Tips and Tricks :: Bouquets, Boutonnieres, and Timing

It’s time for another Tips and Tricks post! Today we’ve got one for anyone who plans on taking any kind of portrait before the ceremony (so basically everyone).

 

 

 

Early on in our career, during those first couple of months of real live weddings, we thought we were prepared. We were sure that we had thought through every scenario, until the dreaded flower delivery question came into play. Oops! At one of our first weddings ever, neither one of us realized the bouquets were being delivered to the reception venue NOT to the getting ready hotel. Not a big deal right? Nope! The First Look and ALL of the portraits were being taken at the hotel and in nearby garden. This location was nowhere near the reception, and we quickly realized we needed the flower delivery to change! Luckily, the Father of the Bride was kind enough to make the hour long round trip drive to pick up the flowers and bring them to where the couple and bridal party would be taking photos. Without that lucky streak, we would have been forced to go through the entire portrait session without any flowers. Not good folks, not good!

Ever since that little scare, we’ve been keenly aware of when and where the bouquets and boutonnieres are being delivered on a wedding day. The personals (bouquets and boutonnieres) will typically have to arrive earlier than the centerpieces, and to a different location. So… for couples who are doing a First Look especially, PLEASE make sure you have your floral designer deliver the bouquets and boutonnieres to where you will be getting ready. When the guys and girls leave the hotel/getting ready space to make their way to the portrait location, they should have flowers in hand or pinned to their jacket. If you want to have your flowers in your portraits (and you do, trust us) you need to arrange for those to be available. Sometimes floral designers assume you’ll only need the bouquets moments before you walk down the aisle. NOT TRUE! Today, most Brides need their bouquets much earlier in the day, hours before the ceremony begins.

So… don’t forget! Get those bouquets and boutonnieres to the getting ready space on time!