Wedding flower decoration can be of various kinds. You can choose a large arch of flowers or a centre-piece, or both- everything is suitable depending on your taste. Use your own creative imagination and choose the best flower decoration for the great event. It is important that you decide on flower arrangement that suits your wedding settings. Choose a color combination that appeals to you and is in harmony with the entire setting. The flower decoration can consist of seasonal and local flowers. You should as specifically as possible decide on the size, shape and color for the different flower arrangements. You may easily get some piece of advice from a magazine: there are large varieties of all kinds of flowers. Silk flowers and dried flowers can be an opportunity, too.

Remember: your wedding flower decoration is meant to express you and your personal style, but comply also with your loved one’s taste. Additional factors should influence your choice: the season, the time of day for the party, the location atmosphere and so on. These weather conditions make a difference and you should have them in mind before deciding strongly on something. A cunning way to make wedding flower decoration suitable is color blocking. Color blocking is called the procedure of choosing a specific color or combination of several colors and using it as the leading nuance when you create all your wedding settings. For example, you may choose the classical white, and put white orchids on the white tablecloths, and prepare your wedding bouquet with white being the predominant color.

There are several types of flower arrangements that are used during the ceremony.

BOUQUETS. They are flower decorations for the bride. A wedding bouquet must be carefully chosen depending on the personal characteristics of the woman. Its color must stress on her individuality, and its shape must emphasize on her body silhouette, giving her the best possible looks. There are many different wedding bouquets, and their design depends on the bride’s skin tone, body proportion, facial appearance and attire.

BOUTONNIERES. These flower decorations are worn by the groom and his attendance, also by the ushers, and the bride’s and groom’s fathers. They are made of small flower buds attached on the left lapel of the jacket.

CORSAGES. They can be worn in pin-on, wrists and hand-held styles. As a flower decoration they combine a small bloom or several blooms tied together.

WREATHS. This is a splendid flower decoration that has a round shape. The rings of flowers are used as centerpieces, headpieces or door hangers.

CANDELABRA. They are made of flowing greens in the shape of ribbons. They are put at the base, neck or top of multi-armed candelabra.

Article by Robbie Darmona – an article writer [http://www.robbiedarmona.com] who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Wedding Flower Decoration or Find a florist

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Fresh Flowers: Good news first! One of the best things about having fresh flowers for your wedding is that they photograph beautifully, they have a richness that is captured by the camera and they are breath taking beautiful. Most fresh flowers smell wonderful. The scent of fresh flowers is a very welcoming scent for all of your guests to enjoy as they walk in to either your ceremony or reception. This is only good news to the brides who do not want to keep their bouquets. If you use fresh flowers they will not last so you will not be able to keep your bouquets, unless you preserve them which can be very costly.

If you are a bride who is budget conscious and would like to stay under your budget and do not mind a few extra steps then there is another option for you! Buy your flowers in bulk. This is a way to save you a lot of money, however remember when your flowers arrive; they are only good for about 48-56 hours, if refrigerated correctly. To refrigerate properly, fresh flowers cannot be in the same refrigerator as food especially fruit and they cannot touch the sides of the refrigerator walls, so you must cover them. You can use a trash bag to cover the petals. You want to cover them with something very light so they can still breathe, but that will also provide enough coverage so that the blooms do not have direct contact with the walls. And don’t forget them in water. They have to be kept in fresh water with flower food. Although this may sound painful to deal with, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. When you order in bulk they provide flower food. All you need is enough vases or good size buckets to hold all the flowers, not to mention a clean refrigerator or two. For those of you who want to save your bouquet of fresh flowers, there is a way. Fresh flower preservation is becoming quite a hit, however it can be expensive, but from the reviews I have read, extremely worth it. Read up on it by searching on the Internet, search on Flower Preservation.

Silk Flowers: Starting with our good news again, silk flowers are less to maintain. Less maintenance is an awesome benefit for the easy-going brides who do not really have to have real flowers. Also for those who just do not want the hassle, for those who are allergic to fresh flowers or for the ones who want to keep they’re bouquet without paying for the pricey preservation job. Another wonderful plus for our brides and bridesmaids who are allergic to fresh flowers, silk flowers do not have any scent at all which means no one has to deal with red eyes, hives, or any allergic reactions that could happen. Some florists do work with silk flowers, and silk are easier to work with, most of the time. Talk to your florist and get her advice on which she prefers, look at her sample pictures because those will provide wonderful examples of what she is capable of doing for you and it also helps you get a better idea of her style so we can avoid any surprises the day of the wedding.

