Maximizing Wedding Floral Impact

Bridal bouquet with textural variety including sedum, eryngium, baptisia, sage, Madame Butterfly snapdragons, lisianthus, and a single Fleurel dahlia. Photo: https://www.erinemedia.com/

Regardless of the size of your floral budget for your wedding you want to maximize the impact of the florals. No one says “I want to spend X amount but don’t want anyone to remember the flowers the next day”. So instead of focusing on how to save money, focus on how to make an impact with YOUR budget.
 
Think about the sight lines of your guests
Where is their eye line when seated for the ceremony or reception? Where will florals be the most enjoyed?
There are reasons florals are frequently placed on arches or pedestals for ceremonies. It brings the florals up to the guest’s eye level and into the background of the photographs. Reality is installations need someone to set them up on site and to tear them down. Some people will have the budget for this and others won’t.
If you don’t have the budget to hire someone to create an installation on site, you can raise ceremony arrangements on pedestals. Ask the venue if they have any pedestals available or you can rig something as easy as a sturdy wooden box covered with a tablecloth.
Use one or two larger arrangements to frame entrances or frequently visited areas. Placing florals near an entrance sets the tone for the event. Everyone will stop to sign a guest book so a floral arrangement on the same table will be enjoyed close-up.
Let your floral designer know where each arrangement will be placed. They’ll know how tall they can make the arrangement for each use. Guest table arrangements should be kept low but taller flowers can be used in other locations.

Arrangement featuring lisianthus, dahlias, belladonna delphinium and various fillers for a guest sign in table. Photo: https://www.erinemedia.com/

Use cut flower alternatives (but not plastic flowers)
Potted shrubs or container plantings can be a great alternative to cut flowers. A 4-5 foot evergreen shrub in a pot can be as impactful as a large floral arrangement. You can even plant the shrub after the ceremony. Do you have a family member who is great at container gardening? Ask them to plant containers to be showcased as part of your décor.
I’m not a fan of faux flowers for events. Quality faux flowers cost as much or more than real flowers but unlike real flowers they aren’t compostable.
 
Use scented foliage or flowers
Scents connected with emotional moments can be remembered indefinitely. If you want to make your wedding memorable one of the best options is to add a scent through the flowers. I love to add scented foliage such as Attar of Rose geranium, apple mint or lemon basil. Use a light touch. Some people are averse to some scents and you don’t want to over power the food when it’s served.
 
Up the color punch
I love the classics. I understand the desire to be safe and beautiful with white and green or white, green or blush florals; but a little punch of color can create a lot of impact. If you are scared the flowers will be too bright, opt for muted shades of lemon, peach or pink. Alternatively, keep the ceremony colors classic but add some bright punches for the reception. If you stick with a softer color palette, make sure there is ample texture added to the floral arrangements.
 
Add in something unexpected
Many florists will stick to a palette of flowers and foliage they are familiar with and they know holds up for long periods during weddings. Hiring a florist who has experimented with branches, fruiting vines or a farm that has access to flowers that don’t ship well can add unexpected elements to your florals.
 
Clear Sky Flowers offers wedding florals from late June through early September. You can reach Lacey by e-mailing [email protected] to inquire about wedding or event flowers.