How to Choose the Perfect Flowers for Your Wedding or Event

Flowers are more than just decorations; they set the mood, complement the theme, and bring life to any event. This makes the process of choosing the perfect flowers for your wedding or event a daunting, yet delightful, task. I had the pleasure of working with Cici, the San Antonio owner of Ay Poppy! Floral & Event Decor, and she has lots of advice for event planners and couples alike. So, let’s get down in the weeds with today’s blog post to find out how to choose the perfect flowers for your wedding or event.

Understand Your Vision and Theme

The first step in choosing flowers is understanding the vision and theme of your event. What’s your ‘vibe’? The theme you choose will guide the selection of colors, flower types, and arrangements from start to finish. Here are some ‘vibe’ suggestions:

Romantic: Soft hues like blush, ivory, and lavender paired with roses, peonies, and hydrangeas create a dreamy atmosphere.
Rustic: Earthy tones, wildflowers, and greenery like eucalyptus and ferns work well in a rustic setting.
Modern: Bold colors and sleek designs with flowers like calla lilies, orchids, and anthuriums are perfect for a modern look.
Bohemian: A mix of vibrant colors, unconventional flower choices like protea, and lots of greenery will achieve a boho-chic feel.

Having a clear vision will help you and your florist select flowers that enhance your theme, ensuring that every floral element contributes to the overall aesthetic of your event.

Seasonality Matters

One of the most important considerations when selecting flowers is their availability during your event date. While you can often find most types of flowers year-round, choosing flowers that are in season can ensure better quality, availability, and cost-effectiveness. For Texas events, spring and fall are the busiest seasons. Here is a list of flowers commonly in bloom with their respective seasons:

Spring: Tulips, peonies, lilacs, and daffodils are popular choices in the spring.
Summer: Sunflowers, dahlias, and zinnias thrive in the summer heat.
Fall: Chrysanthemums, marigolds, and dahlias are abundant in autumn.
Winter: Amaryllis, holly, and poinsettias are perfect for winter events.

When you choose in-season flowers, you’re not only more likely to get fresh blooms, but you’re also supporting sustainable practices. Locally-grown, seasonal flowers have a smaller carbon footprint compared to those flown in from different parts of the world. (For more tips on how to host an eco-friendly wedding, check out this article.)

Consider Local and Sustainable Options

Speaking of sustainability, there is a growing trend toward choosing locally-sourced and eco-friendly flowers. Not only do locally-grown flowers often have a lower environmental footprint due to reduced transportation needs, but they also support local farmers and businesses.

Locally-Sourced Flowers: These are flowers grown within your region, reducing the need for long-distance shipping. They are often fresher and more vibrant. If you are interested in selecting your own local flowers, check out a few of the Hill Country farms such as Wildseed Farms and Arnosky Family Farms.
Organic Flowers: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic flowers are a great option for those looking to minimize environmental impact.
Fair Trade Flowers: These are sourced from farms that ensure fair wages and working conditions for workers, often from developing countries.

Budget Wisely

Flowers can be one of the most beautiful aspects of your event, but they can also be one of the most expensive. It’s important to have a clear budget in mind when working with your florist.

Prioritize: Decide which floral elements are most important to you. Is it the bridal bouquet, centerpieces, or ceremony arch? Focus your budget on these key pieces.
Mix High and Low: Combine more expensive flowers with budget-friendly options. For example, pair peonies (which can be pricey) with more affordable blooms like roses or carnations. Also, add in a lot of greenery such as ferns and ivy which tends to be much cheaper than blooms.
Reuse Arrangements: Consider repurposing flowers throughout the day. Bouquets can be used as centerpieces, and ceremony flowers can be moved to the reception.
Faux is fine: If your budget can’t handle the cost of live flowers, then do not be afraid to choose faux flowers or even paper flowers that you make yourself.

Your florist can help you make the most of your budget by suggesting alternatives that still fit your vision without breaking the bank. Be up front about your cost issues, and make sure your florist hears your concerns.

Color Palette Coordination

The color palette of your flowers should complement the overall color scheme of your event. When selecting your floral color palette, consider the colors of your venue, bridesmaids’ dresses, table linens, and other décor elements.

Monochromatic: This involves using different shades of a single color, creating a sophisticated and cohesive look.
Complementary Colors: These are colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., purple and yellow). This contrast can create a vibrant and dynamic arrangement.
Analogous Colors: These are colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, and green). This creates a harmonious and pleasing aesthetic.

Your florist can guide you in choosing a color palette that not only enhances your theme but also brings all the elements of your event together beautifully.

Understand Flower Meanings and Symbolism

Flowers carry meanings and symbolism that can add an extra layer of personalization to your event. Incorporating flowers with specific meanings can make your arrangements even more meaningful.

Roses: Love and passion.
Lilies: Purity and refined beauty.
Orchids: Luxury and strength.
Sunflowers: Happiness and adoration.

If you have a favorite flower or one that holds sentimental value, discuss it with your florist so they can incorporate it into your arrangements in a meaningful way.

Think About the Venue

The venue plays a significant role in determining the types and amounts of flowers you need. Consider the size, layout, and existing décor of your venue when planning your floral arrangements.

