After finalizing key wedding vendors like your coordinator, caterer, and photographer, what’s next on your list? It’s time to focus on your wedding flowers and decor!
Your choice of flowers can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding day. From bouquets to boutonnieres, ceremony decorations to centerpieces, flowers can be incorporated into many aspects of your celebration!
With so many options available, selecting the perfect wedding flowers can seem overwhelming. To help you navigate this process, we reached out to two leading wedding florists in Northeast Florida, Tula Rose Floral and Event Design, and Malia Floral Design.
Read on for a detailed guide on wedding bouquets and flowers, including when to hire a florist, how to bring your design vision to life, and the latest trends in floral arrangements.
Image: Beautiful wedding flowers at Molly and Tyler’s wedding by Malia Floral Design. Photo by Sarahdipity Photos
Why Hire a Wedding Florist
While not essential for weddings, flowers can certainly add a special touch to your big day. If flowers are a priority for you, consider enlisting the expertise of a professional florist who specializes in weddings.
Professional florists can help turn your vision into reality and customize your venue to match your style and preferences. They also take care of all the logistical details related to your floral arrangements on the day of your wedding.
Don’t limit yourself to just bouquets and centerpieces; think about incorporating flowers in other areas of your wedding. For example, Molly and Tyler’s wedding cake was beautifully decorated with flowers from Malia Floral Design. Photo by Sarahdipity Photos
It’s also important to consider the florist’s portfolio and experience. Look for a florist who has experience with weddings and has a portfolio that aligns with your vision. Ask to see photos of their past work to get an idea of their style and capabilities.
Don’t forget to discuss your budget with the florist upfront. Make sure they are able to work within your budget without compromising the quality of their work.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. A good florist will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have and will work with you to create the perfect floral arrangements for your special day.
When to Book Your Florist
Experts suggest booking your florist at least a year in advance of your wedding date to secure accurate pricing and availability.
Start the design process as soon as you have your venue locked in and a basic idea of your color scheme. Remain open to design changes as your ideas develop.
Image: Unique backdrop created by Tula Rose Floral Designs for Kennedy and Parker’s wedding reception. Photo by Sarah Hedden Photography
Choosing Your Floral Style
There are countless floral styles to choose from, so take your time to refine your vision. Consider your venue, color palette, and overall theme when selecting your floral arrangements.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with specific flower types; sharing photos with your florist can be a great way to convey your vision effectively.
Prepare a selection of photos showcasing bouquet, ceremony, and centerpiece ideas to help your florist suggest blooms that align with your vision and budget.
Additional Tips for Wedding Flower Planning
- Consider seasonal flowers to save costs and ensure availability.
- Discuss color schemes and overall style with your florist to create a cohesive look.
- Don’t forget to include flowers in your wedding budget and allocate funds accordingly.
- Work with your florist to create a floral timeline for delivery, setup, and breakdown.
- Remember to factor in guest count and venue size when determining the quantity of flowers needed.
Image: Beautiful floral centerpiece at Amanda and Michael’s wedding reception by Jade Violet Wedding Floral. Photo by Lunic Visuals
Post-Wedding Flower Care
After the wedding festivities, consider preserving your bouquet or drying out flowers for keepsakes.
Donate leftover blooms to local hospitals, nursing homes, or charities to spread joy beyond your special day.
Thank your florist for their hard work and dedication in creating stunning floral arrangements for your wedding.
Image: Preserved bridal bouquet displayed in a shadow box for Jessica and Alex’s home decor. Photo by Jana Williams Photography
Other popular wedding floral trends to consider include minimalistic arrangements, wildflower bouquets, hanging installations, pampas grass accents, unconventional flower choices like proteas and succulents, and eco-friendly options such as locally sourced and seasonal blooms.
Image: Hanging pampas grass and wildflower installations at Emily and Ryan’s outdoor wedding by Wildflower Events + Design. Photo by Sarah Kathleen
For a romantic and enchanting look, opt for cascading florals, flower walls, floral chandeliers, flower crown alternatives, and oversized bouquets. These dramatic elements can create a stunning backdrop for your special day, especially at venues like Casa Monica Resort & Spa and The White Room.
Image: Cascading floral archway at Sarah and Matthew’s wedding at The White Room by Rose of Sharon European Florist. Photo by Brooke Images
Stay on-trend with these wedding floral ideas to make your big day truly unforgettable!
