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!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sher_Matsen

Congratulations! You are engaged!

You are now on your wonderful yet often frustrating journey from engagement to wedding.

It is a journey that will take you through many avenues and some forks in the road where you’ll have to stop, consider and choose a path.

The road we’ll take together is the one leading to the “fork in the road” to wedding flowers selection.

Like most brides and grooms, Bar-Bat Mitzvah parents, the parents of a quinceniera or sweet 16, event organizers for a work place or for a special occasion you are probably not a flowers mavens. Yet, all of a sudden you need to consider not only what flowers to use at your wedding, special celebration or event, but also what arrangements, for which designations and whether to use fresh or silk – satin flowers. This is quite a feat.

Hopefully this article will shed some light and help you decide how to proceed.

Today, you can select to proceed to the Fresh Flower road or you may opt for the Silk Flowers road.

Before you decide, however you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks you will encounter on either road traveled.

About Fresh Flowers

Traditionally, fresh flowers dominated the wedding and celebration receptions because the scent of fresh flowers fill the air with sweetness and empower the emotions.
However, fresh flowers are extremely expensive yet fade and wilt after just a few days.

Before you decide, you may wish to consider the following
# You may host guests who are allergic to fresh flowers. They may spend your wedding sneezing and with red, itchy eyes.

# You must order fresh flowers long before the wedding date. Yet, by their nature, you cannot see them until the florist brings them to your wedding site. Once done, with no time to spare, whether you like them or not, you are stuck with the bouquets, flower arrangements, and other floral accessories as created by the florist.

# Fresh flowers do not last long. They fade and wilt. If you want them to become keepsakes, you must have them preserved. Preserving them necessitates getting them to a reliable flower preserver and this is often a costly process.

# Fresh flowers are seasonal. So, if you are willing to go with flowers that are available at the season of your wedding you may pay less than if you opt for more exotic flowers that are out of season.

# Many flowers that grow in greenhouses or imported from other parts of the world can be available to you out of season. However, they are often very expensive.

Brides and grooms like to know the meanings of the flowers they choose. So we added the ones we know. Additionally the need to know which flowers are seasonal for their wedding date.

Following is a list of seasonal flowers and some of their meanings.

AUTUMN

Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.

Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November.

Chrysanthemum, red: I love

Chrysanthemum, white: Truth, loyal love

Dahlia: Instability. Associated with the fourteenth wedding anniversary

Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

Freesia

gladiolus: Strength of character, splendid beauty, is the birth flower for August.

Gypsophila

Hydrangea

Iris: Wisdom, faith, hope, valor, is associated with the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

Lily: Purity, modesty, Chinese emblem for mother, associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.

Micklemas

Morning Glory

Orchid: Love, beauty, refinement, Chinese symbol for many children, long life is associated with twenty-eighth wedding anniversary

Rose, cabbage: Ambassador of love

Rose, red: Love

Rose, pink Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow: Friendship

WINTER

Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.

Carnation: Fascination, distinction, divine love, is the birth flower for January.

Carnation, pink: A woman’s love, I’ll never forget you, mother’s love

carnation, red: my heart aches for you, fascination

Carnation, white: Innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely, pure love, ardent love, good luck. And motherhood

Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November.

Chrysanthemum, red: I love

Chrysanthemum, white: Truth, loyal love

Forsythia

Freesia

Gentian

Gypsophila

Holly Berries:

Iris: Wisdom, faith, hope, valor, is associated with the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

Lily: Purity, modesty, Chinese emblem for mother, associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.

Orchid: Love, beauty, refinement, Chinese symbol for many children, long life is associated with twenty-eighth wedding anniversary

Peony: happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity. Associated with the twelfth
Rose, cabbage: Ambassador of love

Rose, red: Love

Rose, pink:Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow : Friendship

wedding anniversary: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November

Snowdrop

Stephanotis:

Winter Jasmine

SPRING

Amaryllis: Pride

Apple Bossums: Good fortune

Azalea

Bluebell: Constancy

Broom: Humility
Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.
Camellia
Carnation: Fascination, distinction, divine love, is the birth flower for January.

