For The Love Of Flowers
By Barbara P.G. Williams, Co-owner of Belak Flowers
A fter completing your list of wedding choices ~ from venue to dress colors ~ your next step is selecting the particular flowers you will have in the floral designs.
Here are some handy guidelines for making those decisions.
Personal Favorites:
Have you always dreamed of a total rose wedding, always loved calla lilies or have you got a chic dogwood tattoo?
Maybe your flower theme is built around the birth month flowers of you and your fiancé; even beloved or distant friends or family members.
Some are inspired by Mom’s garden. Lilies of the valley, peonies, and hydrangeas are cottage blooms that might bring back great memories.
Or maybe the flower that started it all: a first bloom from a fiancé, from simple daisies to daffodils ~ red roses and stargazers.
Flowers by the Month:
January Carnation
February Violet
March Jonquil
April Sweet Pea
May Lily of the Valley
June Rose
July Larkspur
August Gladiolus
September Aster
October Calendula
November Chrysanthemum
December Narcissus
Wedding economics:
Using flowers readily available on or around your wedding date makes good sense; rarity blooms or colors can come at a price.
Flowers by the season:
Year round~
Alstromeria, Lilies, Calla Lilies Lisianthus, Delphinium, Roses, Gardenias, Snapdragon, Gladiolus Stock, Hydrangea, Sunflowers, Hypericum, Tulips, Iris, Uluhe
Spring~
Boronia, Lilac, Daffodils, Lily of the Valley, Heather, Muscari, Hyacinths, Sweet Peas, Iris, Tulips
Summer~
Ageratum, Peony, Campanula, Strawflower, Dahlias, Sunflower, Gomphrena, Tweedia, Lavender, Zinnias
Autumn~
Asclepia, Hypericum, Chrysanthemums, Ilex, Dahlias, Tansy, Japanese Lanterns, Yarrow
Winter~
Amaryllis, Paperwhites, Euphorbia, Rosehips
Figuring your flowers:
The flower decoration budget is generally about 10% of the wedding budget. Whether your wedding is planned for an at home gathering, a grand ballroom, or a size in between, placement and quantity should be coordinated with the venue.
Always let your florist know what dollar amount you are comfortable with so the quality and quantity of flowers work for you. Your florist can take you from a simple but elegant baby’s breath creation all the way to glorious orchids and exotics!
Bridal bouquet $ _____
Bridesmaids ___ X ____ $ _____
Flower girls $ _____
Corsages ___ X ____ $_____
Boutonnieres ___ X ____ $ _____
Ceremony Decorations $ _____
Centerpieces ___ X ____ $ _____
Additional decorations $ _____
Budget considerations:
Do remember: Your florist answers to the wholesale marketplace and is charged higher rates for red roses during Valentines week than in July. The price difference is passed along Keep your season and date in mind.
Belak Flowers
Where Your Vision Comes Into Bloom
since 1954
302-762-5000
888-762-8877
832 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE 19809
established wedding specialist free personal consultation with Barb all budgets possible evening appointments available