Underscore the drama of your wedding with the right flowers. Find a professional who will take the time to learn about you and the ambience you want to create. Six months before the wedding is not too early to select your florist, especially if you're planning an elaborate wedding. When you talk with your florist, be guided by these elements: the style and mood of your wedding, the season or environment, your budget and, more to the point, what you like.

Go prepared. Selecting your gown, the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall color theme is a must before visiting your florist. Take fabric swatches and descriptions (pictures are even better) of your selected wedding apparel. Also have examples of the colors and styles of the mothers' gowns and the attire of the groom and his attendants. With this information in hand your florist will be able to suggest floral combinations and artistic treatments to create beautiful floral complements for your wedding. It is always a good idea to request that your florist give you an itemized bill in advance . . . and make sure that you in turn supply the florist with the names, addresses, and times for delivery of your bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and floral arrangements. Expect to spend at least $750 on flowers, although they should not be the largest expense of the day. Talk to several florists; many will offer special packages. Also, ask to see photos of their work, not just arrangements from a catalog, as well as references.

Traditionally, the bridal bouquet is composed of all white flowers but, if you would prefer, the addition of colorful blossoms is certainly appropriate. The groom's boutonniere, worn on his left lapel, is usually a spray of the same type of blossoms used in your bouquet. Remember that the ushers and groomsmen wear boutonnieres different from the groom's and your attendants' flowers are different, of course, from your bridal bouquet. Corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for the fathers are coordinated in color and style within the general floral theme.

You may wish to select certain flowers for personal reasons. Others may be chosen because they have traditional meanings. For example, hyacinth signifies constancy. Some herbs, too, are important in bridal lore. In medieval Germany, brides wore rosemary to guard against pregnancy! Consider including unusual greenery plants. Asparagus fern and multicolored coleus are attractive in summer bouquets. Holly and pine sprays are popular for December nuptials. Stalks of golden-brown wheat are a sentimental touch for harvest brides. In any event be guided by the advice of your florist and remember, if budget is a consideration, flowers and greenery in season are more abundant and generally less expensive. Also, be sure the flowers you select will hold their shape throughout the day. Tulips, for example, look lovely when fresh, but by the end of the day in Texas heat they will open fully, loosing their normal appearance.

Silk flowers are an equally beautiful alternative to fresh flowers. Manufacturers now produce nearly any type of blossom or plant in fiber form; the bonus is that these exquisite imitators bloom forever. Silk flowers can also be a way to reduce your costs. Many florists will rent silk altar arrangements and other pieces for a fraction of the cost of fresh flowers.

You'll need a number of other floral pieces for your wedding, centerpieces for reception tables, sprays for candelabra, corsages for those who assist with various reception duties, and floral "tokens" for special guests. Ask your florist for guidance. His artistry, knowledge of wedding protocol and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you'll get a good value for your money, and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day.