So, you've picked the place, got the dress and even chosen the colors, and now it is time to decide on one of the most fragrant aspects (besides the food, of course) of your big day -- the flowers.

Well, it's a good thing you are getting hitched in the Buckeye State because Ohio is loaded with blooms of all sorts to help complete the wedding of your dreams. Whether you choose simple tulips and daisies, or the romantic red petals of the state flower, the scarlet carnation, your wedding is bound to be adorned with several of nature's most precious jewels.

Choosing Your Florist

It might seem like an impossible task to choose from the multitude of florists who can provide your flowers on your wedding day. But while the decision can be tough, the first step comes down to selecting a florist who can best accommodate your specific needs and the size of your wedding. This means that if you are hosting a rather large event, then you will want to choose a florist who can produce a hefty number of arrangements in an efficient amount of time. Or if you just have to have a particular flower, then you must be sure that your florist will have access to it. Once you have narrowed down your choices, begin to call shops and arrange a visit to look at photos of prior work done by the florist. This will give you an idea of whether or not he or she is a good fit for you.

Floral Shops in Ohio

It would be quite the task to list here all of the florists in the state, but it will not hurt to give you a few names to get your process started. Here are a few recommended shops in Ohio:

• Forget Me Knot Weddings, Dover
• Highland Heights Floral, South Euclid
• Heatherlily, Mayfield Heights
• McKenzie's Flowers, Bowling Green and Wood County
• Oasis Florist, Cincinnati
• Roses for Weddings, Medina
• Springwater Sweets and Flowers, Cincinnati

The Fun Part: Picking Your Blooms

Now that you have chosen your florist, it is time to start putting together the flowers that will adorn your special day. Be sure to relay your ideas and needs to the florist who will be designing or overseeing the creation of your arrangements. This is one of the most important steps -- you want your flowers to reflect the characters of you and your special someone. A few other tips to keep in mind:

Remember that timing is everything: If you want a bouquet made from lilies of the valley and you are getting married in the fall or winter, then you better be willing to shell out some cash for the shipping of this spring flower.

Consider the size as well: While large flower centerpieces are beautiful, you want guests to be able to see one another across the table. On the other hand, bouquets that are too large will take the focus away from you and your bridesmaids, so be sure to keep that in mind when designing you arrangements.

It's picture time: Make sure your flowers are set up in time for ideal photo opportunities. You'll want your blooms to be featured in your pictures.

Your Own Ideas in Bloom

Remember that this is your time to play with your own creativity, so bring your ideas to the table when designing the floral arrangements that will highlight your special day. Keep in mind that simple centerpieces, like fruit-filled vases, can also add a low-cost touch to your big day. It's yours to create!