Wedding Tip of the Week: Flower Talk, Part Three

We've talked about budgeting and design when it comes to planning your wedding flowers. One final consideration, which plays a role in both the budget and design, is the location of your wedding. We've touched on briefly in the first two posts, but let's break it down even further.

Outdoor Venues are both beautiful and challenging.

Indoors or Out? Many weddings in the Gorge are held outdoors, for obvious reasons. It's beautiful here! When it comes to your flowers, keep in mind that the nature itself is often enough in terms of decor, and that you're also working in a dynamic climate, i.e., the elements. A few bullet points to consider: 

Small arrangements--and even big ones, depending on your venue--tend get lost in the landscape around them, so it's a good idea to use the majority of your flower budget very strategically, and focus efforts on the pieces people will really notice. The bridal bouquet, the wedding arch, the centerpieces, etc. Let the mountain or river in the background serve as the beautiful, natural backdrop that it is.

Low vases are suitable for any table, indoors or out.

The shape and size of your containers is important, and should be appropriate for your venue. Many people come to us wanting tall and dramatic centerpieces, which we love to do, but unfortunately are not suitable for an outdoor wedding. Consider low, sturdy vases or bowls that will hold up during a good, Gorge wind gust. 

Candles add a beautiful glow to any indoor table!

Candles are a lovely addition to your reception tables, but keep in mind, that if yours is an outdoor venue, they'll likely blow out, even under a tent. If you really want the glow, ask Lucy about using LEDs in your arrangement. 

Rustic tables are suited to natural, seasonal arrangements.

Consider your setting when it comes to the design. Formal arrangements in a country setting seem out of place; likewise, wildflowers in mason jars might not work in a formal hotel ballroom. One of the advantages of working with a local florist and wedding planner is that they know the venues like the backs of their hands, so they can help guide you when settling on a style. They also know what is in season, which affects both budget and design. Remember that your florist can probably get just about anything you want, but you'll pay a lot more for it if it's way out of season in our hemisphere.

This fun boutonniere was perfect for a wedding at a rural B&B.

Finally, and we can't say this enough, no matter if your venue is indoors or out, or what your budget is, make the bridal bouquet as fabulous as you can. It really is the star of the show, and will tie together all of the elements. If you're on a tight budget, you can still get a beautiful bridal bouquet that reflects your style and suits your venue. 

Lucy's bouquets are all one-of-a-kind, custom-designed just for you. Give her just a few details, tell her what you like and don't like, and she'll create something gorgeous that you'll never forget.

Visit The Gorge Bride for more photos of bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral elements, and stop by the shop anytime to speak with Lucy or Mari-Beth of Gorge Events to start planning your wedding flowers today!