Beautiful Flowers at Your Wedding · What type of floral decorations will you need? Bouquets –...

A Guide to Beautiful Flowers at Your Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Your wedding day should be one of the most memorable joys of your life. You have much excitement and planning ahead of you. Don’t allow this wonderful occasion to overwhelm you. The planning for such an auspicious occasion can become quite detailed and complex. It is necessary to allow others to assist you in order to allow you to enjoy the moments.

Your professional florist will become an invaluable ally during your wedding and reception preparations. Flowers are the universal language of love. Beautiful floral arrangements symbolise everlasting love, thankfulness and celebration while creating a romantic atmosphere for the wedding ceremony and reception. They showcase the bride and her bridal party with a mystical backdrop for the wedding and the reception. Flowers set the stage for this joyous event regardless of the size or location of the planned nuptials.

Here are helpful notes to help you organise the floral aspect of your wedding. Use it as a guideline when working with your florist. Pick and choose what is going to work best for you and your intended.

Copyright © 2013 Embassy Florist CanberraPh 02 6257 3633 Facsimile 02 6257 3634 Email [email protected]

www.embassyflorist.com.au

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The Wedding Flowers Budget: How Much Can We Afford?

This should be the first step in planning every facet of your wedding. The cost of your wedding and reception flowers is no exception. Important questions to ask are:

✴ How will your wedding be financed?

✴ Who will be paying for it?

When planning the details of your wedding you will need to start with a total allowable expenditure figure to include the entire wedding and reception plans. Once you have determined the overall expense, you will need to break that figure down into more specific cost categories. In regards to the flowers you will require, it has been tradition that the bride’s side pays for the flowers for the wedding and the reception sites, and for the corsages and boutonnieres for the wedding attendants and helpers, the parents and the grandparents. The groom’s side normally pays for the bride’s bouquets - one to carry and one to toss at the reception. Once it has been determined who will be responsible for each element you can begin to fill in your planner.

In today’s modern society roles have changed considerably thereby making it necessary for you to assess your unique situation. You may already know if your parents or other family members expect to finance your wedding. But if you have not already done so, discuss with close family members the desired details of your wedding and ask if they would like to contribute to the cost. There may a large difference in family income or perhaps the parents are living on a fixed income which will make it difficult for them to contribute. Divorced parents of the groom or the bride may make uncomfortable demands due to unfriendly relationships. This may be a second marriage for either the bride or the groom. Many of the friends and relatives might be required to travel long distances to attend. If the bride and groom are financially stable they may opt to pay for most or all of the wedding themselves.

Flowers for your wedding should account for at least 10 to 15% of your total budgeted amount. It is best to avoid the holidays to keep expense and errors to a minimum. The cost of flowers will increase to meet the demand and the overburdened florist has to attend to enormous details creating a greater possibility for mishaps. Taking advantage of your natural surroundings, especially for an outdoor wedding is an excellent way to minimise costs, if budget is an issue.

Besides the beautiful bride, the flowers will set the theme of your wedding and be the focal point of many memorable photos. You do not want to skimp here. You want your floral decorations to reflect all of the grace, beauty and quality that this special event deserves.







What Do We Need to Consider?

There are a number of things you will need to consider prior to meeting with a florist.

Here is a list of items to get you started. You may have other thoughts that you want to include in this pre-planning stage.

✴ Begin with your budgeted amount for flowers. ✴ What is the season of year for the wedding? This will help determine the choice of available

flowers.✴ Does any member of the wedding party have allergies to specific flowers?✴ What will be your main theme and colour scheme of the wedding?✴ Style and colour of wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses✴ Colour scheme of rest of bridal party, including mothers’ and grandmothers’ attire✴ What will be the wedding style? Do you tend toward a more traditional ceremony or do you

prefer to project a more casual feel?

What is the general atmosphere or ambience desired?

✴ Formal, elegant, classic✴ Casual, fun, free spirited✴ Mixture✴ What are the sizes of the spaces for the wedding

and reception venues?✴ A large empty space will require more decorations

but you will have a blank canvas with which to work.

