The A to Z of ‘Everything You Need to Know about Flowers’

by Creative Works (UK)

Always provisionally book your designer/florist as far in advance as possible. Most florists take bookings up to 18 months ahead – it’s one less thing to have to worry about!

Be yourself when choosing your flowers – they should be a true reflection of your ‘individual’ personality. Choose for you and nobody else!

Collect images from wedding magazines or websites of any flowers/designs that you particularly like or dislike, as a starting point for a meeting with your potential florist

Don’t assume that you can move any church displays onto your venue. Check with your church first, it’s sometimes expected that all displays will be left in place for any Sunday service taking place the next day

Everyone is different and individual flower budgets do vary. Some might say that 10% to 15% of the total cost of your wedding is an average spend these days.

Foliage in some cases can be more expensive than your chosen flowers, ask your florist for advice!

Give a potted ‘Wedding Day’ rose rambler as a gift instead of a presentation bouquet – it will provide a long lasting memento of the day

Hand tied bridal bouquets will benefit from a good one-inch chop of the stems before plunging into water, at the end of your day – a bucket of sand might be just as effective if you forget!

Incorporate fresh flowers into a contemporary wrist corsage or hair accessory as opposed to a bridal bouquet – very inexpensive and gives a chic and individual edge

Just want a very simple table centre display? Why not style your tables with a circular mirror tile, fresh rose petals and Moroccan tea glass votives with tea lights – very inexpensive and stylish

Keep table centre decorations below 16 inches in height, they do not obstruct your guests view of one another and it helps to keep the conversation flowing

Less is more as they say! Go in moderation if incorporating ‘detail’ such as crystals, pearls, feathers or faux diamonds into your bridal bouquet, especially if your dress is quite detailed.

Marquee table centre decorations most definitely benefit from a vibrant splash of colour to detract the eye from so much white canvas

Never settle for second best!

Opt for one or two large and dramatic designs as opposed to lots of smaller insignificant displays

Peonies are out of season during the Month of your wedding? Go for David Austin ‘Olivia’ rose- absolutely stunning with a scent to die for! Stocked by Creative Works throughout the year

Qualify your short list of potential florists before a consultation by taking a look at their website galleries in the comfort of your own home (or work place when the boss is out!)

Remember, that ‘Candy Bianca’ rose variety is no longer being grown. A good substitute would be ‘Sweet Akito’

Save money by using the same design twice, for example your ceremony table display could also become your top table display

Tall, thin vases incorporating flowers en masse that spill out over your seated guests heads are great for that initial ‘wow’ factor. However, when seated, your guests will only benefit from a view of the vase stem and not the actual flowers

Unconventional brides might wish to carry an innovative floral handbag or pomander for a touch of ‘sex in the city’!

Very large corsages or buttonholes can actually drag the fabric when attached with pins to sheer outfits. Ask your florist to incorporate professional corsage magnets for ease of attachment to garment or handbag

When hiring vases for table centre decorations from your florist, ask that some pre cut sheets of cellophane/ribbon be left – then you can wrap the stems from the vases and give them away as token gifts

Xerophyllum is the botanical name for beargrass

Yes, most flowers are available for ‘out of season’ ordering, however, make the most of the vast availability of flowers during their peak season, not only will they be more cost effective but more importantly at there best, with stronger scent if applicable

Zantedeschia (calla lily) do vary slightly in shade depending on which month they are actually cut by the growers. Try not to plan your whole theme around an ‘exact’ colour – it’s just natures way!