Choosing the Right Online Florists

By Jocelyn Wasley

With the advancement of the internet, sending flowers anywhere around the globe to your loved ones has become far easier and much more cost effective than ever before. Or at least isn't that how it should be?

Millions of consumers and florists worldwide are ending up out of pocket and very disappointed. This is mostly due to the relatively unknown fact that it is becoming more and more difficult to find a Real Local Florist on the internet or in the local pages.

Many companies are posing as real florists, offering discounted rates to entice the consumer to purchase from their sites, while only acting (sometimes very badly), as a middleman. This often results in lost orders, wrong details being passed on to the filling florist and florists not getting paid for their hard work.

To help combat this, here are a few tips on how not to get caught out by what the industry describe as 'Order Gatherers' and 'Order Skimmers'.

* Choose a florist that displays his or her own work on their website. Don't settle for a site that has a generic 'brochure' otherwise your order could end up at 'floral order central'! At least if the florist is displaying their own work, you will know that the florist is in fact real! You will also be able to choose personalised flowers and even funky little add-ons if you so wish. After all, we are all individuals and flowers can often be an expression of this.

* Make sure the site contains a 'Contact us' and/or 'About us' page which include details such as Address, Phone number, and an Email address.

* Be sure that the payment page is secure. (Look for the https:// in your browser. The 's' means it is secure).

* Just because discounts and free delivery are offered, it does not mean you will receive value for money. Your real local florist will more than likely be a qualified designer, and far more dedicated to the art of floral arranging and most importantly, to his/her customer's satisfaction.

* If you want to send flowers out of town, you are better to deal directly with the filling florist than to use one of the larger florist relay networks. If you do use one of these through your local florist, you will either directly or indirectly end up paying unnecessary fees for the privilege. Your local florist may be able to provide you with contact details of a trusted florist within his/her own network. Next time you are visiting your far away loved ones, pop into their local florist and pick up their business card (you can check out their work at the same time)!

* Most local florists can deliver the very same day you order provided you order within their usual delivery times.

* Another great way to find a real independent florist is to use a florist directory such as Vuzien, where you are linked directly to an independent florist. The great part about this particular directory is that the florist will go that extra mile and email you a photo of the flowers that were delivered on your behalf.

So with all this in mind the next time you want to send flowers, you will be able to receive far better value for money and a much superior level of customer service and satisfaction, because you now know to place your order with a real independent florist in the area your flowers need to be delivered.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Get-Fooled-By-Online-Florists&id=642979

St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks Bring Luck O' The Irish To Flowers

by: Wesley Berry

You probably recognize the shamrock as a symbol of St. Patrick's Day, so why not add a bit of that Irish luck to your St. Patrick's Day flowers? Believe it or not, many florists do keep a supply of shamrocks on hand to add to bouquets and arrangements ordered for St. Patrick's Day. Well, at least they carry something that passes for shamrocks... A closer look at the shamrock and the legends surrounding it reveals that finding the "true shamrock" requires more than just the luck brought by a four-leaf clover.

The origin of the word "shamrock" is in the Irish word seamrog, which means "little clover." While it's a lovely name, it's not particularly descriptive considering that there are numerous kinds of clovers and even some plants that are recognized as clovers by the general public, though botanically they are not. Even the folks living in Ireland have some difficulty agreeing on what a shamrock truly is. In a survey conducted by Tippitwitchet Cottage at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin showed that Irish believe the shamrock to be one of four plants:

* 46 percent believe it is the lesser trefoil, or hop clover;

* 35 percent say it's the white clover;

* 7 percent think it's the black medick (which isn't a clover at all, merely a clover-like plant); and,

* 4 percent believe the shamrock is the red clover.

Why the division over what the shamrock really is? Well, that may come from the legend of the shamrock itself. The story goes that Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a visual aid to explaining the Christian belief of the doctrine of the Trinity. Shamrocks have three leaves united by one stalk, which Saint Patrick pointed out during his lesson.

Now, you're probably scratching your head and thinking, "Three leaves? What about the 'lucky four-leaf clover'?" Ah, that's where things become even more confusing. Technically speaking, a four-leaf clover cannot be a shamrock because of the very fact that it has four leaves and doesn't conform to the definition originated in the Saint Patrick legend. The idea of the lucky four-leaf clover actually originates not through Christian tradition, but through Pagan beliefs. Ancient Druids were said to have propagated this belief because they held the four-leaf clover as a Celtic charm against malevolent spirits.

