Junior Rasmussen
Flowers are a key part of any wedding, adding a touch of romance and magic to the celebration. While weddings don't technically need flowers, they are a beautiful tradition for couples who want them. For those planning a wedding in Ireland, there are many florists and flower types to choose from. This article will explore the different options available to help you decide what flowers you need for your special day.
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What You'll Learn
Bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, and centrepieces
Bridal Bouquets
The bridal bouquet is one of the most important floral arrangements for your wedding. It is a reflection of your personal style and can be designed to match your wedding theme. When choosing the flowers for your bouquet, you can opt for traditional options or create your own unique arrangement.
For an Irish wedding, you might want to incorporate wildflowers, which have been a part of Irish wedding traditions for centuries. Female guests would pick wildflowers for the bride to wear in her hair, and she would also carry a matching bouquet. You can also include a sprig of shamrock or a branch of white heather for good luck, or English lavender to symbolise love and devotion.
Bridesmaid Bouquets
Bridesmaid bouquets can be designed to complement the bridal bouquet and the overall wedding theme. They can be smaller or simpler than the bridal bouquet to let the bride's flowers stand out. You can also reuse the bridesmaid bouquets as centrepieces during the reception to save costs and create a cohesive look.
Centrepieces
Centrepieces are an important part of your wedding reception decor. They can be created using flowers, candles, or other creative elements. If you're looking to save costs, repurposing the bridesmaid bouquets as centrepieces is a great option. You can also work with your florist to design centrepieces that match your theme and budget. Consider using seasonal flowers or a single type of flower for a stunning and cost-effective display.
Choosing a Florist
When choosing a florist for your wedding, look for one who has experience with weddings and can guide you through the process. A good florist will work within your budget and help you choose flowers that are in season to achieve the look you want. They can also assist with repurposing flowers from the ceremony to the reception to get the most out of your floral arrangements.
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Corsages, boutonnières, and buttonholes
When choosing the flowers for these arrangements, it is important to consider the colour scheme and theme of the wedding. A florist with wedding experience can be extremely helpful in this regard, as they can assist in creating arrangements that match the couple's vision and personality while also keeping an eye on the budget. For instance, a florist might suggest using the ceremony flowers as the head table flowers, or repurposing the bridesmaids' bouquets as vases for the attendant's table.
In Ireland, the average cost for wedding flowers falls between €1,000 and €2,000, but this can vary depending on the types of flowers chosen, the size and complexity of the arrangements, and the florist's pricing structure. To keep costs down, some couples may opt for seasonal flowers or simple, elegant blooms that can be purchased in bulk, such as orchids or calla lilies. Wildflowers are also a popular and inexpensive choice for corsages, boutonnières, and buttonholes, especially for a natural-themed or Celtic ceremony.
Overall, when planning for corsages, boutonnières, and buttonholes, it is important to consider the colour scheme, theme, and budget for the wedding. By working with a knowledgeable florist and choosing the right flowers, these floral accessories can beautifully complement the wedding party's attire and enhance the overall aesthetic of the special day.
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Ceremony flowers, including floral arches and aisle decor
Flowers are an integral part of any wedding ceremony, and choosing the right ones can be a daunting task. The good news is that there are plenty of options for wedding flowers in Ireland, and you can choose to follow an older tradition or create your own to reflect your personal style.
For a natural-themed or Celtic ceremony, wildflowers are a perfect choice. You can also use just one type of flower, such as ethereal baby's breath or daisies, for a stunning and cost-effective display. If you want to make a statement, orchids or calla lilies are a chic choice. For a summer wedding, you can opt for vibrant and cheerful blooms like peonies, roses, and sunflowers, or delicate flowers like daisies and hydrangeas.
When it comes to ceremony flowers, including floral arches and aisle decor, there are many options to choose from. Floral arches have become popular for photo opportunities, and you can choose from a variety of styles, such as a simple floral arch with drum roses, spray roses, and raspberry scabiosa, or a lush floral arch with taupe, ivory, mustard, and blush-colored roses. You can also incorporate an asymmetrical element, such as staggering bold-coloured flowers or using a mix of greenery, garden roses, and peonies. For a fall wedding, consider using deep, rich-coloured flowers like marigold, deep red, and shades of pink. If you're having an outdoor wedding, a simple white arch can be elevated with flowers in an asymmetrical pattern, or you can create a woodland vibe with an arch decorated with fresh ferns, gardenias, and spray roses.
In addition to floral arches, you can also decorate the aisle with flowers. Line the aisle with lanterns and flower petals, or create a flower-covered antique gate at the entrance. For a more natural look, consider using a long branch as a makeshift arch, decorating it with flowers and greenery. If you're having a beach wedding, a classic white floral arch extending from the ceremony aisle can create a romantic setting. To save money, consider repurposing your ceremony flowers for your main reception. A knowledgeable florist can help you create arrangements that serve multiple purposes, such as using an altarpiece as a focal point for the head table or placing bridesmaids' bouquets in vases on the attendant's table.
