At today’s Bridal Events Bridal Show, we were asked a number of times, “I want to have peonies in my wedding, but they’re out of season.  Can you suggest any alternatives?”  Peonies are interesting because despite modern cultivation and transportation practices, they are still very seasonal. 

There is nothing that looks like a peony, but you can get close.  Certain varieties of garden roses can be a very close substitute for a peony.  You can contrast the flowers below with our pink peony and rose bouquet or our pink peony, Esperance and Sweet Escimo rose bouquet.  All photos are courtesy of our friends at Transflora, a wholesaler to retail florists only.  Contact your local florist for pricing information (if you’re in the Pittsburgh/Butler/New Castle PA area, we’d love to talk to you).

Many peonies have a soft floral fragrance.  Yves Piaget and Pink Piaget both have a beautiful rosy fragrance (Yves Piaget may be the most beautifully scented flower we’ve ever found).

Yves Piaget

Pink Piaget

Antique Romantica

Carla Romantica

How far in advance should I contact the florist when ordering wedding flowers?

Flowers are one of the most important aspects of your wedding day.  They set the mood and tone for the event and will be remembered for years to come.  Many florists can accept only a set number of weddings on a given day, so it is important to contact your florist well in advance to begin planning.  A good rule of thumb is to contact your florist at least three months in advance.  However, if your wedding is going to be an exceptionally elaborate event, take place during peak wedding season or fall on a holiday, then six months to a year is not too soon to contact your florist.  This will allow the florist to begin looking for any props or specialty items you might need.  Wedding flowers can be highly specific and colors often have to be very precise, so florists need advance notice to place flower orders.  It is easier to plan your flowers once you have selected the colors for your wedding (bring swatches of fabric if possible), and the location, as both of these play heavily into the style of flowers you will choose.

You do not necessarily have to have your entire wedding planned in order to reserve your date.  At The Bloomery, if you are sure of your wedding date, a small deposit will reserve that day for you.  As your wedding draws closer, we can meet and design the wedding of your dreams.  This deposit is non-refundable, but will be applied toward the cost of your wedding flowers.  Our calendar does fill up quickly, so we suggest you contact us as early as possible in order to reserve your special day.

Will a florist work within my budget?

Yes.  Be honest about your budget on the initial consultation so the florist knows what to recommend.  By taking your budget into consideration from the very beginning of the planning process, the florist can give you the best advise on how to place the flowers for maximum effect and what types of flowers will be the best value to achieve your desired look.  At The Bloomery, we have a number of containers, centerpiece elements and silk decorations available for rent that can add a lot of panache to your wedding while keeping your costs down.

Besides suggesting specific types of flowers that will work within your budget, a professional florist can offer helpful suggestions as to what flowers might be used at both the ceremony and reception.  A few examples: bridesmaids' bouquets can become table decorations; the bride's bouquet can become the head table arrangement; the pew markers can become festive bows on cars or doors; altar designs can flank the buffet or cake table, etc.  Florists are overflowing with creative ways to make use of your budget and flowers wisely.

Is it okay to visit several florists to get estimates?

Sure, but tell the florists that you are gathering estimates rather than making an appointment for a consultation.  Be prepared with a detailed list of your floral needs.  The florist will be able to give a rough estimate without a lengthy meeting.  If you are gathering ideas and then comparisons, it is best to inform the florist of your intentions.  Floral designers are trained and highly skilled floral artists.  Their ideas have value.  You may be asked to pay a consultation fee if you want to discuss a florist's actual ideas for your wedding.  In most cases, the fee will be applied to the flowers once the order is placed.  We at The Bloomery do not charge for a wedding consultation, but we do ask that you come prepared so that we may have a more comprehensive consultation in a the time we meet.

What should I bring to the flower shop when I have my wedding consultation?

The more information you can provide the better your florist will be prepared to offer creative suggestions.  Your florist will want to create a spectacular and memorable event for you.  Anything you can bring will be beneficial.  Pictures that depict what you have in mind are extremely helpful.  Bring a photo of your dress and a sample of the fabric or lace if you have it, as well as swatches and photos of the bridesmaids' dresses.  Also think about what "style" of wedding you want.  If you are not sure, your florist can offer suggestions based on your wedding plans so far.

At The Bloomery, we feel it is easier to plan your wedding flowers after you have selected your dresses and your location(s) for your wedding.  You may reserve your wedding date with us at any time for a small deposit (applied to the balance of your wedding).  We can schedule a more thorough consultation once you have a more complete vision of what your wedding will entail.

While you are visiting our site, please look at our flower galleries to see what styles of bouquets you like, and what flowers you might wish to include.  Knowing the style of bouquet and flowers you like will greatly help your florist during the consultation.
 
©2002 SAF and The Bloomery, All Rights Reserved.
Adapted from www.aboutflowers.com/holidays_b1.html