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.

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

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

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.

http://www.inexpensivelyfabulous.com

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

• 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