Ooh, the flowers you'll carry...

With so many beautiful flowers available, how do you decide on what to carry on the big day? Since your bouquet will be making its way into plenty of photos, you want to be certain you're picking something that you love.

Two things I tell my clients are 1.) pick something you love, and 2.) pick something you can afford. I know how easy it is to get carried away in flower consultations with beautiful, inspirational ideas florists have on hand, however once you walk away and digest the quote, you may rethink the options.

If you want the most bang for your buck, consider choosing flowers that are in season, and if possible, locally grown. Visit the local farmer's market and find a grower who can provide exactly what you need at the time of your wedding. Most of the florists I work with are great about offering alternative options for something that might be out of season at the time of your wedding.

And if you're in need of some amazing flower ideas, check out these two great blogs that I read to inspire your flower choices...
The Bride's Cafe
Preston Bailey

Below is a partial list of in-season flowers. To see the entire list, click here.

SPRING WEDDING FLOWERS
Anemone * Blue, red, pink, white * Jan-May and Aug-Dec.
Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May
Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring – Early Summer
Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April

SUMMER WEDDING FLOWERS
English Lavender * Purple
Hydrangea * White, Blue, Purple, Pink
Iris * Purple, Blue, White
Snapdragons * Pink, Yellow, Orange, White, Other Colors

FALL WEDDING FLOWERS
Dahlia * Many Colors
Marigold * Yellow, Orange, Red
Zinnia * Red, orange, pink *
Dried Leaves

WINTER WEDDING FLOWERS
Amaryllis * Red, White
Cosmos * Pink, White, Brown, Other Colors
Holly * Green with Red Berries
Waxflower * Pink, White

AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Calla Lily * White is widely available, other colors, available as well
Orchid * Pink, White, Purple, Other Colors
Rose * Many Colors * February at a premium

[all photos copyright Lisa Kae Photography]