Event flowers are more than just decorative elements, they hold a significant place in the wedding ceremony. They’re symbols of love, happiness, and commitment, enhancing the beauty of your special day. This guide will walk you through choosing the perfect bridal bouquet and other floral arrangements for your wedding.

Figuring Out Your Budget

The first step in choosing your wedding flowers is determining your budget. Consider all aspects such as bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and centrepieces. Remember, the cost can vary based on the type of flowers, their availability, and the complexity of the arrangements.

When budgeting for wedding flowers, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Bridal Bouquet: Often the most ornate and expensive floral arrangement, the bridal bouquet is a focal point of any wedding.
2. Bridesmaids’ Bouquets: These are usually smaller and simpler than the bridal bouquet, but their cost can add up, especially if you have many bridesmaids.
3. Boutonnieres: These small arrangements are typically worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and sometimes grandfathers.
4. Corsages: These are worn by mothers and grandmothers, and sometimes female attendants.
5. Ceremony Decorations: This could include aisle decorations, altar or chuppah flowers, and pew or chair decorations.
6. Reception Decorations: Consider centrepieces for each table, flowers for the buffet and dessert tables, and possibly floral accents in lounge areas.
7. Flower Girl Petals: If you’re having a flower girl, you’ll need petals for her to toss.
8. Cake Flowers: Some couples opt for fresh flowers on their wedding cake.
9. Tossing Bouquet: If the bride plans to toss a bouquet, some prefer to have a smaller, less expensive version made for this purpose.
10. Delivery and Setup: Don’t forget to account for the cost of delivery and setup at your venue(s).
11. Vases or Containers: If your florist does not include these in the price, you may need to purchase these separately.

Remember, costs can vary greatly depending on the types of flowers chosen, the complexity of the arrangements, and the time of year. It’s always a good idea to discuss your budget upfront with your florist.

Selecting the Right Florist or Vendor

Your florist plays a crucial role in bringing your floral vision to life. Research potential florists by reading reviews, checking their social media platforms, and asking for recommendations. Once you’ve shortlisted a few, set up meetings with your chosen flower shop to discuss your ideas and gauge whether they understand your wedding’s theme and vision.

When planning a wedding, it’s important to ask your flower shop or supplier the right questions to ensure you’re on the same page. Here are some key questions to ask:

1. Do you have my wedding date available? This should be your first question to ensure they can accommodate your schedule.
2. Can you work within my budget? It’s important to be upfront about your budget from the get-go.
3. What flowers would you recommend for my theme and budget? A good florist can suggest appropriate flowers that align with your wedding’s style and your budget.
4. Can you provide a detailed proposal? This should include the types and quantities of flowers, arrangement designs, delivery details, and costs.
5. Will you be doing my arrangements personally? If not, who will be? You’ll want to know who exactly is handling your flowers.
6. Have you done events at my venue before? If they’re familiar with the venue, they’ll likely know what works best in the space.
7. Can you provide samples or portfolios of your previous work? This can give you a sense of their style and capabilities.
8. What is your replacement plan if the flowers I choose aren’t available? It’s important to have a backup plan.
9. What other services do you offer? Some florists also offer lighting, drapery, and other decor elements.
10. What is your cancellation or refund policy? It’s essential to understand this in case your plans change.

Remember, communication is key when working with any wedding vendor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you feel confident in their ability to deliver your vision.

Choosing Your Blooms – Consider Seasonality

Selecting the right flowers often depends on the season of your wedding. For instance, roses, lilies, and orchids are available year-round, while peonies, daffodils, and sunflowers are seasonal.

Here are some seasonal flowers for both the Southern and Northern hemispheres:

Southern Hemisphere:

• January: Southern Rata, Sunflower, Gladiolus
• February: Dahlia, Zinnia, Hydrangea
• March: Marigold, Morning Glory, Aster
• April: Daffodil, Anemone, Tulip
• May: Iris, Peony, Lilac
• June: Rose, Lavender, Camellia
• July: Carnation, Sweet Pea, Geranium
• August: Pansy, Cyclamen, Primula
• September: Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Ranunculus
• October: Alstroemeria, Chrysanthemum, Snapdragons
• November: Protea, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lily
• December: Poinsettia, Holly, Christmas Lily

Northern Hemisphere:

• January: Camellia, Winter Jasmine, Snowdrop
• February: Crocus, Primrose, Winter Aconite
• March: Daffodil, Forsythia, Violets
• April: Tulip, Cherry Blossom, Magnolia
• May: Lilac, Peony, Allium
• June: Rose, Lavender, Irises
• July: Sunflower, Marigold, Hydrangea
• August: Gladiolus, Dahlia, Zinnia
• September: Chrysanthemum, Aster, Japanese Anemone
• October: Dahlia, Autumn Crocus, Sedum
• November: Chrysanthemum, Winter Jasmine, Poinsettia
• December: Holly, Christmas Rose, Mistletoe

Download our handy free printable guide to seasonal wedding flowers.

Please note that the availability of these flowers can vary depending on the specific region and weather conditions. Always consult with a local florist or gardening expert to confirm what’s in season.

Understanding the different meanings of flowers

This section guides you through the traditional significance of popular wedding flowers, adding an extra layer of depth and charm to your ceremony. Whether you’re seeking the perfect flower to symbolise eternal love, friendship, or joy, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of traditional wedding flowers and their respective meanings:

1. Roses: Known as the symbol of love and passion, roses are a timeless choice for weddings. The colour of the rose can also hold different meanings – red for love, white for purity, and yellow for friendship.
2. Peonies: These lush blooms are often associated with romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage, making them a popular choice for weddings.
3. Tulips: Generally symbolising perfect love, tulips are a great option for wedding arrangements. Like roses, different colours carry different meanings.
4. Hydrangeas: Representing heartfelt emotions and gratitude, hydrangeas are often used in wedding centrepieces and bouquets.
5. Ranunculus: These charming flowers symbolise radiant charm and attractiveness.
6. Orchids: Known for their beauty and strength, orchids symbolise love, luxury, beauty, and strength.
7. Baby’s Breath: Often used as filler in bouquets and centrepieces, baby’s breath represents everlasting love.
8. Calla Lily: This elegant flower symbolises magnificent beauty.
9. Lily of the Valley: A symbol of humility and sweetness, these delicate flowers are often included in bridal bouquets.
10. Daisies: Daisies represent innocence and purity, often used in more casual or whimsical weddings.

Remember, while these meanings can add an extra sentiment to your choice of wedding flowers, the most important thing is that you love the flowers you choose for your special day.

Choosing the colours of your wedding flowers

Selecting the colours of your wedding flowers is an exciting part of wedding planning, but it can also feel overwhelming due to the plethora of options. Here are a few considerations to guide you through this process.

Reflect on Your Wedding Theme and Venue

The overall theme and venue of your wedding can greatly influence your flower colour palette. For a beach wedding, for instance, you might opt for bright, tropical colours, while a rustic barn wedding might call for more muted, earthy tones.

Consider the Season

Seasonal colour trends can also be a great source of inspiration. Spring weddings often feature soft pastels, while summer weddings might incorporate bold, vibrant colours. Autumn weddings typically showcase warm, rich hues, and winter weddings often lean towards deep jewel tones or icy blues and whites.

Match Your Wedding Attire

Think about the colours of your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and groomsmen’s outfits. The flowers should complement these colours. For instance, if your wedding dress is ivory, white flowers might not stand out against it, so you might consider a contrasting colour.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice comes down to you and your partner’s personal preferences. What colours are you drawn to? Do certain colours hold special meanings for you? These are the colours that will make your wedding feel most authentic and personal to you.

Consult with Your Florist

Lastly, don’t hesitate to consult with your florist. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and can provide valuable advice on what colours work well together and what flowers are available in your chosen colours during the season of your wedding.

Remember, the colours of your wedding flowers will play a significant role in setting the mood for your wedding. By taking the time to choose colours that resonate with you, you’ll add a beautiful and meaningful touch to your special day.

Considering Alternative Arrangements

Non-traditional floral arrangements can add a unique touch to your wedding. Succulents, ferns, and even herbs are popular alternatives to traditional blooms. These options can be particularly appealing if you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding or if you have allergies to certain flowers.

Choosing your wedding flowers is a deeply personal decision. Take your time, do your research, and most importantly, choose flowers that resonate with you and your partner. Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your love story, and the flowers you choose should be a beautiful part of that narrative.