Our Favorite Ways to Make Your Wedding Flowers Truly Unforgettable

As you begin to plan your wedding, there are a few elements that can make a large visual impact and resonate with you and your guests. From the moment your guests arrive to the last dance of the evening, your floral choices set the tone of your wedding day. They can tell your love story without saying a single word. Just one little bloom or a collection of florals can be truly unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of an opulent ballroom filled with cascading crisp, white arrangements or a cozy garden wedding with handpicked wildflowers, there are countless ways to ensure your wedding flowers are not just beautiful – but unforgettable storytellers. Here are our favorite ideas to elevate your wedding florals into lasting, breathtaking memories. 

#01: Choose a Meaningful Palette 

Your wedding is YOUR story to tell. While choosing colors based on your based your overall theme or season can often be the default standard in wedding planning, take it just a step further. Infuse personal meaning into your floral selection. We love to see the incorporation of loved one’s favorite flowers – or a soft blush that reminds you of your grandmother. Personal touches like these turn a beautiful bouquet into something meaningful. This season, we have seen a lot of unexpected colors and we’re here to say don’t be afraid of it. Contrasting colors, such as moody burgundy with pale beach, or chartreuse green with a soft lavender add depth and dimension to your floral color palette. 

#02: Feature Seasonal and Locally Sourced Blooms 

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are BIG fans of locally sourced blooms. I cannot tell you how many weddings we’ve sourced wedding florals from Pike’s Place Market or a local farmer’s dahlia farm. There is something truly incredibly special about using flowers that are in season and grown close to home. Not only is this a more sustainable and often budget friendly option, but it also adds a layer of authenticity to you day. Seasonal flowers are at their peak of beauty and are often more fragrant and vibrant. We highly recommend collaborating with a local flower farm or boutique florist. You will be able to explore flower varieties that you won’t find in a mass produced arrangement.

#03: Create a Floral Moment 

While floral arrangements are expected on tables and in bouquets, what really takes your wedding flowers to the next level is a show-stopping installation. The floral arches, suspended flower clouds, or a blooming aisle runner. These are some of our favorite, unforgettable floral moments. 

• A ceremony arch dripping with blooms and greenery 

• A flower wall backdrop for your ceremony space or sweetheart table 

• Hanging floral chandeliers above your reception tables 

These installations truly create a floral moment that will create not only picture perfect moments, but immersive experiences for your guests. 

#04: Mix Fresh and Dried Flowers

You do not just have to stick with one. It is possible to blend fresh and dried elements. Mixing the two is a trend that will add both texture and longevity to your flower arrangements. Dried florals like pampas grass, preserved roses, or bunny tails, can add a boho or vintage vibe, while your selection of fresh blooms will keep things lively and romantic. This approach also allows you to preserve parts of your bouquet or centerpieces long after the wedding is over. 

#05: Incorporate Personal Keepsakes 

One of the most emotional and intimate ways to customize your wedding florals is by integrating keepsakes. Attach a small charm of a loved one, or a decorative pin to your bouquet handle. You can also include a piece of heirloom lace, or wrap the stems in fabric from your mother’s wedding dress. These are subtle, yet powerful inclusions that add sentimental layers throughout your wedding day. 

#06: Think Beyond the Vase

Did you know there are other options for table scapes beyond the traditional vase? We love the idea of challenging traditional concepts by displaying flowers in unexpected ways. For example, you can use floral garlands to frame you seating chart and escort table. You can also fill antique drawers, suitcases, or crates with cascading florals for a rustic charm. Incorporating flowers in lanterns or terrariums is a fun and affordable way to spice up your guests tables. Florals can be anywhere – chairs, staircases, signage, your wedding aisle etc. There are so many creative touches to surprise your guests and elevate the design of your wedding space. 

#07: Make the Bouquet a Statement Piece 

Your bridal bouquet should be more than just a beautiful accessory. It’s a personal statement. Work with your florist to create something that reflects your personality and style. Oversized and asymmetrical bouquets make a dramatic impact, while petite and sculptural arrangements feel modern and refined.

#08: Personalize the Bridesmaids’  Bouquets

Don’t settle for identical bouquets across your bridal party. Instead, personalize each with different flowers or colors that reflect each bridesmaid’s personality or role in your life. This idea works especially well in boho or garden-style weddings where a mismatched look is encouraged. Not only does this add variety to your photos, but it also makes each member of your bridal party feel seen and appreciated.

#09: Let the Flowers Tell a Story 

Consider using florals to represent the stages of your love story. Use symbolic blooms to tell a story of how you met, your first trip together, or your engagement. A few, simple examples are: 

• Lavender to represent calm and peace during hard times 

• Gardenias to represent your love 

• Daisies to give a nod to your new beginning 

• Peonies for romance and prosperity 

Include these floral meanings in your wedding program, or signage around your wedding ceremony or reception. This will add an emotional layer for not only you, but your guests. 

