i•i:IJDO!

H
To design decorations for a wedding and reception.

COMPETENCIES TO DEVELOP
After completing this unit, you should be able to:

ti Complete a wedding order form.

t, Design a bridal bouquet.

ti Design a bouquet for the bride's attendants.

ti Identify the areas decorated for a wedding.

ti Identify decorations used for the reception and rehearsal dinner.

TERMS TO KNOW
arm bouquet colonial nosegay
cascading bouquet dripless candles
clutch bouquet paddle wire
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 219

INTRODUCTION

W eddings are one of the most interesting and challenging segments of the
florist business. In the past, tradition has dictated the planning offlowers and
the ceremony. Tradition is still important, but modern brides are planning
weddings that reflect their individuality and taste. Generally, couples are older and
more educated when they decide to get married and have more definite ideas about
what they want in their wedding. The retail florist must recognize the needs of the
couple to plan flowers that reflect their individuality.

BRIDAL CONSULTATIONS
The florist may have a number of consultations with the bride. The first inter-
view is usually the most important. This consultation should be conducted
at least 3 months prior to the wedding. These consultations are normally
handled by the head designer or the owner/manager of the shop.
Creating the proper setting for the consultation is important. An area
should be set aside where the bride and the florist may meet undisturbed
(Figure 16-1). The area should be located away from the flow of traffic and

Figure 16-1 A bridal consultation area.

220 FLORICULTURE DESIG NI NG & MERCHA NDISI NG

the ring of telephones and should contain a table with seating for three
or more people. Often the bride i_s accompanied by her mother and/ or the
groom. Items such as selection guides, wedding forms, examples of ribbons,
and photograph albums of wedding work designed by the shop should be
present.
The florist must learn as much about the wedding plans as possible. This
information will be helpful in planning the wedding flowers and decorations.
Before discussing details for the wedding flowers, the florist must have an
idea of what the bride can afford. Encourage the bride to set a budget prior
to the consultation or ask probing questions that will help you determine the
needs of the bride. The following are suggested as probing questions. When
asked tactfully, these questions assist the florist in suggesting flowers for the
wedding.

t, What type of bridal gown will be worn?

t, What type of wedding is being planned?
ti How large will the wedding be?
t, Will the wedding be formal or informal?
t, Where will the service take place and at what time of the day?
t, Will the ceremony follow religious customs?
t, Where and how large will the reception be?
ti Who will be paying for the flowers?

Answers to these questions help establish the size and budget for the
wedding. This is a sensitive area and one that the florist must approach tact-
fully. After obtaining answers to these questions, the florist will be better
equipped to make suggestions relative to flower choices and other possible
decorations.
In this unit, we will not be able to become knowledgeable about every
aspect of the wedding so we will concentrate in those areas that would be
most helpful to the beginning designer.

THE WEDDING ORDER FORM

A wedding order form is most helpful in planning the floral decorations for
a wedding (Figure 16-2). It lists the majority of items needed for a wedding.
These forms, which can be purchased from most wholesale floral suppliers,
assist in organizing the wedding order. The form has space for notes on the
style and types of flowers used for each part of the wedding. When com-
pleted, it can serve as a contract between the florist and the bride. Space is
available for the bride's signature. This prevents problems in the future. The
bride should be given a copy of the form for her reference, so she will know
exactly what has been ordered and will have an 1temized list of her expenses.
The form also categorizes the expenses under one column for the bride's
flowers and another for the groom's .
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 221

WEDDING FLOWERS

Date of Wedding _ _ _ __ __ _ __ __
Bride _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Groom _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Place of Wedding _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Time of Wedding _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Bride's Flowers
Style of Bouquet _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Bride Groom
Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
$ _ _ __
Throw away Bouquet_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Hairpiece _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ $ _ _ __

