We love getting expert advice here on the WeddingDates.ie blog, coz let’s face it…there is still alot I have to learn about weddings! This week, we have Eva Acton from Dundrum Blooms giving us her top tips on Wedding Flowers:
Here are a few random, tips and ideas to help you select your flowers and florist for your wedding day.
Timing
So it all sounds soooo romantic to get married on Valentine’s Day or at Christmas….but it is not always so romantic financially or practically! The major drawback to getting married at these times of year is the cost of all flowers. Flower prices are based on supply and demand (like most commodities).
The demand is high at these peak times therefore prices are subsequently high. The other major problem with getting married at Christmas is availability of flowers. The markets in Holland close for holidays and don’t reopen for 2-3 days; therefore the supply chain dries up. Generally we can’t get fresh flowers after Christmas until nearer to new Years. So we must rely on flowers keeping fresh from before Christmas. Although some flowers are very happy to do this others are not so impressed!!!
Wedding flower magazines
By all means flick through these magazines to get an idea of the typeo f flowers you would like for your bouquet, church or venue. However do bear in mind that most of the magazines design flowers without budget limitations…. and although exquisite may be very expensive to create!! We can usually do a less expensive version of them by perhaps introducing more greenery or less expensive flowers etc.
Colour
It is really helpful when visiting your florist to have a sample of the bridesmaids dress available for colour match. If necessary a good florists will order in some sample blooms so that the dress can be matched. I’m always amused at how insignificant the bridal dress is to the choice of flowers….it’s all about the bridesmaids colours!!!
Confirm your choices
Following your initial consultation with your florist, you should expect to get written confirmation of your discussion. This gives you an opportunity to collect your thoughts and add changes if necessary. It’s also a good reference point going forward with your discussions. Once you have confirmed your choices make sure these are documented. Changes can always be made even up to a week before. Indeed corsages numbers can be added to the day before!
Know your budget
Generally you should expect your first consultation to be free of charge. Be aware that the florist is giving you their expert opinion and probably spending a few hours of their time with you and write up etc. Definitely shop around but getting into a “Dutch auction” will not endear you to your wedding florist! If you like your florist, their portfolio of work and are impressed by their ideas that’s usually all you need to know to make your mind up. …it’s not meant to stress you out! If you have an idea of budget to start with then its best to let the florists know and they will work with you to make that happen.
Venue Design
Nowadays the hotels / venues very often provide table centre arrangements as part of the package they offer. Unfortunately they are not always very imaginative so it’s always worth asking your florist what they can do for your venue. It doesn’t have to cost the earth. A good florist has probably done loads of table designs for many events and will have many options to offer you.
Some great suggestions there, remember you can check out our Supplier Directory for a Wedding Florist located near you!
