Choosing the flowers for your wedding day is a big part of the planning and décor process. Still, it can feel a little overwhelming to think about all the different options. While an experienced florist can help you make some of those decisions, having an idea of the type of arrangements you envision for your wedding will help the selection process be even more productive. Before meeting with a florist, you should have your color scheme finalized and a list of flower types that you like. A Pinterest board or any picture examples you can find are also beneficial! We’ve put together this wedding flower guide to help you as you begin planning. This list will help you think over every possible type of wedding florals arrangements you might desire, whatever your floral vision is.
FOR THE WEDDING PARTY
Bride’s Bouquet
Every bride needs the perfect bouquet to complete her bridal look! Your bouquet is the most important arrangement to nail down and the one you’ll want to splurge on when considering all of your wedding day floral components. It is by far the most photographed floral piece of your entire wedding day. Again, look to Pinterest or other online resources to find inspiration for your bouquet.
Bridesmaid Bouquet
Following the bride’s bouquet, bridesmaid florals are easily the next most important floral detail. Once you’ve nailed down your bridal bouquet, your florist should easily be able to create smaller, matching bouquets for your bridal party. While it’s perfectly acceptable to opt-out of getting florals for your bridal party, they do make for some of the best photos for bridal party pictures. This is also a great time to think outside of the box and consider opting for floral hoops or crowns instead of traditional bouquets.
Groom’s Boutonniere
Boutonnieres are a cute way to match the groom with his bride. Boutonnieres don’t have to be anything too elaborate. A few small flowers pinned to the groom’s suit or tux jacket will do. Trust us; the men will thank you for keeping it simple.
Groomsmen Boutonnieres
While they aren’t required, many consider having smaller boutonnieres for the groomsmen. They aren’t a must-have for your groomsmen, but if it’s in your budget, groomsmen boutonnieres are another opportunity to create cohesion in your overall floral design.
Flower Girl
Typically, the flower girl will toss fresh rose petals as she walks down the aisle. There are endless options for your flower girl, some of which include a flower crown, mini bouquet, or floral hoop. Again, these aren’t a must, but they do make for the sweetest pictures.
Other Corsages + Boutonnieres
If your budget allows, you can also consider ordering corsages or boutonnieres for other essential family members (parents, grandparents, etc.) Traditionally fathers, grandfathers, male officiants, and ring bearers receive boutonnieres. While mothers, grandmothers, and female officiants receive corsages. Again, these are not essential floral elements to include, so if you are looking to cut cost, this is an excellent area to do so.
Tossing Bouquet
If you plan to include a bouquet toss in your wedding festivities, consider asking your florist for a toss bouquet. The toss bouquet should be a scaled-down version of your bridal flowers. While many brides choose to use their wedding bouquet for the bouquet toss, you will want to add a separate toss bouquet if you’re planning on preserving your flowers.
FOR THE CEREMONY
Entryway Arrangement
Make a statement with floral arrangements lining your aisle or marking the beginning and the end of the aisle. It’s a great way to frame the aisle and make a great photograph without adding lots of little arrangements down the aisle. These florals would also be fantastic to then repurpose in other areas such as the reception or bar.
Altar Arrangement
Your flowers at the ceremony site can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. The main focus would be the backdrop of your ceremony, as this will be where most of the ceremony photos are taken. Whether your backdrop is a free-standing arch or a permanent structure, be mindful of your overall budget when planning your ceremony site’s design. While you might want something elaborate for this area, be conscious of your budget. Remember, your guest will generally only spend about 20-30 minutes at your ceremony site. So selecting floral options that will be easy to repurpose for your reception area, such as your sweetheart table, is a great way to make the most of your ceremony site florals.
Aisle Decorations
Florals down the aisle can elevate the look of your guests’ seating and make the wedding aisle oh-so-beautiful. These are a great alternative option if you do not have a flower girl to sprinkle petals down the aisle. Aisle markers are also an excellent way to point out rows/chairs reserved for family or in memory of someone.
FOR THE RECEPTION
Entry Welcome Table Arrangements
Consider decorating the entryway and welcome table with flowers or greenery that match the rest of your wedding flower arrangements. Entryway arrangements are an excellent way to elevate your wedding space & give your guests a taste of the beautiful designs to come.
Seating/Escort Card Table Arrangement
Much like your entryway arrangements, your seating chart/escort table is another opportunity to wow your guests with some creativity. This area does not have to include florals; however, adding flowers can spruce up your display.
Cocktail Table Arrangements
Cocktail table arrangements are certainly lovely to have. You’ll want to keep these arrangements small. Opt for things like bud vases or mini centerpieces. Cocktail tables tend to be small in size and are a high-touch space for your guest throughout the evening. So don’t blow your budget here.
Bar Arrangements
The bar is another high traffic area during your wedding that doesn’t usually require much to get peoples attention. After all it’s what’s being served that they are most interested in. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your reception bar by adding a few floral arrangements or greenery garlands to make a subtle statement as well.
Reception Table Centerpieces
Your centerpieces are the main attraction! This is where the bulk of your floral wedding budget should be allocated. Since your guest will spend most of their time in this area, you’ll want to be especially mindful of these arrangements and make sure they complement your overall wedding day aesthetic. Your centerpieces are the one aspect of your wedding decor that your guests are sure to take note of above everything else. When selecting these arrangements, they should complement your reception space, color scheme, table linens, and flatware. Also, consider your centerpieces’ general height and width in relation to the other elements you’ll need to have on the table. Lastly, be mindful of the scent of the flowers used in your centerpieces. Remember, your guests will be eating their meal at these tables, so you want to make sure you don’t pick highly fragrant florals that might conflict with the meal’s delicious smell.
Sweetheart Table Arrangements
The sweetheart table is all about you two. Make a statement with some beautiful arrangements to elevate the table. The flowers should be in the same style as the guests’ tables but more customized. You can also add some organic flowing greenery to dress up your chairs and make them stand out from the rest. Again, this is a wonderful opportunity to repurpose the florals used at your ceremony site.
Flowers for The Wedding Cake
If you want to have incorporate florals onto your cake, don’t forget to request some extra blooms from your florist for your baker to use. Your cake cutting will undoubtedly make it into the wedding photo album. A few creatively placed flowers, branches, or fresh petals can go a long way to enhance your wedding cake design. Be sure to clarify which of your vendors will be placing the blooms onto your wedding cake. Typically, your baker would be responsible for adding any finishing touches to the cake. However, your florists might be comfortable taking this task on as well. Either way, establishing who will be decorating the cake beforehand will ensure no surprises on the big day.
We have put together a general checklist of flowers and arrangements to consider for your big day here at The Osprey’s – download here. Depending on your wedding budget and your wedding style, you may decide that all or none of the florals arrangements are a must. When it comes to wedding day florals, the choice is yours! The options are endless, so have fun and be creative!
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