You want your wedding flowers to be beautiful—and so does your florist. Here are a few expert tips for making that happen.
Be Open Minded About Flower Types
"There is nothing more disheartening for the bride and myself than when she comes in with her heart set on yellow peonies for an August wedding, only to find out that yellow peonies are just not naturally available in August. There are a ton of flowers available year-round, like roses, hydrangeas, carnations, alstroemeria, callas and orchids, just to name a few. Knowing just this one piece of information can make your flower plan go much more smoothly."
-Flower colors are never exact. Rely on your florist to help you understand the undertones of different varieties; for example, red ranunculus have orange undertones that stand out when paired with cool colors. Also remember that many of the photographs you see online or in magazines can be misleading; when the photographer is color-correcting for skin tone and lighting, it may adjust flower colors beyond what is realistic.
Your colors may be purple and white, but mixing two colors contrasting colors without any shading can look like polka dots in pictures. Instead you might want to add in lavender and gray green foliage to give it a softer look.
Never skimp on your bridal bouquet. It is the one floral design that will be on your mantel, your bedside table, at your mother's house, your in-laws' house and on your desk at work in photos for the next 50 to 60 years—you had better like it!
If you are on a limited budget, go monochromatic for a bigger impact. A monochromatic color scheme looks more organized and really gives your ceremony and reception a pop of color that is sure to wow even in the smallest amounts.
One way to save money on your flowers is to make your flowers do double duty. I usually design ceremony flowers in such a way that they can be redistributed for display at the reception. Including vases for the bouquets to decorate the head table is a great way to reuse the bouquets that you have already paid for. Once photos are completed the bouquets are often left lying about anyway.
Know Your Budget
The most difficult and least productive meetings are the ones where no budget is given. You wouldn't go to buy a car without telling the salesman in advance if you are in the market for a Lexus, Volvo or a Focus. We request in our very first phone conversation that a budget be provided at the meeting.
Break Tradition
If you aren't planning a traditional wedding, then your flowers certainly don't have to be traditional either. And there's no need to limit yourself to roses and calla lilies. I personally love succulents and work with them whenever possible. I also pull in fruit and vegetables like pomegranates, kale, apples—whatever speaks to the wedding and a bride's vision. You also don't have to limit your containers to clear glass vases—if it will hold water it can hold your flowers.
Simplify Your Bridesmaid Bouquets
If you are on a tight budget, remember, it's your day—not your bridesmaids'. Make your bouquet perfect. Theirs can be smaller and simpler—and therefore less expensive. And if you're on a tight budget, don't ask 20 girls to be in your wedding. Twenty times anything is a lot!
XO
Amy McLaughlin
Amy McLaughlin Flowers - Owner
23 Middle Street, Newburyport, MA
978-358-8036
AMY MCLAUGHLIN FLOWERS is a Newburyport based Design Studio and Floral Shop.
We specialize in luxury floral design, florals for weddings and special events and flowers for delivery. In our shop, we offer an array of thoughtfully curated gifts, including gorgeous flower arrangements, our flower club, gourmet gift boxes, and more. Shop online or call us for same-day flower delivery throughout Boston's north shore. Please call us to schedule an appointment to talk about your wedding or special event.