You are planning your wedding, and you want the perfect wedding day.  A lot of things go into your wedding plan, and flowers are a big part of your day.  Plan for approximately 5% of your wedding budget to go towards flowers.  If you choose more exotic flowers or more lavish bouquets, the cost will be even more, so making an informed decision is very important.

When choosing your wedding flower bouquet, there are a number of things to consider:  size of bouquet, the “feel” you want to portray, and of course cost.

The size of your bouquet can be a single bloom, a circular posy, a posy with ribbons, a large round bouquet, a spray of flowers, a teardrop or fall, or a trailing teardrop.  A single bloom is perfect for an elegant statement with a simple wedding dress.  A posy, with or without ribbons, also makes a simple statement.  A ‘teardrop or fall’ bouquet is one in which the flowers are in the shape of an upside down teardrop (full at the top and trailing down to a taper of flowers).  A ‘trailing teardrop’ is a larger, more elaborate teardrop style bouquet. 

When choosing your flower bouquet, consider your height, build and colouring.  If you are petite, you will not want a large trailing teardrop bouquet—you will pick the single bloom or posy style bouquet.  If you are tall, for example, you can choose a larger bouquet like the trailing teardrop.  If you have a medium build, a spray of flowers or a simple teardrop bouquet is perfect. 

What feel do you want to portray with your choice of flowers?  formal?  country garden?  minimal ceremony?  elaborate ceremony? what season?  A summer country garden feel could have a lovely blend of peonies, and country roses in a large round bouquet.  Or a simple formal winter theme  with black, white and red could be served beautifully by a single calla lily, or a red and white rose posy. 

What is the length, fabric and colour of your wedding dress?  If you are going modern with a colour wedding dress, you will want to make sure your flowers accent this beautifully, and not compete for the attention of the eye in your overall look.  If your wedding dress fabric is highly embellished, you will want your flowers to be more simple.  If your fabric is of a simple elegance, you can be more elaborate in your flowers. 

Flower colours can be pastel in tone, or rich and dark in colour.  Whatever your choice is, consider the complexion, hair colour and dress fabric of both you and your bridemaids.  Whatever you think you want for your flowers, it is always wise to get more than one florist to quote a price for you, and show you a sample of their work.  Ask for alternatives if the price is too high—flowers in season are less expensive than flowers that are out of season. 

Consider whether you want bouquets for the bridesmaids, or whether a simpler single bloom will work.  Does the groom and groomsmen need buttonholes, and will you have them for the fathers of the bride and groom also?  Who will get corsages–the mother of the bride and groom–but how about special friends who take part in your ceremony or reception? 

There are many choices available with fresh flowers, but there are also many alternatives to fresh flowers.  Silk flowers and beaded bouquets are two common alternatives to fresh flowers.  If you are having a simple summer wedding, you might have a gardener in the family who would be happy to make up simple sprays of flowers for your bridal party.  There are many alternatives, and given the cost of flowers for a wedding, it is worthwhile exploring all options.  Choosing your flowers is an enjoyable task in planning your wedding.