{Advice} Part 5: Flowers and Decor

Your flowers and decor play a huge role in setting the mood of your wedding, so pay particular attention to it. Many venues have in house florists who will assist with your decor needs. Some venues may even insist you use their florist. Regardless, always make sure your florist understands what you want, and send pictures to be sure - the last thing you want is to arrive on your wedding day to arrangements you didn't order.

Try and use flowers that are in season - these will be less expensive. And local is lekker! You will pay more for flowers that don't naturally occur in southern Africa. Although technology has made it possible for most flowers to be available year round, local, in-season flowers are much less expensive, so discuss options with your florist. Also consider the style of your arrangements - huge arrangements of roses and lilies will cost more than, for example, smaller arrangements of gerberas and baby's breathe. Take into consideration the amount of water your flowers will need. For example, while peonies are beautiful wedding flowers, they are very thirsty and will need to be topped up with water regularly, even if set in an oasis.

                

Some brides opt to not use flowers at all, using clever displays of fruit, candles, ornaments, mirrors, etc. instead. Decide what would suit you best, and discuss your budget with your florist - they are there to help and can provide useful ideas to save you money.

Many brides forget to factor in the cost of overlays or runners. These can cost anywhere between R15 and R100 per table depending on what you want, so take that into consideration.

Below is a list of arrangements offered by most florists, for your consideration.

• Chapel arrangements
• Pew or chair decor
• Arch or entrance decor
• Main table floral design
• Guest table centrepieces
• Cake table flowers
• Gift table flowers
• Buttonholes (for gents)
• Corsages (for ladies)
• Bridal bouquet
• Tossing bouquet
• Bridesmaid bouquet / posy / pomander
• Flower girl basket with petals / posy / pomander
• Dried petal confetti

Have a great weekend! And don't miss Monday's post - Part 6: Your Marriage Officer.