✴ What flowers will be in season and more readily available at the time of your wedding?

Confirm the location sites and have an estimate for the number of guests to be accommodated.

✴ Church✴ Reception Hall✴ Outdoors ✴ At the beach✴ In a garden of blooming flowers and shrubs







What type of floral decorations will you need?

Bouquets – The bridal bouquet does not have to be elaborate but should complement the bridal attire. The bridesmaids’ bouquets will be smaller than the brides and should be colour coordinated to their clothing. Their bouquets will allow them to stand out from the rest of the guests.

Bridal bouquet toss – This can be a smaller version of the bridal bouquet if you prefer not to toss the original.

Corsages – Usually provided for the bride and groom’s mothers and grandmothers, they can also be given to any other special family member or guest of your choosing. The two styles available are the pin-on and wrist type. If possible, try to coordinate the colours with the attire or choose flowers that will otherwise complement the personality of the woman who will be wearing it.

Boutonnieres or Buttonholers – These are ordered for the groom, the best man, the fathers and grandfathers and the ushers and will differentiate them from the other wedding guests. You may also decide to order them for other male members of your wedding as a special gesture.

Flower Girls usually carry a basket of flowers and many wear a floral wreath on their head. Sometimes the baskets contain petals to be scattered prior to the entrance of the bride. However, slippery petals can create a tripping hazard. For this reason, this is generally no longer done.

Wedding Ceremony Flowers – Use them to decorate the altar and the pews. Larger floral arrangements will provide more focus on the altar area where the bride and groom will make their vows. Beautiful garlands may be used to decorate the pews and aisles.

Reception Flowers – You may have the altar and pew decorations moved to enhance the reception area. You will also want flower arrangements for each of the tables including the cake table and the gift table. The more elaborate arrangement should be on the bridal party table. Keep the height on the tables where food will be served adjusted so that everyone can be seen without having to peek over top or around a tall display. Garlands of flowers may be used to ring the tiered wedding cake or to decorate the display table.

Floral gifts – After the wedding and reception party are both over you may want to gift special family and friends with the flowers which were used to decorate the areas. If you have used potted plants, they can be taken home and planted in a garden to be enjoyed as an ongoing reminder of the wonderful day. Another option is to donate the flowers to a nursing home, hospital or other charitable organisation.







How Should We Select the Florist?

Responsive professional florists will use their talents to artistically create a beautiful and enchanting theme and atmosphere for both the wedding and the reception. Remember to ask if the florist has availability for the date of your wedding and reception in case you decide to request a face-to-face interview. Basically the florist should be equipped and prepared to design a plan, provide all the necessary flowers and supplies, and complete installation prior to the ceremony and if required, removal after the reception.

You will want to ask the following questions of the florist :

✴ What are your policies?✴ Do you specialise in weddings?✴ Are you available to provide service on

the date I have chosen for my wedding?

After the initial telephone conversation, make an appointment to further discuss ideas, availability and pricing of flowers and their services. It is best to plan to meet in their shop. This way you can take special notice of such things as the shop’s cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, the quality of customer service provided and the basic organisation skills of the florist. Are you impressed with the arrangements that are displayed in the shop? Allow 45 minutes or more for a thorough discussion of your needs. Let the florist know if you have special containers that you would like to be used. If you will be renting or loaning any items, such as vases or urns, ask to see them. Be sure to bring with you any ideas, pictures from magazines, fabric swatches and invitation samples. Ask to see the florist’s portfolio of recent arrangements and bouquets the shop has designed. Be certain that the florist interviewed understands the basic concepts that you are requesting? You need to feel a connection to your florist. She is going to artistically create the theme of your dream wedding. It is also very important that the florist or a capable employee from her shop personally deliver and set-up your floral arrangements. If this is left to someone outside of the florist’s business it can prove to be disastrous.