On the down side, silk flowers do not photograph quite as nice as fresh, however they come close if you use higher end silk flowers. If you choose to go with silk flowers do yourself a favor and purchase higher end silk flowers and then put the bouquets together yourself. It is not hard at all and it will save you money in the end. This is also a fun way to get your bridesmaids and lady family members together for some “girl time”. Putting flowers together is so much more fun in good company. With a few friends to help you’ll be done with the arrangements in no time.

Darcy Wallace is a writer for WeddingsAreFun.com and has many years of experience as a wedding consultant. The Weddings Are Fun online store specializes in elegant bridal accessories. This article on Wedding Flower Tips For Brides is one of many services offered to bridal couples. Other services include wedding candles and bridal apparel, wedding favors, invitations and trusted personalized service which are available at Weddings Are Fun.

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You can easily visit an online florist site any time-day or night-from the comfort of your home. View online flower arrangements with a close friend or family member and welcome their ideas. Keep an open mind as you view all the types of wedding flowers, and create a “mind picture” of what your wedding decor will look like with various types of flowers.

Order Flowers Online for the Wedding Ceremony

As an important part of your ceremony decor, wedding flowers can be used to define the wedding colors, freshen and brighten the auditorium, or give a spring-like look and feel for outdoor weddings. Buy flowers or plants that blend well with your other decorations and colors. Consider decorating with curtain clusters, vows arrangements, companion pieces and chair clusters. Popular types of wedding flowers include calla lilies, Gerber daisies, orchids, roses and tulips. Also choose wedding flower foliage that will blend with your flowers and colors. Ivy is an old-time favorite for weddings, but you might also consider other foliage such as steel grass, leatherleaf fern, phormium, or aspidistra leaves.

Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Ordering from an online florist also makes it easy to select your bride and bridesmaid bouquets. Flower bouquets and the men’s boutonnieres should match the wedding colors as well as the style of dresses to be worn. Small bouquets work well with full dresses while larger bouquets can add tremendous color and style if the bride and/or bridesmaids are wearing shorter, less full dresses, or even off-the shoulder or sleeveless dresses. Bouquets are prominently displayed during the wedding procession/march as well as during the entire vow-taking moment of the ceremony. Your flower girls will also need a bouquet or a basket of flowers…so be sure to add these to your shopping list.

View bouquets online or visit a flower shop nearby to get bouquet ideas. They come in various sizes and styles, from small, round shapes to large, crescent-shaped bouquets with strands of foliage hanging over your hands. If browsing a flower shop in your area, be sure to hold the bouquet as you would during the wedding, and view yourself in a mirror if possible. This will give you a better idea of how the bouquets will look and feel during the wedding.

Don’t Forget the Reception

Choose the same or similar flowers for the reception decor. Wedding flowers can be used to decorate guest tables and even enhance the cake. Flowers also make beautiful centerpieces for the wedding table or gift table. Add a few pedestal flower arrangements near the entrance and around the reception hall to complete your decor.

Keep in mind that there are no set rules on choosing wedding flowers. An online florist website enables you to browse and get ideas without being in a rush. You can use your favorite flowers or colors, or base your wedding decor on a particular theme…such as a tropical wedding or a Christmas wedding. If you don’t have a favorite type of flower, choose seasonal flowers according to when your wedding will take place.

Look for an online florist that’s an FTD member, and ask about possible flower delivery to your wedding location. Flower shops can often deliver flowers the day of or the day before the wedding, according to your needs. Shop early to ensure your flowers will be delivered on time. Most florists offer a variety of other services, such as flower delivery for sympathy gifts for funerals, birthday flowers, anniversary flowers, etc. This means the florist will likely need plenty of notice to schedule your flower delivery.

Shop at an online florist that’s located in your city just in case you need to stop by to pick up a few items before the wedding. For instance, if you live in Cincinnati, look for a Cincinnati florist website. Having the florist close by will give you peace of mind in case extra flowers are needed, or one of the bouquets or boutonnieres is missing.

Use these ideas to find beautiful wedding flowers through an online florist while saving time and money!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Wedding Florist.

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Here are just a few flower variations to get you thinking. We’ve divided them by color to help make it easier to fit them to your theme.

YELLOWS/ORANGES

Dahlia – a late summer and fall bloom known for its wide variety of colors. Very affordable and they work great in centerpieces and bouquets.

