Top Five Things to Know About Your Wedding Flowers

You've chosen your wedding dress. You've chosen your wedding venue. And now that you have chosen a color scheme, it is time to choose your wedding flowers. Before you go out and get bushels of blue buttercups, here are the top 5 things you should know about choosing your wedding flowers.

Budget

Your wedding flowers should only be about 10% of your budget. There are several ways you can incorporate the flowers you really love, but not break your budget. Remember that greenery and less expensive filler flowers can really help stretch your budget. Avoid topiaries, climbing arrangements, and orchid balls. These more intricate designs, while beautiful, just inflate your cost. Also, stay away from Valentine's Day. It may be romantic, but flowers are twice as expensive.

Integrate

When deciding on your reception centerpieces, not every table needs a big lavish bouquet. Alternate every other table with your bouquets and something non-floral. Try using candles. Great candle ideas include floating candles, grouped pillar candles or varying heights, or a crystal or other decorative candle holder. You could also use colored glassware, wine bottles, or feathers. Another option is to make a few grand centerpieces for the wedding party tables and small vases with complimentary flowers for centerpieces on the other tables.

Volume-ize

If you still want to use lots of flowers, try using hydrangeas. Because they have so many different blooms on each head, they are full and great for creating volume. They also travel well, they don't need much watering, and they come in so many beautiful colors. They are great for bouquets, centerpieces, and to decorate.

Substitute

Many brides love peonies. However, they are only in season about a month and a half. To save money, substitute peonies for the Esperance rose. The blooms greatly resemble peonies and they are simply beautiful. It has a large head and ruffled looking petals. It is a full flower great for weddings.

Strategize

On your centerpieces, use less blooms and place a tabletop mirror under the arrangement. The reflection of the blooms will trick the eye into thinking the bouquet is much bigger. Use various greenery, carnations, lilies, and mums for filler flowers. They are less expensive, come in many different colors and sizes, and can help save on your budget.

Choosing your wedding flowers does not have to be challenging or stressful. Use these simple 5 steps to make your wedding beautiful.