| The Basics |
Getting started |
Florists that specialize in weddings don't usually need to be booked as far in advance as some other industry professionals. But do reserve yours three to six months before the wedding. Allow more time if your date falls between the ever-popular months of June and September.
As always, ask family and friends - even casual acquaintances - for referrals. They may not have planned a wedding, but they may have attended some recently and can offer leads. Personal recommendations just can't be beat! And don't forget to talk to the wedding professionals you are already working with. They should be able to name some qualified florists who are easy to work with.
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Screen your choices |
| Call potential candidates and screen out the ones that are already booked for your date. Ask the available florists for references. You'll want to find out how former clients remember their wedding flowers. Were they happy with the designs? The service? The quality of the blooms? You can also ask if they would do anything differently. You might get some valuable insight into the planning process that may - or may not - have to do with flowers! |
When meeting prospects |
| Your goal is to find a florist who will understand your vision and can suggest ways to tailor floral designs to your theme and budget. It will help to review your Questions to Ask before the meeting. Visual aids such as pictures of your wedding dress, detailed descriptions of your sites or examples of arrangements that pique your interest can also be helpful. Don't be afraid to ask about less expensive versions of what you like. And look at samples and photos of the floral designer's past creations. You might get some great ideas! |
Get it in writing |
| As with all wedding services, make sure arrangements and commitments are put in writing. There are a lot of details to remember and having The Contract protects the interests of both you and the florist. |
Symbolism |
| Floral arrangements have long symbolized everything from eternal love to new life and fertility. During the 1800s, flowers took on additional significance as lovers began using them to send messages to each other. Each flower conveyed a different meaning and this became a popular basis for many of today's bridal bouquets. |
Floral sentiments include: |
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- Acacia (Red or White) - Elegance and friendship
- Acacia (Yellow) - Secret love
- Acanthus Artifice - Fine arts
- Agrimony - Gratitude
- Allspice - Compassion
- Althea - Consumed by love
- Amaranth - Constant, unchangeable and immortal
- Amaryllis - Beautiful and proud
- Apple Blossom - Better things to come
- Arbutus - Only you
- Azalea - You've won me
- Baby's Breath - Pure of heart
- Bellflower - Constancy
- Betony - Surprise
- Bluets - Contentment
- Borage - Talent
- Camellia - Gratitude
- Camellia (Red) - Excellence and innate warmth
- Camellia (White) - Perfect
- Carnation - Fidelity, fascination and love
- Cattleya - Mature grace
- Celandine - Joys to come
- Centaury - Delicacy
- Cherry-Blossom - Spiritual beauty
- Chrysanthemum (Chinese) - Lovely and cheerful
- Chrysanthemum (Red) - I love you
- Chrysanthemum (White) - Truth
- Clematis - Beauty of mind
- Cornflower - Refinement
- Cowslip - Comeliness and grace
- Crocus - Gladness and mirth
- Cyclamen - Modesty
- Daffodil - Hope, love and high regard
- Dahlia - Elegance, dignity and forever yours
- Daisy - Beauty and innocence
- Eglantine - Genius and talent
- Fern - Fascination and sincerity
- Flax - Fate and kindness
- Forget-Me-Not - True love and remembrance
- Fuchsia - Confiding love
- Furze - Love for all occasions
- Gardenia - Refinement
- Gentian (Closed) - Sweet dreams
- Gentian (Fringed) - Heavenly
- Geranium - Gentility and friendship
- Gillyflower - Bonds of affection and lasting beauty
- Gooseberry - Anticipation
- Hawthorn - Hope
- Heliotrope - Devotion, faithfulness and eagerness
- Hibiscus - Delicate beauty
- Honeysuckle - Generous and devoted love
- Hyacinth - Lovely and constant
- Iris - Eloquence
- Ivy - Fidelity and wedded love
- Jasmine (Cape) - Too happy
