Picking the right wedding flowers for your special day is an important part of wedding planning. There are various different types of wedding flowers so you need to consider how many flowers you need as well as who and what they are for.
Whether you choose to just have a bouquet and buttonholes or to decorate your entire venue, your wedding flowers will set the tone and theme for your special day. As you research wedding flowers that fit the overall theme and design of your wedding, putting together a checklist of wedding flowers will help guide you. Here, we cover the key questions that might arise when picking your wedding flowers so you can make an informed choice when it comes to your final checklist.
Should I Hire a Florist for my Wedding Flowers?
First, you’ll need to decide whether you want to hire a florist to arrange your wedding flowers or do it yourself.
On average, the cost of wedding flowers from a florist will be £1,500. This cost might make some couples immediately want to go DIY! However, it might not be cost or time-effective to do your wedding flowers yourself. Sourcing and arranging flowers is a lot of skilled work! It would leave you, and anyone you inevitably have to rope in to help, exhausted and stressed out. So, while it might initially seem cheaper, by the time you organise all the supplies and put the time in, it’s a lot of time, effort and money!
On the other hand, a florist will be creative and highly experienced in organising wedding flowers. So, they know how to turn your ideas into a reality and they can source, arrange and deliver your flowers for you. It really can be worth paying for a florist’s skills even if just for your own peace of mind!
How Do I Choose a Wedding Florist?
A good wedding florist will ask about your wedding outfits, discuss the style of wedding and the look you want to achieve before suggesting a suitable style of bridal bouquet for you as well as smaller bouquets for the bridesmaids, and buttonholes or corsages for the rest of the wedding party.
It is customary to use the same florist for everything from the bouquets to the reception flowers, and even flowers for the wedding cake, so that everything matches or coordinates. Simply, find someone who understands and can realise your vision while including you in the creative process.
What Personal Wedding Flowers Do I Need?
When organising your personal wedding flowers, the list might be longer than you think. In addition to the bride, bridesmaids, groom, and groomsmen, you may need personal flowers for your parents, your officiant, ushers, the flower girl and the ring bearer.
Some couples also choose to honour other family members, such as grandparents or godparents, with fresh blooms. For the women, you could provide a small nosegay, a wrist corsage, or even a floral clip. For the men, boutonnieres are traditional, though those for the officiant, ushers, and ring bearer might be smaller than those for the groom and groomsmen.
Here we have a comprehensive list of all the personal wedding flowers you might want to consider for your wedding.
Bridal bouquet
Arguably the most important wedding flowers, the bridal bouquet will probably be the most photographed floral piece in your whole wedding. Your bridal bouquet is your ultimate wedding accessory and should complement the wedding dress.
For a white dress, any colour will complement but a matching white bouquet with lots of lush green foliage looks particularly beautiful. Peach, orange and pinks look great against an ivory dress. If you have a coloured wedding dress, try flowers in the varying shades of your dress or use a complementary colour.
Generally, the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet; a simple and elegant column dress looks great with a single stem lily, whereas a full, detailed dress suits a bigger bouquet with mixed flowers. However, you don’t want to overpower the dress. Also, don’t forget that the bigger the bridal bouquet, the heavier it will be! So, you don’t want anything that’ll leave you with aching arms or that covers up the beautiful detail on your wedding dress.
You may also want two bridal bouquets; one for the ceremony and photographs, and another for the bouquet toss. This could be a simple, scaled-down version of your main bouquet. If you are planning on preserving your bridal bouquet, you should definitely consider this option.
Flowers for bridal hair accessories
Of course, this is an optional arrangement. However, if you choose to have fresh flowers as part of your bridal hair look, they should be made a priority. After all, they may be even more photographed than the bouquet! So, be clear with your florist what they’ll be used for to pick blooms that won’t drop or shed petals throughout the day.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Following the bride's bouquet, the bridesmaid bouquets are the next most important arrangement. Some couples may choose not to include bridesmaids’ bouquets. If you do, you could have exact replicas of your bridal bouquet, a simplified version or something different yet complementary.
Flower girl
If you are having a flower girl, her title hints that blooms are needed! Often, flower girls are adorned in fresh flowers, such as a flower crown, a decorated basket and, of course, petals to toss.
Groom's boutonniere
Boutonnieres and button holes should compliment the bridal bouquet. These are often small and simple, just one or two choice blooms to match. For same-sex couples who are both having boutonnieres, you may want to ensure they are different or feature different florals, yet work well together to symbolise your individuality.
Other boutonnieres
Groomsmen could also have boutonnieres, perhaps to match any bridesmaid’s bouquets. Also, you may consider having matching boutonnieres, corsages, or nosegays for other members of the wedding party or important guests. This could include the ring bearer, your parents and grandparents, the officiant, and ushers.
