Flowers add the most to the décor and theme of your wedding. When choosing a florist make sure she is experienced in weddings. Get to look at her work, ask if she has photos of weddings she has done. Ask where you can view examples of her arrangements, and choose a florist that does the sort of arrangements that you like. Often for a small fee a florist will demo a table and bouquet design for you, based on the descriptions you have given her in your discussions about the wedding. This is a good way to iron out any small things you may not like. However if the florist is experienced she will know what is available seasonally, and what will look good with your hall, décor, and dress so do consider her advice most seriously.
Brows the bridal magazines and cut out or bookmark arrangements that you like. Take these along to your meeting with the florist. The more references she has the more she will be able to give you what you want.
Flowers that are in season are usually cheaper than exotic hothouse or out of season choices and it is a good idea to have agreed upon a flowers and design well in advance so the florist can order the flowers she needs.
Flowers can be used at many points of a wedding though not all are necessary:
A flower arrangement in the ceremony location and possibly pew decorations
Bridal bouquet
Bridesmaids bouquets
Corsages
Boutonnière
Flower girl baskets
A flower arrangement at the entrance to the reception locale and possibly standing arrangements at the head of the venue, and at the cake table.
Flowers at the gift table and buffet line
Flowers to decorate the cake knife
Table center pieces
Flowers to designate dance floor
Garlands to decorate exposed beams and banisters
Small flower arrangements in the bathrooms
Of course all this will definitely be expensive, but you can cut down by foregoing many of the above, or doing away with flowers in the pew decorations and making your own bows, using white sash to garland beams and banisters, and not using large free-standing arrangements in the reception venue.
Discuss your budget with your florist. If she is experienced she will often be able to suggest some cheaper alternatives to flowers using wire, beads, interesting bark and sticks.
