A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Flowers

Posted on June 25, 2023

There’s an undeniable allure to flowers. They represent all things beautiful, delicate, and transient, echoing the very essence of a perfect wedding day—a celebration of love and commitment that will leave lasting memories but, like a blooming flower, occurs just once in its full splendor. That’s why flowers, with their array of colors, textures, and fragrances, play an integral part in virtually every wedding across cultures and centuries. They symbolize life, growth, and the sweet affection that blooms between two people committed to a lifelong journey together.

With the endless variety of blooms available, choosing the perfect wedding flowers can be an overwhelming task. It’s a decision that requires both creative flair and practical considerations. Whether you’re a novice to the world of florals or a flower enthusiast looking to make an informed decision, this guide will make the process smoother and more enjoyable for you. Let’s embark on this journey to discover your ideal wedding flowers together.

Popular Wedding Flower Types and Varieties

With a plethora of flowers available, you might find yourself overwhelmed when it comes to making a choice. Let’s explore some of the most popular wedding flowers to give you a starting point. Each flower type offers a unique charm and can complement various wedding themes.

First and foremost, we have Roses. The queen of flowers is often associated with love, beauty, and romance, making them a go-to choice for weddings. The wide variety of Rose colors and types, such as Garden Roses or Spray Roses, ensures that there is a perfect Rose for every wedding.

Next are Tulips, symbolizing happiness and love. They’re available in a stunning array of colors and are perfect for creating a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere. For a wedding that echoes the grandeur of classic and elegant arrangements, Hydrangeas are a great pick. Their lush and voluminous nature can fill up spaces beautifully.

Orchids, Peonies, and Calla Lilies are also worth considering. Orchids, with their exotic and contemporary appeal, symbolize love and beauty. Peonies are lush and fragrant, ideal for creating a romantic and luxurious ambiance. Calla Lilies, with their unique trumpet shape, symbolize magnificent beauty and are perfect for a chic, modern wedding.

Understanding the Symbolism of Wedding Flowers

Beyond their visual appeal, flowers carry profound symbolism. The language of flowers, known as floriography, was especially popular in the Victorian era when people used flowers to express emotions and messages they could not speak out loud. In the context of a wedding, these symbolic meanings can add depth and personal significance to your chosen blooms.

For instance, Red Roses, as many of us know, symbolize deep love and passion. This makes them a favorite for romantic weddings. Calla Lilies, with their elegant simplicity, stand for marital bliss and true devotion, making them ideal for couples who want to highlight their commitment to each other. Tulips, especially red ones, convey a message of perfect, enduring love between partners.

Peonies represent romance and prosperity and are considered an omen of good fortune, making them a beloved wedding flower. Orchids are often associated with beauty, strength, and love, making them an excellent choice for reflecting the strength of your bond. Understanding the language of flowers helps you personalize your wedding decor to mirror your love story and the values you share as a couple.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Wedding Flowers

Choosing your wedding flowers is about more than just picking your favorite blooms. Several practical aspects should influence your decision. These include your wedding theme, the location, the time of year, and, importantly, your budget.

If you’re planning a rustic barn wedding, for example, you might lean towards wildflowers, Sunflowers, or Daisy-like Gerberas for their relaxed, country vibe. For a beach wedding, tropical flowers like Orchids, Anthuriums, and Birds of Paradise would suit the environment beautifully. Alternatively, a classic ballroom wedding might call for elegant Roses, Lilies, or Hydrangeas.

Always consider the resilience of your chosen blooms. Some flowers might not withstand a hot summer outdoor wedding or might wilt without enough water supply. Additionally, the availability of certain flowers depends on the season, which can affect the cost and freshness of your floral decor.

Seasonal Guide: Choosing Flowers Based on the Wedding Season

To ensure your flowers are at their freshest and most affordable, choosing in-season blooms is a smart move. Let’s consider the various wedding seasons and their ideal flower counterparts.

Spring, the season synonymous with rebirth and growth, offers a bounty of floral varieties. Tulips, Peonies, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Cherry Blossoms are all fantastic spring choices. Their vibrant colors and fresh scents embody the essence of this delightful season.