- Jasmine (Indian) - Attraction and attachment
- Jasmine (Spanish) - Sensuality
- Jasmine (White) - Amiability
- Jasmine (Yellow) - Grace and elegance
- Japonica - Loveliness
- Kingcup - Riches
- Lady's Slipper - Capricious beauty
- Lady's Smock - Ardor
- Lilac (Purple) - First love
- Lilac (White) - Youthful innocence
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- Lily (Water) - Purity of heart
- Lily (Calla) - Modesty and beauty
- Lily (Day) - Coquetry
- Lily (White) - Purity and sweetness
- Lily (Yellow) - Coquetry and flirtation
- Lily-of-the-Valley - Purity and return of happiness
- Linden - Wedded love
- Lupine (Rose) - Fanciful
- Lupine (White) - Always happy
- Magnolia - Love of nature and benevolence
- Moonflower - Dreaming of love
- Mulberry (White) - Wisdom
- Orange Blossom - Purity, chastity, eternal love and marriage
- Orchid - Popular and attractive woman
- Pansy - Modesty and think of me
- Peach Blossom - Your captive
- Periwinkle (Blue) - Early friendship
- Periwinkle (White) - Harmony and pleasing memories
- Pink (Double-Red) - Ardent love
- Pink (Indian) - Always lovely
- Pink (Mountain) - Aspiration
- Pink (White) - Fascination and talent
- Plum (Wild) - Independent
- Poppy (Scarlet) - Fantastic extravagance
- Poppy (Variegated) - Flirtation and dreaminess
- Potentilla - Claiming your esteem
- Pyxie - Life is sweet
- Rose (Austrian) - Lovely
- Rose (Bridal) - Happy love
- Rose (Cabbage) - Ambassador of love
- Rose (China) - New beauty
- Rose (Coral) - Desire
- Rose (Damask) - Young and brilliant
- Rose (Dark Pink) - Thankfulness
- Rose (Deep-Red) - Admiration
- Rose (Musk) - Capricious beauty
- Rose (Pale Pink) - Grace
- Rose (Peach) - Modesty
- Rose (Pink) - Secret love
- Rose (Red) - Unity and romantic love
- Rose (Orange) - Fascination
- Rose (White) - Purity and innocence
- Rose (Wild) - Charming simplicity
- Rose (Yellow) - Friendship
- Rosebud (Red) - Pure and lovely
- Rosemary - Remembrance
- Saffron - Voluptuous and lovely
- Salvia (Blue) - Wisdom
- Saxifrage - Affection
- Smilax - Constancy
- Snowdrop - Hope
- Speedwell - Womanly fidelity
- Stephanotis - Happiness in marriage
- Stock - Lasting beauty
- Stonecrop - Tranquility
- Sunflower (Large) - Splendid
- Sweet Pea - Delicate pleasures
- Tulip (Red) - Declaration of love
- Tulip (Variegated) - Enchantment and beautiful eyes
- Tulip (Yellow) - Perfect love
- Violet (Blue) - Love and loyalty
- Violet (White) - Candor, modesty and hope
- Virgin's Bower - Filial love
- Water Lily - Purity of heart
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| Our list of floral sentiments is by no means complete. It's almost impossible to note every beautiful bloom growing. If you don't see your favorite flowers, ask your florist about them. Even if there is no traditional sentiment tied to your selections, they can still mean everything to you! Flowers - like every other facet of your wedding - are a personalized expression of your style and tastes. |
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| Presentation |
| There are no hard and fast rules about using flowers in your wedding, but there our some general guidelines to keep in mind:
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- The bride's bouquet should complement the style of her gown as well as the theme of the wedding. For example, a cascade design would best complement a formal, full-length bridal gown.
- The groom's boutonniere is designed with the same flowers as the bride's bouquet.
- The bridesmaids' flowers reflect the wedding colors and tend to be smaller than the bride's bouquet.
- The groomsmen's boutonnieres mirror the bridesmaids' bouquets.
- Parents and grandparents receive corsages or boutonnieres that complement the wedding colors.
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| The bridal bouquet |
| The traditional bouquet is made from all white flowers to avoid calling attention away from the gown. But many modern brides are breaking with tradition by choosing vibrant designs that work with their color scheme and style. Basic bouquet forms include: |
- Cascade - The traditional cascade flows downward from the cluster and is the most formal design.
