Floral terms to know

Before discussing table settings for their weddings, many couples find it helpful to brush up on some floral terminology before visiting florists.

It can make you appear more knowledgeable and prepared if you understand what will be discussed and are able to choose what you want. It also helps to ensure your money is being spent in the best way possible.

Here are some common and some lesser known florist terms that can be advantageous to know.

* Biedermeier: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric circles of differently colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring.

* Bouquet: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon.

* Crescent: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

* Garden: A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.

* Nosegay: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed round flowers and fill.

* Oasis: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.

* Pomander: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants.

* Posies: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design.

* Presentation: A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride's arms. It's sometimes known as a pageant bouquet.

* Topiary: Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.

* Tossing: A smaller copy of the bride's bouquet to use in the bouquet toss.

* Tussy mussy: A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.