Attendants' Flowers
Honor Attendants _ _ _ Price per Bouquet _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Color of Dress Style of Bouquet _ _ _ __
Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Bridesmaids _ _ _ _ _ Price per Bouquet _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Color of Dress Style of Bouquet _ _ _ __
Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Junior Bridesmaids _ _ _ Price per Bouquet _ __ _ $ _ _ __
Color of Dress Style of Bouquet _ _ _ __
Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Flower Girls _ _ _ _ _ Price per Bouquet _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Color of Dress Style of Bouquet _ _ _ __
Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __
Hairpiece_______ Price per Hairpiece _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Ringbearers Boutonniere _ _ _ __ _ $ _ _ __
Pillow Accessories _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ $ _ _ __
Boutonnieres _ _ _ _ _ Price per Boutonniere _ __ $ _ _ __
Groom _ _ _ _ Best Man _ _ _ Groomsmen
Ushers _ _ _ _ Fathers ____ Grandfathers
Minister ____ Others _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __

Corsages
Bride's Mother_______________ S____
Groom's Mother_____ __________ S_ _ __
Grandmothers_______________ S____
Musicians_________________ $ _ _ __
Vocalist____ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ $ _ _ __
Guest Book________________ $ _ _ __
Hostesses ~ S____
Others________________ $ _ _ __

Figure 16-2 A wedding order form.

222 FLORICULTURE DESIGNING & MERCHANDISIN G

Church Decorations
Candelabra $
Altar Flowers $

Other Flower Arrangements $

Foliage Decorations $

Aisle or Pew Decorations $

Kneeling Bench $
Other $

Reception
Place Time
Bride's Cake Table $
Groom's Cake Table $
Food Tables $

Other Decorations $

Rehearsal Dinner
Date
Place _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Time
Decorations _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
$
Bride's Corsage _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ $

Subtotal $ $
Sales Tax $ $
Total $ $
Less Deposit $ $
Balance Due $ $
Acceptance by the Bride _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Terms _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Figure 16-2 (Continued) .

 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 223

BRIDAL AND ATTENDANT BOUQUETS

The bridal and attendant bouquet styles are largely the preference of the
bride. However, several factors should be considered when selecting bouquet
styles and flowers. The first of these is the style of the wedding gown. A bride
who selects a very traditional bridal gown would want to select traditional
flowers such as roses and stephanotis. A highly stylized design featuring birds-
of-paradise would be inappropriate for this gown.
The size of the bride and bridal attendants also influences the style and size
of the bouquets.A petite bride would not want to carry a large, heavy cascading
bouquet. A small, airy cascade or a smaller, handheld arrangement would bet-
ter suit her size. Likewise, a larger bride would want to carry a larger bouquet.
The most frequently ordered bouquet styles for brides and their atten-
dants are the arm bouquet, the colonial nosegay, and the cascading bouquet.
Many variations of these can be created by altering the flowers used, the size
of the bouquet, and the density of the flowers. In this unit, we will make a
basic bouquet of each of these styles.

Arm Bouquets
The arm bouquet, also called the presentation bouquet, is carried across the
forearm (Figure 16-3). It has grown in popularity as a bouquet for both the
bride and her attendants and is designed with the natural stems remaining
on the flowers. This offers the advantage of being kept fresh in a vase of
water until the wedding. Water picks may also be placed on the individual

Figure 16-3 An arm bouquet.

224 FLORICULTURE DESI GN ING & MERCH AN DISI NG

flowers and removed just before the wedding. This allows the florist to make
the bouquets in advance of the wedding. Arm bouquets are constructed with
paddle wire , a small gauge wire wound around a small wooden paddle.

Constructing an Arm Bouquet

Step 1. Select materials: -
two stems ofJade palm
six to eight stems of tree fern
three stems of Asiatic lilies
six stems of spray asters
paddle wire
number 9 ribbon
Step 2. Prepare all flowers and greenery by stripping the foliage from the
lower portion of the stems. Wire flowers depending upon the type
of flower used. In this design, it is not necessary to wire the flowers.
Step 3. Begin by trimming the edges off of the Jade palm to give them a
uniform appearance. Place the two stems ofJade back-to-back.Add
three stems of tree fern as shown in Figure 16-4, and wire all the
stems together below the foliage point as shown. Wrap the paddle
wire around the stems two or three times.
Step 4. Add one stem of spray asters so that it extends 1 to 2 inches beyond
the foliage. Next add one stem of lilies slightly below and on top of
the spray asters.Wrap the stems with wire (Figure 16-5) .