#10: Give Flowers a Second Life 

Make your flowers last beyond the big day. Partner with a local organization to donate arrangements to hospitals or nursing homes. Or, let guests take centerpieces home as favors — a gift they’ll surely appreciate.

Another beautiful option is to preserve your bouquet. Pressed or resin-preserved flowers can become stunning keepsakes like wall art, jewelry, or ornaments.

#11: Use Flowers to Set the Mood with Scent 

Scent is a powerful memory trigger. Flowers like gardenias, jasmine, roses, and freesia can create an immersive sensory experience. By incorporating fragrant flowers into your ceremony and reception areas, you create an atmosphere that guests will remember long after the event.

For even more effect, consider creating a custom candle or essential oil blend with your wedding flower scents to use as guest favors.

Your wedding flowers should do more than fill a space — they should tell your love story, spark emotion, and stay etched in the memories of everyone who experiences them. By thinking creatively and personally about your floral choices, you can transform tradition into something deeply meaningful and unforgettable.

Whether you go grand or intimate, colorful or minimalist, remember: when flowers are designed with love and intention, they bloom forever in the hearts of those who witness them.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Date (and What to Consider First!)

One of the first—and ‌ّ‌ّBIGGEST decisions you’ll make in your wedding planning journey is choosing the perfect date. Your wedding date sets the tone for your entire celebration, affects your budget and availability of vendors, and helps guide all the planning that follows. So how do you choose the perfect date? Here are the most important things to consider before you circle anything on the calendar.

#01: Your Dream Season and Weather Preferences

Do you picture a spring garden ceremony, a warm summer soirée, or a cozy fall celebration? Your ideal atmosphere often starts with the season. Your first step to selecting a date is thinking about your favorite time of the year. Things to consider as you begin to select the date is thinking about the type of wardrobe you'd like (flowy dress or faux-fur shawl?), and how the weather might impact your venue or theme. Are you and your partner okay with standing in the heat for your ceremony or would you prefer cooler weather. Once you pick a season, you can narrow things down to a specific month.

#02: Venue Availability 

If you have your heart set on a specific venue, their availability might dictate your date. Once you’ve narrowed down your venue choices, start reaching out to vendor coordinators to determine what weekends are available. Many popular venues book out 12–18 months in advance—especially for peak seasons like late spring and early fall—so be flexible and reach out early. The good news is, many weddings are becoming popular on Fridays and Sundays, so ask for weekend availability if you’re okay with days beyond Saturday. Quick tip, if you truly are flexible on the day of the week or the season, you’ll have more options – and often these options may come with lower overall costs. 

#03: Significant Dates and Sentimental Value 

When you think of dates, think about dates that may hold a special meaning to you and your partner. Maybe it’s the anniversary of your first date, or the day you got engaged. Or perhaps there is a date that honors a loved one that has passed. Selecting a sentimental date can add even more meaning to your wedding day. You and your partner will need to determine whether or not you plan on scheduling around or on a sentimental date. However, keep in mind that major holidays can sometimes drive up costs and limit guest availability.

#04: Budget Considerations 

Your budget should drive the majority of your decisions. We highly recommend that you don’t stretch your budget to fit venues or peak seasons that you cannot afford. Your wedding date can have a big impact on your budget. Saturdays in peak season are the most expensive. If you're open to a weekday, Sunday, or off-season celebration (think winter or early spring), you may find better rates and more availability with vendors.

#05: Consider your Guests

While it’s good to think about all your guests, depending on your guest list size, it may be impossible to do. So, we recommend you think about your VIP guests (close family members and friends.) Ask them if there are any major holidays, school schedules, or travel constraints that could impact their ability to attend. We know that you want your family and friends present 

Think about your VIP guests. Are there major holidays, school schedules, or travel constraints that could impact their ability to attend? Giving friends and family enough notice (especially for destination weddings) ensures your guest list stays full.

#06: Major Local Events 

This one may often be overlooked, but you’ll want to research your potential wedding date for any local events or national major events. Local events can impact parking, increase airplane ticket costs – or even impact overall accommodation fees for your guests. It’s best to double-check if your potential date coincides with large events in your city—like sports games, festivals, or conferences—which could affect traffic, hotel availability, and pricing. A quick Google search can save you major headaches later. 

#07: Don’t Stress, Give Yourself Grace

We’ve met many couples who think they have to immediately select a wedding venue. But, unless you’re under a time crunch, or want to elope, you have time. Let me say it again, you have time. We recommend selecting your venue about 9-12 months out. This will give you enough time to have a fair selection of venues to look at and consider, as well as the ability and time to book all of your other vendors. So, don’t stress or feel like you must book a venue right out the gate. It is okay to wait and see what options are available. Make the tours, make an informed decision and find the right venue that fits you, your partner, AND your budget. 