Carnation, pink: A woman’s love, I’ll never forget you, mother’s love

carnation, red: my heart aches for you, fascination

Carnation, white: Innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely, pure love, ardent love, good luck. And motherhood
Cherry Blossom

Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November.

Chrysanthemum, red: I love

Chrysanthemum, white: Truth, loyal love

Clematis

Cocus: Cheerfulness

Dffodil: new beginnings, yet, associated with the tenth wedding anniversary is the birth flower for March.

Dffodil, bunch: Joy, happiness.

Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

Forsythia

Freesia

Heather: wishes will come true.

Honeysuckle: Bonds of love

Iris: Wisdom, faith, hope, valor, is associated with the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Jasmine: Grace

Lilac

Lily: Purity, modesty, Chinese emblem for mother, associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.

Mimosa

Orchid: Love, beauty, refinement, Chinese symbol for many children, long life is associated with twenty-eighth wedding anniversary

Polyanthus

Primrose: I can’t live without you

Rhododendron

Rose, cabbage: Ambassador of love

Rose, red: Love

Rose, pink Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow: Friendship

Stephanotis

Tulip, red : My perfect lover, Reclamation of love

Waxflower

SUMMER

Aster: Variety, elegance, daintiness.

Azalea

Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.

Carnation: Fascination, distinction, divine love, is the birth flower for January.

Carnation, pink: A woman’s love, I’ll never forget you, mother’s love

carnation, red: my heart aches for you, fascination

Carnation, white: Innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely, pure love, ardent love, good luck. And motherhood

Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November.

Chrysanthemum, red: I love

Chrysanthemum, white: Truth, loyal love

Cornflower: Delicate

Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

Delphinium

Freesia

Fuschia

Gardenia : Ecstasy

Gladiolus: Strength of character, splendid beauty, is the birth flower for August.

Heather : Admiration, wishes will come true.

hollyhock: Ambition, fruitfulness, is associated with the thirteenth wedding anniversary.

Iris: Wisdom, faith, hope, valor, is associated with the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Jasmine: Grace

Larkspur

Lilac

Lily: Purity, modesty, Chinese emblem for mother, associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.

Lupin

Marigold

Orchid: Love, beauty, refinement, Chinese symbol for many children, long life is associated with twenty-eighth wedding anniversary

Peony: happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity. Associated with the twelfth wedding anniversary: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Is the birth flower for November

Rhododendron

Rose, cabbage: Ambassador of love

Rose, red: Love

Rose, pink Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow: Friendship

Stock

Sweatpea

Sweet William

ABOUT SILK FLOWERS – SATIN FLOWERS

Today Silk and satin flowers are becoming more and more popular. With craftsmanship and high quality materials such as silk and satin, and the many applications creative brides and grooms find for them, many couples prefer the artificial flowers for their weddings. Let’s find out why.
# If you order your silk flowers from a professional, they will most probably look realistic. Some look so realistic in fact that unless you touch them you can not tell the difference. However, even if you spray them to emit the scent of the flower, the scent will evaporate after a while.
# When you choose silk flowers, you are not depended on the season and can get the flowers you want, in the colors you want, no matter how exotic and pay much less than fresh flowers.
# Silk or satin flowers will not fade, and will not wilt. Therefore, they become a lifetime keepsake without the trouble and expense of having them preserved. Your bouquet will always look the same as it did the day you walked down the aisle. If they get dusty, you can clean the dust off to restore their color and beauty.
# Silk flowers are not allergenic and will cause no one to go through your wedding sneezing and with red, itchy eyes.
# You can have peace of mind and be worry free when you order silk flowers because you can not only order them long before the wedding You are not stuck with the bouquets, flower arrangements, and other floral accessories as created by the designer. You can examine them and you can have corrections and changes made in plenty of time and go to your wedding knowing that your flowers are just as you want them.

