Lyla Dejesus
May is a popular month for weddings, with flowers being one of the main reasons why. Couples have a wide range of flowers to choose from, including seasonal flowers like Lily of the Valley, tulips, white lilac, roses, and daffodils, which symbolise new beginnings and are perfect for a bridal bouquet. In Ireland, the cost of wedding flowers can vary depending on various factors such as travel expenses, setup, bouquets, and decorations. Brides can choose to follow traditions, such as carrying a bouquet of herbs and wildflowers or wearing a wreath of wildflowers, or create their own modern arrangements that reflect their personal style and wedding theme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers that symbolise new beginnings | Daffodils |
| Flowers that bring good luck | Sprig of shamrock, branch of white heather, sprig of ivy |
| Flowers that ward off evil spirits | Any flower with a sweet smell, e.g. English lavender |
| Flowers that symbolise love and devotion | English lavender |
| Flowers that add body and texture | Ammi (bishop's flower, Queen Anne's lace, laceflower) |
| Flowers that add eye-catching colour | Anthurium (flamingo flower, flaming lily, laceleaf) |
| Fragrant flowers | Hyacinths, sweet pea, lily of the valley, freesia, roses, lilies |
| Delicate flowers | Tulips, white lilac, roses, hellebore, fritillaria |
| Symbolic flowers | Daffodils, forget-me-nots |
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What You'll Learn
Spring wedding flowers in Ireland
May is a beautiful time of year for flowers in Ireland, marking the beginning of peak wedding season. Couples have a wide range of flowers to choose from, including some gorgeous in-season blooms.
For those who want a simple and elegant look, a few well-placed orchid blooms or calla lilies can be a perfect choice. Wildflowers are also a great option for a natural-themed or Celtic ceremony, and they can be used to match a strong colour theme. Daisies are another inexpensive and beautiful choice that can be used en masse for maximum impact.
If you're looking for something unique to add to your May wedding bouquet in Ireland, consider the ammi, also known as bishop's flower or Queen Anne's lace. This sweet and dainty flower adds body and texture to any arrangement, with several small white flowers in a star-like formation on a single stem. Anthurium, a tropical flower with bright, bold colours, is another unique option that can add an exotic look to your bouquet.
Traditionally, Irish brides wore wreaths of wildflowers in their hair and carried bouquets of herbs and wildflowers, sometimes including a sprig of shamrock or white heather for good luck. English lavender was also a popular choice in Celtic times for its sweet smell and to symbolise the couple's love and devotion.
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Costs of wedding flowers
The cost of wedding flowers in Ireland varies depending on several factors. The quantity of flowers needed is the primary factor influencing the cost, as a bridal bouquet requires a dense arrangement of numerous flowers. The desire for multiple varieties and colours also increases the expense.
The type of flowers you choose also affects the price. Seasonal flowers are generally more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, whereas importing flowers out of season can be more expensive. For example, ammi (bishop's flower) and anthurium (a tropical flower) are in season in May and could be good choices for a wedding that month.
Other costs to consider include delivery, setup, transfer, and removals. If you want to repurpose your ceremony flowers for the reception, some florists offer an out-of-studio fee, which includes setting up, transferring, and collecting the flowers. This service typically starts at €150 per day.
The cost of wedding flowers in Ireland for a traditional wedding typically ranges from €800 to €2000. Individual bouquet prices can vary, with bridal bouquets ranging from €150 for a hand-tied bouquet to €175 for a cascade bouquet, and bridesmaids' bouquets starting at €125. Cake flowers are also available from €40.
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Wedding flower traditions in Ireland
Flowers have long been a staple of wedding ceremonies, with their beauty and fragrance providing a lasting impression on guests. In Ireland, there are several wedding flower traditions that have been passed down through the generations, each with its own unique significance and symbolism.
One of the most well-known Irish wedding flower traditions is the inclusion of shamrocks in the bridal bouquet. The shamrock, with its three leaves, represents Irish heritage and is considered a symbol of good luck. Brides would often tuck a sprig of shamrock into their bouquets, or alternatively, a branch of white heather, which is associated with Scotland.
In ancient times, Irish brides wore wreaths of wildflowers in their hair instead of veils, and carried bouquets of herbs and wildflowers. The use of wildflowers is particularly suited to natural-themed or Celtic ceremonies, and they can be chosen to complement the wedding's colour theme. English lavender was also a popular choice in bouquets during Celtic times due to its sweet smell and its representation of the couple's love and devotion.
