When it comes to weddings, flowers are often the unsung heroes that subtly elevate the atmosphere, colour scheme, and overall sentiment of the big day. A well-chosen bouquet can be as memorable as the wedding dress, and the right floral arrangements can turn a run-of-the-mill venue into something straight out of a fairy tale. However, with the myriad choices available, the rules of etiquette to consider, and the logistics to sort out, navigating the world of wedding flowers can be more complicated than you might think.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you through it. In this blog post, we will delve into the do’s and don’ts of wedding flowers—from pre-planning and types of arrangements to ceremony and reception etiquette, all the way to special considerations you may need to consider. So, whether you’re a bride, groom, planner, or even a guest, read on to ensure that you’re fully aware of floral etiquette.
Understanding the Importance of Wedding Flowers
Flowers are more than just a decorative touch to weddings; they carry cultural and symbolic weight that varies across traditions and societies. In Western cultures, for example, the white rose symbolises purity and love, often making it a staple in weddings. In Indian weddings, the marigold’s vibrant colours represent passion and creativity. In Japanese culture, the delicate cherry blossom signifies the transience of life and beauty, reminding everyone to cherish each moment. By choosing flowers that resonate with your cultural background or the message you want to convey, you add a deeper layer of meaning to your celebration.
Aesthetic Value: How Flowers Contribute to the Overall Theme and Ambiance
Aesthetically, flowers play a vital role in creating the ambience of your wedding. Whether you’re going for a rustic, romantic, or modern theme, the floral arrangements you choose set the tone and provide visual cues to your guests about the event’s overall feel. The colour, shape and arrangement style can complement your theme, making everything from the ceremony to the reception feel cohesive and well-thought-out.
Pre-Planning – Knowing Your Budget and Venue
Do Set a Budget for Flowers
As wonderful as they are, flowers can be expensive, especially if you’re drawn to rare or out-of-season varieties. Before diving headfirst into Pinterest boards, set a reasonable budget for what you can spend on flowers. Knowing your limit upfront helps narrow your options and sets the stage for more realistic planning.
Do Consider the Venue While Choosing Flowers
The venue plays a significant role in the types of flowers you should choose. A beach wedding might benefit from more tropical flora, while a classic banquet hall with roses and lilies may look splendid. The colours and scale of your venue will also impact your floral decisions.
Don’t Overlook Seasonal Availability
Choosing flowers that are in season helps you save money and ensures that the flowers are at their freshest. You want to avoid setting your heart on peonies only to discover they are hard to come by during your winter wedding. Consult with a florist in Balwyn for advice.
Don’t Underestimate the Cost of Rare Flowers
Exotic or rare flowers might look enchanting, but they can quickly break the bank and require special care that adds to the overall cost.
Types of Wedding Flowers and their Appropriate Usage
The bridal bouquet is often considered the centrepiece of wedding flowers. While it should complement your dress and theme, it can also be a place for personal expression. Choose flowers that have personal meaning to you or fit the aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Remember the groom and groomsmen. Boutonnieres are typically made from flowers that complement the bridal bouquet and are a great way to tie in the bridal party’s look.
Corsages are a traditional touch for mothers, grandmothers, and other special women in attendance. These can also match the general theme and bridal bouquet.
Table centrepieces should match the theme and be appropriately scaled so as not to obstruct views or conversation.
Petals can be strewn down the aisle for a romantic touch, but remember to check with your venue first—some have restrictions due to cleanup or potential staining.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Do Match Flowers with the Wedding Theme
The flowers you choose should seamlessly integrate into your wedding theme. A mismatch can be jarring and take away from the overall cohesion of the event.
Do Consider the Color Scheme
Your wedding colours are not just for the bridal party’s outfits—they should also extend to the flowers. Harmonious colours can make everything look …