Flowers can really tie together any wedding if they’re the right kind. In order to avoid color clashing, wilting or out-of-season flowers, always remember to plan ahead.

Everts Flowers, Home and Gifts: Located on Main Street in Ames, besides a few seasonal bulb flowers, a majority of flowers are available year-round. However, it is usually more cost effective to get seasonal flowers. They want brides to remember to make a time commitment to set all the flowers up before the wedding, and to find a place to keep them cool during transportation. Also keep in mind that, although fake flowers were once cheaper than the real ones, they tend to be more expensive now.

Mary Kay’s Flowers and Gifts: Mary Kay’s Flowers and Gifts is found on the corner of Grand Avenue and Northwood Drive in Ames. They recommend to plan your wedding in the same season your preferred flowers will be growing. Some flowers are not available or are very expensive if they are out-of-season.

Flowerama: Located on Lincoln Way in Ames, Flowerama has a wide variety of flowers. The store advises heavy planning. For example, unless it’s springtime, it’s almost impossible to get tulips. Out-of-season flowers can be around $40 for just a small bunch. It’s good to check out the flower cooler to see the actual colors compared to the planned colors for the wedding. It’s also a good idea to do research before going to the florist to discuss colors or specific ideas in your mind, as well as actively checking prices. 

Hy-Vee: There are two Hy-Vee locations in Ames – 3800 Lincoln Way and 640 Lincoln Way. Because it’s a bigger company, Hy-Vee can order from anywhere. All commercially grown flowers are readily available. During consultation, they ask about different areas that may have been forgotten, such as the organ, ushers, reception and ceremony venues, altars and pews.