Some brides feel that silk flowers are “not the real” thing and even when they look too real to be distinguished, when you touch them they just don’t “feel” like real flowers. Other brides prefer silk flowers. The choice is yours. With some information at hand, choose the road you wish to travel and whether it is Real Flowers or Silk Flowers, have a pleasant trip, beautiful wedding and a happy, blessed life together.

Nily Glaser, the CEO of A-wedding Day at: http://www.a-weddingday.com She writes important articles, and has presented workshops for wedding professionals all over the USA.
To read more of her articles CLICK HERE Her web site is very popular for its discount wedding gifts, bridal accessories, print your own invitations, favors and the very unique items offered including the exclusive line of wedding Accessories By Nily.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nily_Glaser

• 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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tenley_McDonald

Get a relative to help out

Having a relative help out at your wedding it a great way to get someone involved. It’s also a great way to save money! Ask around relatives and see if anyone has a dab-hand at flower arranging.

A word of advice though – leave the bouquets and button-holes to the experts.

Use the flowers from the ceremony at the reception

Often it’s not necessary to double up on flowers at both the ceremony and reception. They’re often the same type of floral arrangement and so once the ceremony is over, the flowers can then be used at the reception.

Check if the venue supplies flowers

Some venues insist that you use their florists for the venue. If this is the case, be careful as you’re likely to get charged through the roof. Try and stick to simpler arrangements or even balloons as this will keep your costs to a minimum.

Check if the church supplies flowers

Many churches have specific rules when it comes to flowers in the church. They may insist that the flowers are done through the church committee, whereby the church flower arrangers will provide the arrangements for a small fee.

If a particular church is popular for marriages, the same flowers may then be used for all ceremonies that particular weekend. This is often a good thing, as you will usually pay a low set charge, however it means you may not get control over the flowers on the day. Check with your celebrant to see if there’s any flexibility.

Use a hand-tied bridal bouquet

The bridal bouquet can come in all shapes and sizes, but the general rule is that the more complicated you go, the more expensive the bouquet will be. Having a hand-tied bouquet is an easy way to lower the costs – sometimes even by half.

Use corsages for the bridesmaids, rather than small bouquets

A corsage is a small arrangement that sits on the wrist. They’re often made up of one, two or three main flowers and some greenery. They’re then secured to the wrist using ribbon or tie. Because they use less flowers, they’re much cheaper then bouquets.

An added benefit is that they allow the bridesmaids to have both their hands free during the day – to hold your bouquet, bag or drink.

Choose simple button holes

You can easily triple or quadruple the price of your buttonholes by choosing different flowers or multiple flower buttonholes. Go for simple, one flower buttonholes and you’ll keep your costs to a minimum.

Use single flowers instead of bouquets or arrangements

The cost of arrangements or bouquets is usually dependant on the cost of the flowers used and the complexity of the arrangement. You can cut your costs dramatically by going for single flower arrangements.

The best cheap wedding flowers for bouquets are simple and elegant. Single flower arrangements make great a bridal bouquet or table centrepiece. Flowers such as lilies or exotic flowers make stunning single bouquets, and large flowers such as peonies or camellias work great as single flower centrepieces.

Hire any accessories you may need instead of buying them

Before you rush out to buy vases for your table decorations, have you considered hiring them? Most florists will hire any equipment you need to create fabulous floral arrangements. Hire equipment comes in a variety of different shaped vases, pedestals and containers for all your flower arranging needs.

Buy flowers that are season

By choosing flowers that are in season, you will ensure that you get the freshest, cheapest, best quality flowers. Check with your florist which flowers are in season for your big day.

Nicola Ray is the owner of Cheap Wedding Success, a website dedicated to planning and creating the perfect cheap wedding. With lots of advice, tips and ideas to lower the cost of your wedding, Cheap Wedding Success is the perfect place to start. You can find more articles like this one in the Wedding Flowers section.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicola_Ray