Flowers

What would a wedding be without flowers? Flowers can bring colour, fragrance and beauty to your day and lends that special finishing touch to the ceremony and reception. As soon as you get engaged, keep an eye out for ideas - photos in magazines or books, or from programmes you might see on television, and ask around for recommendations for florists.

A creative florist who specialises in weddings can be a tremendous help. It is important they are experienced and, most of all, reliable. When you meet up with one of your potential florists, make sure you have a fairly good idea of what you'd like, and remember to take any pictures or fabric swatches you might have.

Bouquets began in Roman times, as a bundle of herbs which usually included garlic, as a sign of fertility as well as a guard against demons. During the reign of Elizabeth I, herbs began to be replaced with fragrant flowers.

Look at any photographs and testimonials from other weddings they have done
Make sure their creative ideas appeal to you, taking into account your tastes and style
A good florist will suggest how to get the most for your budget with flowers that are in season
Check if your florist will do the arrangements personally and be on site to make sure all goes well
Ask if they will be doing any other wedding on the same day as yours
Find out many staff members they will bringing to set up your wedding - you don't want them trying to rope in your Dad to move any heavy pots and urns!
If they use any interesting containers such as stone urns, silver bowls or glass containers will you be charged extra for them?

Since flowers will focus in various areas of your wedding plans, remember to take a complete list of what you need (for example, flowers for the bridal party, the reception, and so on).

TOP 10

5. Honeymoons

6. Wedding Photographer

7. Marquee

8. Wedding Caterers

9. Engagement Ring

10. Cruise

look into venues

buy the rings

book a photographer

find caterers

honeymoon destinations