A bridesmaid's bouquet does double-duty
as a table centerpiece. 

Of the many people who will add magic to your special day, few are as lovingly remembered as the Florist. Creating centerpieces, boutonnières and bouquets, the floral creations they bring to life will bring color to your photos and add unity throughout the event.

While flowers can be one of the most costly wedding expenses, there are ways to have the look you desire on a budget you can afford.

Floral Designers vs. Florists
Seek out the services of a Floral Designer. While a Florist generally operates within the confines of a shop and creates traditional arrangements, a Floral Designer doesn’t have the same overhead costs and will generally be more inclined to brainstorm solutions that will meet your budget and style goals.

Floral Designers view your vision as a challenge and will work within budgets that would cause many Florists to laugh you out of the room. This actually happened to me. I had a budget of $15/per table and wanted to create full, lavish centerpieces. When I told a florist the budget his only recommendation was to offer one rose in a bud vase. This would have looked sparse and horrible on the huge banquet rounds I was trying to decorate. Alternatively, when I presented the same budget to a Floral Designer she was able to create huge, full bouquets in colors matching the theme of the event by using seasonal flowers (dahlias, as it was a summer event). This is a wonderful example of how it is possible to achieve the look you dream of for your event by thinking outside the box. To find a floral designer in your area visit http://www.aifd.org/frmSearch.asp 

Wedding Coordinators
Working with a Wedding Coordinator can prove advantageous in that they’ll be able to put you in touch with professionals who are passionate about what they do and thrive on a challenge. To schedule a free consulation with a Wedding Coordinator visit www.designdayz.com or call the free 24-hour Bridal Hotline at 425-941-2655.

Local Flowers
Using flowers that are in-season and local to the area in which you are getting married is the easiest way to keep costs down. To see what flowers will be in season for your wedding, visit http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingflowers/a/Season.htm

Versatile Bouquets
Many Florists and Floral Designers are happy to create arrangements that multi-task; For example, arrangements that line the aisle during a ceremony and can be transferred to the reception and used centerpieces. Bridesmaid bouquets can also be stored in vases during the reception and make delightful table arrangements.

Regardless of the color scheme you select and the flowers chosen to bring it to life, the flowers for your wedding with live on forever in your pictures. It’s important to select a Florist or Floral Designer that shares your vision for the day as they create the art which will bring it to life.