A palette with roles
Pick one grounding neutral (ivory, white, stone), one main color and one small accent. Then let the venue join in: wood, stone, carpet and existing chairs are part of your palette whether you like it or not.
Build and preview a palette on a table setting in the color palette builder, or read how to build a cohesive palette.
Flowers by season
| Season | Flowers usually at their best |
|---|---|
| Spring | Peonies (late spring), ranunculus, tulips, sweet peas, lilac, anemones |
| Summer | Garden roses, dahlias (late summer), hydrangeas, lisianthus, cosmos |
| Autumn | Dahlias, chrysanthemums, amaranthus, marigolds, berries and foliage |
| Winter | Amaryllis, hellebores, anemones, ranunculus (imported), evergreens |
Availability changes by region and grower, so ask your florist what will be local and fresh for your date. See wedding flowers by season.
Where décor matters most
Guests spend the longest time at their tables, at the ceremony and at the bar. Put your budget there first: the ceremony backdrop, table centerpieces and lighting. Welcome signs, the escort display and a photo spot come next.
Lighting changes everything
Candles for the tables, string or café lights overhead, uplighting on walls, and warm (not blue) bulbs. Check the venue’s rules on open flames before you order. Read centerpieces and lighting.
Décor that does double duty
Move ceremony arrangements to the head table or bar, turn aisle flowers into centerpieces, and use bridesmaids’ bouquets in vases on the cake table. Assign one person to move them during cocktail hour.
Where to spend and where to save
| Spend a little more on | Save on |
|---|---|
| The bridal bouquet — it’s in almost every photo | Guest table arrangements (bud vases, candles, greenery) |
| One ceremony focal point | Pieces guests pass quickly, like the entrance |
| Warm lighting in the dinner room | Things the venue already does well |
Ask your florist which pieces can move from the ceremony to the reception, and let seasonal flowers carry the look.
