FLOWERS EXPRESS YOUR WEDDING’S PERSONALITY
Flowers are an integral part of every wedding’s aesthetic, but they can also be a great way for brides to express their personality and creativity. In 2018, greenery — like palm leaves, ferns and moss — was the standout trend, adding a charmingly natural touch while also being cheaper than flowers. But 2018 is long gone, and in 2019, flowers are making a comeback.
This year’s colors are elegant whites and light grays, along with rich jewel tones that will add a sophisticated air to your wedding. Floral statement pieces are also more popular than ever — think dramatic wall decorations, elaborate arches, and even ceilings covered in blooms and greenery. And while many brides are opting for big blooming décor, they’re toning down their bouquets and centerpieces to be tastefully minimalist.
ONLINE INSPIRATION
Pinterest is your friend if you need some floral inspiration. The variety of beautiful bouquets, innovative ideas and pretty things in bloom can encourage creativity when it comes to flower choices. Blogs like Snippet & Ink, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes and Brides also have a ton of ideas, and some allow you to search by color scheme, season or favorite flower. To save money, look for ways to use floral decorations from the ceremony, such as bouquets and altar arrangements, at your reception site.
MAKE IT PROFESSIONAL
Hire an experienced local professional to help keep you and your flowers on budget. Rarely does a bride do the flowers herself — almost all hire florists to bring their visions to life. When interviewing florists, ask to see a portfolio of their work. Many professionals also have online galleries or post their work on Instagram, making it easy to view a large variety of the centerpieces and bouquets they have assembled. Look for a florist whose style fits your vision as well as your budget. Make sure you ask about any deposits, fees and payment schedules before signing a contract. Selecting the flowers can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding, since it’s an opportunity to incorporate your theme, your season and your color scheme all in one place. Whatever your budget, you can feel confident that you can pull off something beautiful, because you’re sure to find a local professional who will be more than happy to make your dreams come true.
SEASONAL IS SENSIBLE
While greenhouses make it possible to get whatever flowers you’d like any time of year, your costs will skyrocket if you select blossoms that are out of season. Make sure you know what will be in bloom when you are getting married and choose those options for your centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, petals for the flower girl and any altar decorations. Flowers usually make up about 5 percent to 12 percent of a bride’s overall wedding budget, and to stay on the lower end of that average will require choosing more economical blooms.
COLOR-CODED
This year’s colors are elegant whites and light grays, along with rich jewel tones that will add a sophisticated air to your wedding. Here are a few suggestions on blooms to add those tones to your bridal bouquet, depending on the season:
- WINTER: Cedar, lemon leaf, succulents, garden roses, lisianthus, burgundy orchids and tallow berries
- SPRING: Poppies, tulips, jasmine, delphinium, lilacs, sweet peas, peonies and ranunculus
- SUMMER: Freesia, dahlias, carnations, poppy pods, wax flowers and hydrangeas
- FALL: Thistle, garden roses, winter eucalyptus, nigella and brunia berry
