Flowers have been included in wedding ceremonies since Roman times. They add colour and character to the day, not to mention a delicious scent. Wedding flowers may include a bridal bouquet and posies for the bridesmaids, possibly floral headdresses, buttonholes for the groom, best man, ushers, mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, and other family members. There are usually flowers at the ceremony – in the entrance, in the aisle, at the pew ends – and at the reception – by the entrance, near the receiving line, as room decorations, table centrepieces and next to the cake.

When choosing a florist:

- Preferably pick a local florist on personal recommendation.
- Shop around for the best deals.
- Visit florists to see whether you like the types of flowers and arrangements they have in stock.
- Ask to see pictures of past work.
- Avoid florists who show you photos of standard bouquets or decorations and who won’t be flexible.
- Discuss your ideas and preferences and see how they respond. A good florist should be able to add to your ideas and present you
with something better than you originally had in mind.

DO take along pictures of your own and the bridesmaids’ dresses, together with any swatches of material.
DO take along magazine cuttings of designs for bouquets and arrangements you especially like.
DO take photographs or sketches of the ceremony and reception venues.
DO fully explain any colour schemes or other themes you may have for the wedding.
DO tell the florist if there are any flowers you particularly like or dislike.
DO ask for a written quote.

Book your florist at least four months in advance – allow longer if your wedding is at Christmas or near St Valentine’s Day. To cut costs, choose flowers that are in season and a florist close to the venues to keep delivery charges to a minimum.