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Flower Power

by Claire Bullivant

There are never too many stunning floral arrangements at a wedding.

It’s a fact: Flower Power Rules!

A quick checklist is as follows:

Church Flowers Standing floral arrangements for either side of the altar Pew ends Church windowsill arrangements Flower arch over the church entrance Lectern flowers Any other highly visible areas

Reception Venue Flowers Top table flowers Centre-pieces for each guest table Cake table flowers Gift table flowers Large arrangements for entrance / drinks areas / either side of top table et Cloakroom flowers Any other highly visible areas

Other Flowers Bridal bouquet Second bridal bouquet (if you don’t want to throw your proper one) Bridesmaid bouquets Buttonholes for groom, ushers, fathers, grandfathers Corsages for mothers / grandmothers Thank you bouquets for mothers etc. (to give during the speeches) Flowers for the wedding cars

…and this list is by no means exhaustive! However, your florist will be able to advice you where to place your arrangements to make the best visual impacts.

Also remember using a good florist can actually help you save money. They are the expects, not only will they have great contacts with the flower markets but they will also know all the clever ways to keep the costs down. For example, if you want highly elaborate, arty flowers for your bouquets or at your reception venue, don’t think you also have to have the same at the church. To be honest arty flowers can be a little bit wasted in a church. Church flowers benefit from being big and beautiful rather than intricate or overly detailed pieces that can get ‘lost’ in such large spaces. It’s also nowadays a bit of a no-no to remove the flowers after the ceremony and take them with you to your reception venue. You’re only in church for an hour or so and most eyes will actually be on you. It’s much better to spend more on the table centre-pieces that your guests will be admiring all evening.

Also certain magazines may persuade you to get specially ‘flown in’ stems during different times of the year which are “oh so trendy.” But unless you have an open ended budget, just go for what is in season. There is a plethora or flora readily available throughout the year. If you have extra budget to spend, we suggest you just get more of what’s in season! But whether you have an open or very tight budget, it is always very important to work with your florist. Give them an idea of your budget at the outset as you don’t want to be tempted by things that are simply too expensive or out of your reach. Also be clear on your colour scheme or any other ideas you may have. Ask your dress shop for a sample of your dress / the bridesmaids’ dress material or ushers waistcoats and give this to your florist, so they can see your exact colour scheme. But also be open to advice from your florist and learn from their knowledge and wisdom. Ask to see photos of previous weddings they have done and ask them what they suggest. They are the experts and will have loads of exciting ideas that you may not have thought of.

Most weddings today are truly elaborate affairs, in which flowers play a major part. Gone are the days when brides held a bouquet of posies picked from their parents’ garden. Flower power in 2011 rules!