Some Brides prefer a huge bouquet of roses or lilies and some, a small, understated bunch of peonies. It's not just the size of the arrangement you have to think about or the type of flower, but also the colour: do you want your bouquet to tie in with your bridesmaids' colours or be completely white or cream? The buttonholes for the men should match in with the bridesmaids' colours so don't forget to order them too.

You need also to think about the floral displays for your Ceremony and reception - again, browsing through magazines or webpages can give you ideas, as can your florist. You do not have to have flowers as the centrepieces on the tables at your reception - but if you choose to, it is probably best to use the same florist so there is unity in the arrangements throughout.

Make sure all your arrangements: yours, the bridesmaids, flower girls, buttonholes, Ceremony and reception flowers all tie in in terms of colour and types of flowers - people notice this attention to detail! Read on to hear some tips from an expert Florist...

Wedding Flowers Secrets - Courtesy of Phillip's Flowers

Planning a Wedding? The right Wedding flowers will compliment you and make your ceremony and reception especially beautiful. But, how do you select just the right bouquets and blossoms for you? It doesn't have to be a dauting task. In fact, it can be fun and easy. Follow these simple, sure-fire steps from Wedding professionals for the best results every time.

Talk To Your Florist

Once you've set the date, it's a good idea to contact your florist to enquire about availability. The best Wedding florists decorate lots of Weddings. So, it's usually easy to find people who have seen their work. When you call, confirm they can serve your Wedding and reception locations. You may also want to ask about other Weddings they've done, whether they can provide pictures of their work, referrals from local customers, and when you might meet. Most florists are happy to schedule free consultations to help you.

Take One Step At A Time

The next step is usually selecting the gowns for the Bridal party, because the flowers should complement their color and style. Get some pictures or fabric swatches to show to your florist. It's also helpful, before meeting with your florist, to go through a few Bridal magazines and clip any photos of flowers and bouquets you particularly like. These simple tools will help you communicate with your florist, so he or she knows where to start in helping you select something you'll love. Don't worry if you don't know the names of particular flowers. You don't have to be an expert. Your florist will guide you through the process.

Meet with Your Florist

If possible, you should have the dresses picked out and meet with your florist about four to six months prior to the big day. Earlier is better. Remember, you don't want other Bridal parties to beat you to your florist of choice for a particular date. Bring your photos or fabric swatches with you. If you'd like additional input, bring your mother, bridesmaid, or friend along. The key elements for your Wedding flowers will be the Bridal bouquet, selections for the Bridal party and parents, decorations for the ceremony, and centerpieces for the reception. Your florist will be happy to select specific flowers, colors, and design styles with you. Many will also offer to create a fresh sample or two for your review.

Consider Extra Touches

For the most memorable day of your life, you may also want to consider accent pieces for doorways, pews, the cake, the altar, and even your car. You might also consider allowing the guests to take the centerpieces home, as a token of thanks for their love and friendship.

Discuss Your Budget

Wedding flowers can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of pounds for an impressive ceremony and reception. A lot depends on the location, number of guests, and how you want your Wedding to be remembered. Be candid with your florist about your wishes and approximate budget. Get his or her best recommendations, but don't be afraid to ask how you might economize, too. Your florist may be able to suggest ways to use certain pieces at both the ceremony and reception. Many florists can also provide plants, votive candles, candelabra, linens, and similar decorations on a rental basis to help you save.

Use Your Imagination

No matter what you see in magazines or at other ceremonies, remember that almost anything is possible when it comes to Wedding flowers. When it comes to color, pale pinks, peaches, and whites are always popular, but many Brides today are opting for reds or more fashion-forward colors such as oranges and greens. Almost anything goes. The important thing is to work with your florist. He or she knows what's hot and what's not and can create almost anything your heart desires. So, whether your Wedding will be simple or elegant, traditional or high-style, your Wedding flowers will be perfect for the occasion.