When you think of wedding flowers, a bridal bouquet, centerpieces, corsages, and boutonnieres probably come to mind. But modern weddings often go far beyond the basics, incorporating beautiful, fresh flowers in unique ways to create a romantic atmosphere and a gorgeous backdrop for photographs. We’ve listed the most popular ways to feature fresh blooms in your wedding ceremony and decor.

There are a number of flower arrangements that are typically provided for the wedding party and some of the guests to carry or wear. These are the most common types.

Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet is essential. The bride carries these flowers down the aisle, and the bouquet is an important feature of the wedding portraits. Whether it’s formal and elegant, charmingly vintage, minimalist modern, or Boho casual, the style and colors of the bridal bouquet often set the tone for the rest of the wedding flowers.

Bridesmaids’ Bouquets

The bridesmaids’ bouquets are much like the bride’s but simpler or smaller, using similar flowers and a related color palette. Often the maid of honor carries a slightly different bouquet as a nod to her special role. Some brides choose bridesmaids’ bouquets that complement each other but are not identical.

Flower Girl’s Flowers

There is quite a bit of variation in styles for flower girls. They may hold a small bouquet or a pomander (a spherical arrangement with a handle) or carry a basket of flowers or some petals to scatter as they walk.

Boutonnieres

It’s traditional to provide boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, and stepfathers of the bride and groom. Sometimes, the ushers, ring bearer, and officiant are even offered these floral features. Boutonnieres are pinned to the lapel and are usually composed of one or two flowers and greenery. The groom and best man may have unique boutonnieres that blend with the others.

Corsages

A corsage is a small arrangement that’s larger than a boutonniere and worn on the wrist or pinned on the shoulder of a dress. It’s common to provide corsages to the mothers, grandmothers, and stepmothers of the bride and groom.

Flower Crowns

Flower crowns and headpieces are a big trend right now, especially for brides choosing more bohemian and ethereal styles. These pretty hair accessories are good choices for the bride, bridesmaids, or a flower girl. If a flower crown is too much, a simple bloom worn in the hair can be beautiful.

In addition to the flowers to be carried and worn, flowers to decorate the ceremony space are essential. These are the most common flowers for the ceremony.

Entryway

Whether simple and casual or formal and elaborate, flower arrangements in the entryway to your ceremony and on the welcome table will greet your guests and set the tone for your wedding. Vases, swags, urns, and pedestals are all excellent choices.

Arch, Arbor, or Chuppah

One of the most striking and beautiful uses of flowers for the ceremony is the arch, arbor, or chuppah. These large structures provide a perfect backdrop for the ceremony and look beautiful in photographs.
A chuppah is a traditional Jewish wedding canopy that symbolizes the home that a couple will build together. This structure looks beautiful when decorated with flowers and greenery.
Arbors and arches are very popular at weddings today. Arches have a rounded shape at the top and are very elegant, often covered entirely with blooms. Arbors are typically used at outdoor wedding ceremonies and are more bohemian in style. They may be any shape and are made of branches, twigs, greenery, flowers, and climbing plants.

Altar Arrangement

Many brides place a floral arrangement on the altar. These flowers provide a perfect backdrop for the exchange of vows, especially when an arch, arbor, or chuppah is not used. Pedestal arrangements, table vases, floor urns, wreaths, and table cascades or garlands are all popular choices. The blooms should be visible to guests at the back of the room.

Aisle Decorations

Floral arrangements on the ends of pews are traditional and beautiful. Aisle markers are also popular, especially when there are rows of chairs instead of pews. These small arrangements can be tied onto chairs or placed at the foot of each row. A petal carpet leading to the altar is an extravagant option that is well-suited to weddings. You may also provide petals for guests to toss as you and your new spouse exit the ceremony.

Flowers provide a gorgeous, romantic backdrop for all the reception fun and photographs! Consider repurposing some of your ceremony flowers for the reception if they’re portable.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces are must-haves at the reception. These arrangements are placed on guest tables, head tables, and sweetheart tables. For longer banquet-style tables, floral runners are an excellent choice.

Decor for Other Tables

Arrangements of varying sizes and shapes can also be placed around your reception venue to dress the room. Consider adding blooms to the tables holding your guest book and seating cards, cocktail tables and bar, and food tables. Don’t forget to decorate your lounge and powder rooms with some simple arrangements, too.
Toss Bouquet

If you’re planning to do a bouquet toss but want to preserve your bridal bouquet, a toss bouquet is the answer. This small bouquet is modeled after the bridal bouquet, which can often be quite heavy. Tossing a small bunch of flowers is a safer option!

Wedding Cake

Flowers are a beautiful and natural way to decorate your wedding cake. Even the simplest cake looks elegant and romantic when decorated with fresh blooms.

Getaway Car

Decorating your getaway car with flowers adds to the fun of leaving your reception in style, and they look great in photos! A floral wreath, garland, or swag above your “Just Married” sign looks pretty and romantic.

Now that you have an idea of the types of wedding flowers that you need, try the Pick a Bloom free wedding flower cost calculator to help you budget for your wedding. Just answer some simple questions about the number and type of arrangements that you’ll need, and the calculator will provide low, medium, and high estimates for a floral budget. When you’re ready to make your selections for your special day, we would love to help create the wedding of your dreams