Hi There,

I have been getting prepared for a mini workshop I will be giving at the Elk Grove Bridal Show on 1/31/10.  As a result, I have created a timeline that I recommend for any bride considering doing her own wedding flowers.

Plan out your timeline and helpers!!!!

 -Figure out how much time it will take to process and design your flowers

 - Decide what flower types you want to use and make sure they are available at the time of year you are getting married, check out www.cutflower.com

 - Line up your helpers IN ADVANCE, make sure you pick friends and family you can rely on to be there for you when the time comes to process and design your flowers

-  It is better to have too much help than not enough help!  But don’t have so many helpers that it is a circus, because then you won’t get anything done.

 - Have a practice run …make one of everything …just so you feel comfortable knowing you can do this!

 - Anything that can be done ahead of time, do ahead of time….

• pew/chair end bows
• corsage bows
• fabric swags can be measured and cut to length
• dry goods can be purchased and stored until you need them…things like vases, votives, ribbon, floral foam

 -  Order your flowers 3 weeks in advance

-  Have your flowers delivered or pick them up 3 days in advance of your wedding (unless you are using something that needs time to open like lilies.  Depending upon the time of year and the weather where you are located, you could need anywhere from 3-7 days for lilies to open.)

 - Process your flowers the day you get them (anything you want to open, leave out of the refrigerator or Air Conditioning)

-         Design your flowers 2 days before your wedding

-         Store your flowers in refrigeration or Air Conditioned Room until your wedding day

-         Assign helpers to deliver and set up your flowers.  DON’T DO THIS YOURSELF, JUST BE THE BRIDE AND ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY!!!