Junior Rasmussen
Flowers are an essential part of most weddings, adding beauty, colour, and fragrance to the celebration. Wedding flowers can be divided into three categories: personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. Personal flowers include the bridal bouquet, groom's boutonnière, petals for the flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom. Ceremony flowers include decorations for the aisle or backdrop, and flowers for a post-nuptial petal toss. Reception flowers include centrepieces, flower walls, and floral arrangements for the cake table. The type and amount of flowers chosen will depend on the couple's budget and preferences.
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What You'll Learn
Bouquets and boutonnieres
For the groom and groomsmen, boutonnieres, also known as buttonholes, are small flower arrangements worn on their lapels or collars, usually matching the bridal or bridesmaids' bouquets. Boutonnieres typically use a single flower or a pair, such as roses, carnations, or orchids, along with foliage or ribbon. They can also serve as gifts or keepsakes for the groomsmen to preserve after the wedding.
When choosing flowers for the bridal bouquet, it is essential to consider the dress, theme, and season. Popular choices include classic white bouquets or colourful mixes of roses, peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, and hydrangeas. The bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bride's bouquet, creating a cohesive look for the bridal party as they walk down the aisle.
It is recommended to start the process of selecting a florist at least six months in advance, as the best florists tend to book up quickly. Working with a florist, you can create mock-ups and vision boards to bring your wedding flower dreams to life within your desired budget.
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Ceremony flowers
Flowers are an essential part of most weddings, adding beauty, colour, and fragrance to the celebration. The ceremony flowers are any arrangements that will be used during the wedding ceremony. While there are no mandatory flowers that you need for a wedding, here are some popular options for ceremony flowers:
Aisle or backdrop decorations
Flowers can be used to decorate the aisle, creating a path for the bridal party to walk on. Floral markers can guide the bride's path as she walks down the aisle, creating a visual journey that culminates in the union of hearts. These markers can be hanging arrangements or delicately scattered petals.
Bridal bouquet
The bridal bouquet is perhaps the most important flower arrangement in the wedding, as it symbolises the bride's personality, style, and emotions. It is a visual masterpiece, radiating grace as she walks down the aisle. The flowers in the bouquet should complement the bride's dress, the wedding theme, and the season.
Bridesmaids' bouquets
The bridesmaids' bouquets are crucial in aisle arrangements. They complement the bridal bouquet while maintaining their unique charm and contribute to the overall aesthetic cohesion of the bridal party. Traditionally, they are worn as a prelude to the bride's grand entrance.
Floral arch
Flowers can be added to a ceremony arch, where the couple will exchange their vows. This is often one of the most photographed areas of the wedding, and adding flowers can create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.
Flower petals
Flower petals can be used for a post-nuptial petal toss, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of festivities. They can also be scattered on the tables or the cake for a playful effect.
Corsages
Corsages can be given to the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, as well as other important female guests, as a way to make them feel extra special.
Boutonnieres
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that men wear on their lapels or collars, usually matching the bridal bouquet or the bridesmaids' bouquets. They can be given to the groomsmen, the father of the bride, and the groom himself.
Floral crown
A floral crown is an exquisite choice for the bride, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to her ensemble. It is carefully crafted to harmonize with her bridal bouquet.
The specific flowers and arrangements you choose for your wedding ceremony will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the availability of flowers based on the season. It is always a good idea to consult with a florist, who can provide recommendations and create mock-ups based on your vision.
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Reception flowers
When it comes to wedding flowers, the options are endless. Ultimately, the flowers you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you're a flower enthusiast, you might want to go heavier on the reception flowers. Here are some ideas for reception flowers to elevate your wedding decor:
Centerpieces
Centerpieces are a must-have for any wedding reception. They can be placed on the cocktail tables, guest book tables, or even used to decorate the cake table. Consider using low centerpieces with peonies, which are fragrant and popular for their large blooms. Cherry blossom branches are also a great option for tall, statement centerpieces. For a more affordable option, chrysanthemums offer a similar look to dahlias at a lower cost. If you're not a fan of flowers, centerpieces can be replaced with candles or lights for a more understated yet elegant look.
Table Decorations
Flowers can be used to decorate the wedding reception tables in a variety of ways. Small, delicate flowers like chamomile are perfect for a rustic or boho-themed wedding. For a more subtle touch, consider using single stems or small bouquets placed in vases or tied to chairs. If you're looking for something more extravagant, garlands can be draped across the tables or used to adorn fireplaces or mantles.
