Flowers by Season - How to Save a Few Dimes!

If your heart is set on Dahlias in Spring or Camellias in Summer be prepared to pay a pretty price to have those specially made available to you. Picking wedding flowers in season can save you a great deal of money. Sure, growers are now able to fly almost anything in from the other side of the world, but you'll pay a premium for that. Here is a US guide to what flowers are generally in season to help you get started. Talk specifically to your florist or grower about what is available.

This chart can also help you decide when to get married. If you want huge amounts of different pink flowers, fall might not be the best time for you to get married. On the other hand, if adore zinnias and dahlias, perhaps you should have a fall wedding.

Be sure to scroll down and see wedding flowers that are available year-round.

Spring Wedding Flowers in Season

Anemone * Blue, red, pink, white * Jan-May and Aug-Dec.

Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October

Boronia * Pink * April-May

Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October

Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May

Delphinium * White, Blue * April- October

Hyacinth * Purple, Pink or White

Lilacs * Violet or White

Narcissus * White

Peony * Pink or White * Late Spring – Early Summer

Ranunculus * white, pink, red, orange and yellow * February-May

Star Gazer Lily * Pink and White * January-October

Sweetpea * white, pink, red/coral, and lavender/purple * December-May

Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April

Waxflower * pinky purple and white

Summer Wedding Flowers in Season

Alstromeria * orange, pink, yellow and cream, other colors

Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October

Chrysanthemum * White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, other colors

English Lavender * Purple

Forget-me-not * Blue

Freesia * White, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Purple

Gerbera Daisy * Pink, Yellow, Orange, Red, White

Hydrangea * White, Blue, Purple, Pink

Iris * Purple, Blue, White

Larkspur * White, Purple, Blue, Pink

Liatris * Pinkish Purple

Lily, asiatic * White, Pink, Yellow, Orange

Lily, oriental * White, Pink

Lisianthus * Purple, White, Pink

Matsumoto Asters * Pink, Purple

Monte Casino Asters * White, Purple

Queen Anne's Lace * White

Snapdragons * Pink, Yellow, Orange, White, Other Colors

Solidaster * Yellow

Statice * Purple

Stephanotis * White

Stock * White, Other Colors

Sunflower * Yellow

Tuberose * White

Yarrow * White, Pink, Yellow

Zinnia * Red, Orange, Pink

Fall Wedding Flowers

Aster * White, Pink

Chrysanthemum * White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, other colors

Dahlia * Many Colors

Marigold * Yellow, Orange, Red

Statice * Purple

Zinnia * Red, orange, pink *

Dried Leaves

Winter Wedding Flowers

Amaryllis * Red, White

Anemone * Blue, red, pink, white * Jan-May and Aug-Dec.

Bells of Ireland * Green * January-October

Camellias * White, Pink

Casa Blanca Lily * White * January-October

Cosmos * Pink, White, Brown, Other Colors

Daffodil * Yellow * January-Early May

Forget-me-nots * Blue

Holly * Green with Red Berries

Jasmine * White

Narcissus * White, Yellow

Poinsettia * Red, White

Ranunculus * white, pink, red, orange and yellow * February-May

Star Gazer Lily * Pink and White * January-October

Star of Bethlehem * White

Sweetpea * white, pink, red/coral, and lavender/purple * December-May

Tulip * Many colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple * December-April

Waxflower * Pink, White

Wedding Flowers Available Year-Round

Baby's Breath * White

Bachelor's Button * White, Pink, Red or Blue

Calla Lily * White is widely available, other colors, available as well, particularly in mini size

Carnations * Many Colors

Delphinium * Blue, White, Purple

Eucalyptus * Blue, Silver

Gardenia * White

Gladiolus * Many Colors

Heather * Pink

Lily of the Valley * White and Pink

Orchid * Pink, White, Purple, Other Colors

Protea * Pink

Rose * Many Colors ***February at a premium

Scabiosa * Purple, White

Tips on Choosing a Dress for Your Body

Plan ahead that's the key, this will give you plenty of time to make a selection and time for alterations if the particular gown you have your heart set on needs adjusting. Also choosing the right fabric is important. Specific materials can influence the style of a wedding dress. Ask the wedding consultant about this if you are not certain. 

Full Figure Bride

If you're a woman with a full figure, the finest shape is the A-line style. A-line style elongates the whole body without attracting attention to the waistline.  Women who worry over having a fat belly (wide waist) would do themselves a favor by considering this style. The empire design is another ideal choice. The style of the empire narrows just below the bust which helps hide the waist and hips if these are problem areas you tend on working with. 

