Wedding flowers will be a personal choice but good advice will be beneficial. Will the bride carry a wedding bouquet, a posy or wear a garland of flowers? What do different flowers represent, what wedding traditions dictate flower arrangements, who should wear what and in what color? Check this guide before choosing the all important wedding flowers.
Flowers will be everywhere on the wedding day. There will be a bridal bouquet, bridesmaid posies, flower girl baskets, button holes, flower arrangements at the ceremony, table centers, cake decorations and the bride may opt of an alternative bouquet to throw to would be brides.
The Florist
Whether choosing a large bouquet or a very simple posy, a professional florist is a must. Visit a number of florists and check their photo evidence. Along with wedding magazines, the florist can assist when choosing the right flowers and arrangements. Ask for references from past brides. Flowers have to be fresh, undamaged and delivered on time to the right location!
Seasonal Flowers
Most flowers are seasonal depending on location. Ordering flowers that are out of season in the local area will be expensive. The florist can source just about anything the bride desires but if watching the budget, seasonal flowers are best. There are some blooms that are easily sourced all year round such as roses, various lilies, carnations, gerberas, orchid and baby’s breath.
A tip is to avoid blue flowers in winter as they will bleach out in poor light and look dull in photos according to Cathy Howes, in her Collins Need to Know Book, Weddings, 2005.
The Bride
The bride's flowers will be chosen to compliment the wedding gown and will be a personal choice based on individual personality and possibly, the season. Keep in mind the wedding gown style when deciding on flowers. The florist or dress designer can provide invaluable recommendations regarding the flowers and if a large trailing bouquet would be ideal or if a small posy of color would look best. On the wedding day the bride will be holding the flowers for much of the day so an arrangement that is not too heavy would be useful.
Buttonhole Flowers
Today, buttonhole arrangements usually consist of a flower that compliments the bride’s bouquet however, the wedding tradition is for white buttonhole flowers. Buttonholes are worn by the bridegroom, and all male members of the wedding party including the best man, groomsmen, pageboys and ring bearer.
Traditionally, buttonholes are also provided for both the father of the bride and the groom’s father, grandfathers, brothers, brother-in-laws, spouses of bridesmaids and any person involved in the ceremony. This may mean ushers, someone doing a reading at the wedding, the toastmaster or master of ceremonies.
Buttonholes are worn on the left.
Floral Corsage
Corsages are traditionally provided for important female participants in the wedding ceremony and will also compliment the bride’s bouquet. Corsages are worn on the right by the mother of the bride, mother of the bridegroom, grandmothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, spouses of the groomsmen, and any other female that may be involved in the wedding.
Floral Arrangements at the Wedding
Flowers can also be situated at the ceremony. Floral arrangements should complement the bride’s bouquet. Place flowers at the entrance to the ceremony, on the pew ends (or on the back of seats), on the alter (or the table to be used for signing) and in arches or doorways. At the reception venue place flowers at the entrance, on staircases and balconies, the gift table and as centerpieces to the tables. The bridal bouquet and wedding party flowers can be placed on the bridal table in a floral display.
The Meaning of Wedding Flowers
Choosing the flowers will depend on the color and theme of the wedding. Here are some meanings to the popular wedding blooms.
- Gerberas – Cheerfulness.
- Carnations – Gratitude and fascination.
- Daisy – Innocence, loyal love and purity.
- Aster – Symbol of love and daintiness
- Freesia – Trust.
- White Lily – Purity.
- Tiger Lily – Wealth and pride.
- Rose – Happy love.
- Sunflower – Pride.
- Baby’s Breath – Everlasting love and purity in love.
- Tulips – Perfect Love.
- Orchids – Love, beauty and refinement.
Whatever flowers are chosen for the wedding keep in mind the scent of the various flowers. Some are fantastic and some are not!
Natalie Clarke - I have studied Travel Writing and Photojournalism with the Australian College of Journalism and love to read and write. I also own and ...