Figure 16-4 Create a backing for the arm bouquet. Figure 16-5 Add on stem of spray asters and one stem of lilies.
 UNIT 16 WEDD ING FLOWERS 225

Figure 16-6 Add additional stems of spray asters. Figure 16·7 Add tree fern and two stems of lilies.

Step 5. Add three stems of asters and additional

tree fern if needed. Wrap the stems with wire
(Figure 16-6).
Step 6. Add two additional stems of tree fern and two
stems of lilies. Wrap these with paddle wire
(Figure 16-7).
Step 7. Place additional stems of tree fern and spray
asters to fill the area at the base of the bouquet.
Wrap these with paddle wire (Figure 16-8).
Cover the binding point with floral tape so no
wires can be seen.
Step 8. Trim the stems of the flowers as shown in
Figure 16-9. The longest stem below the tape
should be about half the length of the bou-
quet. Stems can vary in length 2 to 3 inches
so that the bouquet looks as though you casu-
ally gathered a group of flowers and tied a bow
around them.

Figure 16-8 Complete the base of the design.

226 FLORICULTURE DESIGNING & MERCHANDISING

Figure 16-9 Trim the stems of the flowers.

Step 9. Select a number 9 matching ribbon and tie

a loose bow with streamers. Attach it to the
bouquet (Figure 16-10). Cover the wires
with additional floral tape and the arm bou-
quet is complete. The bouquet should be
carried casually over the arm and be in pro-
portion to the size of the person carrying it
(Figure 16-11).
Step 10. Check your work and evaluate the design.

Hand-Tied Bouquets
Hand-tied bouquets are similar to arm bouquets in that
they have a very natural appearance and both have the
stems remaining on the flowers. The hand-tied bouquet
differs in that it generally appears rounded and massed on
all sides. The rounded tight cluster of the flowers is the
emphasis, and individual flowers often lose their focus.
The arm bouquet or presentation bouquet is carried
across the arm, whereas the hand-tied bouquet is gener-
ally carried in the hand. Because the stems remain on the
flowers, the hand-tied bouquet can also be kept fresh by
placing it in a vase of water.
A variation of the hand-tied bouquet is the clutch
bouquet. A clutch bouquet is a handful of flowers bound
into a single unit. Often these bouquets are made of a
Figure 16-10 Attach a bow to the bouquet. single flower but the clutch can contain more than one
 UNIT16 WEDDING FLOWERS 227

Figure 16-11 The arm bouquet should be worn casually over the arm.

flower. The stems of hand-tied bouquets are usually placed into the bouquet
at a 45-degree angle. This angle placement is not as important in the clutch
bouquet, and sometimes the stems are even bound with ribbon.

Constructing a Clutch Bouquet

Step 1. Select materials:
five stems of tree fern
sixteen white carnations
twelve to fourteen lime green pompons
Paddle wire or number 26-gauge wire
Ribbon of your choice
Step 2. Remove the foliage from the carnations. Cut individual stems of the
pompons. If the stems are short, wire them so that the stems will be
long enough to reach your hand as the bouquet is being assembled.
228 FLORICULTURE DESIGNING & MERCHANDISING

Step 3. Begin by holding a carnation between your thumb and your

hand. From start to finish, all materials will be held in one hand
(Figure 16-12). Add four pompons equally spaced around the car-
nation. Next add another carnation between each of the pompons
(Figure 16-13). If you have difficulty holding the flowers in place,
wire or tape them together.
Step 4. Add 4 carnations underneath each of the pompons (Figure 16-14).
Step 5. Add pompons on the outside row of carnations in the space where
two carnations meet (Figure 16-15).