- Presentation - This style lays along the length of the arm with a slight spillover of blooms or greenery.
- Round Cluster or Nosegay - This popular design is smaller than the others and usually has very little greenery.
- Hand- and Loose-tied - This informal style of loosely tied flowers offers a "just picked" illusion.
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| Questions to Ask |
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Are you the florist who will be working on my designs? |
| You want to know if this is the actual florist who will create your arrangements. Ask to see photos or sketches of their work. Also ask if they will be the ones handling the setup of flowers on location. Will this florist or another representative be on hand throughout your day if there are any difficulties? |
How long have you been in business? |
| You may have seen samples and talked to their references, but you'll still want to get an idea of their level of experience. |
Do you schedule more than one wedding a day? |
| Florists that book multiple weddings could be spreading themselves too thinly to offer personalized service. And a candidate who is difficult to schedule time with or who keeps you waiting could be a source of problems in the future. |
Are you familiar with my site(s)? |
| You may get lucky and find a florist who has been to your site(s) and knows what types of arrangements will work best there. Regardless, you need to know if there are any restrictions at your sites. Many congregations do not allow arrangements to be placed on the altar or pews. And some venues are subject to strict fire codes or other laws. Find out - and be sure that your florist considers this information. |
What flowers are readily available on my date? |
| Many flowers are less expensive and easier to get at certain times of the year. You want to consider the availability of your favorite flowers during the week of your wedding. Ask your florist for alternatives in case your selections become unavailable at the last minute. |
What suggestions can you offer? |
| Describe the tone or theme of your wedding and ask for suggestions. You want to find an imaginative florist who can help you create the wedding of your dreams. You might also ask about using less expensive alternatives to flowers such as candles, balloons and plants. |
Do you provide accessories? |
| Many florists provide aisle runners, chupahs, stanchions, candelabras and other accessories. You'll need to measure the aisle length if you plan on using a runner. |
Are there any special considerations we need to discuss? |
| A good florist can explain any selection limitations you might have based on your flower choices, wedding colors, fragrance combinations or site décor. The florist should also be able to point out seasonal and budgeting considerations. |
Can you preserve the bridal bouquet after the ceremony? |
| Some brides like to preserve their bouquet. Discuss this option with the florist and decide if it's right for you. You will need to have a second arrangement created if you also want to "toss the bouquet" during the reception. |
When will the flowers be delivered? |
| Arrange to have your flowers picked up, received or delivered. You will need your bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres for the formal pictures so be sure they arrive before the photographer. |
What is the estimated total cost of all my selections? |
| You'll need to get an idea of how much your bouquets, boutonnieres and other arrangements will cost. Make sure the fees include delivery, setup and breakdown of accessories. Also ask if there are any charges for substituting flowers prior to the wedding date. |
When do you need a deposit and when will you need the balance? |
| Avoid paying your entire balance up front. It is much better to pay off the bill after you have received the flowers. Also ask about cancellation policies. |
What are your guarantees regarding freshness and availability? |
| Make sure that all guarantees are written in The Contract. |
What is your contingency plan in case of an emergency? |
| The florist should have a back-up strategy in place to cover emergencies such as sudden illness or engine trouble. |
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| Costs Involved |
Many florists will tell you that wedding flowers should account for 10 percent or more of the overall wedding budget, but many people spend considerably less. It's really a matter of how elaborate your wedding will be, and how much you choose to spend.
There are three basic categories of flower expenses:
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- Personal - These include all the flowers for the wedding party including the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres.
- Ceremony - Arrangements and accessories used for the wedding site including candelabras, pew decorations and aisle runners.
- Reception - The reception expenses include arrangements for the guest book table, wedding cake serving table, centerpieces for guest tables, and any other decorations.
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Specific prices are influenced by a number of factors, but the following list can be used as a general reference: |
- Floral Archways - Begin around $350
- Bridal Bouquets - Begin around $125
- Ceremony Arrangements - Begin around $100
- Table Centerpieces - Begin around $75
- Bridesmaids Bouquets - Begin around $50
- Flower Girl Baskets - Begin around $40
- Floral Headpieces - Begin around $35
- Toss Away Bouquets - Begin around $30
- Boutonnieres - Begin around $5
- Corsages - Begin around $5
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| Ways to Save |
Flowers can set the tone for your wedding celebration, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Dramatically cut your floral expenses with a little planning and creativity! |
- Decide on a budget before meeting with the florist. Ask what the designer can do with that amount rather than asking how much the bill will be.
