Advice for Choosing Wedding Flowers

• The first step in choosing flowers is to determine an overall color palette. Opt for dark, sultry hues, make a bold statement with bright, daring, colors, or create interest with a striking combination of blooms. To give more texture and dimension to the arrangements, incorporate berries, herbs, or grasses.
  
  When selecting flowers for a wedding the first selection should be the bride's bouquet. The knot.com says a tiny bride will benefit from a scaled-down bridal bouquet (see Reference 2). Consider a nose gay (a tightly packed bouquet of flowers 16 to 18 inches in diameter). A more voluptuous bride can balance a large bouquet. If your gown is heavily embellished, choose a simple bouquet in place of a large cascading arrangement. A full ball gown merits a grand arrangement as a smaller one may become swallowed in the abundance of fabric. A natural hand-tied wedding bouquet accentuates a slim, light silhouette of a sheath.
  
  The bridesmaids' arrangements should complement the color and style of their gowns. Use flowers in contrasting colors for an eclectic look. If you prefer the same color as the gowns, a graduation of the shade will create interest. For instance, if the gowns are deep magenta, consider varying shades of pink for the flowers. Incorporating non-flower elements such as feathers and crystal make for a stunning presentation. A flower girl can carry a miniature of the bridesmaids' bouquets. Baskets or pomanders (a ball of flowers hanging from a ribbon) are a practical option for small hands.
  
  Consider the venue when picking ceremony and reception flowers. Elaborate spaces call for elaborate flowers. Simple, small arrangements would seem insignificant. A loft wedding might call for a scaled-down, but sophisticated look. For table arrangements, the eclectic look is popular. Arrange flowers in a collection of small vases, bowls, etc. For a baroque look, use gold boxes, urns and bowls filled with flowers to adorn the reception tables. Mixing the heights of the centerpieces adds visual interest to the room. Add candles to the wedding flowers to give the site a soft, romantic glow.