Your Event Spectacular
Floral decor has the power to elevate events, from small arrangements to grand blossoms, creating a captivating atmosphere. Choose venues like The Treasury on the Plaza for a sophisticated backdrop and convenient wedding packages.
Reach out to us to schedule a tour and begin planning your dream wedding. Receive expert advice and inspiration from Tula Rose Floral and Malia Floral Design.
Explore top ten ideas for repurposing wedding flowers to create lasting memories and enchanting displays.
Allow your wedding flowers to live on beyond the celebration through creative techniques and helpful guidance from Poppy Flowers.
Consider donating your wedding flowers to local hospitals or nursing homes to bring joy to others after your special day.
Ways to Repurpose Wedding Flowers
Your Bridal Bouquet
Dry and frame your bridal bouquet to preserve it as a cherished keepsake in your home.
Follow steps like air drying the bouquet, setting it with hairspray, framing it decoratively, and hanging it on your wall for enduring enjoyment.
Design a bridal bouquet that reflects your style and love with assistance from Poppy Flowers.
Resin Keepsake
Create a resin keepsake with your dried wedding flowers to capture a memory from your special day.
Artfully arrange and pour resin to create a crystallized keepsake, showcasing the beauty of your blooms.
Homemade Potpourri
Transform wedding flowers into homemade potpourri with essential oils for a comforting and aromatic reminder of your wedding day.
Delight in the fragrant memories of your special day with an enchanting potpourri crafted with flowers from Poppy.
Charitable Donations
Donate bridesmaid bouquets and other arrangements to charitable causes as a meaningful way to repurpose wedding flowers and spread joy.
Imagine the happiness experienced by elderly residents in a nursing home upon receiving a surprise delivery of your vibrant, fragrant flowers.
Or the joy a bouquet can bring to a patient in a hospital bed, serving as a reminder of care and compassion.
Collaborate with organizations like Random Acts of Flowers or Repeat Roses to ensure your wedding flowers find a new home where they will be cherished once again!
5. Turn Into Botanical Jewelry
Another option for repurposing your wedding flowers is to turn them into beautiful botanical jewelry.
Delicate petals, formerly part of your wedding decor, need to be carefully pressed and preserved before being transformed into jewelry.
Frozen in time, like a gentle whisper from your special day!
To achieve this:
- Place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book or flower press.
- Allow the flowers to dry completely.
- Once dried, spray the flowers lightly with a clear acrylic sealant.
- Carefully trim any excess stem or foliage, leaving just the flower heads.
- Store the pressed, sealed flowers in an airtight container.
These pressed floral pieces can then be artfully incorporated into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
You can also repurpose bridesmaid bouquets into meaningful keepsakes for your close friends. A sincere token of appreciation and a tangible reminder of the special bond you share.
How you decide to transform your wedding flowers into jewelry is entirely up to you. Just ensure it holds significance.
6. Design Custom Thank You Cards
Surprise your guests with a thank you card featuring the same flowers that graced your wedding day!
Preserve the magic of your celebration by incorporating pressed petals from your bouquet or boutonniere into a work of art.
Collaborate with a local artist or stationery designer to create unique cards showcasing your flowers in a new way. Whether through delicate watercolor illustrations or bold, modern designs, the possibilities are endless.
Remember the importance of heartfelt words! Craft messages that capture the love and joy of your special day.
Ensure your wedding guests feel valued for their presence on your big day.
7. Create a Floral Candle
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Another way to repurpose your wedding flowers is by making floral candles.
Picture a candle emitting the gentle scent of your wedding blooms, adding a warm glow to any space.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Collect blooms from your bouquets and centerpieces.
- Gently press and dry the flowers in a heavy book for approximately a week.
- Using a double boiler, melt soy wax.
- Add a few drops of essential oil that complements the flowers you’ve chosen.
- Arrange the dried flowers in a glass container, pour in the scented wax, and add a candle wick.
- Let it cool, trim the wick, and enjoy your custom candle.
8. Host a Flower Arrangement Party
Host a flower arrangement party to create a magical atmosphere filled with laughter, chatter, and the sweet scent of your wedding flowers!
Gather loved ones, provide vases, scissors, and an array of stunning stems. Encourage creativity and imagination.