Asclepia Beatix – very tiny flowers that throw a lot of punch! A 1″ hybrid flower that works well in low arrangements.

Tulip – there are several tulip variants and plenty of color variety. Very affordable and they work great in centerpieces and bouquets.

Ranuculus – a beautiful spring flower but prone to drooping in hot weather. It looks terrific mixed with other flowers.

Chinese Lantern – is known to have 10-15 flowers on a stock so it is excellent for a focal point in centerpieces.

Sandersonia – these little bell shaped flowers work great in boutonnieres, corsages, and in flower girls baskets.

Poppy – Big, beautiful, and very affordable when purchased in its in season, spring. They are definitely an eye catcher!

Black Eyed Susans – The perfect country flower for a country wedding,

Sunflower – blooms from late summer to fall and are available in a variety of colors and sizes. Very popular planted in pots.

Snapdragon – a very graceful and elegant flower that works well with simple bouquets and centerpieces. Reasonably priced, blooming in late summer.

WHITES

Flannel Flower – produces spiky star shaped blossoms that are long lasting. Perfect for both bouquets and arrangements.

Chamomile – is a common wild flower that blooms late summer. Very refreshing and great for wreaths, centerpieces, and bouquets.

Stephanotis – this year round flower is affordable and perfect for bouquets and boutonnieres.

Narcissus – blooms late winter early spring. Its fragrant blooms are great for centerpieces.

Cosmos – blooms in spring and summer. Not so impressive on its own but very glamorous when mixed with other flowers.

Snowberry – blooms late fall through December. Produces small pale fruit that works well in winter bouquets.

Dogwood – blooms in spring producing large flowers. Very nice in both bouquets and centerpieces.

Iris – many colors and varieties are available. There are iris choices for all four seasons. Very affordable with large blooms making it perfect for large arrangements.

Miniature Calla Lily – works very well in bouquets and centerpieces. There is a warning attached to this flower – it is poisonous to dogs.

BLUES/PURPLES

Veronica – these tiny spiked flowers add grace and elegance to bouquets and centerpieces. They mix well with round flowers.

Clematis – this vine blooms during summer months and is available in many colors and species varieties. It weaves nicely into wreaths,

Celosia – blooms spring through fall producing velvety flowers. Perfect way to add texture to bouquets and centerpieces.

Hyacinth – this fragrant flower works well on its own or in arrangements.

Anemone – blooms September through March producing a variety of bright colors. Perfect for adding some color and cheer to this drabber season.

Frittilaria – these checkered flowers are perfect for small arrangements and bouquets.

Scabiosa – blooms spring through summer producing ruffled flowers. It makes a wonderful addition to bouquets and centerpieces.

Gomphrena – has a thistle type bloom and is very hardy. It won’t wilt so is perfect for bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements. Dries nicely too.

Cornflower – adds a nice fresh touch to bouquets and centerpieces.

Allium – these tiny petal flowers will add glamour. They smell like onions so they work best around food areas.

GREENS

Sand Catchfly – looks like miniature hot air balloons. It adds flare and depth to bouquets and centerpieces.

Spider Chrysanthemum – blooms year round so very affordable. Its spidery petal flowers add charm and excitement to bouquets and arrangements.

Benzelia Lanuginosa – Imported from New Zealand so can be a bit pricey. A wonderful exotic addition to all arrangements.

Nigella Pod – available late summer to early fall adding a sculptured accent to centerpieces.

Seeded Eucalyptus – very versatile adding texture to a centerpiece. It can easily be sprayed with metallic spray paint and it dries nicely.

Lady’s Slipper – very expensive but ever so exotic. Perfect for a corsage or bouquet. To pricey for table arrangements.

Solomon’s Seal – the bell shaped flowers work well in casual bouquet and centerpieces. It works well with lilies.

Fern – work well for fillers on bouquets and centerpieces. It presses nicely so also can be used for accenting menus or cards.

PINKS/REDS

Rose Hip – the post blossom fruit of the rose makes great filler for bouquets as well as all arrangements.

Vallota – bloom summer through fall producing 2″ flowers shaped like a lily. Their smaller size makes them fit much better into arrangements.

Fringed Gerbera Daisy – these miniature flowers are whimsical and work well in bouquets. They also have a nice touch when floated in a bowl or brandy glass.

Tree Peony – blooms late fall to early winter in New Zealand. Because they are imported they are pricey. However, they certainly stand out and add color to a cooler season wedding.