What are the Different Types of Bridal Bouquet Styles?
When choosing your bridal bouquet, there are actually more styles to choose from than you might have thought. Here we have some of the most popular bridal bouquet styles so you can have a better idea of what to ask your florist for.
Rustic
Rustic bouquets are the most common bridal bouquet style. Foliage and flowers with differing stem length are used to create a very relaxed bouquet which is less formal and more organic. There are no limits to the types of flowers and foliage used in this style of bouquet. So, it is such a great choice for brides who want to have personalised, unique wedding flowers. This type of bouquet suits a bride who wants to make a tasteful statement without going over the top!
Fine Art
Fine Art bouquets are the highly popular expanded version of the rustic bouquet. This bouquet style is larger and looser, made with a base of foliage and incorporates large statement blooms. The natural structure of each flower stem is embraced which results in an asymmetric shape with trailing tendrils and organic movement. This type of bouquet is often tied with a long trailing silk ribbon in complementary colours. So, it is perfect for brides who want to express their personality and make a stylish statement.
Teardrop
Teardrop bouquets were fashionable in the 70s and 80s, and are currently having a comeback. This style of bouquet is when individual flowers are wired to form a layered trailing teardrop shape. Modern teardrop bouquets often have a looser more relaxed form, using naturally trailing florals and foliage. This creates natural movement rather than the rigidity of wired flowers. Teardrop bouquet can be formal or wild and would complement a simple gown as it is often a statement bouquet.
Presentation
Presentation bouquets are gaining popularity with contemporary, chic brides. Traditionally this bouquet incorporated more streamline flowers. However, with the current movement of rustic and organic floral design, the presentation bouquet creates a draped bouquet over the arm rather than a more structured bouquet which lies along the forearm. Modern presentation bouquets use oversized blooms with trailing elements such as amaranthus and asparagus fern. This style of bouquet works well with a streamlined or a simple A-line wedding dress.
Crescent
Crescent bridal bouquets are less common now as it incorporates wire work. This style of bouquet works well with spring flowers to create that more structured shape. This would suit a bride with a more tailored look.
Nosegay
Nosegay bouquets are similar to a posy. However, they are slightly smaller and usually incorporate more foliage. This style of bouquet would make an ideal bridesmaid bouquet.
Pomander and Basket
Pomander and Basket bouquets are most commonly carried by flower girls. The pomander is a ball of flowers suspended from a ribbon which is looped over the arm. The basket is a small handheld wicker basket filled with flowers.
What Wedding Flowers Do I Need for my Wedding Venue?
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to decorate your wedding venue, if you are trying to cut your flower costs. However, wedding flowers are a popular form of venue decoration, from simple centrepieces to statement arches. Your ceremony and reception spaces need to be considered when choosing these wedding flower arrangements.
For example, if you have a large reception room, then you’ll need large arrangements that won’t get lost in the space. On the other hand, registry offices may often let you have your own decorations but you will have little time to set up and take them down.
We always recommend speaking with your venue as some arrangements may not be possible in your setting. Here we have suggestions about what type of arrangements you may want to consider when planning your wedding flowers.
Ceremony Wedding Flower Arrangements
The most important ceremony wedding flowers are arguably those surrounding you when you exchange your vows. These will be the backdrop for the majority of your ceremony photos. Floral arches are increasingly popular and make a stunning statement. Or you could consider two, smaller stands framing you both. Chair and aisle arrangements are also a beautiful touch which elevate the look of your guests' seating and create a beautiful corridor effect as you walk up the aisle. At the end of your ceremony, you might want guests to toss petals over the newlyweds which makes a memorable photo op.
Reception Wedding Flower Arrangements
Centrepieces are the main attraction when it comes to reception flowers as your guests are sitting in front of them all night. So, consider size and scent as well as aesthetic as they will be looked at throughout your reception. Remember to consider smaller arrangements for other tables such as buffet stations, the table with the guest book and seating arrangements or even the bar for a cohesive look.
Also, if you're going for a floral wedding cake, be sure to include it in your flower budget! Your florist can always liaise with your baker so the cake matches your other wedding flowers. Other floral arrangements can range from absolutely none or small vases to extravagant installations, it all depends on your taste, price range, and how much you were able to repurpose from the ceremony. Your reception can be adorned with as many blooms as you like, from elegant hanging designs to statement arrangements dotted throughout the venue.
How Do You Choose Wedding Flowers?