Three leaf, four leaf, shamrock, clover-whatever the case may be, shamrocks or what passes for them make a beautiful addition to any St. Patrick's Day flower arrangement or bouquet. So, remember to ask your florists to add the luck o' the Irish to your St. Patrick's Day flowers!

Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/women/article_1592.shtml

Your Bridal Bouquet

by: Georgina Clatworthy

Visit several florists before choosing one particular florist. Ask to see previous examples of their work. Check out the quality of the finish & the presentation. If given physical examples are they comfortable to carry? How have they been put together? Asking for this won’t cost you anything but it can make a big difference to your decision.

When you have decided on florists, make an appointment to see them so you can discuss you choices. First of all let them know your budget, so they can advise of the best flower choices available. Let them know your wedding color scheme or chosen theme. Give an accurate description of your dress & if possible show them a photograph. This will help them advise you on your bouquet shape & size. Don’t forget to discuss your attendants outfits too & let them know if you want your attendants bouquets to match your own.

Carrying your bouquet can take some skill, so ask for a ‘trial run’ of your flowers before the wedding so you can see what it will look like & have a practice at home carrying them. If you don’t like the way they look you still have time to make all necessary changes.

On the day of the wedding make sure you keep your flowers fresh from the moment they arrive. Many brides put their bouquets & those of their attendants in the refrigerator to keep them cool, fresh & to stop them from wilting. When you arrive at the reception arrange to have a vase of water available to sit your bouquet in, although this is only applicable really to round & posy style bouquets.

Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_2509.shtml

It isn't that Easy to Choose a Florist Training Course

The art of creating beautiful flowers is called floristry. The numbers of tasks that florists perform are pretty big because he or she creates bouquets and displays using all kinds of materials like flowers, herbs, foliages, and even ornamental grasses. Most people think that florists grown flowers but that isn't true.

The main task of a florist is to make beautiful compositions and for him or her flowers are the only materials to work with. He or she works in shops or stores that sell flowers but this situation is changing fast due to the development of online flower shops.

Flowers that are arranged in the European style don't have such strict limitations therefore you can create almost any possible compositions. And, by using different instruments, you can get wonderful results.

There are different styles of floristry but the most well known is the oriental style. A well known example of this example is ikebana. This is probably the oldest art of arranging dry and cut flowers. The popularity of ikebana is very high. But, ikebana has its limitations and this art is closely related to a traditional philosophy. All this means is that there is certain ikebana rules that you need to follow and that means that it doesn't allow you to express all of your artistic ability.

But, in fact there are not so many places where you can learn floral design. Of course there are different floral schools that offer special florist training programs but in most cases these florist trainings courses only give you basic knowledge. And, for deeper florist training, you will have to look for advanced schools. One of the examples of the wonderful florist schools is The American institute of floral designers. It offers educational programs in floral design so that you can master this wonderful art. And, it doesn't matter if you are a beginner in this field or have any experience in floristry.

The American Institute of Floral Designers offers many different floral training programs so you can choose the one the suits you best. The institute also has different contests and competitions, for instance, there is the AIFD awards. On their website on the internet you will find the latest news on floral design. Therefore, if you are interested in a florist training program or wish to learn more about The American Institute of Floral Designers just visit the web page.

But, floral design can not only be a profession but also a hobby. Of course, you can have some florist training courses to learn the basics but there are so many articles, web sites, and magazines that are dedicated to floristry so you can learn everything yourself. With such an interesting hobby, you will be able to realize your artistic potential.

And, through the internet, you can talk to other people who love flowers and flower arranging and you can talk to professional florists too. During such a discussion in the web forum, you can learn much more than at special training courses sometimes. And, with such a hobby you will never have a problem arranging bouquets for different occasions.

Source: http://www.syl.com/hb/itisntthateasytochooseafloristtrainingcourse.html

High End Florists

Flowers are gifted to individuals during wedding anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, Christmas, Mother's Day, and many other events. Florists have seen a rise in trend of the flower markets and their value, which has created a huge demand in the industry. This necessitates florists to employ their talent, skill, knowledge, and expertise fully to stay ahead. There are two categories of florists, local and international.

The sub-categories include florists who deal in the finest quality of flowers and are known as high-end florists. These florists provide additional services along with regular flower orders. They allow the customers to choose from gifts such as wine, Champaign, chocolates, and soft toys accompanying their regular order of bouquets and flowers.

