Photo: Onelove Photography
It's important to clearly communicate your vision to your florist to make sure you get the wedding flowers you've always wanted. And while Pinterest boards and magazine tear sheets will certainly help convey the look and feel you're going for, it's also crucial to use the right words and language to ensure everyone is on the same page. To help, we've put together a guide to help you communicate with your florist to get exactly what you need.
See More: 20 Gorgeous Pink Wedding Bouquets
The Look #1: Rustic (above)
When you describe the look you want as "rustic," most florists think of the outdoors, weathered or wood vessels, and arrangements with a hand-picked feel. Blooms like sunflowers, daisies, and zinnias placed in old crockery or worn crates come to mind. To skew away from the casual, country connotations this word often creates, have your venue and, most important, the formality of your celebration in mind.
What to say: "The wedding will be held in the spring in an old barn — I want the flowers to feel relaxed and unfussy."
Photo: Elizabeth Messina
The Look #2: Classic
The word "classic" will usually evoke a ball-shaped bouquet featuring predominantly one type of flower — perfect for some celebrations, but not all. To make sure your bouquet fits your event, have your florist match it to the style of your wedding gown and location.
What to say: "The reception will be at a country club and I'll be wearing a strapless, A-line gown with a lace bodice."
Photo: Jose Villa
The Look #3: Romantic
The word "romantic" paints a variety of pictures for florists. Some think of peonies, ranunculuses, and garden roses in terra-cotta pots, while others imagine cascading red roses in silver urns. Because romance means something different to everyone, you'll need to give plenty of details — including feel, location, formality, and season — when communicating your version.
What to say: "It will be an elegant, semiformal springtime reception at a vineyard, with neutral table linens, gold-rimmed china, and cross-back chairs."
Photo: Leo Patrone
The Look #4: Chic
Asymmetrical arrangements of cymbidium orchids, calla lilies, and French tulips come to florists' minds when the word "chic" is uttered, as do a generally modern aesthetic and simple, sleek arrangements in clear acrylic containers. When meeting with florists, focus on the visual details of your wedding, such as your location's architecture, your wedding colors, or your gown's design.
What to say: "A daytime reception at a modern art museum with clean lines and white walls, with lots of bright, unexpected pops of color."