A fresh, overflowing bouquet with light pink peonies and blue thistle or a classic, white rose bouquet — the flower details for your wedding can be intricate and beautiful, or simply classic and refined. It’s an element of your wedding that adds a sense of delicacy that no other item can provide quite as well as Mother Nature herself. As you work with your wedding florist, here’s what you need to communicate so that the flowers for your big day entwine with the other plans you’ve established.

1. Ambience, Theme & Colors You Envision

Naturally, the first thing you think of in regards to your wedding bouquet will be the colors. Really, though, you need to take it a step farther to the overarching theme and tone of your wedding. Is it a traditional wedding with white bows on chairs or a laid back day filled with close friends, in an intimate garden? Your special day may even call for a wild, untamed bouquet that is fitting for an adventurous wedding or elopement. The flowers should accentuate the theme and bring a natural, complementing ambience. We recommend giving your florist a Pinterest board or a few photos that showcase the ideas you have for your bouquets and other floral details.

2. Wedding Party Flowers — For Who and How Many

The groom needs a boutonniere, and his dad and best men may need the same. Flower girls might need hair flowers or a petal basket. Don’t forget corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom. Discuss each flowery detail with your florist — come prepared with a list of items and the numbers of each that you’ll need.

3. Event Dates & Times

Depending on how elaborate your wedding is, you may have multiple days’ worth of events in which you’ll need flowers. Even taking bridal photos a couple of days before the wedding requires that you get your bouquet early. Clearly plan out the timing of such events so that you have all the flowers in place when needed. Plus, you’ll need to ensure that your florist is available for your wedding day.

4. Delivery & Storage Logistics

Flowers require special care. Will they be delivered? Is there a cool, safe place to store them before they make their appearance? Who will be in charge of setting up the flowers and getting them to the right people? These items should be discussed with your florist. If they do not offer set up or delivery, you will have to assign a member of the wedding party to manage the logistics.

5. Available Budget

There’s a bottom line. Be upfront with your florist so you can identify about how viable your vision is with your wallet.

6. Creativity — Ask for It!

Lastly, take advantage of the florist’s expertise! They’re in this business because they know what works beautifully together. Share as many details as possible about your wedding so they can get a feel for your style, but then let them make recommendations and get creative. Florists know what’s in season, what flowers are easier on the budget than others, and of course, what would complement your wedding theme.

Soon it will be your wedding day with petals on the tables and a fresh bouquet in your hand. If you need help finding a Denver, Keystone, Vail, Estes Park, Manitou Springs or Colorado Springs wedding florist or a florist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque or Des Moines, Iowa, say hello. We’ve worked with countless vendors and know just who you’d love working with.