Arrange all the details of the color, type and quantity of flowers with your florist early. This will give her plenty of time to order in the correct flowers.

If you or a friend is doing the flowers, allow plenty of time on the morning of the wedding for preparation. Seventeen table arrangements can take a surprisingly long time to make up!

2) Timing is Everything

Even if friends or family are providing the flowers don't let them make up too early. - There is nothing worse than wilting arrangements on your big day. This is a real possibility if you are having a wedding on a hot summers day and the delicate arrangements are not in water.

I've seen reception garlands that have been put up on a Friday, that looked limp and lifeless by the Saturday - and that's before the reception had taken place!

If you are using a good florist, bouquets and room arrangements that are not in water, will be made on the morning of the wedding to reduce this problem. Florists spray their arrangements with a special flower preservative that helps to reduce water loss and therefore reduce wilting.

During the day, you could use a plant mister on the arrangements to help them stay fresh looking. If done sparingly, this will leave small water droplets on the flowers that give a pleasing effect as they catch the light.

3) Care with Lilies

4) Overworked Florist?

5) Get it in Writing