Astrantia – this is an eye catching bloom that mixes well but stands out.

Cymbidium Orchid – perfect for corsages but also works well in large displays. Nicely scented it works well on table tops or floated in a bowl or glass. Floated in a martini glass adds a real nice touch!

Carousel Illusion Rose – this very large hybrid flower works well in bouquets and arrangements.

Antique Rose – this beautiful rose is very hard to come by and thus extremely pricey. However if you are looking for something romantic and rare this flower is a must have. Add to your bouquet for your own personal joy!

Curcuma – a tropical flower that blooms mid summer. Adds character to a bouquet or arrangement.

Flower choices are endless. I’ve only covered just a handful of what’s available. If your wedding is spring through fall learn what flowers are native to your area.

You may be pleasantly surprised at what is available and of course the pricing will be much better on local flowers. If you’re looking for those more exotic flowers then set a budget and start checking early.

This will give you an idea of what is available in your budget range. Remember exotic and tropical flower prices can change dramatically in one season depending on availability.

You may be able to get a florist to lock into pricing or at least set a guarantee of the maximum price for your future wedding date. Often local florists grow some of the tropicals in their greenhouses to that may also help keep the pricing a little more affordable.

So choose your wedding theme, choose your colors, and then you can start to decide what flowers are right for your wedding. Best Wishes!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. So stop by and visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/ We’ll help you make your fashion statement! Remember looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

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Before you make the big decision it’s always good to ask yourself what type of bride you are. Are you looking for vibrant colors for your wedding flowers, or do you want a more subtle, conventional look with white roses or lilies? Among the top five most popular wedding flowers worldwide you’ll find roses, tulips, lilies, hydrangeas and peonies. What’s great about roses and lilies in particular is that they are available all year, so you don’t have to worry about in what season your wedding is taking place.

Herewith some tips when it comes to the five most important elements of your wedding where you’ll want to make the use of flowers – namely the wedding bouquet, the wedding flowers in your hair, the wedding ceremony flowers, the wedding reception flowers and the wedding cake flowers.

Wedding bouquet

Before thinking about flowers it might be a good idea to choose which type of wedding bouquet you want. The three most popular and well-known shapes are the traditionally shaped posy bouquet, the teardrop-shaped shower/cascade bouquet and the long, slender arm bouquet – which rests on your arm.

If your dress is white or cream you won’t have a problem as any color flowers will match. But if you are going the different route and wearing a colored wedding dress, go for the same color flowers or go for a complimentary color – such as red with green, blue with orange and purple with yellow – or simply stick with white. Bridesmaids’ flowers should also follow the same theme and compliment the bridesmaids’ dresses. And the flower girl will be carrying a basket or bucket of petals, so remember to take into consideration which color petals you want as well. For the male members of the wedding party, use a single buttonhole flower that matches the main type of flower in your wedding bouquet.

Wedding flowers in your hair Most brides-to-be battle to choose a hairstyle for their big day. It’s a huge decision which is often very tough to make, because let’s face it: you want to look your very, very best! Some brides eventually decide to just keep it natural and leave their hair down – perhaps with a few loose, romantic curls. Others want to make it more formal and have a pretty updo. You could get artificial flowers to make things a whole lot easier, but at the end of the day there’s nothing like the real thing. Depending on the style you go for, you can have lost of small flowers scattered throughout a formal updo, or you could opt for one large flower. Chat to your hair stylist about what will suit you and compliment your dress, and make a decision based on that. You can always try different styles before you settle on the one you like the most.

Wedding ceremony flowers If the church where you are having your wedding ceremony is quite big it’s always nice to make a bold statement and use large pedestal arrangements placed where they will be noticed; at the entrance to the church and close to the altar. You can also place single flowers or small bouquets along the aisle on each row of seats. If you are having a small civil service, wedding ceremony flowers can brighten up an otherwise boring room to a great extent, so make use of your flower decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Stick with flowers you have chosen for your bouquet in order to keep it consistent and complimentary.

Wedding reception flowers A great tip for those trying to stick to a certain budget is to re-use the pedestal arrangements from the ceremony at the wedding reception. This means you will only have the wedding table flowers to take care of. You’ll need an arrangement for the bridal table as well as centerpieces for all the other tables. The bridal table is traditionally decorated with a large ‘long and low’ arrangement in the center in front of the bride and groom. The other table centerpieces often set the mood for the wedding reception and should not prevent guests seeing each other and talking to each other, so go for something really short or really tall – where the flower action is high up.

