Flowers are important in courtship, and one flower can send a completely different message than another one. For instance, if you want to let someone know you love them, it might be more instinctive to send them red roses instead of yellow tulips, unless tulips happen to be their favorite. There is so much symbolism and meaning in flowers, which is probably why this will be one of the most difficult aspects of your wedding to plan. Plus, it doesn't help that everyone around you (family, friends, wedding planner, etc.) have their own take on the perfect wedding arrangement and bouquet. So keep in mind color, quality, and availability. Oh, and one other thing... organic.

How Is a Flower Not Pure?

The obvious is that plants are grown in rich soil full of nutrients, bugs and minerals. You would think that this means natural and pure, but it's far from the truth. In order to keep up with the demand, farmers use fungicides to prevent mold, insecticides to ward off aphids and chemical fertilizers to ensure growth -- a laundry list of toxins. All of those harmful chemicals make up your wedding flowers, and these flower-growing practices are contaminating the soil and water. The impurity doesn't so much lie in the flower itself, it's more in the farming practice, but your decision can create a budding movement.

Another issue with flowers is whether they are fair trade. When a flower is certified through the nonprofit TransFair USA, it means that the workers in developing nations received fair wages as well as other benefits such as protective gear, childcare and paid leave. What if you were on the other side and had to work overtime without fair pay to process flowers for lucky girls' weddings? You definitely don't need that bad karma sprouting around you on your wedding day.

Organic Flowers Can Be Budget Friendly Too

Yes, the truth is that organic and fair trade flowers will most likely cost you more, but you have to keep in mind that you get what you pay for and it's quality flowers and sustainable farming practices. However, just because it's organic doesn't mean that you have to kiss your roses goodbye.

Fortunately, more farms are choosing to go green, so you have more retail florists on your side than you think. It's best to find a local florist, because the flowers won't have to be shipped across states or the sea. If you're unable to locate a local florist online, peruse the flower aisle in your local supermarket or natural food co-ops. Keep an eye out for eco-labels (certified organic and fair trade).

Once you have your list of potential florists, contact each one to find out their pricing. If you can visit their store, this will give you an idea of how fresh the flowers are as well as how safely they are packaged. Torn petals and arrangements that looked wrecked and ravaged are not going to make you happy or impress your guests. Also, don't be shy to tell a florist what another florist is offering for the same flowers, especially if you prefer that one over the other. They might be willing to bend a little, or they can at least explain to you why their price is higher. The extra dollars might be worth it, or they might just be unreasonable.

Flower Extravaganza Versus a Touch of Color

Arrays of pink roses lining the church and sprinkled down the aisle would be magical and fragrant. If your dream is to create a picturesque indoor garden, then go for it with the above eco-friendly options in mind. Or maybe you can adjust your wedding location and have it in an outdoor garden or park. You would save yourself a bundle in flower expenses, but you would still have a bundle and more at your wedding.

Dozens of orchids, roses or lilies would be extraordinary, but simple arrangements can also be glamorous and elegant. If you're a minimalist, add some class to your wedding with fresh cut flowers from a cut-flower garden. Although it would be an honor to have a bouquet made from Martha Stewart's personal garden, you can create a beautiful arrangement from your grandparent's or friend's rose bushes. If you're having a small reception, you can purchase unique vases and have someone in charge of adding a few crisp flowers. How much fresher can you get?

Maybe freshness and fragrance are not concerns of yours, so stick to faux. You might look down on fake flowers, but this might change your mind. Unlike buying a faux Louis Vuitton purse, purchasing fake flowers is actually an investment, because you will have your wedding bouquet perfectly preserved forever. Did that change your mind? Even more appealing is the fact that you can reuse another bride's bouquet if she allows you to, or you can create your own design with organic cotton and silk flowers.

Be the Primrose of the Garden

This is you and your partner's day to shine. Regardless of whether you have shipped in all of the flowers left in the world for your big day, it's more important that you are the beauty in the spotlight. Of course guests will talk about your arrangements, food, gown and location, but they are really coming to rejoice in your happiness and be reminded that true love does exist.

-- Marina Hanes