Where flowers should fit into your wedding plans

A lot of people make the mistake of putting the cart before the horse in their wedding plans. Then they usually have to go back and make a ton of changes to work everything out. The best thing you can do is prioritize the items and services you'll need for your reception.

Try knocking out these things in order:

#1 Determine your overall budget! Just a ballpark is fine to start with, but try to estimate what you'll need for each service.

#2 Come up with a rough guest list. It doesn't have to be perfect, but you'll need some kind of figure to work with. One of the biggest mistakes couples make with their wedding budget is starting off with a guest list that is much too large. Having to accommodate that many people really drains your resources. Start off small, and add to it near the end if you can.

#3 Pick a venue. It will need to be able to fit enough tables for all of your guests and will either be the basis of your theme, or will have to suit your existing theme.

#4 Pick your caterer and menu. The food and table settings you choose will help determine the types of centerpieces and accent arrangements you'll need.

#5 Choose your linens and Bridesmaids' dresses. Pick styles and colors that will complement the venue, the season, and the time of day.

#6 Start looking for a florist. If you have followed these few steps in order, you should know how many centerpieces you'll need, as well as what other types of decorative arrangements you may want for the reception. Your florist will help you pick flowers, containers, and colors that will fit your theme, venue and budget.

Don't think you have to settle on the first florist you meet with. Many florists offer free consultations, so look around for someone you think "gets you" and that you're confident can provide the flowers and style you're looking for while staying under budget.

 So yes, flowers are usually the last thing on the list, but that's because they set the mood for the entire event. They tie all the elements together in perfect harmony and help create a unified landscape and the setting for your wedding photos, which you'll cherish forever. Plan carefully, making sure everything is in place so that the arrangements you and your florist choose will be a perfect fit.