Bridal Gathering

Flowers are an important part of any wedding but brides should keep their budget in mind when making choices. Cymbidium orchids are 'all the rage' this year, according to local floral professionals who say that many brides are also choosing to use multi-colored calla lilies in their floral bouquets. Tropical or traditional? Cascade or clutch? Monochromatic or multi-colored? These are just some of the decisions brides have to make when choosing the kind of flowers they will be carrying when they walk down the aisle. Fortunately, these are choices a florist will be happy to help you make. Planners recommend that you sit down with the florist of your choice five to eight months before the wedding. This is a good time to talk about how much of your wedding budget is reserved for flowers. Ten to 15 percent should cover bouquets for you and your bridal party but your florist can tell you whether that's enough and help you adjust your choices to make your budget work.

Local floral professionals say while some brides still want roses, cymbidium orchids (especially green) and calla lilies are "all the rage" right now. One florist said cymbidiums are "perfect" because they don't wilt or bruise easily. Callas are also durable and come in fun colors such as pink, mango, red and burgundy providing splashes of color in multi-hued bouquets.

Hand-tied bouquet clutches of flowers are more in demand but there has been a resurgence of interest in cascade bouquets, some florists report.

To keep costs down, many wedding experts suggest the bride have a florist design their bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, flower girls' basket and hair wreath, boutonnières and corsages but have friends and family decorate the guest tables. Most local brides and helpers prefer to create many of these items on their own.

Your flowers will enhance your wedding photos long after your wedding is just a cherished memory.