Florists
For beautiful blooms for the bride's Arranging your own Flowers
If you are planning to do your own flowers, take a trip to New Covent Garden, Vauxhall, London, SW8 a year before your wedding. See the wonderful ranges of flowers that will be in season at that time of year. Choosing flowers naturally in season ensures that they are at their best and at their least expenisve. The market is open from 4 am to 10 am Monday to Friday, but closes at 9 am on Saturdays.However, if your budget is tight it is usually better to spend the money on a few dramatic arrangements, rather than having a traditional floral decoration on each table. Sprayed bunches of twigs with ribbons and trailing ivy, clusters of candles, or a few blooms floating in a bowl might be an inexpensive option.
Bouquets
The tradition of the bridal bouquet started back in ancient times when a bag of odorous herbs was carried to ward off evil spirits. This evolved in Roman times the Bride carrying a posy to signify her fertility, and the couple would also be adorned with flower garlands to symbolise their new life together. During Victorian times, different flowers were assigned individual meanings, thus enabling lovers to communicate just by using well chosen blooms. These associations are still used to this day. (See other wedding traditions).Getting Married during Lent
Be aware that many places of worship tend to discourage large floral displays during Lent, the period before Easter. If you plan to marry at this time, talk to the minster about what is acceptable.