FLOWERS & DECORATIONS |
Photo Courtesy of Steshawhitney Photography
www.steshawhitneyphotography.com
Like all other elements, the flowers and decorations you select for your wedding ceremony and reception should be reflective of your overall style and color scheme. As you think about what flowers and decorations you’ll choose, remember they will help to carry your wedding theme from the ceremony to the reception. They will be one of the first things your guests will notice when they enter the site of the ceremony and one of the last things they’ll see when leaving the reception.
Flowers are one of the most photographed elements of a wedding, so you’ll want to be sure you find some that you really love. They signify a meaning or tradition that is special to you. If the first bouquet your fiancé ever gave you contained white roses, for instance, you might choose the same flower for your bridal bouquet. If you’ve always had a special fondness for purple iris because your grandmother had a garden full of them when you were a child, you might incorporate them into the centerpieces on the reception tables. Your florist will work closely with you to find the flowers you love that fit your style --- and your budget. Let’s look at the most popular flower arrangements used in wedding ceremonies and receptions.
CEREMONY FLOWERS
Bride’s Bouquet… Complements your dress and your bridesmaid’s dresses, as well as takes into account the season, style, and formality of your wedding. There are literally hundreds of flowers to choose from, some that carry centuries of symbolism. If you have a favorite flower, you can build your bouquet around it and include it in all other arrangements. Large or cascading bouquet around it and include it in all other arrangements. Large or cascading bouquets generally pair better with a simple gown or a tall or big bride, while smaller bouquets are complementary to petite brides or very ornate gowns. If you want to preserve your bridal bouquet, but still want to have a bouquet to toss at the reception, ask your florist about having a smaller, less expensive bouquet made for that purpose.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets… Smaller in size than the bride’s bouquet, but complementary in color, shape, and style. A maid of honor might have a slightly larger bouquet than the bridesmaids. If you want, insert a special flower that carries significance into the bouquet of each bridesmaid to tell her how she is special to you. A flower girl could carry a small bouquet, or a basket filled with rose blossoms and decorated with flowing ribbons.
Boutonnieres… Boutonnieres generally consist of a single bloom, but can also be fashioned from small clusters of flowers. The groom; ushers; family members including fathers, grandfathers and brothers; and male officiants often wear boutonnieres.
Altar flowers… If your ceremony is in a church or synagogue, altar flowers are traditional, and serve to draw the attention of guests to the front of the ceremony space. If your ceremony is held outside or in a different setting, flowers often are used to decorate an arch, gazebo, or other structure. Jewish ceremonies incorporate a Chuppah, a structure placed at the altar and covered with greens and flowers, under which vows are recited.
Aisle pew decorations… Flowers, candles, or ribbons can be used to add color to pews or chairs, or to mark pews that are reserved for family members or others.
RECEPTION FLOWERS
Head table… Use a large, dramatic bouquet in the center of the table, or smaller ones along the length of the table. To save money, place your bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets along the front of the head table instead of having additional arrangements prepared.
Guest tables… Flowers are nice on guest tables, but a variety of options can be combined with flowers or used instead to decorate. A wreath of greenery, live plants in baskets, fruits or vegetables, berries, pumpkins or gourds, candles, and other items can be used in place of flowers, if you’d like. This is an opportunity to get creative. You may wish to incorporate items that complement your theme, such as memorabilia; sea shells; personal craftwork, such as pottery or glass vessels; or sports items. You’ll know what’s right.
Buffet table… While flowers will add beauty and interest to a buffet table, some people feel that they distract from the food, which should be the main event at this location. If you do want flowers here, avoid strong, fragrant varieties, which can compete with the food.
Punch table or cake table… These would be smaller arrangements in colors and styles complementary to the rest of your flowers.
Embrace your floral budget… It’s easy to have unrealistic expectations, as you’ve no doubt seen gorgeous --- and very expensive --- flower arrangements on wedding sites and television shows. Embrace your budget and work within it. While flowers are traditionally an important part of a wedding and definitely add to the beauty and elegance of an event, brides vary on their importance. Use your judgment when deciding what type and how many flowers you want, and remember to set a budget and stay within it, as the cost of flowers and decorations can add up quickly. A good florist / decorator will keep your style and theme consistent while staying within your budget, as some blooms and special items are much more expensive than others.
DECORATIONS
A variety of decorations can be used at both your wedding ceremony and reception. As with flowers, they should reflect your style and theme. There are hundreds of ideas for wedding decorations available online. Work closely with your decorator to achieve that desired results for your special day.
SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
* Buy rolls of fabric, such as organza or tulle, to wrap poles or create chair back decorations.
* Fill glass containers with river rocks or glass marbles to anchor flowers
* Decorate dining tables with unique crafts
* Use potted herbs as seat markers that double as wedding favors
* Illuminate the entranceway to the ceremony or reception with lanterns or luminaries
* Decorate dining tables with disposable cameras with which your guests can take photos, and include a basket on the table for guests to place used cameras
* Use white or silver balloons to create an archway
* Decorate pews with ivy that trails down the sides
BUDGET CHECKLIST
TOTAL $______________________________
Flowers are one of the most photographed elements of a wedding, so you’ll want to be sure you find some that you really love. They signify a meaning or tradition that is special to you. If the first bouquet your fiancé ever gave you contained white roses, for instance, you might choose the same flower for your bridal bouquet. If you’ve always had a special fondness for purple iris because your grandmother had a garden full of them when you were a child, you might incorporate them into the centerpieces on the reception tables. Your florist will work closely with you to find the flowers you love that fit your style --- and your budget. Let’s look at the most popular flower arrangements used in wedding ceremonies and receptions.