High-end florists take the responsibility to serve the customers with the best of services. They have a well-coordinated network and are connected with numerous local florists around the town or city so that quick delivery is possible. High-end florists make sure that they maintain customer relations by delivering orders on time and allowing the customers to make their choice of flowers, gifts that they can personalize.

They also provide the customers with a variety of flowers to choose from, which include exotic flowers, designer flowers, exclusive flower baskets, and exquisite roses. Due to their exceptional services, many individuals prefer to book orders with high-end florists.

High-end florists also assist their clients in the process of selecting the right type of flowers depending on the occasion. The designing and arrangement of the flowers display excellent skills of the florists and orders are handled in a professional manner. High-end florists are usually very expensive, but the customer must make sure that they offer their clients with the best services, which is worth the money.

High-end florists have launched websites to further enhance their customer base by allowing them to compare prices and services offered, place orders, and even make payments online.



Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?High-End-Florists&id=428964

Best Online Florists

With the help of online florists you can easily convey your feelings to your loved ones. This is a beautiful medium to get your message crossways to the recipient. The aim is to give customers with best quality, best selection and absolute satisfaction guarantee on every single order, all around the world. You want to send gifts to your husband, wife, children, close friend, parents or anyone else, just take the help of these florists.

Celebrate special occasion with festive arrangement. Wish special person happy birthday. You can express your caring thoughts, gratitude, congratulation, wishes and other gestures with the special gift baskets. No gift is better than the unexpected bouquet of the red roses or teddy bear. Through cards you can make any day special of any one special. Express your appreciation or gratefulness to special person, relative, friend or colleague.

Flowers do have universal appeal. Message of cheer and love to all the loved ones make them feel special and different. Beautiful bouquets come with gorgeous lilies, stunning roses, tulips, marvelous snapdragons and much more.

Roses come in different colors and each color of the rose has its own importance. Red roses are a symbol of love. Whereas yellow signifies gratitude and friendship. White roses can be used to show sympathy. Roses can be artistically arranged in the elegant vases as well as baskets which let you share joy, peace, sorrow and love with friends and family. Best online florist Lucknow provide suitable online ordering system almost through out a day so as to serve the customers.

Ferns N Petals is a well reputed florist in India. Over the years it has been linked with excellent quality flowers as well as flowers arrangements. Buy and send fresh cut flowers to any corner of the world and pamper your loved ones with exquisite and exotic flower arrangements. We are the popular local Lucknow florist and guarantee to deliver your order to the recipient on the given time.




Source: http://www.articlefeeder.com/Business__Finance_and_Management/Best_Online_Florists.html

Online Wholesale Florists

Online wholesale florists offer an efficient and cost effective place to find some of the world's best bulk floral purchases for small or large retail florist shops, grocery stores, gift shops, and community groups. Even individuals can purchase from wholesale florists for weddings in small or large bulk as well as for fund raising organizations.

It is extraordinarily easy to browse, compare, purchase and receive bulk items through timely shipping by ordering online. Whether it is fresh cut flowers or potted plants, a huge selection of floral species can be found through many companies that specialize in shipping domestic and international flowers at cut rate prices to retail companies and organizations that can then turn a good profit.

Many companies that provide wholesale floristry products operate from different vantage points regarding sales targets and services. Some wholesale florists have developed a system that has business partnerships with international sources in places like South America.

Some South American gardens grow large amounts of greenery and floristry that is sold to wholesalers who in turn market the products to US retailers. Other growers in America sell their products to wholesalers in bulk for the same benefits. This provides a good financial arrangement for producers, wholesalers and retailers because of the many advantages to these partnerships.

Some of the advantages to this arrangement include marketing, credit lines, transportation, customer contacts, bulk sales, and inventory convenience. Growers who are in the business of harvesting flowers and plants in large amounts are not so much in the marketing business and need a distribution channel for their products.

Wholesale florists provide a perfect venue with marketing strategies designed to move products to the retail market through seamless transportation plans and optimum marketing strategies. This takes the pressure off overseas growers as well as growers based across the United States who would otherwise have to attempt to market their items to the thousands of retailers across the country.

Good marketing by online wholesale florists connects the producer with the retailer for a perfect financial marriage. Lines of credit are also provided for retailers that many producers cannot offer from overseas venues. Another plus is the fact that wholesale florists can break up bulk products and parcel them out into smaller amounts that are ordered by certain retail buyers.

