Check out different florists around your area to see what kind of flowers they offer.  Be sure to check that the flowers are fresh, and the store is clean.  Some florists have pictures of previous weddings they have done, and you might be able to get an idea of arrangements you want to use for your wedding.  Keep in mind that certain flowers will cost significantly more around certain holidays.  Place the order for your flowers as soon as possible, and work out the details for time and location of delivery with your florist.  Before your ceremony, be sure to keep the flowers well misted or keep them in vases of water, and keep them out of the sun and heat!  A cheaper and less hassle option is to use silk flowers.  For a special keepsake, preserve your bridal bouquet, either yourself or by a professional.

You might need flowers for:

• Bride’s bouquet
• Bridesmaid’s bouquets
• Groom’s boutonniere
• Groomsmen’s boutonnieres
• Mother/Grandmother corsages
• Father/Grandfather boutonnieres
• Floral centerpieces/decoration for reception
• Floral decoration for ceremony
• Toss bouquet
• Flowers for cake
• Petals for flower girl
• Petals to throw as bride and groom leave

What kind?
There are numerous kinds of flowers, so think about what will go well with your ceremony and reception.  You might have a favorite flower you want to be sure to include in your bouquet.  Think about the season you will be getting married, as some flowers are only available in certain seasons.  Also, note any allergies and make sure to use flowers that aren’t too fragrant.  All flowers should work together to form a unified arrangement.  

Best flowers for...
Bouquets: rose, calla lily, lily of the valley, peony, stephanotis, sweet pea, sunflower
Boutonnieres: rose, calla lily, carnation, alstroemeria
Centerpieces: lily of the valley, hydrangea, gardenia, orchid, sunflower
Corsages: spray roses, carnation, freesia, orchid

How many?
Do you want all family to wear corsages and boutonnieres, or just stick to immediate family?  How many centerpieces will you need for your reception?  How many bridesmaids/groomsmen will you have?  Will you need flowers for your cake, petals for your flower girl, ceremony decorative flowers?  

Color
The bride may choose to have her bouquet fit in with the color/theme of the wedding, or choose different colors entirely.  Another option is to choose colors according to the season.  Pastel colors are nice for spring weddings, Orange, Red, Yellow, Green are nice for fall weddings, etc.  Bridesmaid bouquets should not be the exact same color as the dress, as it will lose itself in the dress.  Instead, try a different shade of the dress color or a different color that pairs well with the dress.  Colors for boutonnieres/corsages depend on what color the person is wearing.  A neutral color is always good if you don’t know what others will be wearing.

Size
When choosing the size of your bouquet, you want to make sure it isn’t too heavy to carry.  The size of your bouquet should depend on the style of dress and body shape of the bride/bridesmaids.  For example, you wouldn’t want to choose a large cascading bouquet if you are petite, or wearing a tea length dress.  Small, long stemmed bouquets look best with sheath dresses.  A full, cascading bouquet looks great with a ball gown.  Bridesmaid bouquets are usually a bit smaller than the bride’s bouquet and can have the same or different flowers.

Popular seasonal flowers

Spring

• Daffodil
• Daisy
• Cherry blossom
• Orchid
• Peony
• Snapdragon
• Sunflower
• Sweet pea
• Gladiola
• Hyacinths
• Tulips
• Lily of the Valley

Summer

• Delphiniums
• Gladiola
• Columbine
• Chrysanthemum
• Snapdragon
• Irises
• Lily
• Calla lily
• Gerbera
• Black-eyed Susan
• Sunflower

Fall

• Calla lily
• Bells of Ireland
• Dahlia
• Hydrangea
• Chrysanthemum
• Orchid

Winter

• Tulip
• Amaryllis
• Ivy
• Holly
• Orchid
• Poinsettia

Year round flowers

• Rose
• Anthurium
• Orchid
• Tropical flowers
• Lilies
• Gerbera
• Alstroemeria
• Carnation
• Iris