What would a wedding be without the beauty and romance of flowers? They create that pleasing visual backdrop and atmosphere of aromatic delight. Yes, you’ve been dreaming about it, but now it’s time to get down to the practicalities that will make your dream come true. If you read on, you can avoid something that should be pleasurable and sensual from becoming downright cumbersome and grueling.

Take a look at our most frequently asked questions:
What exactly do I need flowers for?
You will need personal flowers, i.e. bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom, father of the bride and groom, groomsmen, and corsages for mother of the bride and groom.
Ceremony flowers – whether it’s a wedding in the home or a place of worship.
Reception flowers – usually includes centerpieces for tables, guest book table and possibly the cake table.
What’s the average cost for wedding flowers?
The average cost for wedding flowers can range between $800 – $1,000 dollars.
When do I start shopping for my florist?
If you know your wedding date, start shopping 6-12 months ahead of time. Many of the best wedding floral designers are booked well in advance.
Where and how do I begin?
Begin by gathering your ideas. Start collecting pictures of flowers and color schemes from bridal, home & garden and food magazines. Of course the internet can be a great inspiration for ideas as well. Try looking at wallpaper or fabric books. They have wonderful ideas for color palettes.
Next step is to ask for recommendations from family and friends.
Then start shopping around for floral designers. Believe it or not, at this point you do not have know the color of your bridesmaids’ gowns, nor do you have to have a color scheme in mind. Your concern is to view their work and to feel comfortable with the the designer. Don’t be afraid to ask how many weddings they’ve done and to see photos of their work.
Once you have narrowed down your choices for floral designers, secure the date by leaving a deposit. Usually a deposit ranges from 15 – 20 percent of the total order. Make sure you get the date in writing and find out whether the deposit is refundable.

Ok, I picked my floral designer. Now what?
Now you go armed and prepared. Remember your wish collection of flowers and colors? Bring in everything you’ve got. Don’t worry if you’re stuck on ideas. Your designer will know how to draw out your likes and dislikes. Her job is to guide you, not to bowl you over with ideas that don’t suit your personality and overall desires, not to mention budget. *Make sure your designer understands to work within the budget you finally agree upon.
Help! We’re on a tight budget. How can we save money?
There are a few ways to make money. Here’s some hints:
-Ask your designer ahead of time how the flowers can be used for both ceremony and reception sites. This way, they’re not just used for one hour.
-Don’t let your floral designer talk you into putting flowers in every nook and cranny. It isn’t necessary. Put your most expensive arrangements where you want to make the biggest impression or where they will be seen the most.
Use greenery, alone or with baby’s breath or bows. Bows may even be used alone. Greenery with tulle looks very romantic!
Contract Tips
-Make sure every little thing is itemized on your contract.
-Make sure it stipulates when and where the flowers will be delivered.
-Don’t forget to ask if someone will be there to assist you on the day of the wedding. A good floral designer should be there to help pin on the boutonnieres and corsages etc.
*Ask if this is at an additional cost.
General TIPS -
Centerpieces – If you want your guests to be able to see each other across the table, the centerpieces should either be above or below eye level, or about 14 inches.
Boutonnieres – are worn on the left side of lapel. If your florist does not offer assistance on your wedding day, make sure to pin it under the lapel so the pin doesn’t show.

Questions to ask your florist
1 How long have you been in the business of designing arrangements for weddings?________
2 Do you belong to any organizations? ____________________________________________
3 Do you have photos of some weddings you’ve done? _______________________________
4 Do you provide references? __________________________________________________
5 Do you hand tie and wrap each bouquet? _________________________________________
6 Are you familiar with my reception site? __________________________________________
7 How far in advance do you set up for the ceremony & reception site? ___________________
8 After you drop off the flowers at the church, do you stay to help distribute corsages? Is this
included in your fee? _________________________________________________________
9 What is your payment policy? _________________________________________________
10 Deposit required?_____ How much? ______ Due when? ___________
11 Balance due? _____________
12 What is your cancellation policy? ______________________________________________
13 What form of payment do you accept? __________________________________________
14 Do you outline in a contract exactly what products and services you will be providing?
__________________________________________________________________________
15 Is the delivery and set-up fee additional?

Wednesday, September 17th, I had the great pleasure of attending a phenomenal event hosted by the Historic Caples House in Columbia City, Oregon.  The event included live music, and catering by Vibrant Table Catering, Katering by Kurt, Simpatica Catering, Devil’s Food Catering and Eat Your Heart Out. This beautiful facility just opened its grounds for private events. It includes one city block in a park-like setting with breath-taking views of the Columbia River, a Heritage Orchard with 130-year-old apple and pear trees, and includes a charming Country Store. Their grounds can accommodate in excess of 300 people, and they are available for Weddings, Corporate Functions, Company Picnics, you name it.  For more information, go to their website at www.capleshouse.com.

WEDDING COSTS can rapidly get out of hand. A growing trend is to rent live foliage with your floral arrangements to reduce the cost of floral displays. Not only does this enhance the use of flowers, giving a more natural look, in many cases it is significantly less expensive. Environmentally, you are using a sustainable, reusable resource that goes back to be used again, instead of being discarded as floral displays once they wilt.

Methods used by some recent brides include: use of tropical plants for a more exotic look, decorate the altar, direct foot traffic along pathways formed by placement of plants, hide unsightly equipment behind plants, create warmth in an otherwise sterile dining hall. In addition, props such as Victorian street lights, park benches, rock walls, waterfalls, fountains, ponds, and arbors create attractive backgrounds for taking photos. Custom-made spandex decorative container covers add a finishing touch to the theme/color scheme.

Local supplier, Convention Foliage Solutions Event Plant Rental in Molalla invites interested parties to phone, fax, or stop by to view their outstanding selection of locally grown native plants as well as exotic tropicals. To reach them call (503)487-0127, fax them at (5003)829-5574, or stop by or write them at 13000 S. Barnards Rd., Molalla, OR 97038. Web page www.eventplantrental.com is still under construction but definitely worth a look.