Personal Flowers
While the bridal bouquet is often the star of the show, don't forget about the rest of the wedding party! Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom can be a thoughtful touch, making them feel extra special. Boutonnieres are also a classic choice for the groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers, and can be customized to fit their personalities or hobbies. For a unique twist, consider using bike pins instead of traditional flower boutonnieres.
Arches and Backdrops
Flowers can be used to create stunning backdrops for photos and to frame the happy couple during the reception. Floral arches are a popular choice and can be made with a variety of flowers, such as hydrangeas, which come in a range of colors. Flower walls are another trendy option, often seen at coastal New England weddings.
Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless when it comes to wedding flowers, so feel free to get creative and make your wedding day truly your own!
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Corsages and petals
Wedding flowers are a great way to add colour, drama and life to your ceremony and reception. Corsages and petals are a great way to include important guests in the wedding party and make them feel special.
Corsages
Corsages are small flower arrangements that are traditionally pinned to the bodice of a dress. They can also be tied to the wrist with a ribbon, especially if the wearer's dress is heavily beaded or delicate, to avoid any damage. Corsages are usually worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, and the bride may also choose to give them to her bridesmaids as a unique alternative to bouquets. Other members of the wedding party, such as junior bridesmaids, flower girls or house party members, may also be given corsages. Corsages are a great way to identify VIPs and honoured guests.
Petals
Petals are a fun and colourful addition to any wedding. They are usually scattered by flower girls as they walk down the aisle, creating a beautiful and romantic setting for the bride's entrance. Petals can also be used for a post-nuptial petal toss as the newlyweds exit the ceremony. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider using petals as centrepieces or table decor. They can also be used to decorate the aisle or chairs lining the aisle.
When choosing your wedding flowers, it's important to consider your budget and priorities. Work with your florist to create arrangements that will make the most impact and reflect your vision for your special day.
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Centrepieces and decor
Flowers are a must for wedding centrepieces and decor, but greenery is a natural add-on to consider. Whether you're after a beachside or forest wedding, the way you design your reception tables is important for executing your vision. Centrepieces are the focal point of every table, so choosing your central arrangements wisely is key.
Flowers instantly add visual intrigue to any tablescape, with their rich colour and lush texture. Blooms with large, multi-petal shapes, such as roses, can create a lush, fluffy texture. Tropical aesthetics and climates call for vivacious tones and native buds, such as anthurium, protea, hibiscus, and plumeria. For a forest wedding, you could opt for a simple vase with a couple of focal flowers, some filler blooms, and a lot of greenery, surrounded by dainty tea-light candles. For a beach wedding, decorate the rest of your table with beachy elements and textures to supplement floral centrepieces.
If you're on a budget, you can keep your table flowers simple and refined, which will give your decor an elegant feel. Choose your favourite bloom and order it in bulk, displaying a handful of stems on each table. Bud vases are becoming more popular for reception tables, providing a delicate feel while still filling table space, and allowing for lots of movement and whimsical contrast. You can also repurpose your ceremony arrangements at the reception, such as displaying your bridesmaid bouquets on the tables.
For a bold, bright, and invigorating look, paint your flowers in red, yellow, and blue. You can also play up the colour in the rest of your table decorations. Another idea is to accentuate fresh buds with fruit, such as grapes, oranges, and plums, which will channel opulence and elegance. For a unique impression, add fresh fruit or other natural elements to your tablescape. A floating candle, sliced citrus, and a spray of fresh greenery can create an elegant, yet down-to-earth feel. Monochromatic centrepieces are a classic way to decorate your guest tables, arranged low to the table, with some whimsical filler flowers and greenery.
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Frequently asked questions
The three categories of wedding flowers are personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. Personal flowers include the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonnière, petals for the flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom. Ceremony flowers include decorations for the aisle or backdrop and flowers for a post-nuptial petal toss. Reception flowers include centerpieces and flowers on cocktail tables.
Roses are a timeless classic, available in a wide variety of colours and shapes. Peonies are popular for spring and summer weddings, known for their delicate petals and beautiful fragrance. Alstroemeria, native to South America, is identifiable by the speckle marks on its petals and comes in purple and red shades. Dogwood blossoms, with their four white petals and green centres, are a classic choice for weddings in the South.
Flowers can be incorporated into the bride's hairstyle or worn as a floral crown. They can also be used to create a flower wall, providing a stunning backdrop for photos. For a playful touch, scatter flower petals on tables or the wedding cake.
It is recommended to start the process at least six months in advance. Since the best florists book up quickly, it is ideal to hire your florist a year before the wedding.
The average couple spends around 10% to 15% of their total wedding budget on flowers.