Figure 16-12 Hold flowers in this manner while constructing a clutch bouquet. Figure 16-13 Add pompons and additional carnations.

Figure 16-14 Add four carnations underneath each pompon. Figure 16-15 Add pompons in the space where two carnations meet.
 UNIT 16 WEDD ING FLOWERS 229

,.,.. .....

, ' /' ,. . •l ~
• .. ,
,,. . ::"
·-

Figure 16-16 Add a final row of carnations. Figure 16-17 Add tree fern to the bouquet.

Step 6. Add a final row of carnation around

the nosegay (Figure 16-16).
Step 7. Place stems of tree fern around the
bouquet that extend 4 or 5 inches
beyond the body of the nosegay.
Bind in place with 26-gauge wire

.•
' .....
-..,,__~-
-
:;_,'•\
"c',\ . or floral tape (Figure 16-17).
~ -
Step 8. Tie a loose bow with streamers and
.~
/
-.,.._ attach it to the bouquet (Figure 16-18).
_, "' Step 9. Check your work and evaluate the
. -~

· -~ '
'
design .

Colonial Nosegay in a Bouquet Holder

' Colonial nosegays are handheld bouquets con-
structed in a circular shape with an attached
handle (Figure 16-19). They may be prepared
in several different ways. If the bouquet is to
be hand tied, each flower is wired and taped
separately, then taped together one flower at
a time. This process is time consuming and
increases the cost of the nosegay.
A preferable second method of construct-
ing a colonial nosegay is with a foam bou-
quet holder. It can be constructed quickly
and easily with little concern for flowers fall-
ing out of the foam. Because the flowers have
a source of water, the nosegay can be made
well in advance. Use the following steps to
Figure 16-18 Add a bow and the arrangement is complete. construct a colonial nosegay.
230 FLORICULTURE DESIG NI NG & MERCH AN DISING

Step 1. Select materials:

eight yellow roses
Gold button and daisy pompons
baby's breath
leatherleaf
number 9 satin ribbon
one 4-inch wooden pick
Step 2. Soak the foam bouquet holder in preservative water, and place it in
a nosegay holder. (A nosegay holder can be constructed by cutting
a 1-inch hole in the center of an 8-inch X 8-inch X 1-inch board.
Place hot glue on the end of an 18-inch piece of 1-inch PVC pipe
and insert it into the hole.)
Step 3. Green the bouquet holder. Place short pieces of leatherleaf all the
way around the base of the bouquet holder in a circular pattern
(Figure 16-20).
Step 4. Add five roses equidistant around the base of the bouquet holder
(Figure 16-21) .
Step 5. Add three roses in a triangular pattern at the top of the nosegay
(Figure 16-22) .
Step 6. Complete the greening of the nosegay with leatherleaf fern
(Figure 16-23).

Figure 16-19 A colonial nosegay. Figure 16-20 Green the base of the bouquet holder.
 UNIT 16 WED DI NG FLOWER S 231

Step 7. Add daisy and button pompons in the spaces between the roses .
Try to keep the spacing between flowers equal (Figure 16-24). The
placement of flowers should create a rounded form similar to the
mound arrangement.
Step 8. Add small sprigs of baby's breath throughout the nosegay
(Figure 16-25) or add sprigs of solidago and a bow with streamers
for a different look (Figure 16-26) .
Step 9. Check your work and evaluate the design.

Figure 16-21 Add five roses equidistant around the base. Figure 16-22 Add three roses in a triangular pattern at the top of the nosegay.

Figure 16-24 Add daisy and button pompons to fill the space between
Figure 16-23 Finish greening the nosegay with leatherleaf fern. the roses.
232 FLORICULTURE DESIGNI NG& MERCHAN DISING

Figure 16-25 Add sprigs of baby's breath to complete the nosegay.

Figure 16-26 Add sprigs of solidago and ribbon streamers for a different look.
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 233

Figure 16-27 The cascading bouquet.

