Deborah Chan
Flowers are an essential part of weddings, with their colour, texture, and beauty adding a special touch to the occasion. While there are many types of flowers to choose from, some couples opt for birth flowers, also known as birth month flowers, to add a deeper meaning to their celebration. Each month has a dedicated birth flower, and sometimes two, with symbolic meanings and characteristics that are believed to bring luck and protection. Birth flowers can be incorporated into wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and other decorations, creating a unique and personalised aesthetic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Birth flowers | Carnations, snowdrops, violets, daffodils, daisies, sweet peas, narcissus, holly, gladiolus, roses, lilies, poppies, lilies of the valley, and more |
| Wedding flowers | Roses, gardenias, orchids, dahlias, calla lilies, hydrangeas, tulips, peonies, lilacs, muscari, lisianthus, and more |
| Wedding flower uses | Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces, installations, backdrops, petals for grand exits, and more |
| Wedding flower considerations | Seasonality, budget, colour palette, design, symbolism, meaning, aesthetics, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Birth flowers by month and their meanings
Birth flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. The tradition of associating specific flowers with each birth month dates back to ancient Roman times, when people believed that certain flowers brought luck and protection during the month they bloomed.
January: Carnation and Snowdrop
Carnations, with their ruffled petals and range of hues, are believed to symbolise love, distinction, loyalty, and fascination. Snowdrops, on the other hand, are small, delicate, bell-shaped flowers with white petals.
February: Violet
Violets, with their purple-blue hues and heart-shaped leaves, are associated with love and happiness. In the Victorian age, gifting a violet was a declaration of loyalty.
March: Daffodil (Jonquil)
The cheerful daffodil, also known as the jonquil, is a symbol of the coming spring. It is also referred to as "Mary's Flower of May" in the ancient tradition.
April: Daisy and Sweet Pea
Daisies are often used in wedding bouquets and cakes, adding a touch of simplicity and elegance to the celebration. Sweet peas, with their delicate beauty, make a stunning accompaniment to larger blossoms.
May: Hawthorn
The hawthorn, also known as "Mary's Flower," is the birth flower for May.
June: Rose
Fluffy, multi-petal roses work well in ground assortments or hanging installations. They are a popular choice for weddings and are often used in bouquets and centrepieces.
July: Water Lily
Water lilies have hydrophobic leaves, which repel water and dirt, keeping them clean. They symbolise purity and elegance.
August: Gladiolus (Sword Lily)
Gladiolus, also known as the sword lily, originates from South Africa, Europe, and Asia. Its tall flower spikes and extensive range of colours make it a striking choice. Gladiolus symbolises strength, integrity, and infatuation.
September: Morning Glory
Morning glories are resilient flowers that bloom with the dawn and close as the day progresses. They symbolise the gentle, optimistic, and imaginative spirit of those born in September.
October: Cosmos
Cosmos symbolises tranquility, peace, and love. The name comes from the Greek word "kosmos," meaning order and harmony. These flowers are easy to grow and add a touch of harmony to any garden.
November: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are a symbol of friendship, compassion, and secret love. With their vibrant colours and delicate petals, they add beauty and warmth to any occasion.
December: Narcissus and Holly
Narcissus, also known as daffodils, symbolise vitality, faithfulness, and inspiration. Holly, with its sharp leaves and bright red berries, is a worldwide symbol of the festive season, representing fertility, eternal life, peace, and goodwill.
The birth flowers listed above are primarily based on traditions from the Northern Hemisphere. While some sources suggest alternatives for the Southern Hemisphere, the flowers listed here are generally accepted as the official birth flowers for each month.
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Birth flowers in wedding bouquets
Birth flowers are a great way to add a personalised and meaningful touch to your wedding. Each month has a dedicated birth flower, and sometimes two, with their own unique symbolism and characteristics.
For January brides, the birth flowers are carnations and snowdrops. Carnations, with their ruffled petals and range of hues, are a popular choice. They can be used as a filler flower or as a show-stopping bouquet. Snowdrops, with their delicate white petals, add charming movement to a bouquet and are also perfect for centrepiece arrangements.
February's birth flowers are violets and primroses. These purple flowers are a beautiful addition to a bouquet, especially violets with their heart-shaped petals. They can also be woven into hair for a whimsical accent. Avoid using white primroses, however, as they are a symbol of sadness and mourning.
March is the month of daffodils, also known as jonquils, a symbol of happiness, rebirth and hope. Daffodils can be used as an accent to larger flowers or as a standalone bouquet. They pair well with light, white flowers like baby's breath or roses.
For August, the birth flowers are gladioli and poppies. Vibrantly coloured gladioli add height and drama to large arrangements, while poppies can be used as a focal point in a bouquet or placed in bud vases for an eclectic touch.
If you're looking to incorporate your birth flower into your wedding bouquet, it's important to consider the size and aesthetic of the flower and how it will work with other design elements. Birth flowers can also be used in boutonnieres, centrepieces, and reception arrangements to add a subtle touch of sentimentality to your special day.
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Birth flowers as wedding centrepieces
Birth flowers are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Each month has a dedicated birth flower, and some months have two, with distinct meanings and characteristics that can add profound meaning to your special day.
