Choosing the Perfect Blooms for Your Lakeside Wedding

Planning a lakeside wedding is a truly magical experience that allows you to incorporate the natural beauty of your surroundings into the most memorable event of your life. One of the key elements that will enhance this beauty is the selection of flowers. With so many options available, choosing the right blooms for your lakeside wedding can feel overwhelming. However, by following a structured approach, you can curate a floral collection that ties in perfectly with your vision. In this blog post, we will guide you through this process by outlining essential steps such as setting a wedding flower budget, defining your floral vision through inspiration, hiring the right florist, and making selections based on seasonal availability. We’ll also discuss how to take into account your wedding venue, theme, and flower symbolism. These steps will ensure your floral arrangements harmonize beautifully with your lakeside setting, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. ## 1. Create your wedding flower budget. Setting a budget is the crucial first step in selecting flowers for your lakeside wedding. It helps streamline your choices and ensures you allocate funds wisely across all elements of your wedding. Begin by determining a percentage of your overall wedding budget that you are comfortable dedicating to flowers. The typical range is between 8% to 15%, but factors like the scale of your wedding and personal preferences could influence this allocation. Once you have a figure in mind, consider the essentials: bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements. Evaluate what is most important to you and allocate more of your budget accordingly. For instance, if grand centerpieces are your priority, you may need to opt for simpler bouquets to balance the budget. Employing creative strategies such as reusing ceremony flowers for the reception can also help stretch your dollars further. ## 2. Pinpoint your wedding flower vision through inspiration. Before diving into the practicalities and logistics, take time to clearly visualize your wedding flower arrangements. Start by seeking inspiration from a variety of sources, such as bridal magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs. These platforms offer a wealth of ideas that can fuel your creativity and help you identify floral styles and colors that resonate with your lakeside wedding theme. ### Find all the vendors you need Once you have compiled a collection of floral inspiration, it’s essential to research and select the right vendors who can bring your vision to life. Look for experts who have experience with lakeside or outdoor weddings, as they’ll understand the intricacies involved in such settings. Check their portfolios and reviews to ensure their previous work aligns with your desired aesthetic. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask potential vendors about their experience and the kinds of services they provide. ### Crowdsource and start early. Weddings involve numerous decisions, and gathering input from trusted friends and family can be invaluable. Share your ideas with your wedding party or those who have already been through the process. They can offer insightful feedback regarding the practicality and budgetary implications of your flower choices. Starting early is key, as popular vendors may get booked up well in advance. By securing your florist early, you also gain access to their expertise during the planning stages. ### Hash out the details with a proposal. Once you’ve narrowed down your vendor list, request detailed proposals that outline the costs and specific arrangements. This stage is crucial for aligning on expectations and ensuring there are no surprises down the road. A well-crafted proposal will provide a clear outline of flower types, design style, and a timeline for setup and breakdown. Use this document as a reference point throughout the planning process to ensure all parties are on the same page. ## 3. Hire a wedding florist. Enlisting a professional wedding florist is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your lakeside wedding. Florists bring a wealth of expertise and creativity to the table, ensuring your floral arrangements are both beautiful and functional. Their understanding of different blooms and how they perform in various environments is invaluable, especially when dealing with outdoor settings. When choosing a florist, prioritize those who are receptive to your vision but also willing to offer practical advice based on your venue and budget. Conduct interviews to determine their communication style and commitment to your wedding day. A strong working relationship built on trust and mutual understanding will facilitate a seamless planning process and stunning results. ## 4. Make a list of all the wedding flower arrangements you’ll need. Creating a comprehensive list of the wedding flower arrangements you’ll require helps ensure nothing is overlooked. Begin with the obvious needs: bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, corsages for family members, and ceremony aisle or altar arrangements. Don’t forget to include floral decorations for your reception, such as centerpieces, cake flowers, and any additional décor like floral backdrops or arches. If you’re envisioning specific setups like floral installations or hanging arrangements, include these in your list as well. Detailing these elements in early planning stages allows you and your florist to create a coherent design that incorporates all essential floral components while respecting your budget and timelines. ## 5. Start with in-season blooms. Choosing flowers that are in season during your wedding not only ensures their freshness and quality but can also provide significant budgetary savings. In-season blooms are typically more readily available and less expensive than their out-of-season counterparts. Additionally, they are likely to thrive in the natural climate of your lakeside venue, ensuring that arrangements look their best throughout the event. Research the most stunning local blooms available in your region and season. In many cases, these flowers will reflect the natural beauty and unique qualities of the locale, adding an authentic touch to your wedding’s aesthetic. Collaborate with your florist to explore creative ways to incorporate these features, enhancing the organic feel of your lakeside celebration. ## 6. Use your wedding venue, theme, and color palette as influences. Leveraging the characteristics of your wedding venue, theme, and color palette is key to creating a cohesive flower scheme. For a lakeside wedding, let the tranquil blues, greens, and natural landscapes guide your floral choices. Incorporate these colors into your arrangements, creating a harmonious blend that complements the surrounding environment. ### Take your surroundings into consideration. Consider the specific features of your lake venue as you select flowers—things like the water, native plants, and the broader outdoor setting. Opt for flowers and arrangements that enhance these elements rather than overshadow them. Soft, flowing arrangements can mirror the water’s movement, while native greenery can seamlessly blend with the local flora. ### Be specific about colors. While drawing inspiration from your surroundings, be clear about your color preferences. Use swatches or mood boards to communicate your exact shade preferences to your florist. This specificity avoids any ambiguity and ensures that the final arrangements align with your vision. Consider how the lighting changes at different times of the day and how this might affect the look of your chosen colors, especially with the scenic backdrops. ## 7. Incorporate flower symbolism and other meaningful touches. Flowers have long been used to convey emotions and meanings, making them a powerful tool for personalizing your wedding. Research the symbolic meanings of different flowers and incorporate those that resonate with your relationship or values. For example, roses symbolize love and passion, while lilacs represent youthful innocence and first love. Beyond symbolism, personalize your arrangements with meaningful touches such as including a flower that has significance to your family or that was part of your proposal story. These additions can weave a deeper narrative into your wedding day, making the arrangements reflect who you are as a couple.