Wedding Flowers--What Every
Bride Should Know before Her Big Day
Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils,
or something else, choosing the wrong flowers for that
blissful day can create a scene you'll want to soon
forget. But armed with a few basics about flowers, the
arrangements you choose will land you a bevy of compliments
and queries.
When selecting your wedding flowers, the single most
important thing to keep in mind is that all flowers
have distinct characteristics. Knowing what the characteristics
are of the flowers you'll be choosing can mean the difference
between crying because you're exchanging vows with the
man of your dreams and tearing up thanks to an allergic
reaction to the pollen in some of those beautiful flowers
in your wedding bouquet.
To avoid sniffles and sneezes at the alter, know which
blooms might cause you trouble. And ask each person
in your wedding party which blooms they are allergic
to before ordering bouquets. Topping the list of highly
allergenic blossoms are lilies and gardenias.
If you are planning a warm-weather wedding, be sure
to stick with flowers that can withstand heat and high
humidity. Delicate flowers, like hydrangeas, are likely
to wilt and sag in warm weather. Choose hardier flowers,
such as orchids, roses, or herbs.
The fragrance from flowers will be stronger during
warm weather, therefore take this into consideration
when making your selections. You will want your guests
to feel as if they've just walked into a flower garden,
not a perfume factory. When planning a summer wedding
that will take place in a small, completely enclosed
room, choose less-fragrant flowers such as orchids or
asters. Freesia, tuberose, and gardenias should be avoided.
Want to take your guests' breath away (figuratively
speaking, that is)? Near the entrance to the reception
area, be sure to have lovely floral centerpieces, or
perhaps candles, at eye level. Stringing garlands, ribbons,
or some other kind of delicate ornaments above windows
or doorways will also add to the effect.
Winter brides should consult a florist before settling
on a particular arrangement. Below 42 degrees, some
flowers may turn black. This doesn't necessarily mean
that those flowers must be excluded from your bouquet,
but it does mean that they shouldn't be taken along
for an outdoor photo shoot.
Lilies will help you to put on a stunning show, but
before you carry them next to your dress, be sure to
have your florist remove the stamens. Left intact, they'll
stain your dress with bright yellow pollen.
Although charming to look at, some field flowers are
best left out in nature. Once they are cut, most--poppies
and bluebells, for example--will droop and wilt before
you get to the altar. Notable exceptions to this general
rule include asters, sweet peas, and daisies.
Flowers are sensitive to cigarette smoke. So, if you
don't want your bouquet to turn colors or wilt, ask
your guests to smoke outside.
Some popular wedding flowers, such as euphorbia and
daffodils, are hollow-stemmed, so their sap can drip
onto your lovely gown. If you choose one of these varieties
for your bouquet, have your florist completely wrap
the stems.
Many couples begin greeting their guests well before
the ceremony is scheduled to begin. If this is your
plan, the groom's boutonniere may be completely flattened
by the time he has finished hugging and kissing his
and your relatives and friends. Consider ordering a
second boutonniere, which will be fresh for the ceremony
and the photo session.
Don't allow your centerpieces to hinder conversation
between guest. Centerpieces should always be either
high or low, never in between, forcing your guests to
crane their necks to speak to someone on the other side
of the table.
Here are a few final points to keep in mind:
Know in advance where everything is supposed to take
place. In fact, it's a good idea to write down the schedule
of where everyone should be and when. Give a copy to
your mom or dad, the maid-of-honor, your caterer, and
your florist. Giving a copy of the schedule to the florist
will help to ensure that the right floral arrangements
arrive at the right location on time.
Reusing the floral arrangements from the ceremony for
the reception areas will help to keep down costs. As
long as you have planned in advance by making sure that
the color schemes blend, there is no reason not to recycle
wedding flowers.
© 2005 Bachcroft Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director,
founder of Bachcroft Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief
of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine.
For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing
and return address labels, visit Bachcroft
Mailing and Return Address Labels.
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