For summer weddings, when the weather is warm and days are long, Roses, Sunflowers, Dahlias, Gerberas, and Lilies make stunning additions. These flowers are sturdy enough to withstand the heat and their bright, cheerful colors match the summer vibes perfectly.

Autumn weddings can embrace the season’s rich, warm color palette with Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Marigolds, and Calla Lilies. These flowers come in shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

Despite the colder temperatures, winter weddings need not lack floral beauty. Amaryllis, Poinsettias, and Chrysanthemums, along with varieties of Roses and Lilies, are winter-hardy. The soft whites, rich reds, and deep greens of these flowers can complement a winter wonderland theme.

Budget-Friendly Options for Stunning Wedding Flower Arrangements

For many couples, budget is a key consideration in their wedding planning. While flowers are a significant part of the wedding decor, they don’t have to break the bank. There are several ways to achieve stunning flower arrangements while keeping the costs down.

Firstly, opt for flowers that are local and in-season as they are usually more affordable than exotic or out-of-season varieties. Carnations, Baby’s Breath, Alstroemeria, and Chrysanthemums are generally budget-friendly options. They are often used as filler flowers but can create gorgeous arrangements when used en masse.

Using more greenery is another way to reduce costs without compromising on aesthetics. Ferns, Eucalyptus, Ivy, and various types of grass can add volume and texture to your arrangements. Non-floral elements like berries, succulents, and twigs can also be incorporated for a unique twist.

Working with a Wedding Florist: Tips and Questions to Ask

Working with a professional florist can make your flower selection process smoother. They can provide expert advice on what blooms will best match your vision, venue, and budget. Here are some tips on how to work with a florist effectively.

Communication is key. Be clear about your expectations but remain open to suggestions. A florist’s expertise can guide you to options you might not have considered. Show them pictures of arrangements you like, discuss your color scheme and wedding theme, and let them know your budget upfront.

Ask about the florist’s experience, especially with weddings of a similar size, theme, or at the same venue. Inquire about their sourcing practices—do they use local and seasonal flowers? Can they provide organic or sustainably-sourced blooms? Make sure to ask for a detailed proposal or contract to avoid any misunderstandings later on.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Wedding Flowers into Your Décor

Flowers can be incorporated into your wedding décor in numerous innovative ways. They don’t have to be limited to bouquets and table centerpieces. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Consider having a floral arch or wall as the backdrop for your ceremony or your photo booth. This can create a stunning visual focus and provides an excellent photo opportunity. Flower garlands can be used to decorate the aisle, the backs of chairs, or even hung from the ceiling for a magical effect.

Flower crowns for the bride, bridesmaids, or flower girls can add a touch of whimsy to your wedding. If you want to take it a step further, edible flowers can be included in your menu—think floral salads, flower-infused cocktails, or flower-topped cakes. The possibilities are endless and can add an unforgettable touch to your special day.

Preserving Wedding Flowers as Beautiful Keepsakes

After the wedding, your flowers can still bring joy. Preserved wedding flowers can serve as beautiful keepsakes, allowing you to cherish them long after your special day.

Professional flower preservation services can turn your bouquet into a framed display, a paperweight, or even a piece of jewelry. This usually involves freeze-drying the flowers to maintain their shape and color.

For a DIY approach, you can press some petals and leaves in a heavy book. This works best with flowers that have a single layer of petals like Pansies or Violets. Another method is to dry the entire bouquet by hanging it upside down in a dry, dark place. This can take two to three weeks, and while the color might fade a bit, the shape of the flowers should remain intact.

In Conclusion

Selecting your wedding flowers is a personal journey that adds significant charm to your big day. It’s not just about color coordination or current trends, but rather, it’s an expression of your love story, your shared values, and your individual tastes. By understanding the various types of flowers, their symbolism, and practical factors to consider, you can make an informed decision that’s perfect for you.

Remember, the beauty of your wedding lies in its reflection of you as a couple. Flowers, with their transient beauty and potent symbolism, can articulate this connection in a way few other elements can. So choose flowers that speak to you, and let them add their magic to your special day.

If you are still in the wedding planning phase, consider the Commonwealth Commerce Center in Jackson for your ideal wedding venue and/or wedding reception. Call us at (517) 784-0059 or contact us today.