Cascading Bouquets
The cascading bouquet, which is held at the waist, is created by extending
the colonial bouquet into a flowing garland. The cascade may be any length
from 1 foot to floor length. The cascading bouquet is extremely popular
with brides.
The cascading bouquet also can be made in several different ways. Large,
heavy cascade bouquets may be hand tied, with each flower wired and taped
separately. Small cascade bouquets are usually designed in foam bouquet
holders. The flowers on one side of the nosegay are extended to form the
cascade (Figure 16-27) .
A third method consists of wiring and taping the long cascade, which is
then added to the foam bouquet holder. This is the method to be illustrated
in this unit.
Step 1. Select materials:
Gold button and daisy pompons
two yellow roses
solidago
234 FLORICULTURE DESIG NING & MERCHANDISI NG

leatherleaf fern
foam bouquet holder
24- or 26-gauge wire
Step 2. Wire and tape button and daisy pompons, adding to each a sprig of
solidago and leatherleaf fern. Use a 26-gauge wire so that the cas-
cade will be light and flexible.
Step 3. Begin the cascade by selecting the two smallest flowers. Place one
to the left and about 2 inches higher than the other. Tape the two
together and add a third (Figure 16-28).
Step 4. Continue adding flowers left and right until the cascade reaches the
desired length. If more than one flower or color is used, blend the
two together. Increase the size of the flowers as the cascade becomes
longer. The spacing between flowers should decrease as you reach
the end of the cascade (Figure 16-29). Trim off excess wire as you
construct the cascade. This prevents the cascade from becoming
bulky and heavy.
Step 5. Insert the cascade into the bottom of the bouquet holder. Insert
the wired and taped portion of the cascade into the foam until it

Figure 16-28 Beginning the cascade. Figure 16-29 Completing the cascade.
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 235

Figure 16-30 Adding the cascade to the bouquet holder. Figure 16-31 The complete cascade bouquet.

comes out the other side and the cascade is in the desired position
(Figure 16-30). Bend the top of the cascade over the rib of the plas-
tic cage holder and back into the foam.
Step 6. Design the top of the bouquet in the same manner as described
for a colonial bouquet. Carefully blend the cascade with the rest of
the bouquet (Figure 16-31). The diameter of the top should be in
proportion to the length and width of the cascade.
Step 7. Check your work and evaluate the design.

CORSAGES AND BOUTONNIERES

Corsages and boutonnieres are normally worn by the ushers, the best
man, groomsmen, parents, grandparents, servers at the reception, other
close family members, and anyone else who has a part in the wedding.
236 FLORICULTURE DESIGNING & MERCHANDI SING

This may include the organist, the soloist, and the preacher if he or she
does not wear a robe.
Roses and cymbidium orchids are favorite flowers for the mothers and
grandmothers, but almost any flower may be selected. Boutonnieres for
the men are often selected from a flower used in the bride's or attendants'
bouquets .

CEREMONIAL DECORATIONS
Many decorations are elaborate, but simple ones can be equally attractive.
Since most weddings take place in a church, the florist must be familiar
with the church's policy regarding flowers . Many churches have a written
policy regarding the use of the church for weddings and receptions . The flo -
rist should obtain a copy of this policy ahead of time and plan floral decora-
tions accordingly.
A variety of different decorations may be used for the wedding ceremony.
The florist should plan decorations that enhance the beauty of the total area
from the entryway to the altar area.
Flowers for the ceremony should be attractive and not overcrowded.
Consider the distance from which the altar decorations will be viewed.
Several small arrangements may be attractive when seen from the front
of the church, but may be difficult to appreciate from the back of the
room. Avoid the use of lavender, violet, or blue flowers in the decora-
tions. These colors tend to recede into the background and will not be
visible from the back of the church. They will not be seen in the wedding
photographs either. A few large, bold arrange-
ments may be more effective than several small
arrangements .