Another Irish wedding tradition is the inclusion of bells in the floral arrangements. The sound of bells is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to the marriage. For centuries, bells have been added to the wedding bouquets of Irish brides, and newlyweds may hang bells over the threshold of their homes for protection.
In addition to flowers, other wedding traditions in Ireland include serving Irish soda bread and honey wine (mead) at the reception. The bread, made with baking soda instead of yeast, symbolises hospitality, while the honey wine is believed to bring fertility and prosperity to the couple. The harp, as the national symbol of Ireland, also holds significance at Irish weddings.
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Wildflowers and herbs
May is a beautiful time of year for flowers in Ireland, with a wide variety of wildflowers and herbs in bloom. If you're looking for wildflowers and herbs to incorporate into your May wedding in Ireland, here are some options to consider:
Cowslips
Cowslips are a cheerful sight in May, with their clusters of small, butter-yellow, bell-shaped flowers cupped in light green leaves. They prefer open fields and meadows and are a great choice for a May wedding bouquet or arrangement.
Buttercups
Buttercups are small, delicate, yet stunning wildflowers that can be found in Ireland throughout most of the year, including May. These tiny yellow flowers grow in large swathes across damp grasslands and empty fields, creating an impressive display.
Primrose
Primrose is another early wildflower that blooms in April and May. With delicate pale round petals, primrose signals the arrival of spring. They can be found in broadleaf woodlands and coastal regions.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a symbol of fidelity and affection in Ireland. Its fragrant flowers are believed to bring dreams of true love. Honeysuckle has been used in weddings throughout history, often brought into the house as a prediction of an upcoming wedding within the year. It can add a beautiful fragrance and symbolic meaning to a May wedding.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is an herb that has been used historically in Ireland for various purposes. It was used to flavour mead, beer, wines, and soups, and was also added to sorbets and fruit salads for an almond flavour. The flower can be infused to make a mild diuretic tea. In the context of weddings, meadowsweet was strewn on the ground at handfastings for the bride to walk on, and it was also used in wedding posies and bridal bouquets.
Wild Angelica
While Wild Angelica blossoms from July onwards, you may be able to find its tiny white or pinkish blooms in damper habitats like marshes and riversides earlier in the year.
In addition to these wildflowers and herbs, you may also consider incorporating other May wedding flowers such as Ammi (Bishop's Flower) or Anthurium for a unique and exotic touch.
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Tropical flowers
For couples looking to incorporate tropical flowers into their Irish wedding, florists such as Blooming Amazing Flower Company are up for the challenge and can design something a little unusual. For instance, a couple chose the King Protea, South Africa's national flower, as a central theme for their mid-winter wedding in Ireland. The tropical Protea made a beautiful contrast to the stark Irish landscape.
Flowers from the Secret Garden, a floral design studio and flower farm in Cork, creates seasonal arrangements from Irish-grown flowers. They can bring a couple's wedding day vision to life with their creative styling skills and curated collection of prop and container rentals.
Wallflower, a husband-and-wife team of florists, creates unique and romantic floral designs with exquisite blooms and a strong eye for colour. Their flowers will be a major focal point, bursting with detail and individual touches.
For those seeking colourful blooms and unusual details, Carolyn Duggan, a bespoke floral designer and artisan-cut flower grower, caters to alternative couples. She offers a wide selection of seasonal flowers, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind bouquet at any time of the year. Couples can even select their own flowers by visiting her gardens and being a part of the creative process.
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Frequently asked questions
Spring wedding flowers include hyacinths, sweet peas, lily of the valley, and freesia. Tulips, daffodils, and forget-me-nots are also in season and add fantastic texture to bouquets.
Irish brides traditionally wore a wreath of wildflowers in their hair and carried bouquets of herbs and wildflowers, sometimes with a sprig of shamrock or ivy, which symbolised good luck and fidelity.
Using seasonal flowers is a more sustainable and cost-effective option. Daisies are an inexpensive flower that can be used en masse for maximum impact. Using a single type of flower can also save money as you can buy in bulk.
Ammi, also known as bishop's flower or Queen Anne's lace, adds body and texture to a bouquet with its star-like formation of small white flowers. Anthurium, a tropical flower with bright, bold colours, is also a unique addition and is in bloom for most of the year.
In addition to the flowers themselves, there are other costs to consider, such as travel expenses, setup, decorations, and repurposing. You may also want to budget for the florist to collect the flowers the day after the wedding.
