Franklin Dean
Flowers are an integral part of most weddings, adding colour, fragrance, and beauty to the celebration. While they are not a necessity, flowers can be used to enhance the ambiance and create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests. The most common places to have flowers at a wedding are in the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonnière, petals for a flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the couple. Flowers can also be used to decorate the wedding cake, the aisle, the altar, and the reception venue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal flowers | Bride's bouquet, groom's boutonnière, petals for a flower girl, corsages for mothers of the bride and groom, boutonnieres for groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, ring bearers, officiants, and ushers |
| Ceremony flowers | Flower arch, flowers on chairs lining the aisle, garlands on the fireplace mantel, floral aisle markers, flower petals on the ceremony aisle, flowers for the chuppah (or huppah) in Jewish weddings, leis for a Hawaiian wedding ceremony, jai mala for Hindu weddings |
| Reception flowers | Centerpieces, flowers on the cake, flowers on the cake table, flowers on the seating chart or escort table, flowers on the bar, flowers in the powder room, flowers in the restrooms, flowers on cocktail tables |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal bouquets
Flowers are not a necessity at weddings, but they are a nice touch and can be used to add a personalised layer to your big day. The bridal bouquet is an integral part of the wedding and plays a pivotal role in the love symphony. The bride's bouquet is usually stunning and eye-catching, while the bridesmaids' bouquets are more simple and complement the wedding theme.
There are many options for bridal bouquets, from pre-designed bouquets to handcrafted ones. You can choose a bouquet with one large flower or a mix of blooms. The average couple spends 10 to 15 percent of their total wedding budget on flowers, so it's important to set a budget before meeting with a florist.
The bridal bouquet is a personal flower, which is any arrangement that the couple, members of their wedding party, or close family members and friends will carry or wear on the big day. Other examples of personal flowers include the groom's boutonniere, petals for a flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom.
If you're keeping it simple, you may only need bouquets, boutonnieres, and centrepieces. However, if you want to go all out, you can have flower arrangements on every cocktail table and even in the powder room. You can also reuse the bridal bouquets as centrepieces to save money.
Ultimately, the flowers you choose for your wedding are entirely up to you and your partner. Whether you want to include flowers at all or not, it's your decision, and there are many ways to make your wedding unique and special.
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Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
Traditionally, mothers and grandmothers of the couple wear corsages at weddings. These floral touches tie their outfits in with the rest of the wedding party, who usually carry matching bouquets and boutonnieres. Corsages are a simple yet sweet way to honour mothers and grandmothers and show them how much they mean to you.
Corsages can be worn in a variety of ways. The most common type is the wrist corsage, which is often made with a stretchy wristband or a metal cuff bracelet decorated with flowers. For a more modern look, you can ask your florist to incorporate pearls or rhinestones into the design. Alternatively, you can skip the flowers altogether and opt for a crystal or rhinestone brooch with a floral motif, which can be worn on special occasions for years to come.
If your mother or grandmother is wearing a lightweight dress, such as chiffon or crepe, a small boutonniere can be pinned on with mini-magnets so as not to damage the delicate fabric. For a boho wedding, a simple wooden hoop embellished with flowers or greenery can make a big statement. Another option is to have your florist create a floral spray to attach to her bag.
When choosing flowers for your corsages, don't be afraid to get creative and include textures, colours, and flowers that you love. While white flowers are classic, they may appear washed out in photos, so consider adding pops of colour to your corsages. Fresh flowers are not the only option—artificial flowers, like wood flowers, are more durable and affordable, and can be dyed to match any colour scheme.
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Flower petals on the ceremony aisle
Flowers are a staple of wedding decor, and petals lining the ceremony aisle can add a romantic touch to your big day. Here are some ideas and considerations for incorporating flower petals into your wedding aisle:
Types of Petals
When choosing petals for your wedding aisle, consider the variety of flowers available and select those that align with your wedding aesthetic. For example, sunflowers may be more suitable for a rustic wedding, while anemones could complement a contemporary celebration. You can also opt for greenery, such as ferns, vines, or leaves, for a more organic feel. Additionally, the seasonality of flowers should be considered, as certain blooms may not be available during your wedding season.
