In the first part of our wedding flowers series, we discussed 3 flower options to consider, so you can pick the right place to get your flowers from.

In this post we will talk about 4 tips for floral success, so that you can be prepared in advance and get the flowers you need.

1) Make sure you figure out everyone you need flowers for.
You will, of course, need to figure out how many bouquets and boutonnieres you need for the wedding party. This would include flowers needed for the bride, groom, maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, flower girl, and/or ring-bearer.

However, you don’t want to forget others that you may want to honor with boutonnieres or corsages, such as you and your fiance’s parents, grandparents, siblings, or other family members or friends that are close to you, but not included in the actual wedding party. This is a nice way to show them you are thinking of them, even though you couldn’t have them in your wedding.

You may also want to get boutonnieres for any ushers as well as the individual performing the ceremony.

Make an actual list of everyone you need flowers for, talk it over with your fiance, and then double-check it to make sure you didn’t leave anyone out. You definitely don’t want to realize at the last minute that you are short a bouquet for one of your bridesmaids!

2) Calculate everything you need flowers for.
In addition to floral arrangements you will want for people, you also need to determine if you want to use flowers as decor, such as at the locations where your ceremony and reception will be held. Some couples will opt to use flowers as centerpieces, while others will use candles or other forms of decor instead.

If you are using flowers for decoration, you will need to calculate exactly how many arrangements you need. So, if you are using floral arrangements as centerpieces, you need to figure out how many tables/surfaces you are going to place these on, and how many arrangements you will be using on each. Again, you and your fiance will want to make a list of everything you need so that you’re able to get the correct amount of flowers. Check out this helpful flower planner to make the planning process easier!

3) Think about what kind of flowers you want.
You will want to consider the color and type of flowers you want to use. If you want to use fresh flowers that are not commonly used in bouquets, corsages, and/or boutonnieres, you will want to confirm that the arrangements will hold up well throughout your entire wedding day. You can ask a florist about this or do your own research.

Remember that some types flowers are more expensive than others, so if you are debating between a few different types, you may want to compare prices. Additionally, what flowers are in season at the time of your wedding can also make a difference in cost and affect how easy it will be for you to get them.

4) Make sure you order them far enough in advance.
Unless you plan on picking wildflowers or purchasing silk flowers in-store, you need to make sure you order your flowers well enough in advance so that you will be able to have them in time for your wedding.

The Florist Directory recommends ordering flowers at least 3 months in advance, since it is common for florists to only accept a certain number of weddings at a time.

However they also advise, “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.”

So those are 4 tips for floral success- part 2 of our wedding flowers series. By being organized and planning ahead, your wedding flowers will make your special day even more beautiful.