The flowers set the mood of the ceremony and reception. The services of a florist should be selected as soon as your wedding date has been chosen.
The bridal bouquet
The bridal bouquet can consist of a single rose or it can be as elaborate as a cascading arrangement. Keep in mind that it must reflect the nature and theme of the wedding.
The bridal bouquet should match the style of the bride’s dress and that of the groom’s suit. Check the dresses of the bridesmaids before you create the concept for the bridal bouquet. This accessory must match their silhouette and the style of the dress perfectly.
The flowers are usually darker if the bride or groom is at the second marriage. The arrangement depends on the style of the dress and the bride’s silhouette.
A simple bouquet of cut flowers, trimmed with ribbons may be appropriate for an informal wedding.
The maid of honor should have the same bouquet as the bridesmaids or she may prefer a more fragrant bouquet to honor her title. Anyway, it should be in the same colors and the same style as the bridal bouquet. The maid of honor’s bouquet must always be of a style similar to that of the bride’s bouquet.
Bodice
Once the colors and style of the dresses for mothers have been determined (and stepmother and Grandma if this is the case), the bodice can be ordered.
There are several types of bodices now. They can be pinned on the waist or on a purse, worn on the wrist or attached to a cane for the elderly or disabled. It would be considerate of you to ask the preferences of those wearing it.
Remember to order a corsage for your honeymoon outfit.
Buttonhole
Choose a flower bouquet that matches the groom's boutonniere.
The best man, ushers, fathers and grandfathers always wear a button with their left lapel.
Flowers for the ceremony
The flower arrangements for the ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. You can place flowers at the end of each bench to add to the formality of your wedding.
The point of interest should be the decoration of the altar. You should talk to the person who is in charge of the ceremony (if it is held in a church) to find out exactly what you are allowed to do and what you are not.
Flowers should complement the colors of the ceremony site and the parade of clothes.
You can talk to the ushers to carry the flowers to the reception site. This way, you save some money for the room decorations.
You can choose silk flowers or lease arrangements.
A candlelight ceremony with flowers and ribbons can be truly magical (if allowed).
Flowers for the reception hall
The flowers delivered should match the decor and the colors of the clothes and arrangements.
You can place ferns and foliage plants (natural silk) at the head of the table.
Large table centerpieces would be appropriate for a reception with a buffet.
If you are having a reception with sit-down meals, the table should be decorated with a centerpiece made of a floral arrangement in the center and one on each side of the table if it is long. The cake should be placed on a separate table so as not to block the view.
Candlesticks and candles should be used for an evening reception only.
All guest tables should be decorated with a centerpiece.