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Reception flowers, including table decor and backdrops
When it comes to wedding flowers in Ireland, you can opt for a simple and chic look with elegant orchid blooms or calla lilies, or go for an abundance of flowers if you're planning an extravagant celebration. Using wildflowers is perfect for a natural or Celtic-themed wedding, and you can also use a strong colour theme as a cue for your flower arrangements. If you're on a budget, using just one type of flower can be stunning and save you money, such as baby's breath or daisies.
For reception flowers, including table decor and backdrops, consider the following:
Centrepieces
A large floral arrangement with hints of blue and white can create an opulent style for your tables. Alternatively, for a more rustic, cosy vibe, pare back with candles and lanterns mixed with autumn foliage. If you're crafty, you could even try making your own centrepieces with artificial flowers and greenery.
Backdrops
Adorn archways with cascades of flowers like burgundy dahlias or the traditional Irish wildflowers. For a more modern look, a single type of flower can be used en masse for a romantic, ethereal look—imagine a backdrop of baby's breath!
Table Arrangements
Intricate table arrangements with red charm peonies and chocolate cosmos add a sophisticated touch to your reception. For a Celtic twist, include a sprig of shamrock or a branch of white heather in your arrangements, both of which are thought to bring good luck.
Multi-Purpose Flowers
To save on budget, consider using the same flowers for both the ceremony and reception. For example, bridesmaids' bouquets can be dropped into vases to decorate the tables, or flowers used to line the aisle can be transported to the reception to line the entryway.
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Choosing a florist and creating a floral vision
When it comes to choosing a florist and creating a floral vision for your wedding, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a florist who aligns with your style and vision. Do you want a wild and romantic look with sustainable and locally sourced blooms, or a more contemporary and bespoke approach? Perhaps you're drawn to a specific colour palette or want to incorporate cultural traditions into your floral arrangements.
Research florists in your area that specialise in wedding flowers and browse their online galleries or social media profiles to get a sense of their style. Read reviews from other couples to gauge their level of professionalism, creativity, and flexibility in working within budgets. You can also ask recently married friends and family for recommendations. Once you've narrowed down your options, reach out to the florists to discuss your ideas and request a quote.
When creating your floral vision, consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. Do you want the flowers to match your wedding colours or create a contrasting accent? Think about the style of your ceremony and reception venues and how flowers can enhance the atmosphere. For example, you might want a statement installation or prefer a simple, elegant display of orchids or calla lilies. Wildflowers are a beautiful choice for a natural or Celtic-themed wedding, and they can be used abundantly for a whimsical, romantic feel.
Discuss your ideas with your chosen florist and ask for their expert recommendations. They will be able to guide you on flower types, colours, and arrangements to suit your vision and budget. Consider repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception to get the most value, and don't forget to appoint a "Flower Organizer" to handle the logistics of transporting and setting up the flowers on the day.
- The Secret Garden (Cork) – Seasonal arrangements with wild and romantic bouquets, offering a full floral styling service.
- Yesca's Flowers (Netherlands-based, serving Ireland) – High-quality, sustainable wildflowers for a natural, whimsical look.
- A Room in Bloom (Athlone) – Bespoke, contemporary designs with a personalised approach for every couple.
- Wallflower (Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford) – Exquisite blooms with a strong eye for colour, adding unique and romantic touches.
- Your Bloom (Dublin) – Designer Cailin O'Gara works with couples from initial consultation to set up, creating whimsical and wild romantic designs.
- Smyth and Bloom (Co. Westmeath) – Creative Director E.J. Smyth tailors unique floral arrangements, from extravagant to laid-back styles.
- Willow Florals – Specialising in romantic, wild, and breathtaking blooms for small to medium-sized weddings.
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Frequently asked questions
In ancient times, weddings in Ireland took place outdoors, and female guests would pick wildflowers for the bride to wear in her hair. The bride would also carry a bouquet of wildflowers and herbs. A sprig of shamrock or a branch of white heather was also considered lucky.
Peonies, roses, sunflowers, daisies, and hydrangeas thrive in the summer heat and are popular choices for summer weddings in Ireland.
The cost of wedding flowers in Ireland can vary depending on factors such as the types of flowers, the size and complexity of the arrangements, and the florist's pricing structure. On average, couples in Ireland spend between €1,000 to €2,000 on wedding flowers, but this can fluctuate based on individual preferences and budgets.
Here are some tips to save money on wedding flowers:
- Reuse ceremony flowers for the reception.
- Choose flowers that are in season.
- Use just one type of flower in bulk.
- Daisies are an inexpensive and beautiful option.
- Book a florist early to secure your date and get the best price.
Here are some unique flower ideas for an Irish wedding:
- Incorporate green florals into the bouquets or bridesmaid dresses.
- Use wildflowers and herbs for a natural, whimsical look.
- Add a sprig of ivy to the bridal bouquet as a symbol of fidelity.
- Create floral arches for photo opportunities.
