, carry absolutely no meaning, but they often appear in bouquets of peonies which carry the meaning of bashfulness, ambition and determination.
Orchids, which create an elegant presence, carry the meaning of love and beauty.
Daffodils, popular for a garden wedding, carry the meaning of regard.
Carnations, which are not as popular today as they were ten years ago, still appear regularly in various bouquets. Their colors vary significantly and so do their meanings. Pink means boldness, red means love and white means talent.
Daisies, popular for casual weddings, carry the meaning of sharing feelings.
In choosing flowers, it’s important to remember that a bride’s choices may vary from her own bouquet to her bridesmaids to the groom and his groomsmen to the wedding’s location. Variety can add excitement but as a whole flowers must still compliment one another and carry the same feeling of elegance or fun intended by the bride.
Every member of the wedding party should receive some kind of flower be it a bouquet, a corsage or a boutinniere.
Also, baskets of petals can be shared with guests to throw as the bride and groom depart to replace rice. Throwing rice on the departing bride and groom has been thought to bring the couple good luck but it is actually dangerous for birds who may choke and brides who might end up with rice in her gown or hair.
Finally, just like every other item in a wedding, costs will help determine final decisions.
While many florists will give a reduced rate for providing the entire wedding party and decorating the location, final costs will actually come down to what flowers you choose and how much time each display takes to design.
Flowers chosen from outside the region, or off-season flowers, can add several dollars to the final tab. Most flowers are about 25 percent more in the off-season than they are in the season they are typically blooming. Costs are typically added on by shipping expenses.
Foreign imports, such as roses from South America, are additionally expensive and trendy styles or extravagant displays can add extra time and therefore labor costs.
Most bridal bouquets alone start out at about $125 with bridesmaids’ and junior bridesmaids’ bouquets beginning at $50, but prices may vary from region to region in the U.S.
To decrease costs, bouquets can be filled out with less expensive flowers such as ivy, freesia, Queen Anne’s lace and baby’s breath.
Also be prepared to pay a few more dollars or negotiate a better deal if you are marrying close to Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. Florists are typically extremely busy and may have to pad tabs in order to hire additional help.
But regardless of expense, flowers are one of the most alluring portions of a wedding or special event. And each carefully chosen petal can help create the memories of a lifetime.
Beautiful floral arrangements add to the ambiance of any event. A professional florist can provide just the right touch of personality and charm to the environment that will complement the rest of your decor.
Here are a few suggestions for choosing the right florist:
Start Looking Quickly!
If you are in need of a number of bouquets, table centerpieces, or if your event is in a month where flower demand is high, you will want to select a florist well in advance of your event.
How Do I Find the Right Florist?
Recommendations from friends, relatives and co-workers are a good place to start. The Internet, yellow pages and local publications are also good sources.
Preparing for the Appointment
Be sure to take something to takes notes with, the list of the items you need designed, photo examples of designs you have seen and liked and samples of colored materials, such as table cloth, skirting, and dress fabric to help with color decisions.
Check Out Their Work While You're at the Florist
Look carefully at the items in their display cases. If the items in the cases look fresh and of good quality, it's a good indication that they take pride in providing a quality product. Also look to see if the floral arrangements appear attractive and tasteful.
Ask to see photo examples of the florist's work so you can get a feel for their design style.
Selecting the Florist
Price, quality and service should be the determining factors when selecting a florist. Most florists have sample books that will help you when making your general selection
What to Tell the Florist
Tell the designer about the type of the event, the type of mood you want to set, the colors and other factors that may affect the type of flowers used. Since flowers are relatively fragile and some weather much better than others, be sure to explain any special temperature conditions that may affect the flower selection.
Smart Questions
How many larger events does the florist do annually?
Does the florist have any recent client references or letters of recommendation?
Do they have refrigerated delivery vehicles?
Does the florist actually place the floral items where they belong when delivered?
What costs are involved and what do the costs include?
Things to Know About the Contract
There should be an agreement outlining what you ordered, for what you are being charged and how you are being charged.
The agreement should also indicate the name of the specific floral designer, delivery locations and times and anything else you discussed with the florist that you want included in the agreement.