Wedding cake flowers When it comes to wedding cake flowers you will firstly have to decide whether you want real or artificial flowers on your cake. The edible ones are always popular, so most couples go with this. You can then decide on which style you want. And if you don’t want flowers on the cake itself, you can have flower decorations on the cake table or simply a few petals strewn around on the table.

It’s always tricky to decide what type of wedding cake you want as there are so many options available. But if you’re going the traditional route, a white cake with dainty, delicate marzipan flowers is always a winner. If you have a color scheme for all your other wedding flowers, try to stick to it. But if you feel like being different, then go for it! Whatever your choice, make sure the cake is decadent and deliciously irresistible.

These wedding flowers tips should help you on the way to making decisions for what to use on your big day. Have fun!

For more wedding articles visit [http://www.theweddingdirectory.co.za/wedding-articles.shtml]

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Spring Flowers
Spring is the season of re-birth and new beginnings. There are many wedding flower choices perfect for springtime – daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and soft colored roses in pink and peach. Many of these flowers add eye-appealing interest to your bouquet. These blooms are also closely linked to meanings of happiness in marriage and romance. Purple, pink and white tulips are a favorite for spring because of their simplistic elegance. Adding other romantic flowers such as peonies and lily-of-the-valley to your bouquet will wow your guests.

Summer Flowers
Summer is the time when a large variety of flowers are at hand. Vibrant colors are usually used in bouquets and flower centerpieces. Accenting these flowers with white roses or orchids, can be a great way to spice things up, but always keep your wedding on the traditional side. Flowers that are abundant during summer are: snapdragons, sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, daisies, and cockscomb to name a few. Summer wedding flowers usually come in a wide variety of shades to complement your wedding theme. These dazzling and colorful bouquets are great for conveying messages of youthful love and everlasting admiration.

Fall Flowers
Colors that are usually associated with fall are orange, yellow, brown and darker shades of red. This color combination can make for a beautiful and eye-catching wedding bouquet. Look for flowers like hydrangea, sun flower, asters and chrysanthemums. For personalized touches in your fall flower bouquet, adding green or darker brown leaves will help add an earthy, natural vibe. Adding texture to your arrangement is also easy – consider using berries, which are bursting with color. This will give your bouquet the ultimate fall appearance. If your heart is still set on summer flowers, it’s no problem! Many flowers are still grown through the fall months and can easily be added to your bridal bouquet.

Winter Flowers
Winter is a time of formality, with soft shades of blues, lavender and white commonly appearing in flower arrangements. The simplicity of flowers like orchids and amaryllis have a striking elegance during the winter months. Flowers that are abundant during this time of year are orchids, sweet pea, camellia, grape hyacinth and viburnum. Shades of blues and purples have a calm and soothing appearance and have the ability to be both restful and majestic. Fit for a queen, these lovely wintry colors will grab attention and love from all your guests.

There still are many options for wedding flowers that are available year-round. Flowers such as roses, aster, calla lilies, carnations, delphiniums, iris, orchids, gerbera and chrysanthemums can be purchased without worry of becoming too costly. If you are provided with the option of buying your wedding flowers in bulk, take advantage of it. Most times, these prices are cheaper compared to the amount of flowers you get. Especially if you are doing your wedding flowers yourself, it can assist you in making sure you stay under budget. Adding pop and shine to your flower bouquet is easy when you incorporate fresh, seasonal flowers!

Janna Hagan is the owner of http://www.special-flower-delivery.com/wedding-flowers.htm where you can find a complete guide to finding the perfect wedding flowers, from bouquets to arrangements. Learn how to hire the right florist and save money on your wedding floral designs.

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1. Choose Flowers in Season

This is a critical money-saver. It is also important to keep in mind that flowers look and smell best when they are fresh and in season. This is especially true for roses. But if you have your heart set on a particular flower that holds sentimental value for you, it would be wise to plan your ceremony around the time period it will be in seasonal bloom.
Although flowers in season will give you a beautifully scented bouquet, use caution with the flowers you choose to include in any centerpieces at your reception. The fragrances that come from flowers as gardenia, jasmine or freesia can be overwhelming and may not be the best choice for dining tables. Overpowering flowers might also stir up any allergies that your guests may have.

2. Do it yourself

When considering the daunting task of preparing and designing the wedding floral arrangements on your own, take the time to fully consider all of the responsibilities that will come with such a task. Questions that you might want to ask yourself are:

• Am I motivated enough?

