Once Upon A Time…
By Barbara P.G. Williams, Co-owner of Belak Flowers
Once upon a time flower shops were a bride’s last stop as she planned her wedding. Years ago a bride would not have met with me until her bridesmaid’s dress color was selected.
Happily flowers have become a higher priority. Many brides come in before the dress colors have been finalized to see what flowers will be in season and then determine which of the dress colors she was contemplating will compliment her new floral selection.
A recent bride originally chose apple red dresses for her girls.
She then realized all her favorite flowers were in shades of red. Seeing red against red as not a great choice, the bridesmaids’ dress color was changed to grey providing a neutral backdrop for the bouquets and fitting the over all color scheme of the wedding.
Years ago, adhering to bridal magazine advice, brides contacted the flower shop of choice four to six months before their date
Which used to be plenty of time to plan and order her wedding flowers. Not long ago there were many more flower shops. Most of my brides book us nine to twelve months in advance of their day. Certain dates fill up quickly. The first available Saturday after the end of Lent is normally a popular day, especially for church weddings. The weekend between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day is popular as well. The Saturday after Labor Day has also always been a busy wedding date; the weather is still fabulous! Summer holiday weekends often have limited availability, due to venue staffing concerns. Some florists even close their shop during July 4th week!
Mother’s Day weekend is the most problematic of all weekends for many flower shops around the country. Many florists take no weddings, and those who do, may schedule only one event. If you do select Mother’s Day weekend for your wedding, and it is large and your site is a distance from the florist that you select, be sure to confirm the date as quickly as possible.
When you speak with your florist a full year before the wedding there are sure to be follow up questions as the day approaches. Changes are normal and to be expected. Such details as centerpiece count and delivery times can be confirmed in the weeks before the wedding, so don’t feel you are starting too early!
If you have set your wedding date and booked your ceremony and reception sites, be sure to schedule the appointment with your chosen florist immediately- premier shops not only book wedding weekends quickly; appointments for a consultation fill up quickly too! Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
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
Best selling cut flowers for weddings
Nationally Belak Flowers
Roses Roses
Carnations Hydrangeas
Lilies Callas
Peonies Lisianthus
Mums Orchids
Flower values for less
If you like this: consider this:
Roses Lisianthus
Orchids Irises
Peonies Dahlia
Gardenias Roses
Stephanotis Bouvardias
Lilacs Stock
