Your bouquet and his boutonniere can blend color, beauty and tradition! When you visit your florist -- at least six months before your wedding day -- bring sketches and fabric swatches (if possible) of your outfits. Then, your florist can suggest in-season (less expensive) flowers and bouquet styles such as a nosegay, floral cascade or a basket of blossoms. You may want to carry a floral-bedecked prayer book, or wear your wedding blooms in your hair. Discuss all options. Look for a special boutonniere for your groom, too -- something small, elegant and distinct from his ushers. (Traditionally, he covers the cost, but you may want to give him his boutonniere as a romantic wedding day gift!) Are either of you allergic to any flowers? Find out before ordering.
Maids' flowers should coordinate with your wedding colors. Each rose color has a special meaning. When several colors are combined, your bouquet can "speak" a whole sentence instead of just one thought.
Nosegays -- a bouquet with two to three different flower varieties and no baby's breath -- are popular. Bouquets are often tied with simple, soft satin ribbons and few bows. Brides often want simple, clean arrangemnts.
According to florists, roses are still the most popular choice for bouquets. Ecuadoran roses are a favorite; they are large-headed roses that open wide. Florist do try to get brides to consider in-season flowers, though, such as tulips in the spring.
The budget for flowers varies from wedding to wedding, ranging from $250 to $10,000. The floral budget can account for about 10 percent of the overall wedding budget.
Florists recommend that brides who wish to save flowers from their wedding pick flowers that dry well. Most summer flowers dry well, while spring bulb flower don't. Flowers can be air dried in by beign inverted in a hot spot; some services can freeze-dry the flowers for longer-lasting bouquets.
In Victorian times, such meaningful nosegays were known as "tussie-mussies," and courtships were often carried on from first blush to the altar with rose bouquets. Happily this lovely tradition is regaining favor today.
To help you compose your own "tussie-mussie," here are some of the most widely accepted meanings for rose colors, blooms, and arrangements:
A single rose of any color stands for simplicity; in full bloom it means, "I love you." Two roses taped or wired together to form a single stem signal an engagement or upcoming marriage. Stem leaves are a symbol of hope.
The way you carry your bouquet will add just the right accent to the beauty of your entire look. The traditional bridal bouquet should be carried low so the beauty of your gown will not be hidden. Place the holder of the bouquet under your finger so your bouquet will not tip.
An arm bouquet looks best when resting naturally in the crook of your arm. Hold your index finger under the stems to keep them from slipping.
No doubt you will want to preserve your bouquet, so have a toss-away made to substitute in the bouquet-tossing ritual.
Corsages for mothers and grandmothers should be coordinated with the colors of their dresses.