Here is a checklist you can use to discuss important issues:

✴ Florist name, address, phone number, hours and days of operation✴ Florist personnel assigned to be responsible for of all of the plans✴ Travel charges to/from the wedding and reception sites✴ A discussion of seasonal flowers available during the time of your wedding✴ Price sheets ✴ Quantity discounts, any pre-planned wedding packages offered✴ Cost of any rentals necessary✴ Consultation fees✴ Any other fees not otherwise included✴ Cancellation policy in case of emergency✴ Deposits and due dates✴ Balance after deposits and due date of balance✴ Written free quote from florist from which you may make your decision







How Do We Brief the Florist?

Your florist will need to know how much has been budgeted for wedding flowers in order to make acceptable recommendations. Special requests such as colour coordination, time of day and locations for the events to take place, and any unseasonable or unusual arrangements need to be addressed.

You should attend bridal shows or look through bride’s magazines to acquaint yourself with the various possibilities and to help you formulate ideas of what you would like included in your wedding plan. What type of bridal bouquet would look best with your gown? Is your gown ornate with a long train requiring classic blooms and a full-shaped bouquet? You may prefer the elegance of a voluminous cascade or a flowing spray. Another option might be a long-stemmed arm floral arrangement. For a gown with simpler lines, a smaller bouquet with some of your favorite flowers may be your choice. It is helpful to the florist if you can bring pictures or sketches of designs that appeal to you plus swatches of materials for the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses.

Determine ahead of the time what the theme or style of the wedding will be. Would you prefer a more casual atmosphere, perhaps in a garden or at the beach? Do you desire a more formal evening candlelit service or will your wedding be an elegant daytime affair with country club reception? Do you have favourite flowers? What type of flowers will you want to use for decorations?

Flowers are fragile. You will want to be sure to schedule the bouquets, corsages and boutonniere to be delivered just several hours prior to the wedding to ensure a longer lasting fresh look throughout the day. Request to the florist that all flowers arrive appropriately labeled with the title of each person, i.e., Bride’s Mother, Ushers, Flower Girl, etc. to eliminate confusion. This time before the wedding is typically a bit chaotic and you do not need to add to the mix. During your consultation the florist should show you a portfolio of arrangements to help you decide. An experienced wedding florist specialist will also listen to your wants and financial needs and be able to sketch out some ideas of her own for your consideration. Both you and your florist will become a design team working together to create the wedding of your dreams.







You will need to discuss with your florist the type of flowers and arrangements you will need.

Choose from the following list and add others as you desire:

1. Bride’s bouquet2. Bride’s bouquet to toss3. Maid of honor4. Bridesmaids5. Groom’s boutonniere6. Best man’s and ushers boutonniere7. Mother’s corsages (pin-on or wrist)8. Grandmother’s corsages (pin-on or wrist)9. Father’s and grandfather’s boutonnieres10. Special guests/ attendants or helpers11. Flower girl basket, bouquet, headdress12. Ring bearer boutonniere13. Altar and pew flowers (may be moved to reception site after the ceremony)14. Entranceways at wedding and reception site15. Reception site flowers

Bridal party table (number of people in bridal party) Family table (number of family members to be seated) Guest tables centerpieces (number of guests expected) Entranceways Other areas, such as powder room

16. Bridal bouquet preservation17. Wedding cake decorations18. Wedding cake table19. Gift table20. Guest sign-in table21. Other







Seasonal: What is Available?

If your floral budget is limited consider using flowers that are in season. Australian climate is very conducive to growing a large variety of flowers making seasonal, local blooms readily available year-round. Choosing local, seasonal blooms will ensure fresher flowers than those that must be shipped to your florist from out of the country. In addition, the fragility of the imported flowers may not hold up well in the Canberra climate. If the flowers you prefer are not available, the florist may be able to give you some similar alternatives. You might consider blooming perennials as altar decorations or for centerpieces. These can then be planted in your home or given as gifts to the guests as a beautiful reminder of the day.

Although white and pastel coloured flowers are used traditionally, it is becoming increasingly popular to use more vibrant coloured flowers to match the wedding theme. The choice is yours.

