Start your floral vision by deciding on the theme of your wedding.


Roses are the epitome of romance and can exude a beautiful, timeless look. Another popular bloom of late is baby's breath - great on its own or as a filler. It’s perfect for rustic nuptials and seaside soirees and particularly sweet in flower girl bouquets.


But you don't have to stay with one or two flower types - you could choose a variety of flowers that complement each other, such as different shaped and sized blooms, different shades of a similar colour schemes and different textures.


Deciding on your wedding colour palette. The season you'd like to get married in and the flower varieties available in these months will help you get started.


SEASONAL GUIDE


Summer-spring months: Freesia, frangipani, lily, garden rose, hydrangea, jasmine, lavender, pansy, peony, tuberose.


Winter-autumn months: Camellia, daffodil, poppy, violet, azalea, sweet pea, tuberose, tulip.


All-rounders: Carnation, orchid, daisy and gerbera. Some roses and tulips are grown all year round in greenhouses, so should be found relatively easily.


BOUQUETS


Your bridal bouquet will be the most photographed floral arrangement on the day, so consider the style and shape carefully.


Size wise, make sure it is proportionate to your stature but note the bride’s bouquet is usually bigger than that of her bridesmaids. Add some texture and dimension with different foliage, branches and berries. Leave some leafy tendrils flowing for a relaxed look. Also be sure to take a colour swatch of your gown when meeting your florist so you get a perfect colour match - especially if there will be cream or white blooms in your bouquet. Otherwise, either your dress or bouquet could take on a yellow tinge.


For a nostalgic touch and as your “something blue”, you might like to fix a blue family heirloom such as an antique hat pin or a brooch on to the “stem” of your bouquet.


AISLE STYLE


Outdoor ceremonies provide lots of opportunity for scenic backdrops and often alleviate the need for elaborate floral decorations. For maximum floral effect, holding your ceremony in a flowering garden will provide all the wow factor minus the price tag. Alternatively, you could say “I do” under the boughs of a majestic tree.


To create a defined focus point for your vows, consider a timber arch or gazebo with billowing sheer fabric drapes and a hanging floral installation. Line the aisles with hired topiary trees or planter boxes filled with potted flowering plants, which you can then pop in your own garden later.


In a church setting, consider some big impact floral pieces near the altar -  use plinths, large leafy fronds or branches for height.
A rose petal toss is a pretty way to mark your exit as husband and wife while avoiding the often-banned confetti or rice “showering”.


SUBLIME CENTREPIECES


One great money-saving option is to incorporate your ceremony flowers into the reception decorations to make your dollar go twice as far. Place them near the bridal table where they will have the most impact.


You could also add extra greenery to your tables by making your bomboniere part of the decorations - try mini pots of herbs or succulents with a little wooden sign or gift tag for a flourishing thank-you gift.


For visual interest at a country style wedding, why not group lots of different sized vases on guest tables and create height with small wooden crates. Go for the wow factor by hanging floral arrangements along branches or suspending clear glass baubles.


When considering arrangements, make sure you account for height - low arrangements allow for easy conversation but can look cluttered on narrow tables while high arrangements make a solid statement. Just make sure they're higher than your guests' eyeline otherwise it will obscure their views of the festivities.


 


Top Tips:


- Go for in-season flowers - they will be fresher, brighter, easier to source and less expensive.


- Bulk up your floral arrangements with lots of foliage for a fuller look.


- Don't forget the bathrooms - they're one of the most visited parts of your reception venue but often neglected. Pop a small posy, some scented candles and luxurious soaps on the vanity to really spoil your guests.


- Leave little notes with close friends or your family's bonbonniere to let them know which flower arrangements they can take home.


- Make sure you have some vases with water set up at the reception to pop your bouquets in to ensure they stay fresh all night long.


 


PHOTO: The west wedding guide 2014


 


© The West Australian


Original article at the West Wedding Guide: Wedding Guide.