Rose petals can be a very versatile, simple addition to your wedding. From carpeting the aisle, sprinkling them on your cake table or incorporating them into your table centerpieces, they can add a splash of color as well as a simple elegance to the otherwise blank canvas of table linens.
Floral designers can provide rose petals as part of your floral package, but I have found it a good idea to multi-purpose them. Many brides want to host a rehearsal dinner that has some of the same touches that her wedding day has, whether it be incorporating flowers, wedding colors, or other decorations.
An inexpensive way to accomplish this is to order roses in advance in your desired colors from your local grocery store. Sendik’s and Metro Market are perfect examples of stores that do this – be sure to give them a few weeks notice. Use them to dress up your rehearsal dinner, then save the petals for the following day.
A few things to remember:
- Most grocery store roses have between 15 – 20 petals on each rose. Be sure order enough roses based on how many petals you’ll need. Check out this website for a great reference: http://www.petalgarden.com/petalcalc.htm
- Be sure to order them for pick up the day before the rehearsal to be sure they are opened enough. If they are too closed, you can put them in warm water to help them open faster. Keep a close eye on them though so they don’t open too much. Put them back in cool water once they are open to the point you want them to be.
- Recruit your personal assistant or other friend to take the roses home and set up the petals at your direction for your wedding day.
