Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/223347
Bloom From top: Jewel-toned bouquets of late-spring garden blooms, created by Laura Sugden; cool water roses fit neatly into a purple palette, by Wedding Design Studio; a wrist corsage (by Celsia Florist) offers a less pricey alternative to bridesmaid bouquets. g , e l e a e e trust your florist to suggest similar flowers (in your cho- Budgeting sen colour palette) that are in season. THE PRICE RANGE: The actual pricing of PLAN AHEAD your florals will depend on many factors, but Booking your first floral appointment should happen of what to expect. designer to prepare for the location and space they BRIDAL BOUQUET: $140-$240 have to work with. Generally this meeting is scheduled BRIDESMAID BOUQUET: $70-$140 about a year before the big day. If you're the last-minute CORSAGE: $20-$30 type, be prepared to shop around for an available florist, BOUTONNIÈRE: $15-$25 as each florist has a maximum number of weddings they LOW CENTREPIECE: $40-$100 can take on over any weekend. (Note: Some high-end TALL CENTREPIECE: $80-$200 florists will also require you to have your wedding pho- e the following list should give you a basic idea only after you've booked your venue, to allow your ALTAR ARRANGEMENT: $200-$500 tographer booked in advance.) DELIVERY & SET-UP: Use your discretion s FIND THE RIGHT FIT here. How complicated is your set-up process? l Try to allow yourself at least an hour for your first consul- If you have complex items that need to be o tation. It's important that you and your florist understand placed, such as a chuppah, floral chandelier, k one another, so take the time to meet with a couple of even a multi-vessel tablescape, then it's well r different florists to ensure you find someone you can worth the expense to get the floral team to set trust with your big day. But as tempting as it may be to up for you. Most florists will provide an option take along your entourage, you'll find communication of delivery only, or including set-up. While this easier if you don't overcrowd the situation. In any case, part of your quote may sound hefty, consider your wedding party will love the flowers you choose as how many people it will take, the number of long as you do! drop-off locations and your time constraints. If s e e y h - l - s e r a - . l PHOTOS: WHEN LOVE HAPPENS (ABOVE & CORSAGE); JEFF CLARKE FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP); ELAINE INNES - Each florist works differently, but you should be able you have ordered simple, low arrangements, to ask for a sample of your centrepiece if you need to you may be able to get away with just assign- see a tangible example. This can normally be done at a ing a member of your wedding party to collect NOTE THE SEASON discount of the quoted price, around six weeks prior to them from the florist. Of course, you'll want to discuss your dream wedding your wedding. (Bear in mind that your designer may flowers with your designer, but try not to get too make a couple of bloom substitutions if your chosen WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: Repurposing attached to a specific bloom. Seasonal availability plays flowers aren't yet in season.) This would also be the per- arrangements throughout the day is a great a big part in pricing and quality, as only certain flowers fect time to meet again with your florist to finalize your way to save costs and make the most of your are available year-round, such as roses, calla lilies and numbers and make any last-minute (minor) changes. beautiful arrangements. Altar arrangements cymbidium orchids. Having an out-of-season flower Above all, trust your instincts. You chose your floral can serve as a lovely frame for the top table, imported especially for your wedding can hike up cost designer because you understand one another, and which in turn can be decorated with the bridal considerably, without any guarantee of quality. The best you admire their work. So relax, and let the floral magic bouquets. way to keep expenses down and the wow factor up is to happen. rw See our iPad issue for even more photos realweddings.ca p44-45_Flowers.indd 45 45 13-11-26 12:01 PM