Anna Schimmel - European Bridal Designer

Beautiful flowers will enhance a romantic atmosphere and express your vision of your wedding day. Choose the right florist to create personal and memorable floral arrangements for your special day.

• 1. Getting Started

  You should definitely get your venue and wedding gown organised before you start looking for a florist. A good bridal designer will always provide you with a sketch and some fabric samples so you can take these with you to the florist. Think about how many bouquets and buttonholes you would like and check with the venue about floral arrangements.

• 2. Looking Around

  Many venues recommend a florist, but always ask around, browse the Internet and look through wedding magazines. Even if you already know whom you would like to use it helps to look at lots of bouquets, flowers and floral arrangements. Find out about the florists in your suburb as it might save you some running around if you find someone good close by.

• 3. Meeting the Florist

  Call to make a time and bring your gown sketch, photos of your venue and a scrapbook with floral ideas. You might find it useful to split them into bouquet styles, flower types and arrangements. View the florist's portfolio and make sure it is their actual work and is what you are looking for.

• 4. Style and Rapport

  As you will by now have a good idea of the general styling of your wedding it is important to not only get on with the florist but make sure that you agree on style and vision. Check the florist has plenty of experience, is creative and competent. Meet with several florists to get a few options and prices.

• 5. Price Guide

  By now you will have found a florist you would consider using and have an idea of his prices. Get some definite quotes from him for a variety of flowers and your estimated amount of bouquets and arrangements. Check on any hidden costs and get a price for any extra arrangements you may need.

• 6. Book your Florist

  Having found your florist you will need to book and pay a deposit. Several months before your wedding you should sit down together and decide on the actual flowers to be used and the final designs of the arrangements, as well as the total number. This will give the florist time to order your flowers well in advance.

• 7. Flowers in Season

  Listen to your florist's advice. Using flowers that are in season on your wedding day will save you money and ensure they are fresh. The florist will know which flowers are likely to bruise or wilt and will recommend better options.

• 8. Bridal Bouquet

  It is important to consider the height of the bride as well as the style of the wedding gown when planning the bouquet. Intricate gowns often look great with simple, soft bouquets like peonies or old-fashioned roses. Sleek and modern wedding dresses can be teamed up with orchids or lilies for a contemporary look.

• 9. Colours

  When planning your colour theme you might want to consider a point of difference. Having a special bouquet to match your gown will set you apart and the florist can include the colour of your bridesmaids' dresses to highlight your bouquet.

• 10. And finally...

  Flowers are a very beautiful and special part of your day. There is so much colour and variety to choose from. Let the flowers be a reflection of your personality, be creative and enjoy!