Bride Guide: Getting the Most Out of Your Flowers

I’m very excited to have the amazingly talented Jennifer Hodgins of Branford Flower Shop in Branford, CT (you may remember me praising her in previous posts, as she was the florist for my wedding!) here for today’s afternoon segment of the Bride Guide.  I asked Jennifer a while back if she had any advice for brides when it comes to choosing flowers for the big day, and she provided me with the following:

1. To help save $$, choose flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding.
2. Select the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses before visiting your florist.  Their dress color influences the bouquet colors, which help determine which flowers to use.
3. Bring pictures and color swatches of individual flowers, bouquets, pew decorations, table arrangements, etc. so the florist can not only hear, but see, what you like.
4. The florist will suggest flowers that fit your personality and wedding style.  As an example, if you’re a free spirit bride having a ceremony in the park, a tight bouquet of all white roses is probably not for you.
5. Start visiting florists at least 6 months prior to your wedding.  Many florists offer a free consultation.
6. Be prepared to make a deposit and sign a contract when you book the florist.  Most florists deduct the deposit from the total due.
7. Tell the florist what your flower budget is.  This helps the florist create an estimate that’s realistic for you. Knowing how much you can spend is key to flower selection, table arrangements, etc.
8. Be open with your florist.  Be honest about your preferences, including colors and flower types, what you won’t accept, and anything else that would be helpful in designing your flowers.  Mention any flower allergies, too.
9. As your wedding day gets closer, you and your florist will review your schedule, e.g. where and when to deliver the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, ceremony flowers, etc.
10. If, after meeting with a florist, you don’t feel comfortable with that person or shop, consider someone else.  It’s important you have a good working relationship with your florist.  There are so many things to stress about - your florist should not be one of them.