If the weather is going to be very hot opt for flowers that are known to be robust. If in doubt native flowers or silk can be a great alternative. In my experience the most fragile flowers are of the lily family – especially white ones. Unless you have an exceptional florist you will have them wilting and going brown on the edges. If you must have lilies then ask the florist to remove the stamen tips as they stain badly.

Don’t go for the biggest bouquet you can get. By the end of the day they will feel as if they weigh a ton.

If your ceremony or a big part of your day is to be in the sun, then all white flowers are not the best choice. In full sun they will look like a white blob with no detail.

If the photographer is coming to your home before the ceremony make sure that the flowers are delivered just prior to her arrival. You will want lovely detail shots such as the bouquet on it’s own and with other accessories. Plus you will want the bouquet when capturing those beautiful bridal portraits.

 This image is of a great bouquet for the bride. The roses lasted well and they photographed beautifully. The bridesmaid’s bouquet also lasted well. Note, though, that they don’t show as clearly as the bride’s flowers. If this image had been taken in the sun they would more than likely have had no detail at all.

This bouquet is definitely the worst I have ever encountered. I had suggested to the bride that these flowers were not the best for her hot summer wedding. She did mention this to the florist who informed her that her photographer didn’t know what she was talking about. This not very nice image was requested by the bride so that she could send it to the florist. The bride was not happy – to say the least.