Large gardens in America and overseas are not equipped to handle this assignment and deal only in large shipping orders that generally go to wholesalers. Customer contact is also an important function that wholesalers are able to maintain as the middle man between growers and sellers.

The product convenience that is provided by the florist middle men offer a huge plus to overseas as well as distant US productions by transporting floristry closer to retail stores. This makes it easy for buyers to visit warehouses and marketing facilities in order to make first hand inspections of products before purchase.

Another type of online wholesale florists are those that have devised business connections with a network of florist shops and other flower speciality shops around the country in order to be able to provide florist deliveries and quality arrangements to customers at cut rate prices. Many companies offer cheap pricing and free delivery on quality flowers through cost effective methods of marketing and delivery through their network of suppliers and shops.

Companies such as these can boast large inventories of products based on a compilation of network stores worldwide and provide consumers with unparalleled, guaranteed service. The floristry business can be pleasant as well as financially lucrative for many wholesale florists who deal with the beauty of nature that cheers many people on many occasions. The Scripture verse that states "...unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wonderous works declare."

(Psalm 75:1) is especially obvious when dealing with garden beauty indoor or outside. Many online wholesale florists offer galleries to display their flowers and plants from many different markets both home and abroad. The beauty of international flowers can be spectacular from orchids to roses that are harvested from tropical gardens overseas.

There are many more services that online wholesale florists offer retail buyers including information on the hottest selling floral items, how to present certain floristry products and where the trends in the floral business is moving. It is also advantageous for many retail buyers to belong to wholesale associations as well as to attend conventions that feature other information relevant to the florist industry.

Conventions offer the opportunity to visit with suppliers, to interact with other business owners about the best business practices, and to pick up other important tips. There are many Internet sources that offer further information regarding the whole sale flower business that may be of help to anyone who is interested in retail, wholesale or production opportunities.



Source: http://www.christianet.com/flowers/wholesaleflorists.htm

Peek-a-Boo

From this hand bouquet of 3 pink gerberas peeks a furry little bear in cunning yet adorable innocence.

Lester Love

I'm only a boy, but I promise to bring you so much joy. Let Lester, a cream colored bear with irresistible eyes, deliver this lovely message to your special girl.

Everlasting Peace

We know that it's very difficult to find the right gestures or words that may convey how sorry we are for the family of the loss. In that case, you can send this condolence stand with fresh and artificial white flowers.

Token of Love

This occasion calls for special token of love. Say it with chocolates this time round and make it a memorable gift

Attraction in Singapore During Mid Autumn Festival

In Chinese moon cake festival, chinatown is a place that you should not miss if you are in Singapore during the mooncake festival month. Every year during this mid autumn festival, China town will be dominated with flowers and beautiful lanterns through out the street.

There will be cultures performance and verities of moon cakes of different brands for sale. You can taste the sample of different moon cakes before you decide which to buy. Also remember to take a stroll at the Mid Autumn Bazaar beside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and grab one of the many incredible festive products such as the Chinese red lanterns, Chinese paintings, Chinese gowns (cheongsams), sweetened dates and traditional handicrafts to take home as souvenirs.

You would also like to buy some moon cake from some of the famous brand like Da Dong Restaurant moon cake which is known for its handmade snowskin mooncake with single yolk in lotus paste and Tong Heng Oriental Pastry which is known for its baked mooncake with mixed nuts and baked mooncake with double yolk in lotus paste.



Source: http://www.best-singapore-guide.com/mooncake-festival.html

Mooncake Festival in Sabah

In Sabah, many Chinese celebrate the Mooncake Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival. as the name suggests, this festival involves eating mooncakes and kids playing with lanterns. This festival is also, and correctly called the Mid Autumn Festival. Celebrated when the moon is at its fullest, on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calender. This normally falls on September or October.

Because mooncakes are the traditional food during this festival, it came to be called Chinese moon cake festival. This also makes it more commercial, with the sales of mooncakes and lanterns. Still, it does not take anything away from hanging out with family and friends, and celebrating the tradition.

Traditionally, this makes the end of the harvesting season in China. In the old days, it is a welcome break where you can sit and enjoy a gorgeous view of the moon, and the kids can have some fun with the neighbors.

Paper Lanterns and All

When I was a kid, we use to play with paper lanterns with a lighted candle inside. This is just about the only time we can play with fire, so you can imagine how much fun we had, and many a lantern went up in flames.

