Wedding Flowers: Tips from the Pros

Carry a Major Bouquet

Your posy is the first part of your ensemble guests see, so it should be nothing short of jaw-dropping. Just pick a favorite color, then load up on seasonal flowers in different varieties. Here, roses, lilies, amaryllis, anemones, ranunculus, and dahlias make an impact. All but the amaryllis are available year-round. Sub in Asiatic lilies in spring or summer.

Simplify Your Centerpieces

Take the mantra “less is more” to heart and let a single flower shine. Choose a captivating but affordable bloom from your bouquet, like these ‘Showmaster’ amaryllis, then cluster the stems in various-size vessels strewn across your tables. You’ll find that there’s beauty in minimalism -- and repetition.

Accent with Foliage

Mixed greens -- in this case, sprays of exploding grass, leaves, and ferns -- are a florist’s secret weapon. Not only do they offer lushness and volume without adding to your bottom line, but they also provide amazing contrast. Dahlias, hellebores, and ‘Casablanca’ and eucharis lilies shine here, though you’ll get the same effect with any pale blossoms.

Go to Great Heights

Bursts of ‘Casablanca’ and eucharis lilies, clematis, and magnolia leaves bring loads of drama -- the good kind -- to your reception tables. When sending your flowers skyward, use tall vessels (these soar to almost two feet) that taper at eye level and keep the bulk of the arrangements well above guests’ sight line. Otherwise, they’ll impede conversation.

Play with Shape

Bouquets can take on many forms -- some are tightly packed and meant to be held upright, while others tumble to the side. The jasmine, roses, camellia leaves, and snowberries in this attention-grabber form a loose cascade meant to spill down the front of your dress. Pink not your thing? It looks chic in a range of peaches or purples, too.

Awe with Ombre

There’s nothing more romantic than walking toward your groom on a gradient carpet of rose petals.have your pro order four to five shades, spread them out, and blur the lines by hand where the colors meet. To ensure you and your maids are the first to set foot on them, seat guests from the sides.

Bring Your Look to Life

Two lush blooms plus two hairpins equals one alluring accessory -- think of it as a fresh-picked fascinator. Garden roses like these are well suited for the task: They’re extremely long lasting, lie flat against your head, and are fragrant enough that you can forgo perfume.