The Entry and Vestibule

Floral decorations should begin at the entry to
the church or other locations of the wedding. The
guest book table or stand is usually located in the
vestibule. An arrangement of flowers or a bud vase
should decorate the table (Figure 16- 32). Tall ficus
trees or other live plants might be used in the ves-
tibule. Garlands and live plants might be used to
frame the entry into the sanctuary. Arrangements
of cut flowers may be placed on the furniture in
the vestibule to complement the wedding theme
(Figure 16- 33).

Aisles and Pews

The simplest form of pew decoration is a bow
made from number 9 or number 40 ribbon.White
ribbon is most commonly used but other colors
Figure 16-32 The guest book tabl e. are acceptable.
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 237

Figure 16-33 An arrangement placed in the church vestibule.

Figure 16-34 A pew marker.

The pew bows are often accented with flowers and foliage that
complement the altar decorations (Figure 16-34). The arrangement may be
constructed in a floral foam cage and attached to the pew with large rubber
bands, chenille stems, or custom-designed pew markers. Pew markers may be
placed on every pew or, often just as effective, every second or third pew. If
the bride is on a tight budget, she may elect to decorate only the first one or
two pews to identify the seating area for the family.
238 FLORICULTURE DESIGN ING & MERCHANDISING

Aisle candelabra are frequently used in candlelight ceremonies. The aisle

candelabrum contains a single candle in a hurricane globe (Figure 16-35).
The candles should not extend above the globe because of the danger of fire.
Flowers may be added to the candelabrum by attaching a floral foam bouquet
holder or a floral foam cage holder. Cascading arrangements of flowers or
foliage and ribbons are appropriate.

The Altar
The altar decorations are the focal area of the wedding and should focus
attention on the center of the altar and the bridal party. These decorations
should be large enough to be seen by each wedding guest. They will be
viewed from long distances so large flowers in white or bright colors are most
effective.
A single arrangement is often used on the center of a large altar table.This
arrangement is usually a large, triangular or fan-shaped design. Freestanding
altar arrangements often complement altar flowers. These arrangements may
Figure 16-35 A pew candelabrum. be placed in standing wicker baskets or on brass stands. Arrangements may
also be designed in large vases and elevated on adjustable brass stands.
Candelabra are popular altar decorations (Figure 16-36). They are made
of wrought iron or steel with a polished brass finish and are available in a
variety of shapes, including the seven branch, the fan, the diagonal, the spiral,
the heart, and the double ring.
Dripless candles are preferred over standard wax candles. These candles are
made with a metal casing in the shape of a candle. Inside the casing, a spring
pushes a thin, replaceable, wax candle up to the top as it burns. This elimi-
nates problems with dripping wax.

Figure 16-36 Wedding candelabrum.

 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 239

Figure 16-37 Altar decorations.

Candelabra may be decorated in a variety of ways. The simplest way is

with a simple bow or a swag of foliage with a bow attached. Candelabra
bowls may be purchased to fit onto the candelabra stand. Fresh flowers and
greenery can be arranged in the bowls. Floral foam cage holders may also
be attached to the candelabra to hold flower or foliage arrangements.
Foliage may also be used to decorate the altar. Live ferns and large,
potted plants, such as the ficus, may be placed among the candelabra
(Figure 16-37). Cut greens arranged in foam cage holders or vases are
often used in the place of live plants. Emerald or jade paln1 may be
arranged in palm buckets or styrofoam. Oregon fern is frequently used
to make foliage arrangements attached to the candelabra or on stands
throughout the altar area.
The kneeling bench is frequently used at weddings and may be a part of
the altar decorations. Bows, greenery, and flowers may be added to the sides
of the kneeling bench.
240 FLORICULTURE DESIGNING & MERCHANDISING

RECEPTION DECORATIONS
The reception decorations can easily continue the wedding theme. The same
degree of formality used in the wedding should be used in the decorations
for the reception.
Receptions in different areas of the nation vary greatly. A formal wed-
ding reception in some areas would involve a sit-down dinner. In other areas,
the formal reception would call for extravagant hors d' oeuvres. An informal
reception would require fewer decorations, with hors d' oeuvres, or cake and
punch, served in a garden or church social hall.
Regardless of the location, floral decorations add to the beauty of the
reception area and make it more appealing. Flowers are used throughout
the following areas of the reception.