These days, they came up with plastic lanterns that runs on batteries, including some with really annoying sounds. But as a parent, it makes life easier, and you can always choose one with just the lights. This being the first lantern festival my angelic girl remembers, she had a lot of fun with her lantern.


Source: http://aboutsabah.com/living-here/mooncake-festival-in-sabah/

Mid Autumn Festival - Summary

Mid Autumn Festival, or Mooncake Festival and Lantern Festival in some South East Asian countries, is one of the most important festivals in Chinese tradition. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Amongst the many legends and tales regarding the Chinese moon cake festival, Chang Er's Moon Escapade is the most widely known story. Here are some that we've heard from our parents and teachers when we were little.

Chang Er's Moon Escapade

It was believed that long ago in ancient China, there were 10 suns in the sky that caused no river flowing and no crops growing. Hou Yi, a legendary hero who had incredible strength and great archery skill, shot down 9 of the hot burning suns. The remaining sun was ordered to rise and set daily, to benefit human being.

Hou Yi, became the leader of the nation, and married Chang Er - who was believed to be a great beauty. However, Hou Yi became a violent leader and was cruel to his people. He then obtained an elixir that was promised to give him eternity life. Chang Er, with a heart of gold, worried that the elixir was going to make the public suffer eternally, had decided to get rid of the elixir.

However, her stealing act was caught red-handed by Hou Yi. Out of a panic, she swallowed the elixir and found herself starting to float in the air, whilst running away from Hou Yi's hunt. Chang Er continued to fly higher and higher, till she reached the moon, and spent the rest of her eternal life on the cold, lonely moon.

Another version of the twist was, Hou Yi's follower Feng Meng had tried to make Chang Er surrender the elixir in Hou Yi?s absense. Refused to do so, she swallowed it and escaped to the moon. There are, of course, many other versions of the fairy tale, but these are the two that are most often told.

The poem titled 'Chang Er', written by Tang Dynasty Poet Li ShangYin, is one of the most popular poems written about the legend. Here is a translation that's closest to its orihinal meaning.


Source: http://www.knowingfood.com/story/midautumn.html

"When the Moon is Full, Mankind is one!"

In China and throughout many Asian countries people celebrate the Harvest Moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of their lunar calendar. The date in the Western calendar changes annually. This year, the Chinese moon cake festival falls on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

The Harvest Moon or Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) is a day of family reunions much like a Western Thanksgiving. Chinese people believe that on that day, the moon is the roundest and brightest signaling a time of completeness and abundance. During the Mooncake Festival, children are delighted to stay up past midnight, parading multi-colored lanterns into the wee hours as families take to the streets to moon-gaze.

It is also a romantic night for lovers, who sit holding hands on hilltops, riverbanks and park benches, captivated by the brightest moon of the year!

The festival dates back to the Tang dynasty in 618 A.D., and as with many celebrations in China there are ancient legends closely associated with it.

In Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, it's sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival, (not to be confused with a similar celebration during the Chinese New Year), but whatever name it goes by, the centuries-old festival remains a beloved annual ritual celebrating an abundance of food and family.


Source: http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/harvest-moon-festival.htm

Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival with dances, feasting and moon gazing, putting pomelo rinds on one's head, carrying brightly lit lanterns, and most of all, eating the traditional food of this festival, mooncakes, and there is a wide array to choose from.
Celebration with Mooncakes

While baked goods are a common feature at most Chinese moon cake festival celebrations, mooncakes are inextricably linked with the Moon festival. One type of traditional mooncake is filled with lotus seed paste. Around the size of a human palm, these mooncakes are quite filling and meant to be sliced diagonally in quarters and passed around.

This explains their rather steep price (around $5.00 in Canada) and its high calories. The salty yolk in the middle, which is found in “traditional” mooncakes (different varieties and flavours have sprung up in recent years) represents the full moon, and is an acquired taste.

While mooncake took up to four weeks to make in the past, technology has speeded up the process considerably. Today, mooncakes may be filled with everything from dates, nuts, and fruit to Chinese sausages. More exotic creations include green tea mooncakes, and ping pei or snowskin mooncakes, a Southeast Asian variation made with cooked glutinous rice flour.


Source: http://www.suite101.com/content/red-azuki-bean-mooncake-recipe-a155519

Places to Celebrate the Festival

China's Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunisolar month (somewhere in the period early September to early August). The festival is the second most important festival after the Spring Festival to Chinese people.

