Beyond the Bouquet: Picking flowers that elevate your wedding venue.
Navigating the world of wedding flowers can feel like a delightful but daunting task. With so many stunning options available, how do you choose the perfect floral décor to complement your venue and truly bring your wedding vision to life? It all starts with understanding your space, your style, and the impact you want to create.
Understanding Your Venue
Before you even begin dreaming of specific flowers, take a good look at your chosen venue. Is it a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, a manicured garden, or a secluded forest? Each space has its own unique character and existing architectural elements that should inform your floral choices.
Indoor Venues: Think about the ceiling height, the color palette of the walls, and any existing lighting fixtures. High ceilings can accommodate grander, more dramatic arrangements, while intimate spaces might call for more delicate and understated designs.
Outdoor Venues: Consider the natural surroundings. Are there established trees or arbors that can be incorporated? What are the dominant colors of the existing flora? Work with nature, not against it, for a truly harmonious look.
Indoor Wedding Wonders: Elevating Elegance
Alter Arrangements: These are often the focal point of your ceremony.
Traditional: Tall, opulent arrangements flanking the alter create a sense of grandeur and formality.
Modern: Asymmetrical designs, floral arches, or even minimalist groupings of single-stem flowers can offer a contemporary flair.
Cascading: For a romantic feel, consider arrangements that flow downwards from a pedestal or arch.
Table Centers: These are where your guests will spend a significant amount of time, so make them memorable.
Low and Lush: Ideal for encouraging conversation, these arrangements provide a beautiful burst of color without obstructing views.
Tall and Dramatic: For venues with high ceilings, tall centerpieces can add vertical interest and a sense of luxury, but ensure they don't block guests' lines of sight.
Garlands: For long tables, continuous floral garlands create a sense of abundance and can be intertwined with candles for a warm glow.
Other Decor Options: Don't forget the details!
Entryway: A stunning floral display at the entrance sets the tone for your event. This can be a foliage and flower garland to drap over a welcome sign or table seating chart. Or a personalised Sandwich Boaadorning the names of teh cuple and date of the wedding with a trough of matching flowers.
Aisle Decor: Floral pew ends, or elegant floral stands can transform your walk down the aisle and can be easily reused throughout the venue once the ceremony has finished.
Hanging Installations: Floral chandeliers or suspended floral arrangements can add a breathtaking element to your reception space, especially in venues with high ceilings.
Outdoor Oasis: Embracing Nature's Beauty
Outdoor weddings offer a unique opportunity to blend your décor seamlessly with the natural environment.
Alter Arrangements
Arches: Adorn these structures with lush greenery, flowing fabrics, and your chosen blooms for a truly ethereal look.
Freestanding Pillars: Create a natural backdrop using arrangements on pillars, perhaps incorporating branches or rustic elements.
Natural Backdrops: Sometimes, the best "arrangement" is simply enhancing an already stunning tree or natural vista with subtle floral accents.
Table Centers
Wildflower Inspired: Embrace the natural setting with loose, organic arrangements that feel gathered from the surrounding landscape. Ikebana or a minimalist style always works well.
Potted Plants: For a sustainable and charming option, consider potted herbs or flowering plants that guests can take home as favors.
Other Decor Options
Pathway Markers: Line pathways with floral arrangements or potted plants to guide your guests.
Floral Swings or Photo Booth Backdrops: Create charming and interactive floral installations for memorable photo opportunities.
Budget and Bloom Availability: Practical Considerations
Always discuss your budget openly with your florist. Some flowers are more expensive than others, and seasonality can significantly impact availability and cost. Being flexible with your flower choices can often lead to equally stunning, but more budget-friendly, alternatives.
Choosing your wedding flowers is an incredibly personal journey. By considering your venue, your style, and working closely with a talented florist, you can create floral décor that not only enhances your space but also reflects your unique love story, leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests.
