While we can't deny that flowers play a big part in weddings, there are certain do's and don'ts that could make or break your dream of a floral wonderland on your big day. From affecting tastebuds to bouquet size, here's a useful list of what to look out for in your bridal blooms.
Do
- Go for flowers that are in season during your wedding so they don't cost so much. This could shave off a lot especially if you need them for a large venue like your banquet location or church.
- Remember that the focus should be on the bride and the bouquet should serve to complement her ensemble. A good florist can advise if you're unsure what flowers and bouquet style would be best for your look.
- Be realistic with the budget. A common mistake brides make is when they're fixated on specific flowers that their budgets don't allow. If money is an issue, tell your florist about the overall look, feel and colours you're going for so he/she has a better idea of your vision.
- Carry a bouquet that fits your size. A heavy, overwhelming and huge bouquet will overshadow a petite bride and the worst part, there's no pretty way of clutching a monster bouquet gracefully. Always remember: It's the bride who should stand out, not the bouquet.
- Take the weather into consideration. For instance, flowers such as tulips and lilacs wilt extremely quickly in hot and humid climates like Singapore.
- Keep your guests in mind when deciding on table centerpieces. Visualise the tablescape and decide on pieces that won't hinder or affect conversations. While flowers play an important part in beautifying banquet tables, you don't want your guests to be playing peek-a-boo when they're talking to someone across the table nor them looking for space on the table to place their food and drinks.
- Use fragrant blooms in your bouquet or table pieces such as tuber roses, hyacinths, and lilies sparingly. The scent may be too overwhelming and aggravate those with allergies, and could even affect the palate of wine drinkers if you're serving it at your wedding.
- Communicate your vision, likes, dislikes and expectations with your florist, but ultimately have faith in that they will create a beautiful wedding for you! Remember why you hired them in the first place, so trust is important — your florist will be grateful for that.
Don't
- Have a bouquet "buffet" (eg. 2 roses, 1 peony, some leaves sticking out, 2 stalks of eustomas, 2 carnations and some filler flowers). Just like fashion, the less is more approach applies to wedding flowers too.
- Blindly follow trends. Classic and elegant arrangements go a long way where weddings are concerned. You don't want to put an expiration date to your wedding photos.
- Match your flowers with your bridesmaids' dresses. A bridesmaid in a pink dress carrying pink flowers will not make a good photo. Go for complementary colours instead (eg. A pink bouquet against a Tiffany blue dress) to bring out the best of both for fabulous photos.
- Go crazy while doing 'homework' on Pinterest. While getting some ideas is a good thing, avoid overwhelming or confusing yourself with too many different styles that you don't actually know what you want! And if you do the same with your florist, he/she won't be able to get a proper picture of your vision.
- Overdecorate. Work the floral decor into what the venue offers and opt for arrangements that look like they belong. (eg. huge orchid arrangements on Roman pillars in a rustic set up would be an overkill.)
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