Throwback Thursday: Things to Consider When Thinking about Your Wedding Flowers: What Can you Order?
***I found recently f ound this post when looking back through the blog. It seemed like a good time to republish it. So I updated a couple photos & here it is! :)***
The floral business, like the fashion industry, is about trends, what flowers are in style, what color schemes are trending and what items are popular. However, not all trends are about what is being ordered, but when it is being ordered. While brides used to order their wedding flowers 9 months to over a year in advance, now many brides are contacting us less than 6 months before their wedding. There are many possible reasons for this change but we believe a main reason is how overwhelming planning wedding flowers can be. Between what items are available, the types of flowers, colors, budget and design, there is a lot to consider.
We want to make things a little easier. Many brides are aware of about two items they can order for their wedding: their Bouquet and centerpieces. Let us help with a list of items that are available to order.
PERSONAL FLOWERS
BRIDAL BOUQUET- If you know one thing about flowers and weddings, it is the bridal bouquet. Even here there are a few options on different styles.
TOSS BOUQUET- Many brides like to preserve or dry their bouquet and keep it. They can’t do this if they throw it into a crowd of unmarried women. For this reason many brides order a toss bouquet. This is usually a small bouquet matching the rest of the wedding flowers.
ATTANDANT/ BRIDESMAID BOUQUETS- The number of these depends on the size of the bridal party. Depending on the bride, these bouquets can be small versions of the brides, bouquets of a single type of flower, or a combination of only a few flowers featured in the bride’s bouquet.
CORSAGES- They are usually a grouping of 5 to 6 small blooms worn by the Mothers of the bride and groom, Grandmothers and women who help on the wedding day. These can be made to be worn on the wrist or pinned on shoulder.
GROOM’S BOUTONNIERE- This is usually a two or three bloom grouping worn by the groom, unless he is a uniform, then a boutonniere is not worn. Traditionally, the groom gives the bride her bouquet, then the bride plucks one bloom from the bouquet for the groom to wear. In order to keep the bouquet intact, we now create a boutonniere to coordinate with the bride’s bouquet.
OTHER BOUTONNIERES- These are used for Groomsman, the Ring Bearer, Fathers of the Bride and Groom, officiants, ushers and other men helping with the wedding.
HAIR PIECES- Trending right now are the floral crowns/wreaths but can also be hair combs with floral accents. The floral crowns are becoming popular for brides in place of the traditional veil. They are also adorable on flower girls.
FLOWER GIRL BASKET- Choose from loose petals and a basket for your flower girl or a little arrangement in her basket.
CEREMONY FLOWERS
AISLE ARRANGEMENTS/POSIES- Line your aisle with small arrangements or posies tied to the chairs. Small arrangements can sit on the floor/ground along the aisle or hung on Shepard’s hooks.
LOOSE PETALS- Loose petals can be used to decorate the aisle. Have the flower girl scatter petals or create a patter or even a carpet of petals down the aisle.
ALTAR DÉCOR- Use arrangements, plants, single stem vases or garland to brighten an altar.
ARBOR- A popular trend in outdoor ceremonies is the arbor with curtain drappings and floral tie backs or simple foliage to add a little color and texture.
RECEPTION DÉCOR
CENTERPIECES- There are an unlimited amount of options from tall to short, classic, lush, modern, etc. Mix it up a little and choose two or three style of coordinating arrangements to scatter throughout your reception.
ENTRYWAY ARRANGEMENT- Make a statement with a dramatic piece as guests walk in to your reception.
CAKE FLOWERS- Add a little something extra to your cake with flowers. We not recommend eating cake flowers unless you specifically order edible flowers.
OTHER DÉCOR
WREATHS- Perfect for any season, especially for a rustic barn wedding. Hang wreaths on the doors to your ceremony or reception. Add flowers that compliment your wedding décor, monograms and a bow.
LANTERNS- Use decorative lanterns to hold trailing arrangements.
FLORAL BACKDROP- The perfect background for pictures or cover an unsightly wall with hanging flowers, like they do in Hollywood.