A lot of plus-sized girls tend to panic because of their shape, and buy a wedding dress to cover every bit of flesh; this is sad and doesn't have to be. By doing this you are not really getting what you want and may live to regret never wearing the dress of your dreams to get married in. You can look every bit as sexy and desirable showing skin like the next woman. You must build up confidence and don't bring yourself down when choosing a wedding dress. Deep V-necks and scoop necks flatter curvy rounded figures. Ask the bridal shop assistant for advice on what is best suited for your shape and size. These women are specialists in helping make any bride look beautifully stunning in her wedding dress.

The Petite Bride

A-line wedding dresses although mentioned as ideal for the full figured woman, is also a popular design so becoming on petite women also. The A-line style lengthens the body. Small petite women should avoid sheath-style wedding gowns. Full skirts are a no go because they can have you appear bottom heavy which is not what you want. Choose another selection which is more flattering for the petite size and shape. Small short elfin lookalike girls have to be wary about strapless gowns. The dress is a garment worn for the best part of the wedding day up until ready to leave for honeymoon. They'll most likely be a lot of stretching done to kiss her husband and well wishers...making a strapless wedding gown an uncomfortable choice to wear when exchanging wedding vows.

Large-Busted Bride

Are you top heavy and think you will look stupid in your wedding dress because of your big boobs? Ask yourself how many other brides have you seen with big breasts that look lovely in their wedding dress? And do you know why this is - because they chose a style to compliment their shape and size and big bust. You too can look glamorous in your wedding gown if you do the same. Off-the-shoulder gowns look fabulous on a full bust. Off-the-shoulder designs emphasize the shoulders and lessen the chest. Keep the skirt narrow though.  A full skirt will do an injustice and spoil the look you wish to achieve. 

Bottom-Heavy

Is your bum big and it concerns you? Are you finding it hard to choose a wedding dress that won't show off your fat bum to much? Women who are larger and carry more weight around their hips and bottom should go for a design that centers on the upper body - possibly with a full skirt.  The trick here is to take bigness way from the bum and flaunt some flesh (arms back and bust.) A good and pretty elegant choice is a corset-style bodice with lacing. Too much gathering of fabric around the waist and pleated folds is not ideal for what you want to do.

A Little About Tradition

Did you ever wonder why the groom is "supposed" to carry the bride over the threshold? What does the saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" mean?

You would be surprised how some of these traditions and sayings originated:


In Western cultures, a wedding ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger. This developed from the Roman "annulus pronubis" when the man gave a ring to the woman at the betrothal ceremony. According to tradition in some countries (derived from Roman belief), the wedding ring is worn on the left ring finger because the vein in the left ring finger, referred to as the vena amoris was believed to be directly connected to the heart, a symbol of love.

Blessing the wedding ring and putting it on the bride's finger dates from the 11th century. In medieval Europe, the Christian wedding ceremony placed the ring in sequence on the index, middle, and ring fingers of the left hand, representing the trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit respectively. The ring was then left on the ring finger. In a few European countries, the ring is worn on the left hand prior to marriage, then transferred to the right during the ceremony. For example, a Greek Orthodox bride wears the ring on the left hand prior to the ceremony, then moves it to the right hand after the wedding. In England, the 1549 Prayer Book declared "the ring shall be placed on the left hand". By the 17th and 18th centuries the ring could be found on any finger after the ceremony - even on the thumb.

In Norway, Russia, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Latvia, some countries of former Yugoslavia and in Spain (except in Catalonia) the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger on the right hand.
In the Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom places the ring on the bride's index finger, and not ring finger; the ring is usually moved to the ring finger after the ceremony.
In the Indian tradition, the left hand is considered inauspicious. Hence the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. However, despite tradition, some wear the ring on the left hand, matching cultural practice in some western countries.

The wedding shower originated with a Dutch maiden who fell in love with an impoverished miller. Her friends "showered" her and her groom with so many gifts that they could forego her missing dowry.
Lucky is the bride who marries in old shoes.

Why "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"? The "old" was usually a personal gift from mother to daughter, a symbolic piece of wisdom for married life. "Something new" symbolized the new family formed by the couple. "Borrowing" is especially important, since it is to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital bliss to carry into the new union. Blue has two traditions: Pagan Roman maidens wore blue on the borders of their robes to denote love, modesty and fidelity, while Christians associate it with the purity of the Virgin Mary.

The custom of carrying the bride over the threshold stems from the same belief that aroused the idea of runway carpet and strewing the aisle with flowers and petals. It was an ancient belief that the newly married couple was very susceptible to evil spirits. By carrying the bride and supplying a protective layer between the floor and bride, she would be protected from the ground monster.