Serving Tables
Serving or buffet tables may have a variety of decorations, depending upon
the degree of formality and the theme of the wedding. Figures 16-38, 16-39,
and 16-40 illustrate several different themes for decorating the serving table.
Pedestaled silver containers and candelabra are often featured on the serving
tables. Mirrors and votive candles are popular items also. Arrangements of

Figure 16-38 Decorations for the guest tables, area. Figure 16-39 Serving table arrangement.
 UNIT 16 WEDDI NGFLOWERS 241

Figure 16-40 Serving table arrangement.

flowers, foliage, and fruit are frequently used (Figure 16-41). The fruit serves
a dual purpose as both food and decoration.

The Cake Table

The wedding cake is a tradition at weddings. The cake is sometimes featured
on the serving table, but most often is displayed on a separate table. The
cake table can be simply decorated with the cake as the main decoration or
it may also be elaborately adorned with floral arrangements. The cake itself
may be decorated in a variety of ways. Flowers are popular alternatives to the
traditional bride and groom. Floral decorations can also be added between
the layers and around the base of the cake as in Figure 16-42 .
242 FLORICULTURE DES IGNIN G& MERCH AN DISING

Figure 16-41 Serving table arrangement. Figure 16-42 The wedding cake table.

Groom's Cake Table

The groom's cake is usually smaller than the bride's cake and chocolate icing
is a favorite of many grooms. The groom's cake table is often simply deco-
rated but it may be elaborately decorated to carry out the overall theme of
the wedding (Figure 16-43).

Punch and Champagne Tables

Punch and champagne tables may be simply decorated. Flowers and foliage
in a circle at the base of the bowl are frequently used. If the table is large
enough, floral arrangements may also be included. If a champagne fountain
is used, the fountain usually has a container built into the top specifically to
hold flowers.

Additional Reception Hall Decorations

Additional decorations may be placed throughout the reception hall. These
may be as simple as the placement of large potted plants or include elaborate
arrangements of flowers, potted plants, columns, and lattice (Figure 16- 44).
Arrangements can be placed throughout the reception area as in this outdoor
reception (Figure 16-45).
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 243

Figure 16-43 The groom's cake table.

. .. ·····•·. ,
·••••····•·•·•
·••·····•·••••
• ,II . . . . . . . .

---1 ·"'- "'·

\
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Figure 16-44 Reception hall decorations.

244 FLORICULTURE DESIG NING & MERCHANDISING

Figure 16-45 Reception area arrangement.

REHEARSAL DINNER
The rehearsal dinner is another part of the wedding calling for decorations.
These may be as simple as a low arrangement for the head table or as elabo-
rate as a completely decorated banquet hall (Figure 16-46).
Decorations for the tables should be kept low so as not to block the view
of guests. Candles are often featured on the tables (Figure 16-47). Other
decorations might feature live plants and lattice panels placed throughout the
banquet hall.

DELIVERY OF THE WEDDING FLOWERS

Delivery of the wedding flowers is of utmost importance. A delivery sched-
ule should be completed for each segment of the wedding: rehearsal dinner,
wedding ceremony, and reception. The bride may specially request that the
 UNIT 16 WEDDING FLOWERS 245

Figure 16-46 The rehearsal dinner banquet hall.

Figure 16-47 Low arrangements and candles are often featured on guest tables.
246 FLORICULTURE DES IGNING & MERCHANDISING

candelabra be placed in the church prior to the rehearsal. Special requests

should be noted so that delivery can be completed on time.
Large items such as altar arrangements may be constructed on site. In this
case, extra time must be allowed.
Many florists use a color coding system for their wedding work. Delivery
boxes, floral stock, and rental equipment are color coded with colored stick-
ers or waterproof markers. This allows for easy identification for the wedding
and assures that items are not left behind. Items left at the shop mean return
trips and delivery delays.