Wedding Wednesday - Flowers Part 1 (picking them out)

Our wedding is 7 months (and 1 day) away and I've already decided on my wedding flowers.  Is it just me or is that crazy to have them picked out so early?!  Either way, it's done and I'm happy with my selections! :)  I am not a flower person so I learned a lot in the process of picking out my wedding flowers.  My florist (Designs by Bernie in Carroll, Iowa) said that flowers are like a necessary accessory.  They are meant to compliment the wedding and be the finishing touch.

There is more thought that needs to go into selecting wedding flowers than what you think.  Thus the reason for this two-part series!  This week I am going to share a few tips for picking out your flowers and next week I'll post about who gets flowers.

3 Things You Need to Know When You Pick Them Out...

1// Are flowers in season?!  I wanted a peony bouquet SO badly, I am totally crushing on them.  (If you check out my Wedding Planning Pinterest board, I've pinned them like crazy!) Unfortunately they are out of season in August which makes them expensive. :(  I know I could have whatever I want, but I do want to keep my budget in mind.

Here is a reference guide I found on The Wedding Gurus blog.  Put this reference guide in your wedding planning binder!

2// Find out if they are "Water-Lovers"
Apparently some flowers use a little more water than others, like the mini-green hydrangeas I picked out for my bridesmaids.  Flowers that love water are a little more difficult to keep alive and fresh-looking throughout the day so some additional planning may be required, like vases in the church so the flowers can have a drink between pictures and the ceremony. :)

3// Know Your Budget
Flowers may come to the top of the list when it comes to wedding expense!  I'm glad other brides prepared me for this sticker-shock! Wowza! To help save some money here, think through who should get flowers, the type of flowers you select and if they are in season.  Be up front with your florist, it will be easier for them to help you get what you want.  My florist suggested using artificial flowers mixed in with real ones.  I would have gone that route had I selected peonies.

Next week, in part 2 of this wedding flowers series, I'll run through who gets flowers and give you a look at the flowers I selected! :)

Good Luck and Happy Planning!