Selecting the flowers for your wedding can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning the big day. However, if you become overwhelmed by ideas, working with an experienced florist can help you choose the perfect flowers for your wedding. Floral shops can assist you in putting together flower arrangements that fit your style and your budget. When you meet with your florist, be prepared to talk about your ideas for bouquets and decorations. 

Guidelines for Selecting Wedding Flowers

The Bridal Bouquet

The bride’s bouquet is one of the most important floral arrangements. It’s typically larger and more elaborate than the flowers carried by the rest of the wedding party. The style and theme of your wedding should influence your bouquet’s design. Two popular types of bridal bouquets are round, a classic style that features more flowers than greenery, and cascade, which is essentially a waterfall of flowers and greenery that hangs over the bride’s hands. These arrangements can incorporate roses, tulips, lilies, and hydrangeas, as well as many different types of greenery, and they’re best for formal and elegant weddings. For less formal weddings, a hand-tied bouquet of mixed seasonal flowers is ideal.

The Bridal Party

Flowers for bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually less elaborate than the bride’s. They should coordinate with the bridal bouquet to create a cohesive look. Some brides opt for their wedding party to carry a smaller version of their bouquet, or a nosegay or posy style arrangement of coordinating flowers. A nosegay, for instance, is a small bouquet, usually with one color of blooms all cut to the same size, whereas a posy is a round bouquet that resembles a smaller version of the bride’s. Your florist can help you select flowers for the wedding party that coordinate with your bouquet, recommending the best colors and shapes.

Decorations 

Finally, you’ll need to work with your florist to select blooms for the decor. Depending on where you’re getting married, you may need flowers to decorate the altar or chuppah, the chairs or pews, and the reception site. Centerpieces typically coordinate with the bride’s flowers, but they don't have to match exactly. For instance, if your late summer wedding bouquet features a mix of yellow blooms, use sunflowers for a cheerful centerpiece. Talk with your florist about different centerpiece ideas that can preserve your budget, such as using candles or lanterns, or non-traditional containers to showcase the beautiful blooms. 

For personalized help choosing your wedding flowers, trust the professionals at Laurel Grove Florist & Green Houses, LLC in Port Jervis, NY. Since 1912, they’ve helped brides select the perfect flowers for their weddings and created stunning floral arrangements for all occasions. Whether you need a florist for a special event or want to pick up a bouquet “just because,” you’ll find locally grown flowers at the shop. To schedule a bridal consultation, call (845) 856-3623 or visit their website to browse their online catalog.