Hilton Head Weddings | Hilton Head Bridal Show - the Destination Wedding Guide for Hilton Head Island, SC

By SARAH PETERMAN

Angela Mandigo has a fresh idea for weddings. Her company, Circle of Life, offers plants instead of — or in addition to — cut flowers at weddings.

Mandigo, who has worked on more than 1,00 weddings in the past 11 years, said Circle of Life Plant Interior and Rentals offers everything from hydrangeas to palms.

Live plants open up events with a fresh, lush feel, Mandigo said. Just placing plants in the right spaces can "change the size of a room," giving even the biggest ballroom a more intimate feel.

“It gives visual direction to the wedding,” she said. “It fulfills the whole look and creates a scene.”

Mandigo works closely with brides and their vendors, especially the florists, to create exactly what the bride envisions for her big day. “Plants really complement cut flowers,” Mandigo said. “They go really well together.”

When shopping for your wedding flowers, again ask friends and relatives for anyone they can recommend. Get some ideas assembled before you begin meeting with florists, so you can use your time more efficiently. Cut pictures out of magazines to show your potential florist what type of theme and look you want to create.

Floral Selections

Close your eyes and think of your favorite flower. Picture the delicate petals; take a deep breath and remember the sweet fragrance. This could be the starting point of your floral selection. If you don’t have a favorite flower, an imaginative florist can help inspire you with ideas.

Because flowers will require a substantial portion of your wedding budget and because they will appear in almost every wedding photo, selecting the right florist is a top priority. Start by asking friends and family for referrals. If you have recently attended a wedding with particularly exquisite flowers, ask the bride what floral designer she used. Once you have a list of several reputable florists, make appointments with each one to talk about options and view photographs.

When you have chosen a florist, ask if he or she has done weddings at your ceremony and/or reception sites before. If so, this person will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space. If not, the designer may want to visit or, at the very least, view photos of the venue to get a feel for the space.