Large Venues: For expansive spaces, you may need larger arrangements or more flowers to fill the space. Tall centerpieces and hanging installations work well in large venues.
Outdoor Venues: Outdoor settings often require sturdy flowers that can withstand the elements. Consider hardy blooms and plenty of greenery.
Intimate Venues: Smaller spaces benefit from more delicate arrangements. Consider low centerpieces and smaller bouquets to avoid overwhelming the space.

Your florist can visit the venue with you to assess the space and make recommendations on how to best use flowers to enhance the environment.

Personalization and Unique Touches

Every couple or event planner wants their celebration to be unique. Personalizing your floral arrangements is a great way to make your event stand out.

Personal Items: Incorporate family heirlooms or personal items into your bouquets, like a brooch or fabric from a loved one’s dress. A bridal bouquet or groomsman’s boutonniere is the perfect spot to incorporate an heirloom.
Custom Floral Designs: Work with your florist to create a custom floral design that reflects your personality, such as a flower wall with your initials or a floral chandelier.
Unconventional Elements: Consider adding non-floral elements like feathers, fruits, or even succulents to your arrangements for a unique twist.

These personal touches can turn a beautiful arrangement into something truly special and memorable.

Timeline and Logistics

Planning the logistics of your floral arrangements is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your event. Flowers are perishable, so timing is key.

Ordering: Make sure to place your floral order well in advance, especially if you’re requesting specific flowers that may need to be sourced. The greater the distance of your flowers’ origins is directly proportional to the amount of time you need to add to your planning schedule.
Delivery and Setup: Coordinate with your florist on the delivery and setup times. Flowers should arrive fresh and on time, and your florist should be familiar with the venue’s setup requirements.
Maintenance: If your event lasts all day, consider how the flowers will hold up. Discuss with your florist about arrangements that stay fresh longer, or if they need to be misted or moved into the shade.

Your florist will handle the logistics, but it’s important to communicate your timeline and expectations to avoid any last-minute issues.

Consultation and Communication

Finally, open and clear communication with your florist is key to ensuring your floral arrangements turn out exactly as you envision.

Initial Consultation: This is where you share your vision, theme, budget, and any specific flowers or colors you have in mind. Bring inspiration photos, color swatches, and venue details to help your florist understand your style. A Pinterest board showing what you have in mind is a great way to get the ball rolling with your florist.
Ongoing Communication: Stay in touch with your florist throughout the planning process. Share any changes to your event or new ideas you want to incorporate.
Trust Your Florist: Your florist is an expert in their field. Trust their recommendations, especially when it comes to flower availability, seasonality, and how different flowers will hold up throughout your event.

A good florist will work with you closely to bring your vision to life, ensuring that the flowers are a perfect reflection of your style and the spirit of your event.

Meet Cici, Owner of Ay Poppy! Floral & Event Decor

I met Cici, the owner of Ay Poppy! Floral and Event Décor, during a wedding vendor event at the Japanese Tea Garden. Cici has been in the event industry since 2006 and started her floral business with her sister, Imelda, five years ago. What caught my eye during the event was her non-traditional arrangements featuring vibrant flowers. After the event, I contacted Cici to see if she would be open to collaborating on a blog post with me. Great minds think alike, and our next step was a styled shoot at the Gardens at West Green.

A Styled Shoot at the Gardens at West Green

Located in northwest San Antonio in the Leon Springs area, the Gardens at West Green is a intimate venue that includes plenty of open space for a maximum guest count of 80. The owner of the space, Karen Little, was kind enough to let us use the venue for our session. Karen and her husband are former photographers, and the venue they have created is a perfect one-stop-shop for couples looking to get married and take photos in a single location. Indeed, the lush landscaping and venue décor at the Gardens at West Green means you never have to go anywhere else for photos.

Joining us for the shoot was Kia, Cici’s niece and fantastic go-to model. It turns out that Kia is expecting her third bundle of joy, so our shoot doubled as a maternity session! Also pictured is Jose, Cici’s hard-working husband who works side-by-side with her on a daily basis.

Advice from Cici on Starting Your Floral Journey

Flowers can be temperamental, and according to Cici, the main benefit from working with a professional florist is to reduce your stress level. So, how do you start the process of turning a floral dream into reality? It all starts with a Pinterest board. ‘I usually have the bride send me inspiration photos from Pinterest and I then try to capture (and surpass) this vision.’ Depending upon the size of the event, the planning process can take several months with the final floral creations happening in about a week.

Currently located on the south side of San Antonio, Ay Poppy! will be opening a new space soon, so stay tuned for news about their upcoming open house.

Conclusion

Selecting flowers for your wedding or event is an exciting process, full of creativity and possibilities. By considering factors like your vision, seasonality, sustainability, budget, and venue, you can work with your florist to create stunning floral arrangements that elevate your celebration. Remember, flowers are more than just décor—they’re an expression of your style, your story, and the beauty of the moment. So, take your time, consult with your florist, and enjoy the journey of bringing your floral dreams to life.

Enjoy the images, and I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

Vendors

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If you found this article on ‘How to Choose the Perfect Flowers for Your Wedding or Event’ useful, then check out these articles:

Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ in San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com