Monday, December 18th 2000, @ 12:27:00 P.M.                                                                            Flowers

5. Flowers Flowers set the tone for the ceremony and reception. The possibilities are endless, but you have to work with your budget to create the perfect atmosphere for the wedding you plan. The services of a florist should be requested as soon as the wedding date is determined. Colors and style of the bridal party should be confirmed as soon as possible. a) Bride The flowers for the bride could be as a simple rose or as elaborate as bouquets. Regardless, the flowers should be in keeping with the character and formality of the wedding. The bride should wait until she has selected her gown and those of her attendants before ordering the bouquets. That accessory must complement the gowns and contribute to the overall look of the wedding. The second-time bride's bouquet is usually brighter, deeper tones. The choice of flowers and style depend on the style of the gown and the bride's figure. For an informal wedding, a loose garden bouquet, wrapped with a ribbon, is appropriate. Some brides carry a Bible, instead of flowers. b) Bridesmaids The maid of honor carries the same bouquet as the bridesmaids although her special role may be highlighted by using different complementary colors of the same flowers or a different style. Attendants' flowers should be of a similar style and mood of those of the bride. Traditionally, the flower girl carries a basket filled with loose flower petals to throw in the bride's path. This custom proved to be dangerous as brides slipped on the petals. A small basket of flowers is preferable, or a miniature version of those of the bridesmaids. c) Corsages Once the color and style of the bride's and groom's mothers and stepmothers has been determined, coordinating corsages should be ordered for them. Stepmothers should be included too. It could be pinned at the shoulder, waist, or handbag, worn on the wrist, or taped to a cane. It could be thoughtful to ask them if they have a favorite flower or color to compliment their dress. Don't forget a corsage for your going-away outfit d) Boutonnières Select one flower from your bouquet for your groom's boutonnière. The best man, ushers, fathers and grandfathers all wear boutonnières on their left lapel. Brothers of the bride or groom who are not in the wedding may wear a boutonnière as well, which is a very nice way to show them that they are important to you. e) Ceremony Flowers Flowers for the ceremony are as elaborate or as simple as you choose. Whether or not you have flowers on the ends of the pews depends on the size and formality of the wedding. The focus should be on the altar. Discuss with the clergymember to know what is permitted. They should compliment the colors of the site and of the clothing worn by the bridal party. You could have the flowers moved after the ceremony to the reception site. This will help avoid duplicating some costs. Those arrangements could be made of silk flowers and could be located if you wish. (See your wedding coordinator.) A candlelight ceremony can be very beautiful (if permitted) with flowers and satin bows f) Reception Flowers Decorations for receptions invariably consist of white flowers and greens, or mixed with colors chosen to blend with the colors of the bridal party. For a buffet table, the centerpiece could be a bowl of flowers or the wedding cake. At the seated bridal table, if the cake is too tall or placed on a special table, the centerpiece could be a low flower arrangement, so the bridal couple is not hidden from the guests. There may be one or two more arrangements at each side, depending on the length and shape of the table. Candles or candelabra may be used at an evening reception only. When the guests are served a sit-down dinner, there are generally small flower arrangements on each table. Depending of your budget, more flowers, plants or trees could be added as a background for the head table or receiving line, to section a large room or add ambiance.

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