Last Updated: 12 June, 2006
Planning a Wedding and choosing the right Flowers (Part 2)
The next four points should be considered carefully by every bride to be and we can certainly contribute to make this important event unforgettable.
The Bridal Bouquet
The bride's flowers should complement the style of her gown or dress, her personality, and the style and theme of the wedding, but never ignore the bride's personal preferences. Below is a list of some bouquets in vogue right now:
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Cascade : flows downwards and may have a blossom or two suspended below.
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Round Biedermeier: flowers are tightly clustered. It's a favorite with roses and may have some tulle or silk ribbons added.
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Hand-tied Bouquet: arranged as if just picked from the garden. The stems are showing or can be coved with material from the wedding dress. If you carry one of these, have a vase for it on the head table at the reception.
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Toss Bouquet: some brides opt to have an additional bouquet with less expensive or common flowers so they can keep their own bouquet as a memento.
The bride should have the largest or most elaborate bouquet followed by that of the maid or matron of honour and then the other attendants. Both mothers' corsages should be the same or at least similar in size and elaboration. The groom's boutonniere should be distinctive, though similar to the style of flowers used throughout the wedding decoration. One option is to echo one of the flowers in the bride's bouquet.
The Bridesmaids' Bouquets
The color of the bridesmaids' dresses is very often a starting point in planning the color harmonies for the rest of the wedding flowers. For example, the dress color may be repeated in the bridesmaids' bouquets. Or, it may be the basis of a contrasting, complementary color harmony. Whatever bouquet colors are selected, they should look good against the backdrop of the dresses.
Décor for the Ceremony
In planning the decorations for the ceremony, it is important to consider all the areas that can be enhanced with flowers. Some of these include:
- the altar
- the chuppah (for Jewish weddings)
- an archway or canopy
- the podium or lectern
- the ends of the pews or the aisle itself
- the entry vestibule and stair rails on the outside of the entrance
Décor for the Reception
The wedding reception may be decorated in a style similar to that of the ceremony, or it may be completely different. For example, many brides choose all white flowers for the wedding ceremony and switch to a more colorful scheme for the reception.
In planning the reception flowers, we should know the following:
- What kind of food will be served and how it will be presented?
- Cake and punch only, a cocktail party, or a complete dinner?
- Is it a buffet or meal served at the table?
- Will there be a dance floor?
- What other entertainment?
Other areas to consider for wedding reception flowers:
- the entry area
- place card table
- buffet table flowers
- table arrangements
- head table design
- free-standing decorations and foliage rental
- table linens
- candles
- stage decor
- wedding cake and cake table
- restrooms
Let us say it just once more:
Although the planning of wedding flowers is not simple, it doesn't have to be difficult. With adequate preparation and a little forethought, combined with our expertise, the planning process can be as smooth as a silk wedding dress and you will have created the kind of beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
To arrange an appointment, please contact
JoAnne Laroche
The Flower Pot / Le Pot de Fleurs
1340, Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal, QC , Canada
H3C 1K7
T: 514.938.1234 / 800.938.2234
F: 514.938.4321
joanne@theflowerpot.com
Adapted and reprinted with permission from FlowerShopNetwork.Com
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