Ask the expert: Choosing bridal flowers to suit your style

Kelly Amundsen of Auckland’s Flowers by Blush reveals her tips for choosing big day blooms:

• Imagine yourself looking back on your wedding photos in 20 years’ time. Choose flowers that will reflect your own unique style and personality, and make sure the blooms you want are in season because that affects their availability and price.
• Your gown often dictates your bouquet in terms of form, texture and colour. The bridesmaid dresses also play a big part because they introduce more colours, which can be used as a theme for dressing the venue.

sss

• Design your flowers to complement your venue – for example, soft, pretty flowers such as freesias, hydrangeas and sweet peas suit a garden wedding. Contemporary, structured flowers such as calla lilies are perfect for an urban occasion.
• A florist will usually dress the venue with various accessories such as antique urns or modern perspex cases to set the scene.

sss

• If you’re doing your own flowers, keep it simple – less is more. Bouquets and centrepieces are the most important, but consider accessorising your venue with elegant candles, glassware or mirrors.
• Popular blooms include freesias, hydrangeas, roses and peonies. More than half of our brides set a white theme with the bouquets. Wired poses and gathered, hand-tied bouquets are also in demand.

sss

• A great way to connect the bride and groom is to partner up their bouquet and buttonhole – we’ll usually finish the stems with a ribbon that complements the bridal gown. They’re also great for the groomsmen and dad.
• A buttonhole should be the same size, or smaller than, your groom's suit lapel.

sss

• Book a florist six months in advance. It’s best to make an appointment with a florist after your bridal party’s attire has been chosen. During your first consultation, discuss your budget so your florist can suggest arrangements that fit.
• After the wedding day, have your bouquet freeze-dried as soon as you can. There are companies throughout New Zealand that can do this for you.

sss