Your wedding should be unique and be a beautiful reflection of you and your intended. Traditional wedding flower choices include roses, lily varieties, lily of the valley, tulips, carnations, hydrangea, orchids, sweet pea, gardenia and gerbera.

But as you can see from the lists below there are many other choices for your consideration. Embassy Florist can advise you as to the variety of seasonal flowers that are readily available in the Canberra region. Some of the most popular choices for wedding events include the following. Your florist will no doubt have other suggestions.

Summer (December, January, February)

Aster, Anthuriums, Stephanotis, Bouvardia ,Liszianthus, Berzilia, Lisianthus, Disbuds, Bird of Paradise, Carnation, Christmas Bells, Cornflowers, Dahlia, Daisy, Delphinium, Freesia, Garden Roses, Gardenia, Gerbera, Gladioli, Hydrangea, Iris, Jasmine, Larkspur, Lavender, Liatris, Orchids, , Queen Anne's Lace, Roses, Mini Roses, , Tuberose, Belladonna Lily, Calla Lily

Autumn (March, April, May)

Amaranthus, Asters, Australian Natives, Azalea, Baby's Breath, Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Carnation, , Cosmos, Daisy, Delphinium, Disbuds, Easter Daisy, Garden Roses, Gardenia, Gladioli, Hydrangea, Iris, Jonquil, Lavender, Poppies, David Austin Roses, Nerines, Snowberry, Tropical Orchids, Tuberose, Tulips, Calla Lily, Gloriosa Lily, Tiger Lily, November Lily

Winter (June, July, August)

Anemone, Bird of Paradise, Blushing Bride, Camellia, Carnation, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Daisy, Dahlia, Delphinium, Earlicheer, Freesias, Geraldton Wax, Gerbera, Hellebores, Heliconia, Hyacinths Hydrangea, Jasmine, Jonquils Kale, Orchids, Poppy, Ranunculus, , Rhododendron, Roses, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Violet, Lily varieties







Spring (September, October, November)

Anemone, Arum Lily, Australian Native Varieties, Azalea, Baby's Breath, Carnation, , Calendula, Camellia, Cornflowers, Daffodil, Daisy, Delphinium, Forget me not, Foxgloves, Freesia, Gardenia, Garden Roses, , Hyacinth, Iris, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Orchids, Peonies, Poppy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Peach, Cherry, Apple Blossom, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Roses (begin mid- October), Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Sweet Peas , Sweet William, Tulip, Viburnum, Waratahs







Flowers and Their Meanings

Over the ages flowers have come to signify a variety of emotions and attitudes. Listed here are some of the better known flowers and their meanings.

Anemone anticipation

Anthurium happiness, abundance

Apple Blossom chastity

Aster elegance, daintiness

Azalea passion and fragility

Baby’s Breath festivity

Bells of Ireland good luck, gratitude

Bird of Paradise joyfulness, exciting anticipation

Bouvardia enthusiasm

Calla lily regal, beauty, magnificence, purity

Camellia everlasting union, gratitude, loveliness

Carnations pride, beauty, divine love

Chrysanthemum fidelity, optimism, joy, cheerfulness

Clematis clever, intellectual

Cream everlasting love

Daffodil new beginnings, joy, happiness

Dahlia forever thine, good taste, dignity

Daisy innocence, purity, loyal love

Delphinium fun, ardent attachment

Forget-me-not true love, hope, remembrance

Freesia thoughtfulness, innocence

Gardenia joy, secret love, feminine grace, purity

Gerbera innocence, purity, beauty, cheerfulness

Gladiolus faithfulness, remembrance, splendid beauty, infatuation







Heather, Lavender beauty, admiration

Hyacinth constancy, loveliness

Hydrangea heartfelt emotions

Iris a promise, inspiration, wisdom

Ivy fidelity, wedded love, affection

Jasmine grace, elegance, sensuality

Jonquil affection returned, desire

Larkspur open heart

Lilacs new beginnings, emotions of love, confidence

Lily celebration, enthusiasm, purity, refined beauty

Lily of the valley purity of the heart, humility, friendship, sweetness

Orange passion and desire

Orange Blossom good fortune

Orchid delicate beauty, love, strength

Peach Blossom I am your captive

Peony compassion, happy marriage,

Pink gratitude, a woman’s love, onging for you, perfect happiness, thankfulness

Poppy imagination

Queen Anne’s Lace sanctuary, delicateness

Ranunculus charming radiance

Red you are a flame in my heart, admiration, fascination

Rose love

Sage great respect

Snapdragon graciousness, strength

Stephanotis good luck

Sweet Pea pleasure, bliss

Tulip perfect love







Violet faithfulness

White you are adorable, faithfulness, good luck, remembrance, pure love, purity, innocence

