No wedding is complete without flowers: bright, beautiful blooms that symbolize the Spring of your new life together. Now here comes the big decision: what kind of flowers do you use? And how much can you afford to spend on them? Here are some things to consider while planning your flower arrangements:

1. Durability. You don't want wilted flowers, do you? Consider the weather and temperature conditions. For example, fragile flowers won't do well in the heat of summer, or will rumple in the strong breeze of a seaside ceremony and reception. Delicate blooms include gardenias, tulips, wild flowers, and lily of the valley.

2. Your motif. Choose flowers that match the theme and color scheme of your wedding. Give your florist a swatch from the cloth used for the dresses of your entourage, and inform her whether the wedding will be during the day or the night (it affects how formal the bouquets should be). You should also consider the venue itself: is it indoors or outdoors, casual or elegant? You should even look at the colors of the walls and curtains!

3. Creativity. Roses and carnations are practically wedding staples, which isn't a bad thing. But for a unique look, consider mixing them with other blooms, or asking for a particularly unique flower arrangement or bouquet style. Some florists will incorporate crystals, sinamay cloth, ribbons or lace.

4. Meaning. Some flowers are known to symbolize certain things. For example, tulips mean passion and gardenias mean joy, and orange blossoms mean purity. While this doesn't have to influence your choice, some like to create a "poem bouquet" where flowers are selected to tell the story of their relationship.