Wedding Ideas and Planning Tips from Industry Professionals here at Ybarra Events

Wedding planners are more than just event planners. We're designers, problem-solvers, coordinators, budgeteers, part-time therapists, and friends to the couples and families who are entrusting us to help them with their events. Since we're on friendly terms now, here are some tips and tricks to the trade of navigating wedding planning! 

Your Wedding Flowers Checklist

updated: 07-25-2022

Selecting your flowers for your wedding day takes quite a bit of forethought and planning. While contemplating your floral needs, think about the different aspects of a wedding that you may want flowers for, as well as the budget you would like to allocate to floral decor.

You can pour over Pinterest, browsing the beautiful color schemes and themes, becoming a floral connoisseur as you refine your wedding style. Making a customize wedding flower wish list will help you stay on track, not forgetting details, and help you stay within your budget. Most commonly, wedding couples spend 10-15% of their wedding budget on flowers. Of course, each pair of love birds has a differing level of importance for each vendor. If flowers at your wedding are the most important vendor, and you would really like to make a lasting impression, you may decide to increase your flower budget, or possibly not even set one!

If you are looking to save in the flower department, a good way to do so is to start planning for it from the very beginning. When you select your wedding venue, be sure you love every bit of it, from the landscaping and views to the architecture. The more in love with the natural beauty of your wedding venue you are, the less you'll feel the need to drape it in decor and flowers. Consider, also, repurposing flowers where you can. Flowers for the welcome table that was place at the entrance of the ceremony location can be repurposed to the bar. The flowers on the ceremony arch can be repurposed to the sweetheart table or can become a focal point for the dessert bar. Not only will you conserve on flower cost, it's also less wasteful and more environmentally friendly!

Just for you, we have lovingly cultivated the ultimate wedding flowers checklist! Gather inspiration and tailor it to fit your wedding wants and needs!

Personal Flowers

Personal Wedding Flowers are the floral arrangements people will be wearing or holding. Typically, the Bride(s) have the most elaborate bouquet, with maybe a few more expensive flowers, and the other personal flowers pull inspiration from there. When deciding on what you would like, consider the size, shape, color, and favorite flowers. Don't forget to discuss ribbon options. Think about all your loved ones, and remember the options are limitless! Don't be afraid to be unconventional! 

The Wedding Party Flowers

• Bride(s) Bouquet
  • Toss Bouquet for Reception
• Groom(s) Boutonniere
• Bride(s) Extra Flowers
  • Flower Crown
  • Loose Flowers to pin in Hair or on Dress
  • Real Floral Jewelry 
• Groom(s) Extra Flowers
  • Beard Flowers (Yes, it's a photo op thing!)
  • Groom bouquet, there are no rules!
• Bridesmaids' Bouquets
  • Maybe a different Bouquet for the Maid of Honor
• Groomsmen Boutonnieres
  • Maybe a different Boutonniere for the Best Man
• Flower Girl
  • Floral Headpiece
  • Basket Decorations
  • Toss Petals
• Ring Bearer
  •  Boutonniere
  • Sign Flowers
• Officiant Boutonniere or Corsage

Don't forget your Family 

• Mother of the Bride(s) Corsage or Nosegay
• Mother of the Groom(s) Corsage or Nosegay
• Stepmother(s) Corsage or Nosegay
• Father of the Groom(s) Boutonniere
• Father of the Bride(s) Boutonniere
• Stepfather(s) Boutonniere
• Grandmothers Corsages or Nosegay
• Grandfathers Boutonnieres
• Other Possible Corsages, Boutonnieres, or Nosegays
  • Siblings
  • Aunts/Uncles
  • Godparents
  • Ushers
  • Anyone else you want to honor

When ordering corsages and boutonnieres, don't forget to take into consideration the type of flower being used, and the materials they may be pinned to. Ask whether the wearer would prefer a wrist corsage or a pinned corsage. They may have a preference for the wrist corsage because they'll be wearing a delicate fabric that snags easily, or they may prefer a pinned corsage because they have sensitive skin that will be bothered by the wristlet.

As for the flower choices, remember if you are choosing a flower that wilts quickly, the personal flowers being pinned or worn won't be in water. They may wilt quicker in warm temperatures. This is typically fine for the family and wedding party, but if you are set on using a flower that wilts easily for the Groom Boutonniere(s), order a replacement boutonniere for reception and sunset photos. 

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About the Author: 

Tara Ybarra, Co-Owner and Event Planner for Ybarra Events, has been in the Wedding Industry for over 20 years. From Photographer, to Wedding Cake Artist, to Florist, to Officiant, and now Wedding Planner, her accumilated experience, paired with her College Courses in Event Planning, have given her the experience she has today. Blogging gives her an opportunity to share that knowledge with her readers. 

Ybarra Events is located in California’s spectacular Napa Valley. Ybarra Events are the pièce de résistance of wedding planners. Run by the dynamic duo of Tara and James Ybarra, they help couples organize, design, and plan their nuptials at some of the most fabulous and luxurious wedding venues in Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Beyond. Chat with them today to start planning the wine-country wedding of your dreams.