Ok, real talk: I know very (VERY) little about flowers.
I’m the odd Millennial that is as far from a plant lady as they come (hello faux plants), but like most people, I love floral decor! The way they can completely transform a space is incredible and it’s amazing the different varieties and colors they all come in. Floral designers are definitely in an art category all their own. So this post is for all my fellow “flower lover not flower knowers”. It’s the biggest gap in my wedding knowledge so I asked Haley and Allison of Cedar & Lime Collective to help with a few floral tips for fall:
Decide what YOU want!
Not your mom, not your best friend; just you and your fiancé. Hop on Pinterest or your favorite wedding blog and take the time to gather inspiration as a couple and find something that feels like *you* and goes with your overall wedding theme. Florals is where your color palette will really pop so make sure you are the one that truly loves them
2. Choose seasonal blooms
Just like produce, it’s best to pick what’s in season. This will look different depending on where you live, but for most of the US, fall is when dahlias shine! Dahlias come in every color imaginable and each variety is unique and beautiful. They make for a stunning focal flower and elevate every arrangement they're in!
3. Lean in to fall colors
This doesn't mean you need to stick with the traditional fall colors across the board, but pick one or two as a base and build the rest of your palette around it. Love yellow? Add a little orange and red if you want traditional fall colors, or soften it up with white and peach if you want something a little more subtle! Muted greens and darker accent flowers also read more “fall”
4. Don't be afraid of dried goodies!
Grasses and foliage begin to dry and brown in the fall and it can be a great way to add texture to your pieces. You can also mix in dried flowers with fresh for a unique fall look or “alternative” grasses like pampas or tail. Not everything needs to be fresh (and dried lasts longer too!)
5. Trust your florist!
At the end of the day, your florist will always know what to do. Come to them with a broad vision of what you like and let them fine tune the details of how to make it happen. They're professionals and you're hiring them for their talent and expertise!
One more thing to add: depending on what you’re looking for (especially out of season blooms), many florists import plants from out of state or out of country. Therefore, it’s always recommended to start the process a year in advance (as you would for many wedding vendors), but 6-8 months also works as well.
Haley, Allison, and the whole team at Cedar & Lime do gorgeous work to make your wedding vision a reality so be sure to check them out on Instagram @cedarandlimeco and if you’re in the DMV area looking for a florist you can reach out to them online at www.cedarandlimeco.com
Haley Tobias, Author
Haley is the founder and lead floral designer of Cedar & Lime Collective and is based in the DC area. Her love of plants encompasses not only work, but her own flower and veggie garden as well. Her favorite flower is the Icelandic Poppy and she also has a background in ballet and modern dance!
