5 common Flower Mistakes We Want You to Know.

1. Trying to Replicate Inspiration

"I often see brides obsessed with an image, whether it’s from a tear sheet or Pinterest. It's nearly impossible to re-create an image exactly, so my advice is focus less on replicating a photo and instead be open and comfortable with the fact that all your inspiration is meant to be used as a springboard for a new interpretation."

—Nancy Liu Chin, Nancy Liu Chin Designs in San Francisco, California

2. Saying No Before You Know

"We've had couples who say they're not into flowers and want to fill the reception space with nonfloral objects like candles. But, with the rare exception, a certain amount of flowers (even if it's very minimal) are necessary to soften a space. Maybe voice that flowers aren't the main priority, versus saying you don't want any flowers at all. Trust your pros—they'll help guide you to the right look." 

—Julie Savage, Strawberry Milk Events in Alexandria, Virginia

3. Being Closed-Minded About Colors

"I think the biggest flower mistakes couples make is not being open-minded to color palettes and flower types. Many times they have a set palette [and florals] in mind, but don't know about other cool, rare blooms that happen to be in season at the time of their wedding. The best couple is one who can be loose and flexible with their floral choices, then I can find the most beautiful blooms for them." 

—Alicia Rico, Bows & Arrows in Dallas, Texas

4. Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket

"Florals are so seasonal, and due to weather changes, some things are just not dependable. Take peonies for example: They miss their traditional start week often. Before settling on a specific flower, find out what's perfect and in season before getting your heart set on that."

—Todd Fiscus, Todd Events in Dallas and Houston, Texas

5. Mistaking Inspiration for Reality

"A common mistake brides make is falling in love with particular blooms before finding out their seasonality or cost. While searching for inspiration is fun, it can often lead to disappointment or confusion. Florals featured on social media or in editorial spreads are typically high-end blooms and look so stunning because they’re spectacular specimens. An experienced floral designer can guide you to the right blooms for your special day that are available and within your budget." 

—Holly Chapple, Holly Heider Chapple Flowers in Leesburg, Virginia