- Make sure the flowers you want will be in season or are easily available year round.
- Consider a "market buy" option that allows the florist to purchase flowers that go on special the day before your wedding. The exact blooms may be a surprise, but so will the savings!
- Smaller size means a smaller price. Think of a single, elegant bloom surrounded by greenery in place of elaborate bouquets or corsages.
- If you have a flair for floral arrangements, you can buy your blooms wholesale and create your own designs.
- Use a few large flower arrangements rather than several smaller ones.
- If your site books multiple weddings or receptions, ask about sharing flowers (and expenses!) with another couple celebrating on the same date.
- Use small arrangements with lots of greenery. Or fill large areas with greenery alone.
- Rent plants and trees from the florist or a nursery. Many will have spotlights that can be strategically placed or strings of small white lights to wrap within the greenery.
- Rent candelabras with lots of candles for the ceremony.
- Consider decorating with balloons or a balloon arch at the reception.
- Get married in a garden.
- Silk flowers can make beautiful decorations that will last much longer than the real kind. And they cost a lot less!
- Skip the pew bows and the aisle runner. Or only decorate every other pew. Some sites don't even allow these types of decorations.
- Choose a smaller floral centerpiece and use bows, candles or mirrors to give it a more elaborate appearance.
- Your guests will spend most of the wedding looking towards the altar. Concentrate your decorations for the ceremony there.
- Tulle is an inexpensive fabric that can be draped over chairs and along staircases or tied into romantic looking bows.
- Altar decorations and bouquets can double as centerpieces.
- Some of the more modern bouquet styles are also some of the most frugal. Think of a small handful of beautiful blooms such as yellow sunflowers, bright tulips or colorful posy mixes.
- Try to avoid celebrating near holidays when floral rates will be at their highest.
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| Flower List |
This list is not meant to be definitive. It is merely a guide to help decide what floral arrangements are important to you. Check what you want, add your own ideas, and cross off the rest! |
Bouquets |
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Rehearsal Dinner |
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For bride |
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Table decorations |
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For "toss away" |
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For honor attendant |
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Ceremony |
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For bridesmaids |
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Main altar |
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For flower girl |
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Aisle runner |
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Pew decorations |
| Boutonnieres |
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For groom |
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Reception |
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For best man |
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Table centerpieces |
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For groomsmen |
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Gift table decoration |
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For bride's father |
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Buffet table arrangements |
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For groom's father |
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Bar decorations |
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For grandfathers |
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Cake decorations |
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For ushers |
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Miscellaneous decorations |
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For ring bearer |
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Additional Considerations |
| Corsages |
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Floral headpieces |
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For bride's mother |
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Thank-you gifts for parents and other VIPs |
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For grandmothers |
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Flower petals for "showering" the newlyweds |
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| The Contract |
Make sure you meet everyone's expectations by documenting all arrangements in writing. This will ensure that no details slip through the cracks and that you have legal recourse if promises are not kept.
Be prepared to review all provisions of your contract carefully. Point out discrepancies and ask questions about anything you are unsure of. The contract does not become a legally binding document until both you and your florist sign it.
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Your contract with the florist should include: |
- Name of the florist who will be available on your wedding day
- Ceremony and reception details including date, time and locations
- Itemized list of all floral arrangements
- Acceptable alternatives in the event that a specific flower is unavailable at the time of your wedding
- List of any accessories to be provided such as centerpiece vases or trellises
- Setup times at the ceremony and reception sites
- Delivery details for the bouquets and boutonnieres
- Delivery and setup fees as well as any overtime charges
- Provisions for the return of any floral accessories
- Deposit amount and due date
- Balance amount and due date
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Name, contact information and signature of the vendor
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For delivery by Friday, May 9th, follow the shipping guidelines below.
