Select flowers that are in season. This will keep costs down tremendously. Consider purchasing silk flowers if you have your heart set on a flower that is not in bloom.

Some brides choose silk flowers because they are usually less expensive than fresh flowers and the bouquet can be kept and displayed in their home after the wedding.

Select flowers that will hold up for the entire day. Particularly if you are taking pictures before the ceremony or outside, you want to make sure that you select flowers that will hold up to the sun and wind and still look gorgeous when you walk down the aisle. Another option is to use a bouquet holder, which will keep your flowers hydrated with water for most of the day.

Don’t let your bouquet overwhelm you. A beautiful waistline will be covered by a large, cascading bouquet. If you are petite, the weight of a large bouquet could become a problem during the ceremony. Consider your gown and your stature before making selections.

Show the florist what you like. Don't just tell your florists the gowns are "pink"... bring in fabric swatches if at all possible. (I mean, there are probably more than 50 different shades of pink!) Cut out magazine pictures of bouquets you like and some that you don’t. This will give your florist a really good feel for your particular tastes.

Select flowers with special meaning. Most flowers have a specific meaning. For example, ivy means fidelity, friendship and marriage, violets mean modesty and hope, zinnias mean thoughts of absent friends, jasmine is for happiness and tulips mean enchantment.