Deborah Chan
Flowers are a key part of any wedding, with the bridal bouquet often taking centre stage. While some couples opt for fresh flowers, others go for artificial blooms or even dried flowers. In the UK, bridesmaids traditionally follow the bride down the aisle, carrying their own bouquets, which are usually smaller than the bridal bouquet but designed in a similar style. The groom and groomsmen often wear buttonholes, which are small 'bouquets' of flowers worn on the left lapel above the heart. Other popular flower arrangements at UK weddings include centrepieces, petals for flower girls, corsages for mothers and grandmothers, and ceremony flowers such as aisle decor, floral arches, and backdrops.
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What You'll Learn
Bridal bouquets
The bridal bouquet is a key part of a wedding and is often the first thing a bride will see on her wedding day. It is a special arrangement and is usually held in the bride's right hand as she walks down the aisle.
When it comes to choosing the flowers for the bridal bouquet, it is entirely up to the bride and can be based on personal preference, the season, or the wedding colours. It is a good idea to have an idea of the types of flowers and colours you want before booking a florist, who will be able to bring your vision to life. Florists can also advise on what flowers are in season and create a unique bouquet to suit your style and budget.
While fresh flower bouquets are traditional, artificial bridal bouquets made from high-quality silk flowers are also an option and can be more cost-effective and long-lasting. Some florists offer ready-made bridal bouquets, which are ideal for those in a hurry or on a budget.
The bridal bouquet is usually larger than the bridesmaids' bouquets and is designed to be the focal point. Bridesmaids' bouquets are typically smaller and in a similar style, with single-flower or single-colour bouquets becoming increasingly popular.
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Corsages and boutonnières
Corsages
Corsages are typically worn by female-identifying guests, including the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom. They are small flower arrangements, sometimes consisting of just a single flower, and are traditionally pinned to the bodice of a dress. However, if a guest's outfit is heavily beaded or delicate, a wrist corsage can be a good alternative to avoid damaging the fabric.
Boutonnières
Boutonnières are small flower arrangements worn by male-identifying guests. They are usually affixed to the left lapel of a suit jacket, above the heart. The groom's boutonnière is particularly special and is often created using some of the same flower types and silk ribbon as the bridal bouquet.
Who to Give Corsages and Boutonnières to
In addition to the mothers and grandmothers of the happy couple, corsages can be given to other female guests who are particularly special to the couple, such as a female officiant or a close family friend.
Similarly, boutonnières can be given to other male guests who are important to the couple, such as the fathers and grandfathers, the ring bearer, ushers, and groomsmen.
It is important to note that these traditions are flexible and can be adapted to suit the couple's preferences. For example, some couples may choose to give boutonnières to all guests wearing suits, regardless of gender, or corsages to male guests who prefer this style.
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Centrepieces
Wedding centrepieces are flower arrangements displayed at the centre of each wedding reception table. They are one of the most important steps of wedding planning and can quickly add colour, drama and life to any ceremony or reception space.
When choosing your centrepieces, it is important to consider the size of the wedding venue and the style of your wedding. The number of floral centrepieces and floral decor will depend on these factors. For instance, if you are opting for a larger head table, you might want to choose bud vases with a single stem for a chic and minimalistic look.
The type of flowers you choose will depend on your colour scheme and theme. Roses are a popular choice for centrepieces, with around 24-36 roses needed for one floral centerpiece. If you are using a combination of flowers, you will need about 20-30 flowers for one centerpiece. Some popular focal flowers include agapanthus, Asiatic lilies, carnations, gerbera daisies, hydrangeas, oriental lilies, ranunculus, spray roses, sunflowers and tulips. You can also add secondary flowers such as alstroemerias, chrysanthemum pom poms, delphiniums and dianthus flowers.
When creating your centrepiece, begin by adding flowers to your arrangement, filling in the empty spaces while creating a half-moon shape. Ensure that no bloom is taller than the rest and continue until there are no gaps in the arrangement.
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Ceremony flowers
There are many options for ceremony flowers, and you can choose to include as many or as few as you like. Floral arrangements for aisle decor are a popular choice and are only limited by your imagination. You could consider lining the aisle with blooms, creating a full floral moon gate, or even installing hanging floral installations. If you want to make a dramatic statement, you can arrange the flowers in an ombré or swirled pattern down the length of the aisle. If you're looking for something simpler, fresh flower petals scattered along the aisle can also be a beautiful option.
Don't forget that your ceremony flowers can often be reused or moved for your wedding breakfast. For example, you could repurpose aisle flowers as centrepieces or garlands, or even give them to guests as gifts.
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Reception flowers
Wedding flowers are completely up to you and your preferences. If you love flowers, you might want them throughout every part of your wedding. However, if you're less interested in flowers, you can skip them completely.
Centrepieces
Centrepieces are a big part of the floral decor for your wedding reception. Tall, lavish centrepieces create drama and add instant character to a space, especially one with very high ceilings. Some popular flowers for these types of arrangements include roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and greenery such as amaranthus or eucalyptus leaves. If you're looking for a more relaxed look, opt for smaller centrepieces that sit lower on the tables to make the space feel more intimate. Centrepieces can also adorn the welcome table, where guests can sign the guestbook and leave cards or gifts.
Table Runners
Instead of a standard centrepiece, you could try creating a table runner from fresh flowers and greenery. This looks especially beautiful on long banquet tables and can be paired with a taller arrangement for added impact.
Floral Tie-Backs
Incorporating floral tie-backs into the reception decor adds an element of elegant drapery. They can be used to frame the entrance or accentuate the seating area, creating a cohesive and visually stunning environment.
Cocktail Table Arrangements
Cocktail hour is a great opportunity to repurpose statement floral arrangements from the ceremony. Smaller, carefully curated displays can serve as conversation starters, inviting guests to admire the intricate details of the flowers while sipping on drinks.
Cake or Dessert Bar
No wedding reception is complete without a decadent cake or dessert bar, and floral arrangements are crucial for enhancing this sweet display.
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Frequently asked questions
The major must-haves are typically 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 aisle or backdrop decorations, and flowers for a post-nuptial petal toss. Reception flowers include centrepieces, escort card tables, and cocktail table arrangements.
A chic handbag with flowers on top would suit a black-tie wedding, while woven willow hoops of flowers would be perfect for an outdoor marquee garden wedding. You could also opt for a fake bouquet, made of diamonds or bike pins.
You can skip flowers on the bar and replace them with small signs featuring themed cocktails. You can also reuse bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces, or use candles or tulle instead of flowers on the chairs.
Spend time researching florists by looking at their past work and reviews. It is also important to set a budget and have some ideas about the types of flowers and arrangements you want before booking a florist.