• Will I have enough time to arrange bouquets/centerpieces before the ceremony?

• How much money will I save vs. how much work is involved?

Many women find that, in the interest of saving money, they end up learning a costly lesson. It is important to remember the many challenges involved with coordinating what may be the most important event of your life. You may be able to find a relative or member of the bridal party who would be willing to help you assemble your floral arrangements and bouquets. Think of the fun you would have spending your last days as a bachelorette with your best friends!

If you find yourself industrious enough to go it alone, there are many quick courses in floral design that are available through local community colleges and arts-and-crafts stores such as Michaels.

The internet is a fantastic resource to take advantage of, as well! Web sites such as save-on-crafts.com offer free instructional lessons that will tell you not only which flowers work best in a bouquet, but provide valuable steps designed to help you put your arrangements together successfully. You might also want to check for wedding ceremonies that will be held on the same day as yours. Chances are good that you could share the expense of the ceremony flowers with another couple looking to do the same!

Keep in mind, however, that even if opting for the “budget bridal bouquet”, remember that it is a very key aspect of the wedding and should be an expression of the bride’s personality. Try to keep a sense of balance between the wedding gown, the bridesmaid’s gowns, the ceremony flowers and decorations and the bouquet.

From that point, the other flowers, such as the bridesmaid’s flowers, the flowers at the reception can follow the theme and take on the elements of the bride’s bouquet. Current colors for 2006 are chocolate with pale pink, baby blue or mint green. Colors generally follow the trends of interior designing.

Consult with a florist. This could cost up to $100 in consultation fees, but their wealth of knowledge is sure to add a professional polish to the finished product. If you take into account the fact that florists can generally charge 3 times the price that a wholesaler would and charge additional labor costs for designing and assembling the flowers, you would still be saving money.

Buy your flowers from a wholesaler. Wholesalers sell their flowers much more cheaply than a florist does. If you decide to deal with a floral wholesaler, it is important to know that they use a grading system. When choosing your flowers, make sure that you choose Grade 1 flowers. You can locate many floral wholesalers online. OnlineWholesaleFlowers.com actually offers “Wedding in a Box” packages of varying sizes that come with all the flowers necessary to create the look that you want. Budget-Bride.com has a similar package, which even includes items such as the cake knife and ring pillow!

If you are getting married in the spring/summer time, visit the farmer’s market and talk with the flowers vendors. Find out if they grow the flowers that you are looking for and don’t be shy to ask if they have ever done weddings. Always be sure to ask them what they do with the flowers that they don’t sell. You might be able to grab large amounts of them for a steal!

Tip: Try using masses of one flower to showcase the flower’s individual beauty.

3. Use a school

Most high schools and colleges have horticulture classes that specialize in caring for and arranging flowers and plants. For a small fee, you could hire these aspiring florists who would be thrilled to work on your arrangements. The teachers of such a course will act as your safety net and, as an added bonus to you, will have extensive experience and oversee your project.

4. Have a Garden Wedding

Consider having the ceremony and/or the reception in a beautiful garden! Do you know someone that has a beautiful backyard and would be honored to host a wedding there? There will be no need for arrangements if you are already surrounded by lush greenery and blossoming flowers. Be prepared, though! Depending on the regional climate (or the time of year you hold your wedding), you may want to make use of either awnings, patios or sophisticated white open-air tents in case Mother Nature decides to become a wedding guest!

5. Cut down on attendants

By choosing fewer attendants, you will not have to provide as many bouquets and boutonnieres. Since small ceremonies are currently in vogue, it will be a natural progression to balance out the ceremony with a more intimate wedding party. Many couples favor a secluded setting with soft, glowing candles or lights to provide a devastatingly romantic theme. These more intimate, family oriented gatherings are also advantageous because they help the bride and groom to stay within their budget.

It is also very elegant to have your bridesmaid carry a single flower tied with a piece of satin ribbon. Choose a flower that matches one of those in the bride’s bouquet, or that signifies a special meaning to you.

6. Avoid having your wedding on or near a holiday

Flowers are generally in high demand around Valentines Day, Mother’s day, proms, graduations and other special holidays. Because of this, prices rise dramatically and certain flowers are often impossible to find. As if this isn’t enough bad news, florists tend to be extremely busy during holidays while they desperately try to keep up with their increased business. Will they be left with enough time to put the desired attention into your flowers?

You can take great advantage of this if planning your wedding around the Christmas holidays. It is a safe bet that most venues, either indoor or out, will be festively decorated before you arrive!

