7 Insider Tricks for Creating Amazing Wedding Flowers

Your posy is the first part of your ensemble guests see, so it should be nothing short of jaw-dropping. Just pick a favorite color, then load up on seasonal flowers in different varieties. Here, roses, lilies, amaryllis, anemones, ranunculus, and dahlias make an impact. All but the amaryllis are available year-round. Sub in Asiatic lilies in spring or summer.

The Steven Birnbaum Collection "Kristen" gown (birnbaumandbullock.com).

Take the mantra "less is more" to heart and let a single flower shine. Choose a captivating but affordable bloom from your bouquet, like these 'Showmaster' amaryllis, then cluster the stems in various-size vessels strewn across your tables. You'll find that there's beauty in minimalism -- and repetition.

Calligraphy by Masako Inkyo (masako-inkyo.com).

Mixed greens -- in this case, sprays of exploding grass, leaves, and ferns -- are a florist's secret weapon. Not only do they offer lushness and volume without adding to your bottom line, but they also provide amazing contrast. Dahlias, hellebores, and 'Casablanca' and eucharis lilies shine here, though you'll get the same effect with any pale blossoms.

Mokuba New York 100mm pleated ribbon and taffeta bow (212-869-8900).

Bursts of 'Casablanca' and eucharis lilies, clematis, and magnolia leaves bring loads of drama -- the good kind -- to your reception tables. When sending your flowers skyward, use tall vessels (these soar to almost two feet) that taper at eye level and keep the bulk of the arrangements well above guests' sight line. Otherwise, they'll impede conversation.

Middle Kingdom "Beauty" vases (800-560-2146).

Bouquets can take on many forms -- some are tightly packed and meant to be held upright, while others tumble to the side. The jasmine, roses, camellia leaves, and snowberries in this attention-grabber form a loose cascade meant to spill down the front of your dress. Pink not your thing? It looks chic in a range of peaches or purples, too.

Anne Barge "Cameron" gown (404-873-8070).

There's nothing more romantic than walking toward your groom on a gradient carpet of rose petals. They're sold to florists in every color (ours are from Harvest Wholesale Floral, harvestwholesale.com); have your pro order four to five shades, spread them out, and blur the lines by hand where the colors meet. To ensure you and your maids are the first to set foot on them, seat guests from the sides.

Two lush blooms plus two hairpins equals one alluring accessory -- think of it as a fresh-picked fascinator. Garden roses like these are well suited for the task: They're extremely long lasting, lie flat against your head, and are fragrant enough that you can forgo perfume.