Set out to make your wedding florals memorable by carefully selecting colors, fragrance strength and type, and arrangement of your flowers. Large weddings might benefit from stronger-smelling flowers such as roses!
Consider adding a local touch to your bouquet or boutonniere with New Jersey's state flower, the meadow violet. Depending on the season and setting of your wedding, outdoor colors might inspire your floral theme.
Budgeting for Your Flowers
A commonly accepted figure for a wedding flower budget is 10% of your overall wedding budget. So, if you plan to spend $10,000, you would spend $1000 of that money on flowers. However, New Jersey is home to many competing florists, and you can often find prices and packages that suit your wedding motif without breaking the bank. Look to spend anywhere from 3% to 8% of your total budget on flowers for a solid wedding day deal.Choosing Your Wedding Florist
Your florist should have professional experience and references from past clients available upon request. Sometimes, you can find a great florist through word of mouth from friends, family, your wedding planner or others. Any planner you choose should be prompt for any meetings you schedule, and be sure to inquire about their method and time of delivery on the day of your wedding. Do not work with a florist who does not work under contract. What sort of guarantees do they provide? You want your flowers to show up on time and to remain fresh throughout your ceremony!Are they set up to deal with indoor and outdoor preparations and display? Roses, for example, wilt quickly in the heat, and may not be suitable for a beach wedding unless prepared at the last minute. Ask to see their portfolio of past receptions and events, and talk with them about your concepts and the amount you'd like to spend. They may be able to help you develop your wedding flower ideas. Keep in mind that in-season flowers are often more affordable than those that must be shipped in or grown out-of-season. Your wedding planner likely has well-tested connections and imaginative ideas, and may know your style well enough to be helpful in this process.
Even looking around their shop will give you a great idea of your options and their abilities, as many florists arrange flowers for just such a visit. That said, it can sometimes be nice to drop by a shop unannounced before introducing yourself to get a good feel for the "day to day" flavor of how they manage their business.
New Jersey Bouquets
Creating a stylish Jersey bouquet which enhances the essence of your wedding look is a matter of matching flower personalities to your own unique style. Mums, daisies and tulips all have a light, friendly, youthful quality about them, while roses of nearly any color are a classic complement to any wedding motif. Delicate orchids suit tropical and beach themes for "Down the Shore" weddings, while local wildflowers tied with a ribbon in the color of your choice might be all an inland Jersey bride needs to complete her look.The other primary consideration for your bouquet will be your wedding dress style. A large bouquet suits a full length dress, while a smaller arrangement may complement a tea-length dress. A cascading bouquet is a wonderful counterpoint to a long, elegant bridal train.
Special Tip:If possible, have your florist remove any pollen before the bouquet is made to avoid unsightly accidental stains on your dress.
Reception Centerpiece Ideas
As accents for your guests' tables, most brides choose flowers which fit with their overall motif. Less expensive flowers are typically used, so don't be afraid to explore local options or carnations. You can often give your centerpieces away to local friends and family as parting gifts.NOTE: The height of your centerpieces will also determine how much conversation goes on at the tables if the view from across is limited by the decor. A small centerpiece can be great for a table that gets along, while you can keep cantankerous relatives separated by a larger display. Keep this in mind when choosing your floral spread.
Floral Wedding Arrangements
This last category will likely be the most extravagant arrangement in your planning, and may be displayed at the entrance to your ceremony or reception site. Many brides choose displays with ribbons, dramatic lighting, organic sculptural additions, glasswork and more. This entryway piece can define the mood of your guests as they enter your ceremony or reception, and should match the theme and feel you are going for in your wedding. If you're a simple, breezy bride, a rainbow display of spring tulips in a single vase might be your welcoming flora. If you're after dramatic elegance, long-stemmed lilies with black and white accents and dramatic lighting may greet your guests.Your arranged flowers can also be used to highlight central areas of your reception, as near a punch bowl or at a gift table. Less fragrance is best here, as the arrangement will overpower the areas if it is too strong.