Many people are all thumbs with flowers and barely know the names of different plants. Such people are happy to leave flower designing and arranging to the florist, but even florists need direction to ensure you're happy with the final product. Here are some ideas you might like to consider.

Handy Flower Guides

One bride looked through several issues of bridal magazines to get an idea of the kinds of flowers and bouquet shapes available during her wedding season. She learned the difference between a cascade bouquet, an arm bouquet, a nosegay, and a pomander. Her familiarity with the terminology saved time when she went to the florist and kept her from having unrealistic expectations.

“I didn't see certain flowers in the issues, so when I met with the florist, the first question I asked was, ‘Why?’ She explained that they weren't readily available, so I didn't get my heart set on them and then get disappointed.”

Since she was having a traditional wedding, the florist showed her an album of bouquets and table arrangements suited to that type of wedding. She knew she had the right florist when the woman urged her to carry a smaller bouquet because of her petite size. “She explained that I was supposed to be the focal point, not the flowers I carried.”

The satisfied bride also offers another tip: “We also saved having the flowers taken from the church and sent on to the reception site. That was a service that the florist suggested, something I hadn't thought of, and it helped us save the expense of ordering additional flowers for the reception site.”

“I wanted white roses but didn't want to pay a lot,” said Ingrid, a winter bride. “The cost was awful. Then I realized that I could carry one long-stemmed rose wrapped in silk ribbon. The bridesmaids did the same. Guests later told me that we looked so elegant.” It's quality — not quantity — that counts!