The bridal veil is descendant from two sources. A woman's face that was covered by a veil meant that she was spoken for. A veil was used to disguise the bride so that she would not be recognized by the evil spirits wishing to harm the vulnerable bridal couple.

The Jewish Chuppa canopy offered a sanctuary from evil spirits.

The kiss that seals the wedding is much more than a sign of affection. It has long been a token of bonding - the exchange of spirits as each partner sends a part of the self into the new spouse's soul, there to abide ever after.

An old Scottish belief for good fortune: A bride should be met at the door after the wedding ceremony by her mother, who must then break a currant bun over her daughter's head.

If a cat sneezes on the day before a wedding, the bride will be lucky in her marriage.

A young bride always wore her hair long and loose as a sign of her youth and innocence. 

Where To Say "I Do"??

You've found your groom. You've bought the perfect dress. You're expecting a fairytale wedding. Now all you need is the best wedding venue. Having a perfect wedding relies largely on the venue. That's why you should treat finding a wedding venue as if you are buying a new house. It's where you will treat your friends and relatives to the most memorable night of your life.

Here are some tips to help you search for the best wedding venue.

As soon as you arrive at a venue you will automatically have a certain feeling towards it. Trust your instincts. If you feel a certain vibe when you are at the venue then that's a good start. You will know automatically if a certain venue is not right for you and your wedding. This doesn't mean that you should not use logic when choosing a wedding venue. It's the place where you will exchange vows with the man you love so it has to feel right.

A wedding is a very important event so take your time when choosing the venue. You should start looking for a venue at least a year before the wedding date. This will give you plenty of time to make the right decisions and change the venue in case something comes up. Don't rush when choosing a wedding venue. If you give yourself enough time, then you can make the right choice.

The size of the venue is a very important consideration. If the venue is too large, the wedding will loose its intimacy . If it's too small, it will be cramped and uncomfortable. Of course, the size of your venue depends on the number of your guests. So before looking for a venue you should at least have a rough idea of how many guests you will be inviting. Be as precise as possible. Try to keep the range no higher than 50 people. If you say you are planning for between 150 and 400 guests, expect a disaster.

Don't forget the dance floor. This is where mistakes are made. If you are dealing with 300 guests, then a 10 by 10 dance floor won't do. The more guests you have, the larger the dance floor will need to be.

One of the complaints people have when attending a wedding is the lack of parking spaces. Be sure that the wedding venue you choose has enough parking spaces for all your guests. Parking may be a minor consideration ~ it becomes a major problem when there isn't enough.

Be sure to ask about the restrictions of the venue, if there are any. Some venues have time restrictions while others will let you party all night long. There are venues with decorations restrictions.There may even be restrictions about noise so you might not be able to hire a band or bring in a sound system. Check if the wedding venue will allow you to bring your own caterer, florist, decorator, etc.

Have a layout of your wedding. Before choosing a wedding venue, you need a drawn out plan. You need to know where you want guests to sit, where you want the reception area, the dining area, etc. Then see if the venue fits your layout.

Remember, with a well thought out plan, plenty on time, and a little research, finding the best wedding venue can be a piece of cake. Without these components, a nightmare. The choice is easy.

What? A budget?? Where to start...

Once you have got over all the excitement of your engagement, it is time to get to work & plan the wedding. Your first task should be to draw up your wedding budget, without one you will find it very difficult to accomplish anything. A carefully though out budget will help you determine how much you can afford to spend & how much you can allot to different aspects of your day. Here are some tips on drawing up a sensible budget you can afford.

Who’s Paying for the Wedding?

Traditionally the bride’s parents would pay for the whole wedding, however in modern time’s couple’s have either pay for their wedding themselves or split the cost between themselves & the parents. If you can pay for the whole wedding yourselves then you are in a great position, but if you need to ask your families to help out then you will need to approach it diligently & sit down with them to discuss it. Be prepared to be asked how much you think it will cost & how much you want (or expect) them to chip in. Don’t base your wedding budget on the average amount for a wedding (around $25,000) but on what you can afford.

There are several options:

Your parents decide on the amount they are prepared to contribute, you then set your budget & make up the difference yourselves.

Your parents pay for specific items such as the flowers or catering.

You will then have to decide how to pay for everything else.

You set your budget & split it evenly. This is a good compromise & good if you have a divided family. For instance, you, the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, & the groom’s parents will each contribute $5000, for a total of a $20,000 wedding budget.

How Much Do You Really Need?

This does depend on your budget, but a good starting point is to work on an amount per guest such as $100 per head. From this you can allow $50 per head for catering with the remainder going towards everything else. However, where this fails is if you are having only a small intimate affair with say 10 guests, here you may find $500 does not go very far! As a starting point this does however, work for a large wedding & can allow you to have a lavish do & a lot of guests. You can of course throw a wedding on a shoestring, but be prepared to compromise on a lot of the details.

