Wedding Flowers: Individual Expression By Design

Itīs common for brides to express their individuality and sense of style in every detail of their wedding. But now they also let their bridesmaids "have their say." Bridesmaidsī dresses are no longer a one-style-fits-all design but display a variety of styles and colors that accommodate different personalities and body shapes. The effect is simply stunning, like a beautiful garden blooming with color and shape. This type of self-expression does not end with the style or color of the dress but extends to the bouquet as well. According to the Society of American Florists, "Wedding flowers follow fashion trends. And today, individuality, rather than convention, is in style. No longer do the bridesmaidsī bouquets need to match the bridal bouquet, the boutonnieres and centerpieces. In some cases, each bridesmaid may have a different bouquet." It is said that variety is the spice of life. So varying bouquets can really spice up the wedding, making a distinctive statement that is quite engaging.

Choosing the right combination of flowers can be tricky when a unifying theme is not established. When mixing the bouquet designs, be sure to stay within the same color family. Because there are so many varieties and shades of flowers, consulting a professional florist will be helpful, unless you already have an experienced green thumb. When working with a florist, here are some questions to ask:

What flower varieties are available in my wedding colors?

What flowers will be in season at the time of my wedding?

How will the flowers be handled, delivered and set up, and are there additional charges?

Do you have any pictures of your work at my wedding/reception location?

Do you preserve bouquets after the wedding?

Be prepared for the meeting by bringing pictures of flowers, colors and designs that you would like to include. But be aware that many of the designs featured in magazines are designed with an "unlimited" budget. Be sure to ask the florist if something similar can be done within your budget. Trust your floristīs guidance on flower choices, and allow her to suggest flowers that work well with your dress, the attire for the bridal party and color selections. Most can provide samples. Just pick what catches your eye.

Flowers go a long way in setting the mood of your wedding, and the floral theme can be continued at the reception. Well-placed centerpieces, floral