Yellow friendship (love that grew from friendship), cheer







Decorating with Flowers

Flowers can transform any venue into a magical, ethereal scene projecting all of the excitement of your special day and celebrating the hopes and dreams of your future life together. In order to create the perfect environment for your wedding you must first determine your colour scheme. Does your choice for flowers lean towards a palette of light coloured pastel flowers or do you prefer bold, bright colours? Some standard colour combinations include:

White, Red, Pale Pink, Pink Shades, Mixed Pink and Red Shades, Mixed Orange and Yellow Shades, Mixed Pink Shades, Cream, Orange, Yellow

Flower stems are attractive when wrapped in colours or fabric to coordinate with the bridal party attire.

For a wedding that will be held outside you want the impact to be bold to match with the expanse of the great outdoors. You might consider some of the following suggestions.

✴ A floral canopy over the wedding party ✴ Arbor covered in vines and flowers✴ Vine entwined fencing✴ Utilise the natural surroundings i.e., lake, garden, or park by accentuating the area with

flowers or vines that complement the scenery✴ Cut wildflowers can be a lovely addition and are generally less expensive than some of the

more traditional wedding flowers✴ Large blooms incorporated with ivy and other greenery arranged in clay pots or urns can

be striking✴ Garlands of flowers and vines to decorate the seating area✴ Rose petals may be scattered anywhere you desire to create an interesting focal point✴ Sunflowers and long-stemmed dahlias can create a more free-spirited atmosphere for an

informal wedding







For an indoor wedding you might consider the following:

✴ Altar flowers are often done in lighter colours as a focal point and so they can be easily seen in dimly lit areas. Garlands may be used for pew and aisle decorations.

✴ Be lavish where you have large spaces to fill. Use ornate urns or beautiful vases filled with flowers to decorate empty spaces. Garlands or wreaths can decorate statuary. Rose petals may be used to accent tables.

✴ Centerpieces of delicate flower blooms are lovely when nestled in a low silver or china bowl. Consider using highly scented gardenias or roses to create this elegant look. Orchid plants make striking centerpieces and can last quite a while after the wedding when properly cared for.

✴ Potted plants can make lovely, cost effective and practical decorations. They may be taken home after the ceremony or they may be given as gifts to guests or helpers as keepsakes.

✴ Guest table centerpieces do not need to be lavish if budget is a consideration. A single flower in a bud vase can be quite beautiful. If you choose more elaborate centerpieces vary the heights and shapes to create interest. Any type of container may be used, as long as it fits the theme of your wedding.

✴ Flowers entwined with ribbons may be used to decorate the outside of the bride and groom’s reception chairs.

✴ Non-toxic flowers may be used to adorn the cake.

✴ Decorate the dance floor by bordering with large pots of plants. You might want to create an arch to define the area.

✴ Decorative floral swags can be used almost anywhere. Consider encircling doorways and windows with a profusion of colourful scented flowers.







Time Schedule: When to Book the Florist

The spring and summer months are especially busy times for weddings. As soon as you determine the main details for your wedding you should book your florist. Specific information you will need prior to booking include:

✴ Colour theme of wedding including bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns✴ Number in wedding party and special guests requiring flowers✴ Wedding and reception sites booked. You want to be working with firm dates.✴ Approximate number of guests for centerpieces

One year in advance is not too early if your have the information ready. Good florists get booked early and you don’t want to chance not getting the florist you prefer. You will have much to monitor and should plan to delegate as much as possible into the capable hands of the professionals. This is not the time to let a friend or creative family member take over unless they are a professional. You need the services of a florist experienced in wedding planning. Once you have decided on the florist best qualified to handle the floral arrangements for your wedding and reception, you will want to cross this item off of your To Do List, simply checking back occasionally to see how the plans are progressing.

