Wedding Flowers
What Every Bride Should
Know Before Her Big Day
Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils, or
something else, choosing the wrong flowers for that blissful
day can create a scene youll want to soon forget. But armed
with a few basics about flowers, the arrangements you choose
will land you a bevy of compliments and queries.
When selecting your wedding flowers,
the single most important thing to keep in mind is that all
flowers have distinct characteristics. Knowing what the
characteristics are of the flowers youll be choosing can mean
the difference between crying because youre exchanging vows
with the man of your dreams and tearing up thanks to an
allergic reaction to the pollen in some of those beautiful
flowers in your wedding bouquet.
To avoid sniffles and sneezes at the alter, know which
blooms might cause you trouble. And ask each person in your
wedding party which blooms they are allergic to before ordering
bouquets. Topping the list of highly allergenic blossoms are
lilies and gardenias.
If you are planning a warm-weather wedding, be sure to stick
with flowers that can withstand heat and high humidity.
Delicate flowers, like hydrangeas, are likely to wilt and sag
in warm weather. Choose hardier flowers, such as orchids,
roses, or herbs.
The fragrance from flowers will be stronger during warm
weather, therefore take this into consideration when making
your selections. You will want your guests to feel as if theyve
just walked into a flower garden, not a perfume factory. When
planning a summer wedding that will take place in a small,
completely enclosed room, choose less-fragrant flowers such as
orchids or asters. Freesia, tuberose, and gardenias should be
avoided.
Want to take your guests breath away (figuratively speaking,
that is)? Near the entrance to the reception area, be sure to
have lovely floral centerpieces, or perhaps candles, at eye
level. Stringing garlands, ribbons, or some other kind of
delicate ornaments above windows or doorways will also add to
the effect.
Winter brides should consult a florist before settling on a
particular arrangement. Below 42 degrees, some flowers may turn
black. This doesnt necessarily mean that those flowers must be
excluded from your bouquet, but it does mean that they shouldnt
be taken along for an outdoor photo shoot.
Lilies will help you to put on a stunning show, but before
you carry them next to your dress, be sure to have your florist
remove the stamens. Left intact, theyll stain your dress with
bright yellow pollen.
Although charming to look at, some field flowers are best
left out in nature. Once they are cut, mostpoppies and
bluebells, for examplewill droop and wilt before you get to the
altar. Notable exceptions to this general rule include asters,
sweet peas, and daisies.
Flowers are sensitive to cigarette smoke. So, if you dont
want your bouquet to turn colors or wilt, ask your guests to
smoke outside.
Some popular wedding flowers, such as euphorbia and
daffodils, are hollow-stemmed, so their sap can drip onto your
lovely gown. If you choose one of these varieties for your
bouquet, have your florist completely wrap the stems.
Many couples begin greeting their guests well before the
ceremony is scheduled to begin. If this is your plan, the
grooms boutonniere may be completely flattened by the time he
has finished hugging and kissing his and your relatives and
friends. Consider ordering a second boutonniere, which will be
fresh for the ceremony and the photo session.
Dont allow your centerpieces to hinder conversation between
guest. Centerpieces should always be either high or low, never
in between, forcing your guests to crane their necks to speak
to someone on the other side of the table.
Here are a few final points to keep in mind:
Know in advance where everything is supposed to take place.
In fact, its a good idea to write down the schedule of where
everyone should be and when. Give a copy to your mom or dad,
the maid-of-honor, your caterer, and your florist. Giving a
copy of the schedule to the florist will help to ensure that
the right floral arrangements arrive at the right location on
time.
Reusing the floral arrangements from the ceremony for the
reception areas will help to keep down costs. As long as youve
planned in advance by making sure that the color schemes blend,
there is no reason not to recycle wedding flowers.
About the Author
Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, the
founder of Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and
editor-in-chief of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine.
For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and
return address labels, visitBachcroft Mailing and Return Address
Labels and Aloha Return Address Labels.
For bargains and bargain shopping articles,
visit Town and Country Shopping Bargains.
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