Quantity and Coverage
The quantity of petals and the coverage they provide on the aisle can vary depending on your preference. You can opt for a traditional light scattering of petals or create a lush carpet of petals for a more extravagant look. The desired coverage will also impact the amount you need to source, as petals are typically sold by the square foot.
Fresh vs. Pressed Petals
Fresh petals are the most popular choice for wedding aisles, but pressed petals can offer a unique and elegant alternative. Pressed petals involve removing moisture, resulting in a flat, paper-thin appearance. This preservation method ensures the petals retain their vibrancy and freshness, making them ideal for spring or summer weddings. Pressed petals can also be incorporated into wedding invitations, signage, and decor for a cohesive look.
Petal Toss
A petal toss by the wedding party or guests can create a memorable and romantic moment as the couple walks down the aisle. This can be achieved by providing guests with cones or small bags of petals to toss during the processional. However, be mindful of any venue restrictions regarding tossing items, as some places may have specific rules against certain types of confetti or rice.
Cleanup Considerations
When planning to use flower petals on the ceremony aisle, it is essential to consider the cleanup process. Some venues may require you to pick up any tossed petals to avoid staining or creating a mess. Dried petals may be a more practical option, as they are less likely to stain and can be easily swept up.
Incorporating flower petals into your ceremony aisle can be a beautiful way to enhance the ambiance and aesthetics of your wedding. By considering the type of petals, the desired coverage, fresh or pressed options, the potential for a petal toss, and cleanup logistics, you can effectively plan and execute this romantic detail for your special day.
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Centrepieces
Wedding centrepieces are a must-have for many couples, and they can be created using a variety of flowers, tailored to fit the theme of the wedding. They are usually placed on tables, and they can be reused from the ceremony at the reception. Centrepieces can be made from the same flowers as the bridal bouquet or in a different colour or style for contrast.
For a dramatic effect, centrepieces could be designed in an ombré or swirled pattern, or for a playful touch, flower petals could be scattered on the tables. Couples could also opt for alternative centrepieces with the same effect as flowers, such as lanterns, fruit, branches, or terrariums.
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Flowers on the wedding cake
Flowers on a wedding cake can be a beautiful way to elevate the design and reinforce the wedding's theme and colour palette. Whether you opt for fresh flowers, sugar flowers, candied flowers, or intricate petals painted on with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant, there are many ways to incorporate blooms into your wedding cake.
Fresh flowers on a wedding cake can make it feel like a special occasion. When adding flowers to a cake, it is important to think about safety first and avoid any flowers that are toxic. It is also best to add fresh flowers to a cake on the same day that they will be enjoyed, as adding them the day before can affect the appearance. There are many ways to attach fresh flowers to a cake, including using straws to keep them in place at the right angles. It is also important to consider the types of flowers used and how they will be placed on the cake to avoid overwhelming smaller tiers.
Sugar flowers can be a beautiful alternative to fresh flowers and can be created in any colour to match the wedding theme. Sugar flowers can be used to top a wedding cake, or piped onto the cake itself in tropical hues or pastel shades.
Hand-painted flowers on a wedding cake can also be a lovely way to incorporate blooms without using fresh flowers. Hand-painted floral designs can be created on fondant and topped with blooms in pastel hues, or pink and purple hand-painted tiers can be accentuated by blooms in the same shades.
Ultimately, the type of flowers and design of the wedding cake is up to the couple and can be customised to match the wedding theme and the couple's personal style.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three categories of wedding flowers: personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. Personal flowers include the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonnière, petals for a flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the couple. Ceremony flowers can be used to decorate the aisle, the altar, and the chuppah (for Jewish weddings). Reception flowers include centrepieces, flowers on the cake, and flowers decorating a seating chart or escort table.
Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who gets flowers at their wedding. Traditionally, the couple, members of their wedding party, and close family members and friends will carry or wear flowers on the day. Corsages are typically given to mothers and grandmothers, and boutonnieres to groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers.
Flowers are not necessary for a wedding. There are many alternative ways to decorate your wedding, such as using lanterns, hoops, candles, or branches.
