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Ten Basic Flower Tips for Celebrations at Wedding Venues in Utah

utah wedding receptions flower tipsFlowers are an important focal attraction of a wedding celebration.  Many wedding venues in Utah require brides to use their in-house florist for the event’s floral needs; however, Western Garden’s two wedding reception centers do not require but only recommend their favorite wedding florist.  As a courtesy to our brides, we recommend Hillside Flowers.  (Click to see their sample pricing)

Whether it is Hillside or other chosen florist, or even if you do your flowers yourself, here are 10 basic tips to know and remember.

1)  The Bare Basics include:  bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, corsages for each mother, boutonnieres for each father.

2)  Additional flower needs for the wedding party – Maid of honor’s/matron of honor’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, best man and groomsmen’s boutonnieres, hair piece for the flower girl and rose petals for the flower girl to gently toss down the aisle.

3)  Wedding reception flower needs include:  table centerpieces, customary bouquet that the bride throws, flowers on a gift/guest attendance book table, and cake flowers.   Flowers for a food buffet table may be considered.

4)  The wedding’s theme and colors can be incorporated in the flower selection process.  Consider the types of flowers, flower colors, ribbons, greenery and accents to be used.  Your flowers can be a beautiful reflection of your personality for all your guests to witness.  A bridal bouquet reflects the final touch of the bride’s gown and is an accessory that completes the attire.  Flowers also help capture the theme of a wedding albeit romantic, elegant, rustic, modern, antique to simple.  Exotic orchids to timeless calla lilies, your flowers can tell your guests a lot about you.

5)  To keep the flower budget reasonable, it is less expensive to select flowers that are in season and locally grown if possible.  You may need to improvise and coordinate colors and flowers around certain seasons, but this means you may be able to afford more flowers.  Being open-minded and willing to work with your florist so you don’t have to import flowers will save you a lot of money.

6)  Consider your reception venue.  Utah reception centers that already have some greenery, won’t need as much floral decoration as those that have none, containing only walls and hard decor.  Brides that book at Ivy House and Atrium find that they don’t require as much floral design as other Salt Lake City wedding venues.

7)  Coordinate with a florist that can accommodate you for both the wedding venue for the ceremony and the Utah wedding reception center for your celebration.   This will help you deal with one single florist who can create one cohesive theme for your entire day.  These professionals are able to provide guidance and advice to you about what flowers will work best for your needs.  Sometimes they can even supplement flowers in bouquets and centerpiece with more greenery, feathers, pearls, or artistic elements.

8)  Inquire about vases.  Does your florist rent them to you?  Are they purchased by you as part of the cost of the arrangements?  This is important to know.  You will want to know if  you can send floral arrangements home with guests as a gift?

9)  Does the florist set up the floral pieces?  Does the florist take down the pieces at the end of the reception if the vases are rented or do you do this and return the vases?  These little details are important to know ahead of time.

10)  Many brides want their bouquets professionally preserved.  Some florists provide this service.  Inquiring ahead of time will help save you significant time and help to preserve the bouquet while it is still vibrant and fresh.

Flowers are a vital part of your wedding celebration.  Whether you choose one of the many Utah wedding venues that require the use of their in-house florist or use one of Western Garden’s two wedding reception venues in Utah where you can choose your florist or do it yourself, take heed to these 10 tips to have your flowers be the final accent to your beautiful celebration.

***J&S Wedding 133 credit SONY DSC SONY DSC SONY DSC Codymoffat-040414--8 View More: http://ravenbergphotography.pass.us/allieandsteve View More: http://ravenbergphotography.pass.us/allieandsteve IH12 06-02 Angie & Chase 105 IH12 12-01 Warnock small resolution 27 mfkphoto-ivy-wed-20 RLT CREDIT - 50

Important Questions to Ask Wedding Venues in Utah Either Online or in Person

bride and groom dancing at wedding locations in Utah
Beautiful wedding venues in Utah include Ivy House Weddings

Your boyfriend popped the question and you have eagerly exclaimed “Yes!”  After the fog of excitement has lifted and possibly you have settled on the date, or several optional dates, it’s time to begin the nitty-gritty of wedding preparations.  After setting the date, the next important thing to book one of the many choices of wedding venues in Utah.  You will need to book early to ensure your chosen venue is still open for your special date.  So don’t delay the beginning of your search.

You need to choose the wedding reception centers in Utah that is right for your style, flair, and your budget.  So here are some questions that will help you in your quest.  

  1. First, always ask about the availability of your wedding date.  This will save you heart ache of getting excited for a particular venue, only to discover that your date is not available.
  2. What is the capacity of the venue?  Will there be enough space if you choose to have your wedding ceremony and reception in one location?
  3. Does the venue’s ambiance match the kind of look and feel you want for your celebration?  What decorations do they provide?  What decorations would you need to add?  Can the venue supply additional decorations and can match your colors chosen?

    wedding venues Utah host romantic couples
    Do you want a classic old world charm ambiance for you and your guests?
  4. Does the Utah wedding venue provide for other wedding related vendors?  Or must you use their vendors?  Do they allow your own caterers to come in or even self-catering?  Do they freely recommend vendors?  Do the venue get a commission off of those vendors they recommend? Ask the venue for photos of their caterers, florist, cake designers, and photographers.

    Utah wedding receptions with bride's room
    Ivy House Weddings Bride’s Room is elegant and spacious and calming!
  5. Are the venue facilities suitable for you and your guests?  Is it wheelchair accessible?  Is the bathroom easily accessible?  Does the venue have a separate bride’s room and groom’s room for changing during your event?  What kind of accommodations are available for younger children who will possibly attend your celebration?
  6. If desired, does the venue allow alcohol?  It is important that the facility holds a state liquor license if you want liquor during your wedding reception.  Turn the drinks completely over to a licensed bartender so that you and your family are not libel should alcohol problems happen at your event.
  7. What all is included in the main cost?  Know the detailed list of what the venue includes so you are not disappointed or can plan on certain items.  The details of your wedding plan are going to be very important as you proceed.

    table settings at wedding reception centers in salt lake
    Upgraded linens and optional tableware are beautiful with our standard silver candlestick centerpiece.
  8. What kind and how much space is available?  Is there a dance floor included in the price?  Is there enough space for a band, should you wish one?
  9. Parking at reception venues can be annoying for you and the guests.  Does the venue provide close and ample parking?  Does the venue include a security guard to keep watch of activity outside the venue while you and your guests enjoy yourselves inside.
  10. What staff does the venue supply during your event?  Do they have a wedding or event planner to help you make sure everything is planned?
  11. Are there restrictions you need to know about?  Some venues do not allow for open flame candles.  You will want to know any restrictions, especially if you want something unique for your wedding.

If you are planning a Salt Lake Valley wedding celebration, Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown Salt Lake City is one of the Utah wedding venues that should definitely be considered for your celebration.

Outdoor fall colors at Utah wedding reception venues
Autumn colors for couple at Ivy House Weddings