Choosing flowers for your wedding

Minister? Check. Dress? Check. Rings? Check. Cake? Check. Flowers? Flowers? Flowers? You've just realised you didn't make the time to select any blooms for your big day. This must be a bad dream. A wedding without flowers? Don't let it happen to you.

Whether you're considering them for your bouquet or centrepiece, flowers add that finishing touch to this most cherished occasion. While some folks will remember the cake and most will recall the dress, more persons than you think will remember the floral arrangement (or the floral disaster).

Choosing blooms for that special day can be as tricky as selecting the right dress or wedding souvenirs for your guests. But, it doesn't have to be. Before the nightmare of a flowerless wedding becomes your reality, Saturday Life gives some tips on how to choose the best buds for the big bash.

If you can afford it, drape the tables with flowers.

Your wedding budget should be in place by now, so you know how much is allotted to floral arrangements for bouquets, boutonnières, corsages and flowers for ceremony and reception sites. Let's get started!

Seasonal picks

No matter when you choose to do it, your wedding will fall in one of the four seasons of the year. Because of the global market, you can source any flower you want at any time of the year. But, with those on a budget, this is a no-no.

So, one way to pick those pretties is to go with the flow: choose flowers that are in season and are readily available at the time of your nuptials. It is more affordable, especially if you purchase flowers that are grown locally. No shipping, no handling fees. Anthuriums, ginger lilies and chrysanthemums are great and will definitely help your budget.

Another plus is you'll be getting fresher picks that will last longer. Who wants wilting flowers at their wedding?

Personal taste

Your wedding day only happens once, so if you can afford it, get the flowers you desire. But if your flower budget just cannot make room for those lovelies, you have to compromise. One way of doing this is by using the more expensive blooms - orchids, calla lilies or roses - in your bridal bouquet only. Perhaps you can include the groom's boutonnière, but that's it. The less-expensive blooms can be used in your other floral arrangements.

Venue/setting

If the event is set for the outdoors, you may be able to save lots of money on your floral arrangement. If nature is offering you a ready-made backdrop, you can focus on selecting blooms for you centrepieces or bouquets. There is no need to overpower an outdoor setting with buds that are already there. Remember, less is more (especially for your budget).

Theme

Your theme has a lot to do with your floral selections. If you're going for simple and elegant, don't choose heavy flowers for your bouquet. Light, long-stemmed, leafless is more practical.

Go artificial

It may seem cheap, but if your budget is very tight, artificial blooms are the way to go. And no, we're not talking about those plastic ones that you see hanging everywhere. Artificial flowers now come as soft as silk. Spray them or marry them with balloons and you'll be amazed at the outcome.

Time of day

You must be practical about the time of day. A morning wedding may require more floral arrangements than an evening affair. Again, depending on your venue and setting, the need for many blooms may be less.

Be dramatic

If your budget really can't make room for a fancy floral arrangement - other than flowers for the bridal party - get creative. Use candles, balloons, candies or fruit displays to bring that splash of colour to your big day.

Colour scheme

If you're in love with bold colours and you have chosen them for your wedding, adding equally bright flowers will be an overkill. Choosing small blooms of a softer hues will strike the balance. To make sure you're on the right track, you can ask your florist to help you select. Take a fabric swatch to your florist and get the expert advice.

Also, using accent pieces instead of blooms can be a unique way to lower your floral budget and balance the boldness of your colours.

You have dreamed of this day since childhood. Don't panic, just select your blooms wisely. Consult a florist if you feel overwhelmed. And remember, this is your day. Have fun with your choices. They will reflect your spirit and create wonderful memories for years to come.

Sources: www.elegala.com and www.nydailynews.com