No need to try to re-create the gardens of Giverny; in reality, a simple bouquet of daffodils adds sunshine to your big day. Susan Fogwell of Blue Thistle Floral in Princeton (609-452-2994; bluethistlefloral.com) outlined a few ideas of how to maximize your floral budget:

Stick to one flower, and select one color. Not only is the effect of one color dramatic and dreamy, but Fogwell says that the price per flower goes down with the more you order.

Select a large blossom such as a hydrangea, which creates a lush and romantic look, and you’ll only need a few stems to fill up a vase or centerpiece. You can always add another seasonal flower as an accent.
pick a flower that is available in bold and vibrant colors. This is a great way to make an impact when your guests enter the reception hall and see bright pink or orange centerpieces decorating each table.

Order flowers that are in season. Here are a few sure picks: sweet peas and lilies of the valley in the summer; snapdragons, stock, and alstromeria in the winter; daffodils, tulips, and iris in the spring; and peonies, dahlias, and chrysanthemums in the fall.

Fogwell also notes that roses in a rainbow of colors are available year-round and are basically the same price as other seasonal flowers when ordered in bulk.

Cathy Dormer of Conroy’s Florist in Morris Plains (973-267-6647; conroysfloristnj.com) says that all flowers in season run about the same cost. “I see about sixteen brides a week, and I believe that a good florist is willing to work within your budget,” says Dormer. She adds that if you have a smaller bouquet created, no one will even notice. A new trend to add sparkle to a bridal bouquet is to add a Swarovski crystal or rhinestone.

Linda Ward of Linda’s Florist in Short Hills (973-379-2188; lindasflorist.com) says a good way to save money is to avoid getting married around a major holiday such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, as high-volume times demand that the florists add extra help. She suggests tying the knot in March or July. Ward also recommends being flexible about the flower choice.

A great way to begin the dialogue with your florist is to bring photographs of designs that you like. Selecting the flowers for your wedding is a wonderful element of the wedding process. No time like the present to stop and smell the roses...or lilies of the valley.