7. Use alternate centerpieces

It is not necessary to adorn every table with a high-priced floral centerpiece. Candles are beautiful and provide an amazing ambience! Try submerging an orchid (or flower of choice) in a glass container filled with water and float a candle on top. Also attractive is placing river rocks at the bottom of a glass container, adding water and floating a flower on top. Try using orchids, roses, peonies, camellias or gerberas.

A dramatic and stunning effect can be created with an inexpensive, rectangular mirror (much like the ones designed to hang on a bedroom door). Place the mirror reflective-side-up and let it run the length of the table, placing tealight candles at even intervals down the center. Sprinkle colored glitter or flower petals across the surface. The result is not only attractive, but sets the tone for your reception.

Tip: Search the internet and magazines for great ideas on alternative centerpieces.

8. Rent outdoor plants or small trees for an indoor garden effect

Decorate with greenery. Many nurseries will let you rent plants for your wedding and it is much cheaper than buying them. This will allow you to fill the room with greenery and make flowers more or less unnecessary. Use trees to fill up large spaces, and ivy garland to gracefully drape across the tops of doorways.

9. Let Your Flowers Do Double Duty

If your ceremony and reception are in two separate places (or even two separate rooms), let the floral arrangements that decorate the ceremony do double duty by using them to also decorate the reception! Find out if your florist is able to transport and setup the flowers at your reception after the ceremony is finished. There is usually sufficient time between the two, and you can save an incredible amount of time and money by “recycling” your beautiful, fresh flowers!

10. Forget the corsages

Corsages are not as trendy with modern weddings as they once were. 21st century Moms are trendy and don’t always want a flower pinned on them. Ask first.

You have waited your entire life to reach this day, and it should be as beautiful as you always imagined it would be. A ceremony without the soft, delicate beauty and fragrance of flowers would be like having a cake without icing. Although paying the traditional retail price for wedding flowers can cost you a bundle in materials and fees, utilizing these great cost saving tips will keep the floral arrangements from becoming one of the most expensive items on your budget checklist.

Jacquie Cattanach is a new bride and founder of Buy-N-Send-Flowers-Online.com which offers advise, opinions and helpful hints on buying and sending flowers from tropical flowers to funeral flowers worldwide through online florists.

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When you are thinking of silk flowers on your wedding day, do not think of the ratty flowers at the dollar stores with the misshapen petals or the thread coming undone. Think about high quality silk flowers that truly mimic the look of fresh flowers. These silk flowers have been put together with the care and the study of the real flower to make them look as realistic as possible. Silk wedding flowers give you the beauty of flowers on your wedding day without the fuss.

Where to Find Quality Silk Flowers

The DIYers already know that one of the best places to find beautiful silk flowers is at your local craft or hobby story. Because there are those who dabble in flower arranging, these stores offer a variety of flowers. Some stores even offer classes on arranging flowers or have someone who can make custom arrangements for you. Also, if you are like me, you want to feel and touch the flowers to actually see the quality of what you are getting. You can study them to see how well they can go with your look.

Your local florist is another place where you can get beautiful silk wedding flowers. Many people may want arrangements done for a number of events or their personal space where they don’t want the flowers to die in a few days. Because the florist has the best connections and the expertise on flower arrangements, they are a great resource in finding fabulous silk flowers for your wedding day.

Last but not least is the internet. The internet has many sites that not only offer silks, but packages with them arranged as well. You can get the flowers you want arranged at quite a reasonable price. Silk wedding flowers can even be found on eBay. However, always make sure you find a reputable company that has a reputation of providing quality service. Many sites do show pictures of their arrangements and offer testimonials. If this does not assure you, buy a test bouquet to see if the quality is what you are looking for.

The Advantages of Silk Wedding Flowers

1. They can be done in advance. Although real flowers are very beautiful and breathtaking, they must be done right before the wedding in order to not wilt. If you are a bride on a budget and taking this task on yourself, you may find yourself overwhelmed and stressed during a time that should be fun and relaxing. With silk arrangements, you can arrange them ahead of time which can reduce the stress of the last few days leading up to your wedding. On the day of your wedding, they will still be even more beautiful than the day you bought them.

2. Submerged, they look real. One of the big trends in weddings now is the submerged flower. What is so good about this trend is that you can submerge a silk flower in water and no one will be able to tell if it is real or not. If the flower is submerged in water, all people will see is a beautiful arrangement. No one will actually put their hand in the water to see if the flower is real. Also, being that you need less flowers when doing submerged or floating centerpieces, this saves on money.