Here is a brief schedule to be used in booking the florist

One Year to Three Months Prior to the Wedding

Book your florist and confirm availability. Allow plenty of time during your visit to discuss all of the pertinent details. Confirm the booking, only after you are satisfied that it covers everything you have agreed upon. Here is a recap of what should be included in the booking form:

Booking should include:

✴ Event date and times✴ Name of person in charge of event✴ Final date to make any changes✴ Itemised details of package✴ Delivery schedule to include dates and delivered to whom✴ Backup plan if something goes wrong✴ Cancellation policy (emergencies occur and wedding may be postponed or cancelled due

to unforeseen occurrences) ✴ Payment plan







One Month Prior to the Wedding

Visit the wedding and reception sites with the florist so florist is familiar with how the arrangements will be set up. This will also be helpful in the designing of the arrangements for decorations.

One Week Prior to the Wedding

Contact your florist and confirm the delivery schedule including date, time of drop-off and installation, where and to whom the flowers will be delivered and any plans for removal of the flowers.







Wedding Flowers Checklist

Quantity Details Finalised

Deposit Paid

Balance Paid

Time/Date

Place

WEDDING

Bridal Bouquet

Bridal bouquet toss

Maid/Matron of Honor

Bridesmaids/s

Groom’s Boutonniere

Best man Boutonniere

Ushers Boutonniere

Flower Girl Basket or Bouquet

Ring Bearer Boutonniere

Mother of Bride (shoulder or wrist)

Mother of Groom (shoulder or wrist)

Father of Bride

Father of Groom

Grandmothers (shoulder or wrist)

Grandfathers







Other Helpers - Soloist - Coordinator - Gift book attendant - Gift table attendant - Other

Altar

Pews

Windows

Aisles

Entranceway

Halls

Other

RECEPTION

Brides Table

Family Table

Guest Tables

Guest Sign-in Table

Cake Table

Gift Table

Other







Have you always envisioned your wedding day as in a fairy tale with dreams of the lovely scents and overwhelming beauty of the flowers surrounding you?

This very special day has finally arrived. You have encountered many decisions leading up to this day and have probably overcome some hurdles in your preparation of your perfect wedding. You may have had to make some last minute changes to the original plan due to unforeseen circumstances.

Maybe there have been some stressful moments that you have had to overcome. But with all of your careful planning and delegation your wedding and reception will be all that you have desired it to be. Don’t forget the wonderful reason for all of these detailed preparations. Now that all the planning is over, relax and enjoy every emotion and every moment.

Expect the unexpected. It is a fact of life and it will happen. The flower girl may tear up as she walks down the aisle. The best man might fumble in his pockets for the ring for a moment prior to producing it. It is all okay. That is what will make your day and your wedding unique.

You, your family and friends will be talking about this momentous occasion for years to come. Get plenty of rest the night before and try to savor each event of this long awaited day. You will be creating a lifetime of memories for you and your intended.

Congratulations to you both and may you live happily ever after!







About Embassy Florist Canberra

Embassy Florist was established in 1979 in the heart of Canberra. We have supplied flowers to weddings in the region for all of that time.

We are located 4/22 City Walk (City Plaza Building. Beside the St George Bank just up from the fountain). We have a team of dedicated and fully qualified florists and designers whose passion is to create beautiful flower arrangements. We love a good wedding!

As well as weddings, we supply flowers to many hotels in Canberra, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Defence, The Australian War Memorial to name just a few.

We’d be delighted to consult on your flower needs for your wedding and hope that this guide has been helpful.

Phone 02 6257 3633Facsimile 02 6257 3634Email [email protected]









Beautiful Flowers at Your Wedding · What type of floral decorations will you need? Bouquets –...

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