The flowers you choose for your wedding day are just one of the many ways you can personalize and set the tone for the occasion. Like all other elements of your wedding, there are many trends, tricks and tips to remember when making your choices for florists and flowers. Dan Brabec, owner of Coe’s Floral and Gifts at 2619 Northridge Parkway in Ames, helps you to sort through some of the questions you might have when tackling this fun, but overwhelming task.

What’s Fresh in Flowers

Just like anything else, there are trends and fads in wedding flowers. Brabec explains some of the hot new trends in flowers that have been popping up.

Hand-tied Bouquets: Many brides are choosing hand-tied and chop bouquets (a bouquet with a very short handle) for a more elegant look.

Organic Mix of Flowers: Rather than sticking to one bloom (such as a rose or daisy), brides are choosing to mix many different flowers together in their arrangements.

Bling: More and more, Brabec is seeing additions of bling such as bead wire, rhinestones, brooches and other unique touches to bouquets to add a bit of sparkle and personality.

Hot Colors: One trend is to use hot colors such as bright orange, pink and lime…

Rich Colors: Another trend is to use more rich colors such as merlot, chocolate brown and champagne – “velvety” colors.

Challenge Tradition: Instead of a corsage for your mothers, make them feel special by giving them a small, hand-tied bouquet.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Florist

Brabec suggests doing your research when looking for a florist for your wedding. Schedule a consultation and look through examples of their work. Make sure you are comfortable with the florist’s style and work. Brabec stresses that a florist’s style is the one thing you cannot change.

Also, be sure to ask about the policies, such as deposits and when payment is due. You’ll also want to make sure the florist is available for your specified wedding date, and don’t forget to talk about delivery and setup.

During your consultation with your florist, it is best to come in with ideas; and definitely know your colors and the overall tone of your wedding. You may even bring in pictures from magazines, but Brabec warns that sometimes the trendy blooms shown in bridal magazines may not be readily available in the midwest. He suggests bringing in pictures for inspiration and not to expect an exact replica of the picture. Also, remember your florist is a professional and may have some exciting ideas you did not think of. Be open-minded for the very best results.

Blooms on a Budget

Wedding flowers can be a big expense when planning your wedding. Brabec gives a few simple tips to help you stay within your budget and get the most for your money.

Set a Specified Budget: A florist will be able to work within your budget, as long as it is reasonable. Do your homework to find out what you might want and how much you can afford to spend and communicate this to your florist up front. However…

Be Realistic: Do not expect a florist to be able to give you all rose bouquets for your 10 bridesmaids with a tiny budget.

Beware of the Season: Talk with your florist about what flowers are in season during the time of your wedding. While Brabec estimates that 60-70 percent of your flowers will be available year-round for the same price, some flowers and colors are more affordable and readily available during certain times.

Splurge on “Wow” Pieces: Instead of spending your money on small centerpieces for each table, try placing one impressive, larger arrangement on every fourth table or so. You will get more impact and more show for the same price. Also think about purchasing one “wow” piece that can be moved from the ceremony to the gift table to the buffet table.

Whatever flowers you choose for your special day, make sure they are a reflection of you and your partner’s character. Personalize your wedding with flowers that have a symbolic meaning or that have a special meaning to you to make your day as unique as the two of you.