Wedding Flowers

Weddingsone of the most interesting

and challenging segments of the florist business

tradition plays a major role

Weddingsmodern weddings are

reflecting more individualitycouples are generally older

and have a specific idea of what they want

Bridal Consultationsfirst interview is usually the

most importantat least three months prior to

the wedding

Bridal Consultationsnormally handled by the head

designer or the owner/manager of the shop

an area is usually set aside for these meetings where interruptions will be minimal

Bridal Consultationsmay include looking at

ribbon samplesphoto albums of sample

wedding work

Bridal Consultationsflorist must learn as much

about the wedding plans as possible

Bridal Consultationsflorist needs to determine:set a budget within which to

work

Other stuff….Type of gowntype of wedding being

plannedhow large is the wedding

party

Other stuff….Formal or informalwhere will the service take

placetime of day or eveningreligious ceremony

Other stuff….Where is the receptionhow large will the reception

bewho is paying for the

flowers

Bridal Consultationestablish the size and budget for

the weddingwith this info the florist will be

better able to make suggestions relative to flower choices and other decorations

Wedding order formused for planning floral

decorationslists the majority of items

needed for the wedding

Wedding order formhas space for notes on the

style and types of flowers used

serves as a contract between the florist and the bride

Wedding order formthe form is signed by the

bride and the floristthis helps prevent problems

in the future

Wedding order forma copy is given to the bride

to serve as her referenceitemized list of floral

expenses

Wedding order formform may categorize

expenses under two columnsone for the bride and one for

the groom

Bouquetsbridal and attendantstyle is preference of brideseveral factors considered in

selecting style of bouquets

Bouquetsflowers should compliment

the gowntraditional gowns -

traditional flowers such as roses and stephanotis

Bouquetssize of the bride and attendantspetite women should carry a

small airy cascadenot a large, heavy cascading

bouquet

Bouquetslarger women can carry

larger, heavier bouquetsmost frequent styles

ordered:arm bouquet

Bouquetscolonial nosegaycascading bouquetvariations of each are made

by altering the flowers used, size, density of bouquet

Arm bouquetspresentation bouquetcarried across the forearmdesigned with natural stems

remaining on the flowerskept fresh in a vase until wedding

time

Arm bouquetsorchid tubes or water picks may

also be usedremove tubes just before the

weddingflowers are bound together with

wire

Colonial Nosegayhandheld bouquets constructed in a circular

shape with an attached handleusually a plastic bouquet

holder is used with

Colonial Nosegaysoaked oasis or floral foam is

placed in the bouquet holdera piece of PVC pipe is used to

hold the bouquet holder while designing

Cascade bouquetsheld at the waistcreated by extending the

colonial bouquet into a flowing garland.

Cascade bouquetscascade may be any length

from one foot to floor lengthcascade is extremely popular

with brides

Cascade bouquetshand tied - each flower

wired and taped separatelydesigned in same foam

holders as colonial nosegays

Cascade bouquetswire and tape the long

cascade and add to a foam bouquet holder

Corsages and Boutsnormally worn by ushers,

best man, groomsmenparents, grandparentsservers at the receptionother close family members

Corsages and boutsorganist, minister, soloistminister - if they do not wear

a roberoses and orchids are favorite

for mothers and g’mas

Corsages and boutsany flower can be chosenusually flowers used in

bridal or bridesmaids bouquets

Ceremonial Decorations

check to see if the church has a policy on the use of flowers and decorations

Ceremonial Decorations

a few large, bold arrangements are more effective than several small ones

Entry and Vestibuleguest book tablecut flower arrangementsgarlands framing doorways

Aisles and Pewsbows made of number 9 or

40 ribbonwhite is the most commonoften accented with flowers

and foliage

Aisles and Pewsmay be used on every pewevery second or third pew

Candelabramay have flowers and

foliage added may be used in altar area or

in aisles

Altarfocus attention on the center of the

altarshould be large enough to be seen by

wedding guestslarge, bright flowers are most

effective

Altarsingle arrangement in center

of altartriangular or fan shaped

Reception Decorations

many times arrangements used at the wedding are moved to the reception site

Receptionserving tablescake tablepunch tablefloating pool arrangement

Rehearsal dinnerdepends on the style of

dinnerarrangements are kept low

so guests can see

Deliveryflorist usually stays at the

wedding site until the ceremony has begun.

pins on corsages and hands out bouquets