Yes, nothing symbolizes the beginning of a new life together with the one you love quite like shriveled old roses. This look is particularly hazardous for those of you marrying later in life; it only takes one overheard “bloom off the rose” remark to cause a Bridezilla meltdown of Weddings Gone Wild proportions. Trust me.

Spare your guests the gore. If you don’t talk to your baker about floral shelf life, who will?