When choosing birth flowers as centrepieces, it is important to consider the size of the flower and how it will fit with your aesthetic. Large, hardy blooms are a better fit for installations, whereas petite, fragile flowers are better suited for smaller designs. For example, if your birth flower is a lily of the valley, this option is a wonderful choice for a single-flower bouquet, but it can also be a stunning accompaniment to larger blossoms as a centrepiece. If you want to use roses, which are fluffy, multi-petal buds, they work well for ground assortments that flank the sign or hanging installations. Gladiolus, on the other hand, are striking tall flowers that can be combined with round blooms to create contrast. Carnations, which are the birth flower for January, are a good option if you want a flower that takes up a lot of space, and you can use smaller varieties, such as daisies and violets, as accents.
You can also consider the symbolism of the flowers. Carnations, for example, symbolise love, distinction, loyalty and fascination, and their symbolism varies depending on their colour. Pink carnations represent gratitude, while red carnations represent love and admiration. The December birth flowers are narcissus and holly, which are known to represent fertility, faithfulness, inspiration, eternal life, peace and goodwill.
Using birth flowers as centrepieces is a unique way to incorporate flowers with meaning into your wedding, and you can also use them in your bouquet, boutonnière, or any other ceremony or reception arrangement.
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Birth flowers in wedding installations
Flowers are an essential part of any wedding, adding colour, texture, and natural beauty to the venue. Using birth flowers, which carry symbolic meanings and characteristics, can make the occasion even more special.
If you want to incorporate birth flowers into your wedding installations, it's important to consider the size of the flowers and how they will fit with your aesthetic and the architecture of the venue. Large, hardy blooms like lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums are a better fit for installations, whereas petite, fragile flowers like sweet peas, violets, and cosmos are more suited to smaller designs. For example, if your wedding venue has a focal staircase, a floral installation can make it feel like you're walking into an enchanted wonderland or a secret garden. Similarly, hanging flower installations on the ceiling can create a grand, immersive design element for your guests.
To make your walk down the aisle more memorable, you can add birth flowers to your bouquet. Bright daffodils, the March birth flower, can provide the perfect accent to larger showstoppers, while vibrant poppies will make a beautiful focal point. If your birth flower is a lily of the valley, this option is a wonderful choice for a single-flower bouquet.
When it comes to wedding installations, you can also get creative with the colours of your chosen flowers. For instance, if your wedding is in an all-white space, consider a hanging flower installation with pops of colour like white orchids and twiggy yellow blooms, or creamy whites and warm golds to match the reception tables below. Alternatively, if you're going for a rustic fall wedding, a birch-branch canopy with golden leaves and votive candles can create a warm and inviting ambience.
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Birth flowers in wedding cakes
Birth flowers are a great way to add a personal and meaningful touch to your wedding. Each month has a dedicated birth flower, and some months even have two. These flowers are said to carry symbolic meanings and characteristics that can add a special layer of sentimentality to your big day.
When it comes to incorporating birth flowers into your wedding cake, there are a few options to consider. Fresh flowers are a popular choice, adding a special touch to any wedding cake. However, it is important to prioritise food safety and only use non-toxic flowers. Many flowers are toxic or poisonous and can cause allergic reactions or serious health issues. If you're set on using fresh flowers, it is recommended to use organic, edible flowers and to thoroughly wash and dry them before adding them to your cake. You can also wrap the stems in florist tape and insert them into a straw or posy pick to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake.
Sugar flowers are another option and can be a beautiful keepsake, lasting for years if stored correctly. They are a great alternative if you want to avoid the potential risks of using fresh flowers. You can even mix and match fresh and sugar flowers to create a unique and eye-catching design.
Whether you choose fresh or sugar flowers, there are endless ways to incorporate birth flowers into your wedding cake. You can use them as a subtle accent or make them the focal point with a show-stopping floral arrangement. If you're looking for inspiration, consider using your birth flower or that of your partner or a loved one. Popular birth flowers include carnations, snowdrops, violets, daffodils, daisies, roses, and narcissus.
By incorporating birth flowers into your wedding cake, you can create a meaningful and personalised touch that will elevate your celebration and leave you with lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can incorporate birth flowers into your wedding. Each month has a dedicated birth flower, and these can be used to decorate your wedding to add a personal, sentimental flair.
You can add them to your bouquet, boutonnière, centrepieces, or any other ceremony or reception arrangement. Large, hardy blooms are better for installations, whereas petite, fragile ones are better for smaller designs.
Carnations, snowdrops, violets, daffodils, daisies, sweet peas, lily of the valley, roses, narcissus, gladiolus, and poppies are all birth flowers that can be used at weddings.
Roses, peonies, tulips, dahlias, calla lilies, gardenias, orchids, protea, jasmine, lavender, lilies, lisianthus, muscari, and hydrangeas are all popular wedding flowers that are not birth flowers.
It is important to consider the seasonality of flowers, as certain blooms are only available at specific times of the year. You should also keep in mind your overall design scheme and budget, as out-of-season flowers can be expensive.