Focus on enjoying the process rather than achieving perfection, and relish in the beauty you create together.
Guests can take home their floral creations as a treasured keepsake from your wedding celebration.
It’s a gift that keeps on giving!
9. Produce Natural Dyes
Utilize your wedding flowers as natural plant dyes to infuse everyday items with a touch of romance.
An example is dyeing a silk scarf with crushed rose petals to achieve a soft, romantic blush. Alternatively, turn plain napkins into vibrant pieces using marigolds and dahlias.
Incorporate memories of your special day into your daily routine with these naturally dyed items.
To get started:
- Collect vibrant flowers.
- Simmer the petals in water until the liquid changes color.
- Strain out the petals to create a natural dye bath.
- Dip fabric into the dye to absorb the color.
- Allow the fabric to dry for a unique memento from your wedding day.
The longer the fabric remains in the dye, the more intense the color will be.
10. Compost for a Garden
Your wedding flowers can be repurposed into compost, giving old memories new life.
Place the stems in a compost bin with soil to introduce beneficial bacteria and let nature take its course.
After a few months, the wedding flower compost will transform into nutrient-rich soil for planting.
To expedite the decay process, stir the compost regularly. Once it resembles potting soil, it’s ready to use!
This natural approach transforms sentimental wedding flowers into new life for the environment.
Repurposing Blooms: The Closing Chapter of Your Wedding Glory
Don’t let your wedding flowers simply be a memory of your special day. Give them a new purpose to continue spreading joy and love.
Repurposing your wedding flowers is eco-friendly and helps maintain the emotional connection associated with them.
At Poppy Flowers, we advocate for sustainable beauty and are eager to assist you in exploring creative ways to extend the life of your blooms.
Whether repurposing ceremony arrangements or donating flowers to charitable causes, let us help you find the ideal solution.
At Poppy Flowers, your dreams are our priority.
FAQs
1. How Long Do Dried Wedding Flowers Typically Last?
With proper care, your dried wedding flowers can last for years, preserving the beauty and memories of your special day. Extend their lifespan by keeping them away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Display your dried blooms in a cool, dry area and appreciate their timeless elegance for seasons to come.
2. Can I Repurpose My Wedding Flowers Into Jewelry? If So, What Types Of Jewelry Can I Make?
You can transform your wedding flowers into exquisite jewelry pieces that hold sentimental value. Consider making resin pendants, earrings, or bracelets containing your dried petals. Pressed flowers can also be framed in lockets or incorporated into custom cufflinks for a distinctive accessory.
3. What Are Some Creative Ways To Display My Dried Wedding Bouquet?
Showcase your dried wedding bouquet in a glass cloche or terrarium for a timeless presentation. Create a wall decoration by arranging the dried stems on a rustic board or elegant frame. For a whimsical touch, suspend your bouquet from the ceiling using ribbons or fishing line.
4. How Can I Incorporate My Wedding Flowers Into Scented Candles Or Potpourri?
Infuse the romantic fragrance of your wedding day into your home with dried petals incorporated into homemade candles or potpourri. Combine dried flowers with essential oils like lavender or rose for a luxurious, aromatherapeutic experience. Place these fragrant creations in jars or sachet bags for a personalized touch.
5. What Are Some Tips For Pressing Wedding Flowers To Use In Artwork Or Stationery?
To press your wedding flowers for artistic projects, select fresh, moisture-free blooms. Arrange them between absorbent paper in a heavy book and apply gentle pressure. Allow several weeks for the flowers to completely dry before using them in artwork or stationery designs.
6. Can I Replant Any Of My Wedding Flowers? If So, Which Varieties Are Best Suited For This?
Give new life to your wedding flowers by replanting them. Robust varieties such as roses, hydrangeas, and succulents are ideal for transplantation. Trim foliage below the waterline and plant them in well-draining soil. With proper care, your wedding flowers will continue to bloom as a beautiful reminder of your special day.
7. How Can I Use My Wedding Flowers To Create Meaningful Gifts For My Family And Friends?
Press your wedding flowers and use them to embellish picture frames, bookmarks, or coasters as gifts for family and friends. Craft small bouquets or wreaths with the dried flowers, personalized with ribbons or tags, to show appreciation for their love and support.