THE BRIDAL BOUQUET

Though some trends have blossom, and others wilt, one thing remains true: Flowers are a great way to make a highly personal statement.

When you see a bouquet that appeals to you, ask yourself what you like about it. Is it the size, shape, color, style, the way the ribbon is wrapped around the stems? Is the bouquet composed of one kind of flower, or a garden's worth? Visit florists or a flower market to see and smell as many varieties as you can.

A bouquet should complement your personality, proportions, and attire, remaining in the general aesthetic theme of the day. Provide the florist with a photo of the dress and, if possible, a swatch of fabric - which is particularly useful when it comes to choosing the ribbon trim.

Another way to personalize your bouquet is to choose flowers that are expressive of your backgrounds and beliefs. Delve into your own family history and elevate the personal factor of your bouquet. Give your wedding flowers a homegrown flair by picking something you’d find in your mother’s garden or you may choose to carry a cluster of white French tulips because your grandmother did so.

Choosing colorful flowers that match your wedding palette is an obvious way to personalize your bouquet. Colorful adornments -- from ribbons and fabric to beads -- will make any bouquet meaningful. Experiment with monochromatic blooms and try adding color through the shape -- and shade -- of unusual additions, such as dark, rich berries, brilliant green succulents, or even jewel-tone sugared grapes.

Just because you’ve picked a pretty green-and-purple combo for your wedding doesn’t mean your flowers need to follow suit. When it comes to bridal bouquets, white flowers are always a popular choice.

Along with your bouquet, you may choose to have bouquets for your bridesmaids. The bridesmaids' arrangements often coordinate with those of the bride and are sometimes simply smaller versions of the bridal bouquet. Make sure flowers for the bridal party coordinate with, but not completely match, the attendant's gowns - it's easy for flowers to blend too well with the dresses when taking pictures.

In addition, mothers and grandmothers should always receive corsages, while fathers and grandfathers receive boutonnieres. The groomsmen's boutonnieres should match the bridesmaids' bouquets, and the groom's boutonniere should consist of flowers used in the bride's bouquet.

Another way you can use flowers is as a " thank you" for each wedding participant.  A corsage or a boutonniere is a nice token of appreciation for the organist, soloist, guest book attendant, scripture reader, or anyone else involved in your special day.