Figuring Out a Basic Wedding Budget

Use the wedding budget planning worksheet to set out the basic figures. If you already some of your costs put them in & adjust your other figures till the budget works for you. If you know anyone who has recently got married ask them for the prices the paid to local vendors or ask if you can borrow their planning notes to help you. Remember to keep figures realistic or your whole budget could go through the roof.

Making Room for What Matters in Your Wedding Budget

Think about the most important aspects of your wedding day to you. Spend more on your ceremony & photographer than on flowers & favors. If you wedding is small then your catering bill won’t be so high as a big wedding, so you can allocate more money to other things.

Ways to Save on Your Wedding Budget

If, after you have drawn up your budget, you discover that the final figure is way above what you can afford then it is time to make some compromises. Go through the budget & take out anything that isn’t really necessary or that you are prepared to do without. Things like the number of bridesmaids - do you really need 12 attendants? Think about how much twelve dresses, 12 pairs of shoes, 12 set of accessories & 12 bouquets will cost. Keep attendants to a minimum, if they are really good friends they will understand. Look at having your ceremony & reception in one place, which will save on transport costs & you will get a better rate at the one venue than paying for two. If after doing that the numbers are still too high, then it is time to go back & look at what is really important to you on your wedding day. Maybe consider a small wedding now & renewing your vows in 5 or 10 years time, when you could afford a bigger party.

Once the figures add up, set your budget & stick to it. This is easier said than done, but it is vital to achieving the best wedding you can afford.

5 Recently Engaged Celebs in the News

Looks like love is in the air in Hollywood these days. Celebrities are deciding to take the plunge and get engaged. Read the scoop and find out which star couples are making it official.

1. Christina Applegate and Martyn LeNoble

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty

Actress Christina Applegate and her boyfriend, musician Martyn LeNoble, are engaged and planning a trip down the aisle. He pooped the question on February 14, 2010. Christina and Martyn have been together for about two years and are now ready to take things to the next level.

2. Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie

Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

After two years of dating, singer/actress Hilary Duff and hockey player Mike Comrie happily became engaged to be married. Mike popped the question in February 2010 while he and Hilary were on vacation in Hawaii.

3. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Together since 2008, actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are officially engaged. At the 2010 Grammy Awards show, the former Veronica Mars star proudly wore a diamond sparkler on her left hand. Her rep confirmed the news to People and said, "Yes they are engaged. Over the holidays."

4. Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson

Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Singer Charlotte Church and her longtime boyfriend rugby player Gavin Henson are officially engaged. Gavin asked Charlotte for her hand the day after her birthday in February 2010 at a romantic restaurant in England. Together since 2005, they are the parents of two children; Ruby, born September 2007 and Dexter, born January 2009.

5. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher

Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

After a year of dating, singer Carrie Underwood and hockey player Mike Fisher are engaged to be married. "I'm happy to confirm that Carrie Underwood is engaged to Mike Fisher, and the couple couldn't be happier. No wedding date has been set at this time," Carrie's rep told People. He asked for her hand in December 2009 at his home and she happily accepted.

Pre-Wedding Planning - Keeping the "I do's" in Place!

Other than a few oddballs out there, I believe we all go into marriages with the intention of remaining there forever. Interestingly enough though, we will do more research and planning on which car to buy, which neighborhood to live in and which flower is the most perfect for our wedding than how to stay married once the big day is over.

Marriage is hard work. Very hard. It has enormous rewards for those who put in the hard work, but can turn appallingly sour if we sit back and assume that it will just live and thrive on it's own. Premarital counseling is a great start for any couple, regardless if you have been together only 6 months or you have been cohabiting for 10 years and have just now decided to make it legal.

Have you talked about how many children you each hope to have (or if either of you don't want any at all...)? Do you have similar child rearing techniques in mind?  Will you keep separate bank accounts, only a joint account, or a mix of both? How will you budget your income(s)? Do you have unique religious views - how will this be handled? When outside family and/or friends try to offer (or push) advice on your relationship how will this be handled? This list could go on and on...

Most religious institutions offer premarital classes or one-on-one counseling. If this is not the route for you, many therapists also offer the same options. If you happen to be establishing a blended family it is even more highly recommended that you take part in some sort of counsel beforehand to fully realize and prepare for the unique situations that are bound to arise. 

There are also numerous books and video packages you can obtain if you feel that getting started on your own is a better choice. It can do no harm to at least try one of these options to get your impending wedded bliss on the right track!