CEREMONY FLOWERS
Bride’s Bouquet… Complements your dress and your bridesmaid’s dresses, as well as takes into account the season, style, and formality of your wedding. There are literally hundreds of flowers to choose from, some that carry centuries of symbolism. If you have a favorite flower, you can build your bouquet around it and include it in all other arrangements. Large or cascading bouquet around it and include it in all other arrangements. Large or cascading bouquets generally pair better with a simple gown or a tall or big bride, while smaller bouquets are complementary to petite brides or very ornate gowns. If you want to preserve your bridal bouquet, but still want to have a bouquet to toss at the reception, ask your florist about having a smaller, less expensive bouquet made for that purpose.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets… Smaller in size than the bride’s bouquet, but complementary in color, shape, and style. A maid of honor might have a slightly larger bouquet than the bridesmaids. If you want, insert a special flower that carries significance into the bouquet of each bridesmaid to tell her how she is special to you. A flower girl could carry a small bouquet, or a basket filled with rose blossoms and decorated with flowing ribbons.
Boutonnieres… Boutonnieres generally consist of a single bloom, but can also be fashioned from small clusters of flowers. The groom; ushers; family members including fathers, grandfathers and brothers; and male officiants often wear boutonnieres.
Altar flowers… If your ceremony is in a church or synagogue, altar flowers are traditional, and serve to draw the attention of guests to the front of the ceremony space. If your ceremony is held outside or in a different setting, flowers often are used to decorate an arch, gazebo, or other structure. Jewish ceremonies incorporate a Chuppah, a structure placed at the altar and covered with greens and flowers, under which vows are recited.
Aisle pew decorations… Flowers, candles, or ribbons can be used to add color to pews or chairs, or to mark pews that are reserved for family members or others.
RECEPTION FLOWERS
Head table… Use a large, dramatic bouquet in the center of the table, or smaller ones along the length of the table. To save money, place your bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets along the front of the head table instead of having additional arrangements prepared.
Guest tables… Flowers are nice on guest tables, but a variety of options can be combined with flowers or used instead to decorate. A wreath of greenery, live plants in baskets, fruits or vegetables, berries, pumpkins or gourds, candles, and other items can be used in place of flowers, if you’d like. This is an opportunity to get creative. You may wish to incorporate items that complement your theme, such as memorabilia; sea shells; personal craftwork, such as pottery or glass vessels; or sports items. You’ll know what’s right.
Buffet table… While flowers will add beauty and interest to a buffet table, some people feel that they distract from the food, which should be the main event at this location. If you do want flowers here, avoid strong, fragrant varieties, which can compete with the food.
Punch table or cake table… These would be smaller arrangements in colors and styles complementary to the rest of your flowers.
Embrace your floral budget… It’s easy to have unrealistic expectations, as you’ve no doubt seen gorgeous --- and very expensive --- flower arrangements on wedding sites and television shows. Embrace your budget and work within it. While flowers are traditionally an important part of a wedding and definitely add to the beauty and elegance of an event, brides vary on their importance. Use your judgment when deciding what type and how many flowers you want, and remember to set a budget and stay within it, as the cost of flowers and decorations can add up quickly. A good florist / decorator will keep your style and theme consistent while staying within your budget, as some blooms and special items are much more expensive than others.
DECORATIONS
A variety of decorations can be used at both your wedding ceremony and reception. As with flowers, they should reflect your style and theme. There are hundreds of ideas for wedding decorations available online. Work closely with your decorator to achieve that desired results for your special day.
SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
* Buy rolls of fabric, such as organza or tulle, to wrap poles or create chair back decorations.
* Fill glass containers with river rocks or glass marbles to anchor flowers
* Decorate dining tables with unique crafts
* Use potted herbs as seat markers that double as wedding favors
* Illuminate the entranceway to the ceremony or reception with lanterns or luminaries
* Decorate dining tables with disposable cameras with which your guests can take photos, and include a basket on the table for guests to place used cameras
* Use white or silver balloons to create an archway
* Decorate pews with ivy that trails down the sides
BUDGET CHECKLIST
- Bridal Bouquet $___________________
- Bride’s Tossing Bouquet $____________
- Maid of Honor Bouquet $____________
- Bridesmaids Bouquets $_____________
- Any Floral Headpieces $_____________
- Bridal Going Away Corsage $ _________
- Family Member Corsages $__________
- Altar $___________________________
- Candelabra $______________________
- Aisle Seating $_____________________
- Reception $_______________________
- Head Table $______________________
- Guest Tables $_____________________
- Buffet Table $______________________
- Punch Table $______________________
- Cake Table $_______________________
- Cake $____________________________
- Cake Knife $_______________________
- Toasting Glasses $__________________
- Floral Set-Up / Delivery Fees $_________
- Table Centerpieces $________________
- Balloons $_________________________
- Bridal Bouquet Preservation $_________
TOTAL $______________________________