6 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

guest table like a gorgeous centerpiece. Does it even need to be made of flowers? No, not at all. I've seen so many beautiful glass bowls, candle holders, lanterns, etc, that have made for amazing centerpieces. I am a sucker for candlelight, so that is always my first choice anyway. If you want to add flowers to a bowl, gerber daises, dendrobium orchids and open roses float beautifully on water. Ask your florist of they can purchase older roses from their supplier for rose petals. (You're just plucking the petals off anyway, so does it matter if they are a little old?) They can be sprinkled around the bowl or candle holder to add a touch of freshness tot he table. Purchase potted plants from a local nursery and use them as centerpieces. If it's spring, do bulb gardens.

The cake is one area where I think flowers are necessary. If you are not using a bride and groom statue or other topper, I feel there needs to be something up there, even if only a few loose flowers. I feel the same for inside pillars, it just needs something. Most cake styles today are leaning toward simple clean designs, stack cakes with very minimalistic decorations. Keep the flowers in that same style. A few small loose flowers here and there is all you need.

Last but not least is all those little extras, the things that cost money but no one really needs. The aisle runner is first on my list. They are just awful. I have never seen one roll out correctly. They are just a wedding tripping disaster waiting to happen. How about Aunt Lucy, Uncle Albert, great cousin Elmira? Do these people all need corsages to wear? Absolutely not. I tell my brides to stick with parents definitely, then if you want to honor Grandparents, that's a good idea too. The rest, just a waste of money, unless it's someone who is extremely special to you.

Be smart about your wedding planning and it will be an event you will cherish forever, and you won't be forever in debt for it!

I have worked in the floral industry for 13 years, the last 5 of them being my own business specializing in wedding design. I have always had my clients best interests at heart, knowing what it is like to plan a wedding and need to keep costs down. My smart approach has kept clients happy and referring their marriage bound friends and relatives!

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Haefner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Best flowers for summer weddings?
We want to hear your view. Write now!