Planning a wedding is never easy - like a jigsaw all the pieces need to fall in together to make the complete picture. The wedding flowers often form not only the beautiful background to that picture but also part of the centrepiece itself and so it is important that they fit perfectly with all the other components of the wedding.

So, where to start planning the perfect wedding flowers? A good starting point is to make a list of the flowers you are likely to need. Whilst each wedding is unique, for a traditional church wedding areas to consider initially are: fresh or silk flowers, colour scheme, theme, bouquets, head-dresses, buttonholes, parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, ring bearer or page boy, throw away bouquet, alter arrangement, aisle arrangement, reception tables, brides/grooms centrepiece.

As you choose your wedding flowers remember that, while some flowers are traditional each year new trends and species become available. A good florist will help you with choosing styles, colours and trends suitable not only to your budget but also to your personality. Your florist should listen and advise about flowers and arrangements to suit you and your venue perfectly.

As you begin your search for the 'right' flowers for your day you may be overwhelmed by the vast choice available. A good florist will help and guide you along the way to make the right choice for you. A perfect flower for an outdoor wedding, the tropical Anthirium - originally from Hawaii - is available in a wide variety of colours such as pink, white, red, green and purple. You will also find colours that include combinations: pink/blush, coral/orange and rainbow. Proteas is another versatile choice - available in a variety of species and sizes - the King Proteas being an ideal choice for the aisle or alter arrangement.

Ideal for a contemporary bride, another stunning and versatile tropical flower is the Heliconias. With its' sharp appearance and pointed petals the Heliconias comes in richly vibrant shades of purple, red, fuchsia, orange and coral.

Other tropical favourites include the fabulous Bird of Paradise flower - with its' rich purple and orange colour the Bird of Paradise adds a sophisticated elegance to any wedding, regardless of specific colours. Ever popular, the Orchid, with its' delicate flowers will make your arrangements into breathtaking centre pieces.

Many brides today want to step 'out of the box' with their wedding flowers. They want something different, never seen before. Be bold with your ideas and suggestions to your florist - a creative florist should be able to work with you to put together something really special and unique to you & your special day. The fun aspect of wedding flowers today is that just about anything goes - different colours, textures and materials are increasingly being seen together in modern bouquets.

Recent trends towards more pastel colours are being increasingly replaced by whites - white on white being an extremely popular and stunning option for many brides today. Calla Lilies, Miniature White Roses, Paper Whites and Carnations to name but a few are in demand, along with stems wrapped in antique lace, gold and silks together with intricate pinning. Each bouquet is a work of art in itself. Ever popular are Red Roses - be it a simply stunning hand tied or a more complicated piece with construction and caging the results are always fabulous.

There are trends for the reception flowers too - still popular are long stemmed Lilies as a stunningly graceful centre piece to any table but increasingly we are being asked for designs containing more greenery and less flowers. The variety of shades and types of greenery available makes for a fabulous display highlighting the beauty of the carefully placed blooms.

Trends are also changing for containers for the table centres; often flowers are combined with coloured glass pieces inside the container or mixed with candles to make a romantic light for the reception venue. Increasingly the flowers and petals are submerged within the container making a truly stunning alternative to the more traditional arrangement.

Buffet tables can be decorated with flower or greenery garlands. Many brides today are also opting for floral decorations on the cake as opposed to the traditional cake toppers. For a traditional tiered cake, your florist can create a magnificent cake topper with coordinating flowers adorning the sides of the cake - this makes a stunningly unique part of your overall jigsaw - perhaps finished off with a few carefully selected petals scattered around the cake table.

If you have some wacky, way out idea of a 'look' or theme you would like your wedding to follow try to portray this to your florist and let them create this for you. Above all else choose a florist who works with you to create that all important look for your day. Just as your wedding is unique to you, so should your wedding flowers be just as unique. Remember, when the day is long since a happy memory, the one constant in your photographs besides your spouse is the flowers - they will be there to delight you, not only on the day itself, but for many years to come. Get good advice and choose them with care!