Wedding Flowers and Arrangements

We learn, at a very young age, that flowers are an effective way to express our feelings. Chances are, you may have written or chanted the poem above to a special person, or perhaps you were the child who came home to your mom with a bouquet of dandelions clutched tightly in your sweaty palms. The innocent message of sincere love for your mom lived on well after the dandelions wilted.

When we hear the word "flower" we usually think of it as a noun: a rose, violet, lily, etc. Those words certainly evoke images consistent with our ideas about romance, weddings, love and beauty. It is also important, however, to look at the word "flower" as a verb. In so doing, it is clear why flowers have always been, and will continue be an important element of the wedding ceremony and celebration.

Webster defines flower as "to develop and flourish."

On your wedding day, you are taking your relationship that has developed over time, to a new degree of commitment and intimacy. Your friends and loved ones gather with you to celebrate this union -- supporting you with love and wishes in the hope that your marriage will continue to grow and flourish,bringing joy to those around you who see the beauty of your love.

So, no matter what your budget is, we hope you realize the important role flowers play in the wedding ceremony and consider your options.

Traditional Floral Arrangements:

Church: Paid for by the bride's parents. Floral arrangements at the altar, floral sprays on the ends of reserved pews. Depending on your budget, you can either expand or cut back on the arrangements here. In her book, The Complete Wedding Planner, Edith Gilbert has some excellent suggestions regarding floral arrangements in the church. She advises you to "Consider the lighting. Will it be a daytime or nighttime wedding? If the church interior is dark, light shades of flowers are most effective. Generally speaking, a large church with a high ceiling needs tall flower arrangements, and more of them to give any impact at all. Even in a small church flowers will be seen from a distance, therefore bold arrangements show up better than delicate, small blossoms" (163).

Reception: Paid for by the bride's parents. Arrangements on the bridal table as well as the buffet table. Small arrangements placed on tables for a seated meal. Other options include a small arrangement on the guest book table, and floral decorations on the cake table.

Bridal Bouquet: Ordered by the bride, paid for by the groom. Consider the style of your dress and the formality of the occasion. Talk with your florist. Many professional florists have photos for you to view to help you with the selection of your bouquet. Many brides use part of their bridal bouquet for their going away corsage. It saves on expenses, and is one less floral arrangement to keep track of.

Bridesmaids' Bouquet: Paid for by the bride's parents. Usually a smaller version of the bride's bouquet, perhaps with a slight variation. The bride can suggest just about anything to the florist. We were married in December and the bridesmaids had hand muffs made to match their dresses with floral sprays attached.

Flower Girl: Paid for by the bride's parents. Usually a decorative basket filled with petals for the flower girl to scatter gently along the aisle.

Bride's Father: Boutonniere, ordered and paid for by the bride's mother.

Groom, groom's father and ushers: Paid for by the groom. Boutonnieres alike except perhaps the groom's is a bit different to distinguish him from the others. All boutonnieres should, of course, be coordinated with the bride and bridesmaids.

Bride's and groom's mother: Corsages paid for by the groom. May be a corsage for the wrist, shoulder, purse.

Bride's and groom's grandparents: Paid for by the groom. Boutonniere for the grandfathers, corsages for the grandmothers. This is not mandatory, but is a nice gesture and is helpful to guests who are trying to distinguish members of the family from other guests.

Organists, soloists, clergy, etc.: Boutonnieres and/or corsages optional. A nice gesture, but not necessary.

There are many options open to couples today. The categories dealt with here were regarding a church ceremony. Many couples get married outside, at home, or at a private club. When you select your florists, talk to them. They are creative professionals who have met the needs of numerous wedding couples marrying in a variety of places. They will be happy to discuss your preferences and your budget. Florists can offer suggestions on flowers in season, arrangement options as well as your delivery needs.

The floral sponsors of this wedding site will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have about your floral needs.

Works Cited
Gilbert, Edith. The Complete Wedding Planner. New York: Warner Books, 1991.
Post, Elizabeth L. Emily Post's Etiquette: A Guide To Modern Manners. New York: Harper & Row, 1984

Quidnessett Sponsors

Flowers

CC Floral Designs (401) 617-5510

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Frey Florist & Greenhouse (401) 521-3539

Golden Gate Studios (401) 461-2299

Terra Cotta (401) 828-1000

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