The Insider's Guide to Accessories

This is a call from all wedding photographers to brides out there – please help us save time and a lot of embarrassment by setting up your accessories for us to find before we arrive at your dressing room. This request came after many brides let photographers search for their accessories in a place that is mostly a hectic room full of semi naked women and other private things you rather not want in your wedding pictures.

Here is how to do this. Set out your dress on the bed or any flat surface. Then place your accessories next to it. The photographer will now know what you are going to wear and where to find it and not shoot the wrong things. Also, mention to your photographer that he must shoot these first as you will need your dress pretty shortly.

Things to set out for him include your - cleaned under the soles - shoes, earrings, necklaces and all jewellery you will be wearing. Also include your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue items if you have those. Mark them so that he knows which is which. Remember to add your garter to the set as well.

If you have your bouquet with you, this is a great time for him to shoot this as well. Hand held bouquets should never be left in water up to the last minute as they will drip down water on your dress. Remove these at least twenty minutes before you leave and let it rest on a layer of towels. Remember that there will be water dripping from it, so leaving it on the bed is not an option.

Bouquets are one of those accessories that you may not be used to carrying round, so practice a little bit before hand. If you have a look at most wedding pictures, you will note that brides carry their flowers like an Olympian torch! This is due to the fact that they have probably never walked in public holding a bunch of flowers.

Time to do some royal watching. See how they carry bouquets given to them. They are masters at making the flowers look fantastic as they show them to the world. Copy them and carry your flowers like a precious gift. Arrange with your photographer to warn you when you start doing the 'torch lift' with your bouquet. He simply says the world flowers and you will instantly know that you are doing it wrong.

Flowers and Bouquets

Brides and Bridesmaids

In this modern age, there are no hard and fast rules about what brides should adhere to when it comes to their wedding flowers. Bouquets now come in a multitude of colours and flowers which help to reflect a woman's style and personality.Remember that a bouquet is a wedding accessory, so do not pick a bouquet that will distract your guests. Your flowers should complement your wedding gown and you.
Groom & Attendants

Many weddings will see a matching flower from the bride's bouquet placed on the groom's lapel. Your bridesmaids do not have to carry the same bouquet as you. For a modern twist, why not have each of your bridemaids carry a different bouquet, but have them all tied up with matching ribbon.
Flowers on a budget

    An increasing alternative to real flowers are silk ones. These wedding flowers will last a lifetime and are generally cheaper than the real thing, but still look fantastic.
    Your flowers can be used more than once on the day! Use your ceremony arrangements as centrepieces for your reception.
    Where possible try to select wedding flowers that are in season as this will help to save you money. A note to remember is that flowers are usually in higher demand during special occasions such as Valentine's or Mother's Day. Try to avoid these dates and you will be surprised how much you can save.
    Centrepieces do not always have to be flowers. You can still achieve a classic, elegant look by using candles, potted flowers or even plants. This will allow you to have lush foliage without breaking the bank.
    Instead of having a bouquet of expensive flowers, consider using cheaper plants and foliage to fill out your bouquet. Try using ivy or baby's breath. You will have a cheaper bouquet that still looks fantastic.
    Your bridesmaid's can each carry a single flower instead of a bouquet. This will not only save you money, but can make a simple and elegant statement.
    If your wedding is in a garden, take advantage of the flowers and greenery already surrounding you
    Don't overlook smaller and independent florists as they will often charge less than big chain stores.