Wedding Decor: The Most Common Flower Mistakes You Should Know

What's one of the first things you think of when you think of a wedding?
If you're like most people, second to the white dress, the first thing you think of is probably a beautiful bouquet and unique flower arrangements.

The right flowers can set the tone for your whole wedding. But, choosing the best flowers and arranging them properly is no simple task.

If you're feeling lost when it comes to selecting flowers for your big day, keep reading.
Listed below are some common flower mistakes people make when planning their weddings.

Not Doing Your Research

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning their weddings is neglecting to research the flowers they're going to use in their bouquet and decorations.

It's not enough to just search "wedding flower arrangements" or "wedding bouquet" on Pinterest and choose the bouquet that looks prettiest (Although, that can be a good starting place).

Figure out which types of flowers are included in the bouquets you like. Then, do some research to find out whether or not they're in-season and how much they cost.

A little preliminary research will help you save money (And who doesn't want that when they're planning a wedding?). Your florist will also have an easier time putting together great bouquet and flower arrangements for you.

Getting Too Wrapped up in the Details

Details matter, of course. But sometimes people get so wrapped up in the minutiae when they're planning their wedding that they forget to step back and look at the big picture.

Don't get so focused on one element -- like your bouquet or your centerpieces -- that you forget to think about the whole theme of the wedding.

Sticking to One Color

Monochromatic flower arrangements aren't inherently bad. In fact, they can often look quite nice. But, there's nothing wrong with mixing colors, either. This can add variety to your arrangements and help your flowers stand out.

It's also important to avoid trying to match flowers perfectly to your bridesmaids' dresses.
Think about it. If the flowers match perfectly, they'll blend in and make your photos look a bit bland. Choose flowers in contrasting colors that will pop in pictures instead.

Choosing Strongly Scented Flowers

You might love the scent of a specific flower, but that doesn't mean your guests will.
Strongly scented flowers can cause allergies and discomfort among guests who are particularly sensitive to smell. Strong scents can also mingle with the scent of food being served and throw off people's appetites.

Keep your guests' health and comfort in mind and choose flowers that have little-to-no fragrance. If you absolutely must use a strongly scented flower, at least try to use it as sparingly as possible.

Not Hiring a Florist

In an effort to save money, some people try to handle their bouquet and flower arrangements themselves.

This might seem like a good idea initially. But, unless you or a family member has experience arranging flowers, it's likely going to end up taking a lot of time and causing you a lot of unnecessary stress.

You could also end up spending more money than you would have if you hired a florist in the first place.

Instead of trying to take on this huge task yourself, find a professional who will do it for you. If you're worried about the cost, remember that a talented florist can work with just about any budget.
You may have to make some compromises when choosing your flowers, but you'll also get to save time and money and keep your wits about you.

Choosing Cheap Flowers

Some people also try to lower the cost of their flowers by exclusively choosing inexpensive blooms.
You don't need to fill your bouquet with the Rolls Royce of roses, but it's also not a good idea to pass on expensive flowers altogether.

Adding some more expensive flowers to your bouquet can actually save you money. This is because larger flowers cover more space and reduce the need for filler flowers.

Ignoring Advice

Even if you have a very specific vision for your flowers, it's still helpful to get a second opinion. Florists are experts, and they know what will and won't work when it comes to arranging wedding flowers.

It's okay to bring in pictures or share your thoughts on what you want -- it's your wedding, after all. But, it's also important to listen and take the florist's advice into account.

Ordering Too Late

It takes time for flowers to be shipped to your florist and arranged for your wedding. They often come in from all over the world.

Be sure to order your flowers at least six weeks in advance. This will give them plenty of time to arrive, and your florist will be able to ensure that they're arranged properly for your big day.

Not Shopping Seasonally

Choosing seasonal flowers can help you save money. It's also better for the environment since your flowers don't have to be shipped from another part of the world.

Spring wedding flowers include lilacs, boronia, and tulips. Summer flowers include forget-me-nots, gerbera daisies, and lilies.

In the fall, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and zinnias are in season. Daffodils, camellias, and poinsettias are in season in the winter.

The following flowers are also available year-round:

• Baby's breath
• Calla lilies
• Carnations
• Orchids
• Roses

Keep these guidelines in mind when planning your wedding and setting your floral budget.

Choosing Flimsy Flowers

Some people also make the mistake of choosing flowers that don't do well when they're left out of water.

Flowers like dahlias, for example, are made primarily of water. They tend to wither when they're away from water for too long.

Look for sturdier flowers that can handle being out of water for long periods of time. This is especially helpful if yours is a summer or outdoor wedding.

Don't Make These Common Flower Mistakes

If you want to plan a beautiful wedding that people will talk about for years to come, be sure to avoid these common flower mistakes.

Need help creating the perfect flower arrangements for your wedding? Contact us at Peach Tree Petals today for a wedding consultation.

You can also check out our online wedding portfolio to see what kinds of arrangements and bouquets we can make for you.