Wedding Wednesday - Flowers Part 2 (who gets them)

Last week I started a two-part Wedding Wednesday series on flowers and tackled 3 things to consider for picking them out.  This week I'm continuing the series with who should get flowers and giving you a preview of what I picked out for our wedding flowers!

After picking out flowers, I can see how they can get to be a huge wedding expense!  The 3 areas to consider are personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception decor.  

{Personal Flowers}

Bride's bouquet

Bridesmaids bouquet

Groom's boutonniere

Groomsmen/usher boutonniere

Corsages for moms/grandmothers

Flower girl flowers

Ring bearer boutonniere

Other boutonniere's & corsages

Tossing bouquet

{Ceremony Flowers}

Aisle runner

Pew decorations

Alter arrangements

Tossing petals

Candles

{Reception Flowers}

Entranceway arrangement

Bride & Groom chair decorations

Reception centerpieces

Cake decor

Whew!  That's a lot of flowers to consider!  If you're working on a budget, like we are, you may have to pick and choose who gets flowers.  I gave this some serious thought during a phone conversation with my mom and here is what we came up with for who will be getting flowers at our wedding....

The Bride (aka Me)

The Bridesmaids

Grandpa's & Grandmas

Cake

Toss bouquet

As you noticed, we left a lot of things & people off the list.  Here is our rationale...

The groom and groomsman aren't wearing suits so we don't really care to pin flowers to their shirts.  Plus the groom didn't really want to wear a flower.  If you've looked around, you've probably noticed that it is becoming less common for the guys to wear flowers.

Everyone should know who the parents are! :) The mom's will be wearing fancy dresses anyhow and if the groom and groomsman aren't getting flowers, it probably doesn't make sense for the dad's to wear flowers.

We aren't going to put flowers on the alter either.  This is the most expensive arrangement and people may or may not see it.  Plus, someone has to be responsible for  moving it from the church to reception.  These flowers are traditionally in memory of the deceased.  I have another idea for that...

We are still doing flowers for grandpas and grandmas.  There is tradition that grandparents look forward to and they deserve to stand out during this special day.  Especially since celebrations like this are what keep them kicking!

I come for a family of crafty, stylish ladies so we can handle the reception centerpieces.

Finally, here is a sneak-peek at my wedding flowers!

{For the Bride}

Washed pink roses

{For the Bridesmaids}

Mini green hydrangea bouquets

Happy Planning!

Linking up with Southern Lovely for Show and Share #77!

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!