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Introduction
Just
as wedding gown fashions have become increasingly elegant
and simple, the bridal bouquets seem to
be matching the trend. A small, tightly knit bouquet compliments
a simple a-line dresses, while a large cascade of roses
is more fitting to a bride wearing tulle.
For Kate Thomlinson, who's been designing bridal bouquets
for more than 20 years, it helps to understand the tone
of the wedding when selecting flowers. However, if the bride
doesn't have a clear idea of what she wants, she tries to
draw her out. "I can show her flowers that might go
best with what she's wearing. The best flowers are available
in March and April. Those are spring flowers, and not as
expensive,'' she says.
This year, Thomlinson has been designing more round nosegays,
with simple looks
such as all roses instead of cascading flowers. She will
tie them together with a satin ribbon, sometimes with exposed
stems. "Often brides bring me sashes off the bridesmaids'
dresses,'' she said.
In addition to the bridal bouquet, flowers need to be designed
for the wedding party. "You need bride and attendants'
(bouquets), boutonnieres for all the men who are doing anything,
from ring bearers to grandfathers to ministers. You need
corsages for the women, altar arrangements, pew bows and
aisle runners,'' says Thomlinson.
Whatever flowers you plan for your wedding, plan
ahead. This means at least one month in
advance, and often brides will begin looking at books and
gathering ideas three to four months ahead.
Flowers have to be ordered, special ribbons have to coordinate
with dresses, and, according to Thomlinson, some weddings
take her a full week to prepare for. "I'll order my
flowers more than one week in advance. I'll start making
my bows ahead,'' she said.
When
choosing flowers for the altar arrangement, which can also
be used at the reception, Thomlinson suggests picking flowers
that will show up in a photograph. "Any memory you
have is in the photograph,'' she said. Another memory that
can be preserved is the bride's bouquet. Thomlinson often
makes a smaller bouquet for the bride to toss at the end
of the reception, so that she can keep the main one.
Checklist
A checklist ensures that you don’t forget to order
all the flowers you want and need. Imagine how upset you
would be if, on the day of your wedding, you suddenly realize
you forgot to order a boutonniere for your father, the candle
arrangement planned for your unity candle ceremony, or the
toss bouquet you've always dreamed of playfully tossing
to your single girlfriends. Worse yet, imagine how broken-hearted
your grandmother would be if you forgot to honor her with
a corsage especially if you remembered a corsage for everyone
else except her!
While the above example sounds extreme, weddings are both
an exciting and stressful time so anything can happen. Most
florists will guide you through an organized
ordering process to reduce the chance of
omitting important details. However, if you are working
with a very busy florist, particularly one who schedules
and books multiple weddings on the same day, it's a good
idea to have your own separate
checklist.
If
you have a checklist to take to your floral consultation,
it will make the ordering process faster. Also, you can
use the checklist when confirming your order with the florist
the day before your wedding.
The following is a comprehensive checklist to use when budgeting,
planning, and ordering your wedding flowers. As each wedding
is unique and varies by individual preference and faith,
you may not have a need for all categories or all selections
within a category.
-
Bride Bouquet
or Equivalent Headpiece or Flowers for Hair Presentation
for Mothers Presentation for Honoring Special Guests Presentation
for Honoring Deceased Family Members Presentation to the
Virgin Mary Throw BouquetGoing Away Flowers
- Maid/Matron
of Honor Bouquet or Equivalent Headpiece
or Flowers for Hair
-
Bridesmaids
Bouquet or Equivalent Headpiece or Flowers for Hair
-
Junior Bridesmaids
Bouquet or Equivalent Headpiece or Flowers for Hair
- Flower
Girl Bouquet, Basket with Petals, or Equivalent
Headpiece or Flowers for Hair
-
Bride's Mother
Corsage or Equivalent
-
Groom's Mother
Corsage or Equivalent
-
Grandmothers
Corsage or Equivalent
-
Stepmothers
Corsage or Equivalent
-
Groom Boutonniere
-
Best Man
Boutonniere
-
Groomsmen
Boutonniere
-
Ushers Boutonniere
-
Ring Bearer
Boutonniere Ring Pillow, Ring Box, or Equivalent
-
Fathers
Boutonniere
- Grandfathers
Boutonniere
-
Stepfathers
Boutonniere
-
Minister,
Honored Relatives, Honored Friends, Reader(s, Hosts and
Hostesses, Cake Server(s, Punch Server(s, Guestbook Attendant,
Candle Lighter, Gift Attendant(s, Soloist(s, Organist/Pianist,
Other Musician(s), Rice Bag Attendant(s), Favors Attendant(s),
and Service Personnel Female: Corsage, Equivalent, or
Single Stem Presentation Flower Male: Boutonniere
-
Ceremony Decorations
Main Altar Side Arrangements Candelabra Unity Candle Flowers
Kneeling Bench Arch Huppah CanopyTent Decorations Pew
Decorations or Chairs Aisle Candelabras (Candlelight Ceremony)
Guestbook Table Plant or Tree Rentals Aisle Runner Door
Wreath Floral Garland (for Staircases, Doorways, Narrow
Ledges, Etc.)
- Reception
Decorations
Bridal Table/Head Table Arrangements Guest Table Centerpieces
Table and Chair Accent Flowers and Garlands Flower Favors/Place
Setting Flowers Cake Top and Cake Flowers Cake Table Arrangement
Buffet Table Arrangements Bar and Beverage Table Arrangements
Gift Table Arrangement Topiaries Plant or Tree Rentals
Car or Carriage
-
If you're planning a rehearsal
dinner prior to your wedding, you may
wish to include flowers. Appropriate rehearsal dinner
flowers include centerpieces for the dining tables, a
corsage for the bride-to-be, a boutonniere for the groom-to-be,
and floral favors for place settings.
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