Six months before the wedding is not too early to select your florist, especially if you're planning an elaborate wedding. When you talk with your florist, be guided by these elements: the style and mood of your wedding, the season or environment, your budget and more to the point, what you like.

Go prepared. Selecting your gown, the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall color theme is a must before visiting your florist. Take fabric swatches and descriptions (pictures are even better) of your selected wedding apparel. Also have examples of the colors and styles of the mothers' gowns and the attire of the groom and his attendants. With this information in hand, your florist will be able to suggest floral combinations and artistic treatments to create beautiful floral complements for your wedding. Request that your florist give you an price estimate in advance. Make sure that you supply the florist with the names, addresses and times for delivery of your bouquets and floral arrangements.

Traditionally, the bridal bouquet is composed of all white flowers but, if you would prefer, the addition of colorful blossoms is certainly appropriate. The groom's boutonniere, worn on his left lapel, is usually a spray of the same type of blossoms used in your bouquet. Remember that the ushers and groomsmen wear boutonnieres different from the groom's and your attendants' flowers are different, of course, from your bridal bouquet. Corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for the fathers are coordinated in color and style within the general floral theme.

Consider including unusual greenery plants. Asparagus fern and multicolored coleus are attractive in summer bouquets. Holly and pine sprays are popular for December nuptials. Stalks of golden-brown wheat are a sentimental touch for harvest brides. If budget is a consideration, flowers and greenery in season are more abundant and generally less expensive.

You'll need other floral pieces for your wedding, including displays for the altar, centerpieces for reception tables, sprays for candelabra, corsages for those who assist with various reception duties and floral "tokens" for special guests. Ask your florist for guidance. His artistry and knowledge of wedding protocol will ensure that you'll get a good value for your money and have the perfect floral accents.

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Florists

Absolutely Flowers, 308 Sturt St, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5333 4316

Anne's Flower Basket, 42-44 Main Road, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5331 5888

Blume, 230 Grant Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5338 7444

Boronia Exclusive Florists, 426 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5331 1553

Cath's Rural Roses, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 1300 723 770

Creative Dried Flowers, 310 MacArthur Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5334 4175

Fiore Arte, 1006a Sturt Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5331 3377

Flowers With Class, 308 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5333 4994

Jenny Burke Florist, 25 Little Bridge Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 1800 809 075

Lou Lou's Florist, 159 Humffray St, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5332 7855

Reus Nursery, 28 Brewery Tap Road, Warrenheip. Phone: (03) 5334 7657

Sovereign Cottage Flowers, 1 Brougham St, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5334 7909

Stems Flower Market, 7 Mair St, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5334 4284

White's Florist, 2 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Phone: (03) 5331 1133