Whether your wedding will be casual or elegant, classic or modern, modest or over the top, here are five things every bride should know to make sure her wedding flowers and reception decorations are picture perfect on her wedding day.
Bailie and Tyler | Photo courtesy of Jenna Marie Photography
1. Your wedding flowers are too important to trust to just any florist, friend, or family member. Find an experienced wedding florist with the resources you need to make your wedding gorgeous and worry-free. Ask about his or her experience, credentials, awards, and support team. A professional company that has decorated hundreds of weddings will bring years of valuable experience to your wedding, too.
2. Every wedding is unique, and floral design is a creative, collaborative process. So, meet with your wedding florist in person. Call to schedule a convenient time. Feel free to bring a few pictures or fabric swatches. Ask questions. Be open to ideas. And, understand that the initial proposal is only a starting place. Once you find the right vision and chemistry, minor changes are easy.
3. Remember the "big picture," especially when it comes to price. While some large event companies and downtown city florists may charge a little more due to overhead, most florists' prices are surprisingly similar. Where they differ is usually in quality, creativity, overall ambiance, and execution. So remember, it's not just about price; it's more about value and the overall impact. A great florist will bring you the "best bang for your buck" with a combination of the right flowers, design elements, rental options, and services for you. Just be honest about your financial comfort zone, be open to suggestions, and get ready to be "wowed" by the results.
What's a typical budget for wedding flowers? It can be anything from as little as $1,500 to more than $50,000, with most weddings and receptions in the $3,000 to $6,000 range. The choice is up to you. What can be done with your budget depends a lot on the florist you choose.
4. Looking for the best value? Don't get too hung up on one unusual flower. Availability and price can vary by season. Let your florist know what flowers you love, but be open to one or two alternatives, too. Your florist can advise you on the best quality and value for the look you want to achieve.
Floral Centerpiece | Photo courtesy of Kristina Taheri Special Events
5. Take time to discuss details. Flowers help pull everything together. So, in addition to your bouquet, the bridal party flowers, and the reception centerpieces, consider entry and aisle decorations, alter arrangements, corsages for mother's and grandmothers, an arch, chuppah, or mandap, the head table, cake decoration, candles, and even powder room accents. Extra touches make a big difference, and many florists will be happy to transport some items from the ceremony to the reception, so you get the most out of your gorgeous designs.
For wedding flowers that "wow" but don't "break the bank," find a florist who's experience, talent, and team will take things to the highest level for you. Meeting in person is usually the best way to start. You don't have to be an expert, that's the florist's job. You just need to get acquainted, share ideas, and start the collaborative process. An experienced wedding florist will guide you from there.
Getting married in the Chicago area? Call to schedule a free consultation with a wedding expert at one of the Phillip's Flowers locations in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont, and Wheaton. Or, call (630) 719-5186 to speak to the wedding team at our Design Center today.
Ranked among the top 1% of florists in North America, Phillip's Flowers is a fourth-generation, family-owned florist specializing in weddings and events throughout Chicago and suburbs. Phillip's buys its fresh flowers direct from around the world, has a team of talented wedding and event designers, works with Chicagoland's finest venues, and is known for its creativity, reasonable prices, personal service, and attention to details.