Heidi Yoder, left, and Lisa Hyatt create centerpiece floral arrangements at BitterSweet Floral & Design, 1407 Mass. Owner John McCaffrey says bold colors like oranges, reds and yellows combined are a popular choice for wedding flowers.

This centerpiece from BitterSweet Floral & Design incorporates a variety of blooms in the color yellow.

You’ve purchased the dazzling dress. Check.

You found a scrumptious caterering service. Check.

You composed heart-touching vows. Check.

The guests have RSVP’d. Check.

But what element is going to bring all these variables together? What is that little oomph that is bound to leave partygoers cooing for days afterward? Why, the flowers, of course!

But don’t expect tulips in September or tuberoses in May. For that fresh from-the-ground effect, you have to think seasonally, be flexible and put your hand in the hand of a worthy florist.

“Couples should arrive at their appointment with ideas, photos, colors and flowers they like and a sense of what style they’d like to convey,” said John McCaffrey, owner of BitterSweet Floral & Design, 1407 Mass.

Here are some tips on choosing wedding flowers:

Seasonal appeal

Roll with the seasons:

¢ Spring – daffodils, hyacinth and tulips.

¢ May and June – peonies.

¢ Summer – zinnias and sunflowers.

¢ Late summer – tuberoses.

¢ Autumn – Berries, mums and asters.

¢ Orchids – winter.

Colors

As with all trends, their ruling of the roost is fleeting.

Or as Heidi Klum would say with her German lilt and puckered lips on “Project Runway”: “One minute you are in, and the next you are out!”

Karen Pendleton, owner of Pendleton’s County Market, recalls not being able to keep up with the purple obsession a few years ago, or last year’s lusting for all flowers pink – blush, hot, powder. If it was pink, the moment those blooms were picked, they were waltzing down an aisle.

Colors have always been one of the driving trends for wedding flowers. With the onslaught of brown and black bridesmaid’s dresses making their way to elated attendants everywhere, the fashionista knows that hot, eye-popping colors are in. Think of all the shades of Gerbera daisies – all the shades on a color wheel – these bright colors pop against the backdrop of a brown or black dress.

McCaffrey is also seeing a new color fad.

“I’m seeing lots of shades of blue, brown and pink together,” he said. “I think it is a nice look, more calm and sophisticated. Although bold colors like oranges, reds and yellows combined are a popular choice. Of course, ivory and white are a perennial favorite.”

Pendleton said she has seen an increase in particular color schemes as well.

“Over the past three years there has been a steady rise in the number of green bouquets,” she said. “With green, brides can utilize the foliage. Ferns, grasses and leaves add a wonderful texture and can easily be used as flowers themselves. Green flowers are coming into their own, like kermit mums, envy zinnias, lime celosia, bells of Ireland, hosta leaves, lisianthus buds and fresh grasses.”

Do-it-yourself

“I’m continually surprised by the number of bridal parties that come to the Farmers Market the day of the wedding to pick out their flowers,” Pendleton said. “The trend I enjoy the most, as a flower grower and designer, is that brides want to show their individuality through their flowers.

“Many couples want to express their interest in the environment,” she added. “Locally grown flowers are the rage, as couples become more conscious of earth-friendly options. It is kind of like grandma’s garden fused with chic – brides are combining the sentiments of nostalgia with modern design styles to individualize their flowers.”

However, this do-it-yourself attitude is not for every bride. This would be an avenue for the relaxed, go-with-the-flow type of personality. If that doesn’t sound like you, you might prefer to have a professional do the selection and design work.

Out of the ordinary

Weddings are as individual as the bride and groom. They should reflect your quips and whims, and they should stand the test of time through photographs. When you are strolling down memory lane, more important than the trends or sign of the times is that your day reflects who the two of you are.

McCaffrey has quite a few unique requests this season.

“I have one bride who had us create something to pin on her dress rather than hold,” he said. “One girl wants nothing but feathers. The grooms are leaning toward boutonnieres that are smaller and simpler now, which I think is classy.”

Pendleton has created a sunflower collar for the “best dog.” She has made dandelion boutonnieres, and one couple had a memorial table where the frames of old friends were covered in flowers.

I’ve been to a wedding where the name tags with table assignments were dangling from a twinkling, lit, blooming cherry tree. These are all unique ideas that make a statement about the couple.

Stretching it out

Being frugal is always in style when it comes to an event that can lead to out-of-control spending. There is never a need to waste gorgeous floral arrangements.

A huge trend is to reuse most of the flowers from the ceremony to the reception, such placing the altar arrangements from the church at the food or entry table at the reception site, or having empty vases at the head table where your bridesmaids can place their hand-held bouquets to provide double duty as table arrangements. Your attendants will thank you for not having to carry around their bouquets all evening.

“Some churches require you to leave any floral arrangement used during the ceremony,” Pendleton said. “But in my experience, most would like you to clean up and take the flowers away afterwards. Why not use them at the reception for your buffet table, or lay pew arrangements on their side as a head table decoration? Put the candelabra spray on the cake or bar. Give the table arrangements away as party gifts. This will leave you with less cleanup after the party.”