No matter how much you prepare, not every aspect of your wedding day will go as planned, but with our countdown of the top five most common wedding mistakes–and how to avoid them–you can ensure your wedding flowers will be picture-perfect all day, from your walk down the aisle until your last guest leaves.
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Close to Your Wedding to Book a Florist
There appears to be a growing misconception that because you’re considering artificial flowers, you can wait until a month or two before your big day to book a florist; however, just like any florist, a silk floral designer also needs time to meet with you, discuss your floral finances, order your flowers and any accessories (and allow for possible shipping delays), and assemble your bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages, and ceremony/reception arrangements.
If you wait too close to your big day, especially if your desired florist is in high demand or you’re tying the knot during a popular time of year, you run the risk of finding out that particular florist may be booked. Most florists, even those who work strictly with silk, only accept a limited number of weddings per month, so it’s better to book early to ensure your date is available. (Click here for our recommended wedding flower timeline.)
Mistake #4: Valuing Imitation Over Inspiration
Pinterest, wedding planning websites, wedding magazines, your coworker’s reception you attended last spring…sure, these are all great starting points for what you may love for your own wedding, but they should be just that: inspiration! Rather than recreate what’s already been done, narrow down what it is you love about a certain bouquet or centerpiece. Is it the shape? The flowers? The colors? Take note about what catches your eye and you’ll likely see cohesive style developing between your inspiration photos. Now take that and use it as a jumping off point for your florist to create wedding flowers that are uniquely you!
Mistake #3: Going Too Big (or Too Small) with Your Bouquets
You want your flowers to make a statement as you walk down the aisle, but bigger isn’t always better. The same goes for skimping on florals in an attempt to save money. Bouquets that not proportional to your or your bridesmaids will end up looking simply ridiculous. A petite bridesmaid can be easily overpowered by an overflowing bouquet just as a plus-sized bride may desire a slightly fuller design to balance out her look. This is something your florist should take into consideration and be able to subtly adjust or tweak so that each bouquet looks beautiful and compliments each member of your bridal party.
Mistake #2: Matching Your Flowers Exactly to Your Bridesmaid Dresses
Think complement, not “matchy-matchy” when it comes to pairing your bridesmaids’ dresses with their bouquets. Colors that match too perfectly simply won’t stand out against the dresses, so unless that’s the look you’re going for, we suggest one of three approaches to color: Analogous, which uses three colors next to one another on a 12-part color wheel. For example, red, orange, and yellow or green, blue, and purple; complementary, which utilizes two colors opposite one another on the color wheel to add contrast and impact, like blue and orange or violet and yellow, or monochromatic, which relies on a single color and its various shades, such as shades of pink.
Mistake #1: Delegating Floral Design to Friends, Family, or Your Bridal Party to Save Money
You may save money (although we’ve found this approach typically costs our couples more in the end), but you probably won’t save yourself time and stress. Floral design is an art. It requires a different level of expertise than those fun Pinterest DIY projects you enjoy crafting with your girls. Unless Aunt Linda owns a floral shop or that family friend boasts an extensive background in professional-level floral design, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Turn to a professional who has the experience, creativity, passion, and time to put together your dream flowers.
Let’s prevent these mistakes before they happen by scheduling your complimentary, no-obligation consultation in the early stages of your planning. Click here to submit your pre-consultation form or give us a call at (724) 695-2259.