Every year, when the festival moon cakes comes people go home from every corner of the country and the world to meet their family and have dinner with them. The festival is the second most important festival to the Spring Festival to Chinese people. Every year, when the festival comes people go home from every corner of the world to meet their family and have dinner with them.


Top Places to Celebrate the Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a family celebration and usually many outdoor activities are arranged especially for the event. On the evening of a Mid-Autumn Festival, families stay up late and get together eating mooncake and gazing at the moon.

If you want to take part, invite a few friends and check out places to celebrate the festival in the following cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, to celebrate the festival. China Highlights' Mid-Autumn Festival tours allow you to have a authentic Chinese festival as the Chinese people do.


Source: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/mid-autumn-festival.htm

The Moon Festival

The Moon festival (also called the Mooncake or Mid-Autumn festival) falls on September 22nd in the year 2010. What is the Moon festival? Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year, the Chinese celebrate "zhong qiu jie."

Children are told the story of the moon fairy living in a crystal palace, who comes out to dance on the moon's shadowed surface. The legend surrounding the "lady living in the moon" dates back to ancient times, to a day when ten suns appeared at once in the sky.

The Emperor ordered a famous archer to shoot down the nine extra suns. Once the task was accomplished, Goddess of Western Heaven rewarded the archer with a pill that would make him immortal. However, his wife found the pill, took it, and was banished to the moon as a result. Legend says that her beauty is greatest on the day of Festival moon cakes.


Source: http://chinesefood.about.com/od/mooncake/a/moonfestival.htm

Guide To Wedding Flowers

Marriage is the most important and sacred event to everybody. Because, this event once in a lifetime. In marriage, it is incomplete if there are no flowers to decorate the Combination of the ceremony. Because the flowers also symbolize loyalty and love.

Flowers are an important part of making your wedding ceremony and reception beautiful. Hopefully this guide will make your choices in wedding flowers a little bit easier.

The Shop

When planning your wedding, you should take time and care in selecting a wedding florist.

Choose several florists in the general vicinity of your ceremony and reception site. If the wedding florist is on the other side of town, they may charge more for delivery. Look in the yellow pages, on wedding websites and ask your friends and families for referrals before narrowing down your list to three or four options.

Set up appointments to meet with each of the florists. Before the appointment time, you should decide the following about your wedding:

* Wedding colors (color of bridesmaids dresses, table linens and other decor)
* Number of attendants
* Total budget for flowers, including delivery charges

When you meet with each florist give them an idea of what you are looking for, but also be open to suggestions. After all, they are the professionals!

Bring tear outs from magazines to give the florists an idea of what you types and colors of flowers you are consider. Ask each florist to come up a quote that will meet all your needs. It may also be helpful to ask for a high-end quote if you want to trade out your standard flowers for more exotics, dye flowers to a specific color, or want anything else special.

Once you've visited three or four shops and gathered the quotes, ask for a list of references from each. Call previous brides to make sure there were no problems with customer service, delivery, or quality of the flowers.

The Flowers

A basic package of wedding flowers should include:

* Bridal bouquet
* Bridemaids' bouquets
* Corsages for mothers, grandmothers and other important women
* Boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers and other important men
* Centerpieces for the reception

You may also need a smaller bouquet for the "toss," flowers for the flower girl, and other floral decorations.

Though you can find most flowers all year, it's best to choose seasonal blooms because they are more readily available, more durable and less expensive. Here is a general guideline of wedding flowers by season.

Spring

* Apple blossoms
* Cherry blossoms
* Daffodils
* Hyacinth
* Iris
* Lilies
* Lilacs
* Pansies
* Peonies
* Tulips

Summer

* Cala lilies
* Dahlia
* Daisies
* Geraniums
* Hydrangeas
* Iris
* Larkspur
* Queen Anne's lace
* Roses
* Sunflowers
* Zinnias

Fall

* Asters
* Chrysanthemums
* Gerbera daisies
* Marigolds
* Roses
* Sunflowers

Winter

* Camelias
* Forget-me-nots
* Jasmine
* Orchids
* Poinsettias

Now that you are armed with all the information, you can make an informed decision and choose the florist and the flowers that are right for you!

Find many more wedding articles like this provided by Truly Wedding Favors by visiting our directory, Articles By Yours Truly.



http://www.floweradvisor.com.sg/lifestyle/women/weddings/11883/guide_to_wedding_flowers/

See Also : Mid autumn festival, Festival moon cakes, Mooncake