Ultimate Wedding Flowers Guide

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Flowers play an integral part in any wedding ceremony.

Whether you’re looking to lighten the mood, differentiate the bridal team, or decorate the venue, choosing the right flowers can make a difference.

However, as a couple planning a wedding, you might have no idea what flowers coordinate well together, what flowers are in season, or what budget to work with when choosing flowers.

Fortunately, we’ve researched this on your behalf. Read on to learn more about choosing wedding flowers and if you should hire a florist or go the DIY route.

Understanding Wedding Flower Arrangements

Going through wedding flower photos on Pinterest and settling for a wedding theme is essential, but you need to understand the basic types of flower arrangements.

Some of the flower arrangements include:

Bridal Bouquets

Finding a bridal bouquet that you love is about exploring different options. You can opt for a traditional bouquet or something modern and trendy.

Bridesmaid Bouquets

Similar to bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets are versatile and can come in different styles, colors, or flowers.

You can opt to use the bridal bouquet to guide you or create a different look that matches the wedding theme.

Wedding Venue Flowers

Whether you’re having a wedding in a church or an outdoor park, you need to find flowers that match the location.

You can opt for a subtle look when holding the ceremony in a simple church or go for a bold look in an extravagant church.

Additionally, you’ll need a different flower arrangement if you’re having a ceremony in a park versus having it in a brewery.

Reception Table Centerpieces

Most people will pay more attention to the table centerpieces in your reception than at the wedding venue.

You need to get creative with your choice of flower arrangement to ensure the reception stands out.

Popular Wedding Flowers and Their Meaning

Do you want to choose some flowers because they are part of your love story or remind you of your first date?

Flowers have unique meanings, and knowing what each flower stands for will help you make an informed decision.

Some of the popular wedding flowers include:

Lilies

There are various types of lilies, and they have different meanings.

One of the popular types is the calla lily, which symbolizes beauty and magnificence. White calla lilies signify innocence and purity.

Roses

Roses stand for appreciation, love, and desire.

Red and white roses combined signify unity, while pink roses stand for happiness or joy and admiration.

Red roses alone signify love, while white roses represent purity.

Tulips

Tulips are a popular choice for spring weddings.

Besides being bright, lush, and modern, red tulips signify a declaration of love. Yellow tulips symbolize sunshine.

Peonies

Peonies have a Greek history as Paeon, a Greek physician, used a peony root to heal someone. Peonies represent compassion.

Daffodils

Daffodils are also a spring favorite, and they signify chivalry.

Dahlias

White dahlia flowers on white background

Dahlias add elegance to any wedding bouquet. These flowers represent an everlasting bond and commitment.

Carnations

Pink carnations represent gratitude, while white carnations symbolize pure love.

Baby’s Breath

A baby’s breath bouquet can symbolize everlasting love, purity of heart, or innocence.

Daisies

Daisies represent innocence, gentleness, and loyal love.

Anthurium

Anthuriums or flamingo flowers signify abundance, happiness, and hospitality.

You can find this flower in shades of white, red, pink, and green.

Choosing Flowers for the Season

The type of flowers you’ll choose largely depends on the season.

You want flowers that are available locally. That guarantees freshness on the big day.

Here’s a breakdown of the common types of flowers you’ll find for each season.

Summer

The summer season is sunny and warm, and colors like yellow, purple, and green stand out during this time.

Some of the best flowers for summer include dahlias, daisies, roses, calla lilies, Jacobs ladder, geraniums, and asters.

Spring

Wedding bouquet of pink roses and peonies on the table

Spring offers plenty of options for wedding couples. If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe but cheerful and bright flowers, you can opt for peonies, pansies, lisianthuses, lilies, daffodils, lilacs, roses, or cherry blossoms.

Fall

Fall weddings have an intimate feel, and you want flowers that relay the romance. Rich red and vibrant yellow flowers capture this season perfectly.

Some options include roses, dahlias, daisies, calla lilies, sunflowers, and marigolds.

Winter

Bride holding wedding bouquet . Dried flowers, white roses and orchids

Winter is more relaxed, and what better way to capture the beauty of this season than with beautiful reds and bold whites? You can go for gardenias, French tulips, camellias, roses, jasmine, holly, or orchids.

When Should You Start Planning for Wedding Flowers?

It’s best to start thinking about the wedding flowers at least nine months before your wedding. That will give you ample time to research the available flower options for the season you plan to marry.

You’ll also have time to choose flowers within your budget and those matching your wedding theme.

Around six months before your wedding, you can hire a florist or go the DIY route, which may not be ideal if you have no clue about flower arrangements or the different types of flowers.

Three months before your wedding, you can finalize and settle on your desired wedding flowers. Discuss the flower arrangements with the florist to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Extra Tips on Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

Figuring out the type of wedding flowers can be confusing, given the multiple options available. So here are some tips to get you started.

Decide on a Budget

The first step when planning your wedding and thinking of flowers should be to decide on a budget. Have a figure in mind that you want to spend on wedding flowers.

That will give you an idea of what options to choose and those to forego as they may be beyond your budget. An experienced florist will provide color and design options within your budget.

Find out your must-have flowers and those that would be nice to have.

Do Your Homework

couple searching online for wedding preparation

Although you may be clueless about the different flower color combinations, you can do your research on popular wedding flower options.

Knowing what color and type you want for your wedding venue decor, bouquets, centerpieces, and more is good.

Work With a Florist

Experts recommend working with a florist if your budget allows.

Although going the DIY route might seem cheaper, much work and time are involved. That’s when you should be thinking of other aspects of your wedding.

Additionally, florists have experience sourcing, arranging, and delivering flowers. They can quickly turn your idea into reality, which makes your work easier.

You’ll be paying for the florist’s skill, experience, and creativity, as you don’t want to spend the day before your wedding stressing about the flower arrangements.

florist with eyeglasses working on making flower bouquet

Don’t Forget to Choose Flowers Based on Your Wedding Theme

Although all flowers are beautiful, they might not work with your wedding theme.

For example, when having a vintage-style wedding, you can’t go for a gerbera daisy bouquet as the flowers are more suited for contemporary weddings. Carnations work well for vintage-style themes.

Remember that your wedding theme should also work with the flowers in season.

A rustic barn wedding works with warm autumn flowers, while a garden wedding will look perfect with summer or bright flowers.

Talk to your florist about your theme, and they will know what flowers and styles to work with.

Buy Flowers in Season

Although it’s not a requirement to buy flowers in season, choosing flowers for that season can make your work easier.

Seasonal flowers are also cheaper and of good quality: You’ll get a fresh set of flowers.

Ask your florist about the flowers available in your wedding season, or visit the flower market to learn more about the flower options available.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your wedding flowers might seem daunting, but once you understand your budget, learn of the different flowers in season, and seek the help of a florist, you’ll find the process less complicated.

Think of your wedding theme, venue, and overall style when picking your flowers to ensure everything is in sync.