So you’ve found the love of your life, and now it’s time to think about putting together the wedding. One of the most important details is the flowers that will be used in the ceremony, reception and any other activities that take place during this special weekend. Your florist will help you put together everything from bouquets to centerpieces using a variety of different flowers — each with their own special significance on your big day. Whether you have a specific kind of floral design in mind or are looking for something more general, we’re here with all you need to know about wedding blooms. From colors and meanings to types of arrangements and local vendors, this guide covers everything you need to know before making decisions on your big day.
Which Flowers Should You Choose?
The first step of choosing flowers for your wedding is to conclude with your floral designers on the types of flowers that you want to use. At the most basic level, there are just two types of flowers: plants that bloom above ground and those that grow below ground. What’s most important about picking your flowers is the colors and shapes you choose. Some flowers are better for certain seasons and locations, but the color is something that remains consistent no matter where you are. As far as color goes, there are two styles of wedding flowers: traditional and modern. Traditional flowers include things like roses, lilies, orchids and hydrangeas while modern flowers include sunflowers, tulips, and calla lilies. Along with the color and style, you’ll also want to consider what each type of flower means. Certain flowers have different meanings in different cultures and religions, so you’ll want to choose something that fits your style and matches the personalities of the people you’re celebrating.
Colors and Their Meaning
Now that you know the different types of flowers and their basic meanings, you should also know the colors that correspond with each one. Choosing the right colors for your wedding is just as important as picking the right flowers for your bouquet and flower wall installation. It’s common for colors to represent the bride and the groom, their personalities and relationship, or even their cultures. Here are some common colors and what they mean. Pink: Love, romance, appreciation, gratitude, sympathy, new beginnings, friendship. Blue: Trust, dignity, intelligence, faith, sincerity, loyalty, wisdom, integrity Green: Growth, harmony, health, wealth, fertility, nature, freshness, prosperity Yellow: Joy, friendship, optimism, warmth, sun Orange: Creativity, encouragement, enthusiasm, vitality, change, adventure Purple: Royalty, magic, spirituality, creativity White: Purity, innocence, honesty, new beginnings, peace, joy Lavender: Love, friendship, relaxation, tranquility
When to Arrange Your Flowers
Once you’ve chosen the flowers and colors you want in your bouquet, backdrop for your champagne wall rental and other floral arrangements, you’ll want to decide when you want those flowers delivered. Depending on the type of flower and the season, you have a few different options for when to arrange your flowers. Some flowers are best when they’re freshly cut, while others are best when they’re hydrated and preserved. Roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, for example, are best when freshly cut, while orchids and stephanotis are best hydrated. Certain flowers need a specific amount of time to grow before they’re ready to be used in floral arrangements. Hydrangeas, for example, need at least 10 days to grow, while orchids need around 20 days.
Types of Arrangements
Once you’ve selected the flowers that you want to have in your bouquet and other floral arrangements, it’s time to decide how you want them arranged. There are several different types of arrangements, each with its own set of rules and restrictions. Bouquets: One of the most common types of arrangements is the bouquet, which can include anything from a single stem to a dozen or more. The size and shape of the bouquet will depend on the event. Boutonnieres and Corsages: These smaller arrangements are meant to be worn and come in many different styles. Boutonnieres are typically worn by the groom and his groomsmen, while corsages are often given to the bride and the mothers of the bride and groom. Centerpieces: These arrangements are usually what come to mind when someone thinks of a flower arrangement. They come in many different styles and can be used on tables, mantelpieces, or other pieces of furniture. Other Decorations: There are many other decorations that can be made with floral arrangements. Some examples include garlands, wall decorations, framed artwork, and more.
Blooms for the Wedding Ceremony
As you’re putting together the flowers for your wedding ceremony, you’ll likely want to start with the bouquet. Traditionally, the bride’s bouquet is made up of flowers that are specific to her and her relationship. Tulips, which mean love, and daisies, which represent purity, are two common flowers for the bouquet. Additionally, you can choose flowers that represent your partner or his family. You might also choose to include flowers that have special meanings in your religion or culture. For example, a bouquet of orchids could signify love as well as death and mourning, while hydrangeas have different meanings in different cultures.
Blossoms for the Reception
Once you’ve chosen flowers for the ceremony, you’ll want to think about what you’ll use for the reception. Traditionally, the bride and groom each have their own floral arrangement. The groom’s flowers are typically something hearty and masculine, like an arrangement of bold tulips or an arrangement of cacti. The bride’s bouquet, on the other hand, is often a more delicate arrangement that includes white flowers, like lilies, or more vibrant colors like purple and red. During the reception, you’ll also want to include table arrangements for the guests. These can be larger arrangements or smaller bud vases. You can also consider including smaller arrangements on head tables, like a bouquet of roses on the groom’s table or a bouquet of lilies on the bride’s table.
Other Activities and Decorations
Once you’ve chosen the flowers for your main floral decorations, you’ll want to think about smaller decorations and ways to incorporate flowers into your big day. Bridal Garter: Traditionally, the groom would remove the bride’s garter during the reception, but today many people don’t follow this tradition. Instead, you can use the garter as decoration. You can either hand it to the groom at the end of the reception or display it at the reception. Bouquets for Bridesmaids: Bridesmaid bouquets are a common decoration for the wedding. These are often smaller bouquets that can be held in one hand. Bouquets for the Groomsmen: Similarly, groomsmen bouquets can also serve as a decoration. These can be done in a few different ways, from small bouquets that are similar to the bridesmaid bouquets to larger arrangements that are held in one hand. Table Centerpieces: Table centerpieces are a great way to incorporate flowers into your wedding decorations. You can do a variety of different styles, from simple floral arrangements to more decorative pieces. Decorations for the Reception: While floral arrangements are a great decoration for the reception, you can also use other decorations. For example, you could hang paper lanterns or Chinese lanterns for a more decorative look.
A Final Word
Choosing the right flowers for your wedding is an important part of the planning process. You’ll want to consider the style of the flowers as well as their significance. Once you’ve picked the perfect bouquet and other floral arrangements, you’ll have beautiful decorations for your big day. Hopefully, after reading this guide you’re ready to tackle the process of choosing flowers for your big day. Choosing the right flowers can be a challenge, but the payoff is well worth it when you see the gorgeous arrangements come together.