It is important to discuss your wedding theme with your florist. Tight compact bunches of flowers fit a classic vibe. Lush arrangements of soft, big blooms will take on a romantic note. Sleek architectural minimalist arrangements are more modern and loose clusters of flowers mixed with greenery have a rustic feel. Your florist will advise you on styles that will suit your wedding style.
Your wedding theme is often linked to the seasons too. For example, a country garden theme will suit bright or pastel spring and summer flowers while warm autumnal flowers are great for a rustic barn wedding. On the other hand, an opulent winter wedding needs lots of rich colours and fir or pine foliage. Generally, Seasonal flowers look better, are of better quality and are cheaper. Speak to a florist about the best flowers available in the season of your wedding – they’ll look more appropriate too.
Your colour palette will also inform your flower choice. Play with tones and shades within your colour scheme rather than trying to match it. Also, ask your florists about the different meanings or symbolism behind flowers when making your choice. Don’t forget about fragrance! You don’t want any scents that are so potent and heady your guests start to feel unwell. You also don’t want that specially-chosen wedding perfume to get lost.
How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost?
The cost of flowers for a wedding is underestimated by most couples. A bride's bouquet alone will typically cost between £100 - £250 and an overall budget of around £1500 - £3000 is normal.
Choosing flowers naturally in season ensures that they are at their best and at their least expensive, although virtually all flowers can be grown in a greenhouse, and are available all year round in almost any colour if the cost is not a concern.
If your budget isn’t huge, careful use of dramatic vases and greenery by a good florist can make a few flowers go a long way and the usual advice is to choose a few really dramatic flowers rather than more cheaper ones.
Your florist should supply you with a flower checklist to ensure that you have thought of, and ordered, all the flowers you will need.
How Can I Save Money on my Wedding Flowers?
Your budget will impact the styles and sizes of wedding flowers that can be created. It’s better to be honest with your florist, and, by having a realistic budget to work with, the florist can guide you in the best way and show you possible designs that could become a reality.
Prioritise flowers that are ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice to haves’, for example, bouquets for your bridal party vs a centrepiece for every table. Also, your florist will be happy to work around your budget by suggesting a cheaper but similar-looking option or something more seasonal.
Another great way to save money on your wedding flowers is to make every arrangement multi-use. So, consider reusing your wedding flower arrangements in different spaces throughout your day. For example, you could use the flowers you have on the aisle for centrepieces during the reception. This means you’ll only need to buy half the number of wedding decorations. However, speak to your florist about logistics if the ceremony and reception venue aren’t close.
Should I Use Artificial Wedding Flowers or Fresh Wedding Flowers?
You can definitely use faux flowers instead of fresh ones but don’t go this route if you’re looking to save some money. Good artificial flowers are usually made of silk and while they can be hired, an arrangement may cost the same as having fresh blooms. They are also generally more expensive if you plan to purchase them.
Silk bouquets keep forever if they’re treated well and eliminate the risk of allergies. Also, you don’t need to worry about the seasons. For example, you might struggle to get your favourite flower fresh at the same time of year as your wedding. With silk flowers, you know exactly what you’re getting with no last-minute substitutions with silk flowers.
Alternatively arrange to have your bouquet preserved after the wedding; specialist companies will collect your bouquet straight after the wedding, photograph it, dismantle it and dry out each bloom to preserve its colour and shape, before using the photos to put it carefully back together in a 3D frame.
When Do I Need To Book My Wedding Flowers?
Generally, you should book your wedding flowers as far in advance as you possibly can. Ideally is about 6 to 12 months before your big day especially if you are getting married in peak season. It may also depend on your vision for your wedding flowers; simply the bigger your dream, the most time your florist will need to create it!
Still looking for the ideal person to design your wedding florals? Find exceptional wedding florists on Guides for Brides.
See some excellent recommendations of Florists across the UK below
SPOTLIGHT 17 reviews Stunning wedding flowers for your special day.
West London, Ealing
£POA Florists SPOTLIGHT 204 reviews We create stunning floral wedding arrangements with a totally personal touch.
Oxfordshire, Ardington
£POA Florists 17 reviews Award Winning Weddings & Events Florist - Seasonally Inspired & Produced Sustainably
Oxfordshire, Little Chesterton
£POA Florists 78 reviews Family Run High Street Florist Specialising in Wedding Flowers
Buckinghamshire, Princes Risborough
£300 - £6,000 Florists Wedding flowers for all in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester, Manchester
£POA Florists Artificial forever wedding flowers Oxfordshire & Cotswolds
Devon, Tiverton
£45 - £300 Florists Styling - Floral Design - Planning
Oxfordshire, Goring on Thames
£150 - £6,000 Florists
