What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

Aspects of your floral design you might not have thought of.

Though you should choose flowers that are in season during the big day, there are other less-obvious aspects of floral design that may still be unknown. Follow these suggestions to avoid any regrets when it comes to the blossoms used in your wedding.

By Emily Lasnier

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Photo: Michelle Beller Photography

Flowers are arguably the most important part of your wedding décor. Centerpieces add beauty to the reception tables and bouquets complete your bridal ensemble. Though just about anyone reading up on wedding planning has learned to focus on flowers that are in season during the big day, there are other less-obvious aspects of floral design that may still be unknown. Follow the below suggestions to avoid any regrets when it comes to the blossoms used in your wedding. 

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Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Try to be flexible when it comes to the exact shade used because the color of specific blooms is not necessarily uniform. If it is a huge priority to have a very particular hue, be clear with your florist and have them contact you if there’s an issue. Substitutions won’t be the end of the world, and might in fact end up making the arrangements look even better than you originally planned. 

Be cautious with your bouquet when taking pictures before the ceremony. While it’s understandable to want it included in your portraits, remember that the weather – both warm and cold – can damage the blossoms. If you are having a large portion of your photos taken outside, allow some time for the flowers to recover inside with some water, so your bouquet looks vibrant and fresh for your walk down the aisle. 

Consider the elements of your design – besides the florals – before choosing which blooms to use. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a lovely and compassionate trend, but you don’t want one of your gal pals’ gowns to clash with her bouquet! Any standout features in your venue may also affect your choices in flowers. In particular, churches, chapels, temples, and other houses of worship often have a bold aesthetic, be it stained glass, painted ceilings, or other décor elements. Many couples whose real weddings have been featured on InsideWeddings.com and in the pages of Inside Weddings will reconcile this by using simple, neutral arrangements for the ceremony and embracing more vibrant blooms during the reception. 

For your centerpieces, you also want to make sure to choose blooms without a strong scent, as this could negatively affect the meal. However, feel free to choose fragrant blossoms for your bouquet, as the scent of those flowers will then forever remind you of the moment. 

Find out why white flowers are always a good choice for the big day, take a look at types of wedding flowers perfect for your bouquet, learn how to preserve and display your bouquet, and discover expert tips on seasonal wedding flowers.

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