Ordering the flowers is one of the most pleasant aspects of organising a wedding. There is the heady scent of the florist's shop, and the colour of the blooms seem to conjure up the essential spirit of the event.

There are three choices open to the bride: home-grown flowers, either in season or forced; exotic imported blooms; or silk blooms specially made for the purpose. Obviously, the latter are more expensive, but they can be chosen irrespective of the season, they're often breathtakingly beautiful and realistic, and they will provide a lasting memento of the event.

The bride's next decision is what sort of arrangement to carry. She could carry a beautiful bouquet, a small posy or just one perfect, single bloom. The florist will have a book of sample photographs showing a variety of bouquet styles, or you could have your own ideas made up.

She will also have to decide whether to wear flowers in her hair and if so, whether to wear them together with a headdress or on their own. If the flowers are fresh, she will have to choose ones that won't wilt during the day She must also decide on the bridesmaids' flowers. Are their posies to match hers or to contrast with it? She must also try to match them to the bridesmaids' gowns.

There are also the flowers for the church or other venue. Permission must be obtained from the officiator or clergyman for these because many churches do not allow floral decorations provided by those booking a service.

There is usually no such problem with flowers for the reception, although many professional caterers provide flowers as part of the reception package.

The bride may decide to have a flower girl whose job it is to walk in front of the bridal procession scattering petals. Again, if the wedding is to take place in a church, permission will have to be sought and a promise to clear up afterwards given too. The same applies to confetti. Real flower petal confetti is permitted as ecologically acceptable, but paper is considered messy and anti-social. Make sure guests know what is and is not permitted in advance.

Some families like to provide buttonholes and corsages for all the guests as they arrive at the venue. Many brides and grooms also like to present a bouquet to their mothers at the reception.

Bear in mind that, much as you might want to arrange the flowers yourself, nothing can really match the artistry of a skilled florist, who will also know what flowers will be in bloom or being imported at the time the wedding is planned for. With all the other arrangements that have to be made, the flowers are probably best left to a real professional.