3. Allergies are not aggravated. You, your hubby to be, or any of your guests may have certain allergies when it comes to flowers. To avoid the inevitable sneezing, runny noses, or red eyes, silk wedding flowers are a great way to have that floral beauty and happy guests. This is also a plus if you are having an outdoor wedding and are afraid of attracting insects.

4. Life-lasting keepsake. The fabulous thing about using silk flowers for your wedding is that you can have a keepsake. You can bring a centerpiece home as well as your bouquet and save on floral preservation costs. They can become a decoration for your home and a reminder of the start of your married life.

5. Great as favors. Many of your guests may fall in love with the wedding centerpieces that you have on the tables. A great favor would be to send the centerpieces home with those flower-loving guests. Your guests get great arrangements to beautify their space as well as a reminder of your wedding day.

6. Sturdy flowers. Because real flowers are more delicate, cold or heat can cause them to wilt quickly. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, the flowers may not be able to stand the heat. What if you forget to put them in water to keep them looking fresh? Well, with silks, this is not a problem. They don’t need water and can stand any weather conditions.

7. Less expensive. Now this is always argued because quality silk flowers can cost as much as live ones. This is true; however, if you need a particular flower in December that can only be found in France, the cost can rise. You can use silk flowers instead and have incredible savings. Also, when submerging flowers, because you generally use less, you can use silks instead of the real ones which can run cheaper. You can also save money with silks by checking out sales on the internet and in stores.

How to Spice Up Your Silk Wedding Flowers

If you are using silk flowers for your wedding day, there are many ways that you can spice them up to make them even more unique which gives a personal touch to your day.

Scent. We love the smell of real flowers, so how can we replicate a fragrant smell with silks. Spraying the perfume of your choice on the flowers is a great way. This way, the flowers have a wonderful smell that can add spice to your reception. Although, you want to make sure the smell is something that will not aggravate guests. I would suggest a real clean, light scent.

Jewels. Instead of having a plain bouquet of flowers, add jewels to liven it up. You can get crystals glued to the petals of the flowers. This adds more pizzazz and personality to an already beautiful arrangement. Plus, you don’t have to worry about damaging the flowers because they are sturdy enough to be handled.

Feathers. Feathers can add flavor to any floral arrangement. Adding feathers to a silk bridal bouquet gives an extra flair that makes it stand out. Beautiful peacock feathers in a silk centerpiece arrangement helps add a certain level of exquisiteness.

How to Care for Silks

Although one of the advantages of silk flowers is that they need little tending and care, here are a few tips to make sure your silk flowers for your wedding day are in perfect condition.

• To clean silk flowers you can wash them or clean them by hand, but this is not the most recommended way because it can become a bit messy and time consuming.

• A great way to keep silks looking their best is to use an ozone safe aerosol spray. This can keep them looking clean and fresh.

• If any of the greenery is wrinkled, you can steam iron the leaves. Just make sure the temperature is on the lowest steam setting. Test a corner before steaming out the wrinkles.

• Many stores that carry silk flowers also carry silk flower cleaners that can keep silk flowers looking great.

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• A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.

• A list of what flowers you will want at the ceremony.

• A list of what flowers will be needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.

• Color/fabric swatches and pictures of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.

• Feel free to also bring pictures of flowers that you like.

Your florist will also have pictures of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a “theme”, let your florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there are any specific flowers you want.

Keep in mind that some flowers are not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do not photograph well.

It is important that you are upfront with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception. Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable flowers if you are on a budget. Don’t plan your wedding near big flower holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. If you do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist’s want to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during these busy holidays based on growing and demand.

Once you have chosen your Bouquet you have selected the “center” of your wedding flowers. The other pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your “Special Day”…

• Bride’s Bouquet

• Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw

• Maid of Honor Bouquet

• Bridesmaids Bouquets

• Grooms Boutonniere

• Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding

• Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom

• Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor

• Boutonniere for Ring Bearer

• Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*

• Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at your buffet)

• Vase at Guest Book Table

• Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)

• Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)

• Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)

*If you are considering petals for the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals are recommended for carpeted areas.

A very important detail is to make sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.

Finally, when it comes to your wedding flowers, don’t skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride’s trying “do-it-yourself” flowers or having a friend design them, only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don’t risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests on your special day!

Congratulations!

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of [http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com] (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.

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