Real Maine Weddings

Photo by Meredith Perdue
Bouquet by Heather Caron Floral Design

The flowers you choose for your Maine wedding are a highly personal decision. It's also a financial one. By choosing flowers that are readily available in Maine at the time of your wedding, you'll be able to get more flower power for less money. These Maine florists, all members of the Maine Florists Association, can also help you create arrangements that reflect your personality and create the kind of atmosphere you're looking for. While it's great to come with your own ideas, make sure to ask your Maine florist about their favorite approaches. After all, they work with flowers every day! 

One last tip: Consider putting some of Maine's natural beauty in your flower arrangements. There's a reason our state flower is the pinecone and tassel!

Flowers by Month

8 Floral FAQs

Professional florists who are members of the Maine Florists’ Association and have completed the association’s Maine Master Floral Designer (MMFD) program have answered the questions below.

The MMFD program promotes floral design excellence and higher standards in the art of floral design. All MMFD graduates are required to earn continuing education credits each year to retain the use of their certification, and keep them up to date on the current trends, techniques, and innovations within the floral industry.

Why should I hire a professional florist?
Because you want perfection. This is your special day and you will be looking at the pictures and remembering your day for the rest of your life. Professional florists have many resources to ensure you are getting the best quality flowers and professional design and style.
–Shelly Pease, Shelly’s Flowers and Gifts, Waldoboro

What are the color trends for 2012?
Examples include: spa blue with clementine, marigold with charcoal, apple slice with bright pink, and orange with fuchsia.
—Ann Jordan, Studio Flora, Windham

What about centerpiece trends?
Instead of using one big floral centerpiece, brides are opting for a variety of arrangements on the tables mixed with candles, fruit, and branches to create a unique work of art.
–Mark Pellon, Chapel Hill Floral, Bangor

How much of my budget should go to flowers?
Professional florists recommend that you allow 8–10% of your budget for flowers for your wedding. If your budget for the wedding in total is $10,000, then you would allow $800-$1,000 for flowers.
–Karen Duncan, Cook Florist, Presque Isle

How far in advance should you book your florist?
If you’re planning to get married at a peak time of year (such as a holiday or during the peak wedding season), six months would be a minimum time frame to book your wedding to avoid disappointment. Many florists will only book a certain number of weddings to ensure each wedding gets its full and utmost attention.
–Gail Royal, Westside Floral, Southwest Harbor

Should I have specific flowers in mind?
If you have a certain flower that you really love, the florist will always attempt to fulfill your wishes. But at times, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. I suggest the bride give me her idea of theme and color scheme so I can work with my suppliers to provide the look the bride wants. Trust in your florist to combine those colors and flowers you would love to have with those you may not have thought of to fill your special day with beautiful blooms.
–Rhonda Little, Millinocket Floral, Millinocket

What bridal bouquet styles are the most popular?
Some of the popular styles requested today include hand-tied, cascade, nosegay, and contemporary bouquets. During your consultation, your florist can help advise you as to the type and style of the bouquet that will enhance your dress and your wedding.
–Deb Nisbett, Chadwick’s Floral, Houlton

What other services can a florist provide?
Some florists will come to your ceremony site/reception site and walk around with you and provide ideas for where to place flowers, plants, or even where not to have flowers. Many florists also provide day-of-event planning, where they can be with you from the dropping off of the bouquets to the throwing of the toss bouquet, making sure every detail that you have worked so hard for is set up perfectly.
–Jason Parent, Harmon & Barton’s, Portland

The Meaning of Roses

Roses are still the anchor of most wedding bouquets, especially here in New England. What other flower says romance and love louder than a dense, silky rose? While some flowers originated overseas, the rose is as American as apple pie—in fact, some fossilized roses were found in the Midwest dating from prehistoric times.

History aside, roses are a great choice for your Maine wedding at any time of year, and are available in many colors. These colors traditionally have meanings, so if you're superstitious, you may want to peruse these pages before settling on a color! As with any flower choice, be sure to ask your florist if there's a substitute flower or color that he or she might recommend that will give you more wow for the same money.