Story | Connie Li, Leslie Yip Boucher-Harris Photography | OMG Events
Flowers are a key component of a wedding. From the bridal bouquet to centrepieces and statement arrangements, the number of decisions that need to be made can seem daunting. Furthermore, they can eat up a significant part of your wedding budget.
To help you make the best decisions, we talked to Alexandria Damouni, creative director and owner of OMG Events. With 14 years in the industry serving wedding clients and a corporate roster that includes Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, CentreCourt Developments and Colas Group, her portfolio features an exceptional number of styles and setups.
On-Trend
As couples prepare for their weddings, they often inquire about the latest trends or popular styles in wedding floral arrangements. To our surprise, Damouni suggests that couples should not rely too much on trends, as they wouldn’t want to look back years later and say, “Oh, my wedding was so 2024.” Instead, couples should first consider their personal preferences and then incorporate current trends or new elements to create a wedding that is both unique and timeless.
That being said, there are floral trends in 2024 that can be divided into four categories: colour palette, statement pieces, flower types and sustainability. Most notable for 2024 is that bold and vibrant colours are making a comeback, and Damouni says she cannot be more excited. Gone are the days of muted blush and whites. She likes to add a nod to this colour trend by suggesting vivid corals, lavender blues and yellows be incorporated into the arrangements.
Silk or Fresh?
Silk flowers are definitely gaining popularity and they cost only half as much as fresh blooms. Silk flowers have come a long way over the past five years. Assuming your designer has access to premium supplies, they look and feel so real. The only downside may be that they cannot be taken home after the wedding.
Location, Location, Location
After determining the style theme, the next step is location. The layout of the wedding venue plays a crucial role. For instance, for an intimate wedding at Graydon Hall Manor with 80 seated guests, Damouni suggests using low floral arrangements with tall candles as accents. However, if it is a 500-guest reception in a large convention centre, she recommends multiple arrangements with staggering heights to ensure visual impact in such a large space.
Incorporating floral arrangements into seating charts, high tables, bar areas, backdrops for the main table, dance floor and aisle decor is a major trend this year. For a perfect look, Damouni suggests amassing the arrangements near the reception and head table. If more floral decorations are desired, a little extra can be added next to every object in the venue.
In Tune with the Seasons
Seasonal flowers are the most natural choice. Roses, hydrangeas, carnations, tulips, dianthus, chrysanthemums and green foliage are commonly grown in Canada and readily available. They also have a longer lifespan, making them popular choices for weddings.
If couples have a specific flower in mind that is not in season, the best option might be to use silk flowers rather than importing fresh flowers from abroad, which can be troublesome and expensive. However, if couples are set on a particular out-of-season flower and price is not a concern, they can be specially ordered. Prices may vary depending on the flowers. For example, out-of-season birds of paradise may cost as much as $16 per stem.
On Budgeting
Damouni explains that the price of wedding floral arrangements depends on their size and the quantity of flowers used. Couples aiming for minimalism or a rustic style may require just a few simple hand-tied bouquets, and that can be done for as little as $60. Arrangements with a slightly greater variety and quantity of flowers can range from $100 to $180, while larger, more elaborate setups may fall between $130 and $350. Additionally, due to the need to purchase flowers in bulk, there may be a minimum charge that needs to be factored into the budget.
Understanding couples’ desire to maximize their budget, Damouni suggests that couples prioritize their spending by creating a priority list. If floral arrangements are within the top five priorities, then more funds should be allocated accordingly. Adding unique elements throughout the event space, achieving a 360-degree design, such as a feature seating chart wall in the foyer, exquisitely decorated dance floor, abundant candles and layered lighting, can create a dramatic effect, showcasing a perfectly executed wedding.
Can I DIY?
Floral design and installation can be overwhelming and stressful, so it is one area of a wedding that is best handled by professionals. Companies like OMG Events offer comprehensive design and installation, ranging from bouquets and large floral installations to arches and unique backdrops.
How to Work with A Floral Company
The first step is to share their wedding vision and preferences. Designers usually have a list of questions to help them understand the couple’s needs. Damouni says she also tries to gather other details about the wedding, such as bridal party attire, invitation design, gift considerations and entertainment activities, to help determine the floral style.
However, sometimes couples just do not know what they want. In such cases, she typically creates a Pinterest wedding board so they can pin any images they like. Based on these images, she can get a sense of their preference in colours, flower
choices and arrangement styles. They can then recommend designs within the given budget given and invite couples to view floral samples and visualize the wedding setup.
It Is YOUR Big Day
Ultimately, whether couples choose to follow the latest trends or opt for a more personalized approach, the key is to create a wedding that reflects their unique love story and individual style. By carefully selecting floral elements that resonate with them personally, couples can infuse their wedding with meaning and beauty, creating unforgettable memories for themselves and their guests to cherish for years to come.