Here’s the bottom line – there is no perfect date. But there is a perfect date for you and your partner. It can be impossible planning around everyone, so just think about your VIP guests. Capture the essence of your favorite seasons and pick a day of the week that fits in your budget. Ensure that you plan and check for any major events or conflicts that may increase your guests’ (or yours for that matter) stress, and don’t forget to stick with the budget. But, whatever decision you make, remember that your wedding will be meaningful, because it is YOURS.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Signage (and Why It Matters!) (Copy)

When you think about wedding details that leave a lasting impression, you might picture the dress, the florals, or the first dance. But there’s one detail that plays a big role in tying your entire wedding experience together—and often gets overlooked – wedding signage.

Wedding signs do more than just guide your guests from point A to point B. They help tell your love story, reinforce your wedding theme, and add personality to every space. From the welcome sign to the bar menu to creative Instagram-worthy moments, signage is a blend of function and style you absolutely do not want to ignore.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or looking for final details to personalize your big day, here’s everything you need to know about wedding signage—and why it matters.

WHY DOES SIGNAGE MATTER?

Wedding signage isn’t just “pretty paper.” It plays a vital role in creating a seamless guest experience. Here’s why it’s so important:

IT SETS THE TONE. Your welcome sign is often the first thing guests see. It can immediately convey your style—romantic, modern, rustic, whimsical, or glam.

IT PROVIDES DIRECTION. You don’t want lost guests. Or you don’t want your guests to feel lost. From ceremony seating to the bar, signage helps guests navigate the day without confusion or constant questions.

IT ADDS PERSONALITY. Custom signs let your sense of humor, love story, or shared interests shine through.

IT ELEVATES YOUR DECOR. With the right design, signage becomes a decorative element that pulls your entire aesthetic together.

In simple terms, signage is almost like your wedding’s “branding”. It is a visual thread that carries your guests from one moment to the next. 

LET’S BREAK DOWN THE SIGNAGE YOU’LL ACTUALLY NEED

There are endless ways to incorporate signage into your wedding, but here are the most common—and useful—types you’ll want to consider.

There are endless ways to incorporate signage into your wedding, but here are the most common—and useful—types you’ll want to consider.

01: THE WELCOME SIGN 

This is the first impression. Usually displayed at the entrance to your ceremony or venue, a welcome sign often includes your names, wedding date, and a warm greeting. You can mount it on an easel or hang it with floral accents for a beautiful statement piece. 

02: CEREMONY SIGNS 

Help direct your guests while they wait for your arrival. 

• Explain the seating – is it pick a seat, not a side? Or open seating? 

• Program boards with your wedding party names is a great option for saving on printed paper programs. 

• Reserved seating signage for family rows 

03: UNPLUGGED CEREMONY SIGN

If you’d like guests to be present (and not taking photos during your ceremony), kindly let them know with an “Unplugged Ceremony” sign.

Example:
“Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please turn off your devices and be fully present with us. Thank you!”

04: SEATING CHART/ESCORT CARD DISPLAY 

Whether it’s a large printed board, a mirror with calligraphy, or a creative installation (like hanging tags or champagne escort walls), this is one of the most functional and fun signage opportunities.

05: TABLE NUMBERS AND PLACE CARDS

These small signs help guests find their seats and are a great place to add personality or theme-related elements—like naming tables after favorite travel destinations, movies, or shared hobbies.

06: BAR AND DRINK SIGNS 

Let your guests know what’s on the menu with a custom bar sign. You can list wine, beer, and cocktails—or feature a signature drink named after your pet, favorite vacation, or inside joke.

Example:
“The Lucy – Spicy Margarita (because she’s a little extra)”

07: MENU SIGNAGE 

If you're doing a buffet or food stations, signage is essential to guide guests (and accommodate allergies or preferences). Even with plated meals, a menu board or printed menus at each seat can add a thoughtful touch.

08: HASHTAG OR PHOTO BOOTH SIGN 

Encourage guests to share photos with a custom hashtag or tag your wedding account. If you have a photo booth or selfie station, a sign with instructions makes it easy for everyone to join in.

09: FAVORS AND GUESTBOOK SIGNS

Don't let guests forget to sign your guestbook or grab a favor! A well-placed sign will do the trick.

10: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS 

Especially helpful for outdoor or multi-location venues. Use arrows or markers to guide guests to the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, restrooms, or parking. 

WEDDING SIGNAGE TIPS

Your signage should match your wedding theme. It should compliment your overall wedding aesthetic. Consider your fonts, colors, materials, and layout. You’ll want to be consistent with your fonts and colors, because just like a brand – it should use similar elements across all signs. This creates a seamless, polished look from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of materials to add texture and dimension. We love mixing wood, acrylic, and even mirrors!  At the end of the day, don’t over do it. Yes, signs are helpful, but don’t add to many. It can clutter the space or become overwhelming. Be strategic in your signage execution. 

Wedding signage is more than a checklist item—it’s an opportunity to enhance your guest experience, express your personality, and elevate your wedding décor. From the moment guests arrive to the final farewell, thoughtful signs can guide, delight, and inspire.

So whether you're dreaming of minimalist acrylics, rustic wood boards, or playful neon, let your signage do more than just direct—let it speak your love language.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.