The Basics
Decorating Restrictions
Before you choose your flowers and decorations, you need to check out any restrictions that your ceremony and reception sites may have regarding decorations. Many ceremony and reception venues do not allow many candles or open flames. They also may have other restrictions that you will need to know about.
You will need to buy flowers to decorate the ceremony site and the reception site. You will also need to buy the bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers, and boutonnieres for the men. Don't be surprised at the cost of the flowers. The average total floral bill according to industry estimates is $800 - $3000. Deposits vary between shops, but a 50% deposit is fairly standard.
Florist Consulting Fees
Be aware that some florists are also consultants and may charge you a consulting fee for your initial consultation. This is a legitimate practice, after all they will be giving you advice that you may take to another florist who is less expensive.
So, if you don't want to be surprised when you start to leave the shop, you had better ask about consulting fees before you make an appointment.
Specifically Choose A Wedding Florist
The florist from whom you have bought flowers for your Mother or anyone else for a special occasion may not be the best florist for your wedding flowers. Be sure and ask the florist if they do weddings before you go to see them!!
If the florist says that they do handle weddings, that's great! But be sure to ask to see a wedding portfolio and references from previous weddings. Most full service florists will handle everything from weddings to funerals and some may be better than others at wedding flowers.
The Experts
There are florists who are actually "wedding specialists". Obviously these florists probably have the most experience with weddings and will probably do the best job for you. However, they may be the most expensive.
If you can afford a wedding specialist, go for it! If not, choose the florist that is within your budget, has great references, and whose work you like most.
Where Do I Find A Florist?
The best way to find a good florist is to ask for recommendations from your ceremony and reception site coordinators, your photographer, your caterer and your friends. Read our article on Wedding Florist Shopping Tips for more tips on finding a florist.
What About Decorations Other Than Flowers?
Of course you don't have to limit your decorations to flowers. Balloons, fireworks, candles, streamers...almost anything the bride desires can be used to decorate the wedding.
- Balloons- Many brides release balloons over the dance floor or upon entrance or exit to the reception. You could choose to use all white balloons with satin ribbons tied to them or you could pick a variety of pastel colored balloons.
- Candles- Candles can be used in many ways to bring romance to a wedding. One good idea is to light long walkways or hallways with votive candles. You might also put votive candles around the pool, patio, porch or other outside area. Inside the reception hall, you could dim the light and use candles as the table centerpieces.
- Holiday Décor- For holiday weddings, you could decorate outdoor railings with greenery and Christmas lights. You could also rent trees and decorate them with Christmas lights.
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