Floral arrangements play an essential role in setting the tone for your wedding day. From bridal bouquets to centerpieces, flowers bring color, romance, fragrance, and a personal touch to your big day. With so many types of flower arrangements and moments to plan for, it's easy to focus on the must-have flowers and overlook other arrangements.
If you’re planning on using flowers as your main wedding decor, it’s important to talk with your wedding florist and have a checklist of the flowers that you desire. Whether you’re going for romantic roses, rustic wildflowers, or chic tropical blooms, we’ve created this guide to help you get inspired on the essentials and floral arrangements that you may not have considered before.
What Flowers Do You Need for a Wedding?
The amount and type of floral arrangements you’ll need depend on your venue, theme, vision, and budget. Generally, the must-have flowers for a wedding fall into three categories: personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. While you don’t need to have every type of floral arrangement at your wedding, it’s important to decide which arrangements are non-negotiable to you.
Let’s have a look at all of the flower arrangements you might choose to include in your wedding.
Personal Flowers
Personal flowers are the blooms that accompany the couple and the people closest to you throughout the day. These flowers are deeply symbolic and often appear in most of your wedding photos. Each arrangement, whether carried or worn, helps tie together your wedding’s color scheme and esthetic.
The Bride’s Bouquet
The bridal bouquet is the star of the floral show, it should reflect your personality, wedding palette, and even your dress style. Popular options include roses, peonies, ranunculus, orchids, and seasonal foliage. If you’re unsure about which flowers to choose for your wedding bouquet, we've put together a handy little guide showcasing gorgeous inspiration and ideas from florists in the UK. You can also ask your florist for ideas and insights into which flowers are in season and available for your date and budget.
Tossing Bouquet
A tossing bouquet is a smaller, simpler version of the bride’s bouquet used for the bouquet toss tradition. This allows you to keep your main bouquet intact and preserved if you plan to save it. Some brides opt to skip this altogether, but if you’re including it, let your florist know in advance so it can be built to match your theme while staying budget-friendly.
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It's also important to choose a bouquet size that feels comfortable to carry, especially if you'll be holding it for long stretches. You may also want to consider adding a sentimental detail, like an heirloom charm, ribbon, or a meaningful flower variety for an extra special touch.
Bridesmaids' Bouquets
Bridesmaids’ bouquets are typically smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet and should harmonize with their bridesmaid dresses and the overall wedding theme. Some brides opt for a uniform look, while others vary the colors or flowers slightly to reflect each bridesmaid’s style. Again, it's important to choose a bouquet size that feels comfortable for your girls to carry all day long.
Flower Girl's Bouquet or Petals
Flower girls are traditionally seen scattering petals down the aisle, but modern weddings offer a variety of floral options. You can choose to give her a small posy bouquet, a floral wand, or a basket of petals. Coordinate her flowers with the rest of the wedding party for a cohesive look, and be sure the arrangement is lightweight and easy for little hands to carry.
Boutonnières/Buttonholes
Boutonnières or buttonholes are worn by the groom, groomsmen, ring bearer, fathers, grandfathers, ushers and other key male figures. These miniature floral pieces usually include a small flower or two with greenery and are designed to coordinate with the bouquets.
Corsages
Corsages are traditionally given to mothers of the bride and groom, as well as grandmothers and other honored women at the wedding. You can choose from wrist corsages attached to ribbons or bracelets, or pin-on corsages for jackets and dresses. These floral pieces typically complement the wedding colors.
Ceremony Flowers
The entrance to your ceremony is the perfect place to begin your floral decorations. These flowers welcome your guests and signal that they’re about to enter the ceremony. Large urns or floral pillars can frame the doors, gate, or pathway leading into your ceremony. Some couples opt for flower-filled lanterns or cascading arrangements placed along stairs or railings.
Flower Arches
A flower arch frames one of the most meaningful moments of the day: your vows. It can be lush and romantic, minimalist and modern, or rustic and wild, depending on your theme. Arches are typically made from wood, metal, or fabric and are adorned with flowers and foliage. They serve as the focal point of the ceremony. Your florist can design the arch to include full floral coverage, asymmetrical blooms, or a combination of flowers and draping fabric.
Aisle, Pew or Chair Arrangements
As guests take their seats, aisle flowers add charm and structure to the path that leads to the altar. These arrangements can be attached to pews or chairs or placed on the ground along the aisle’s edge. Popular options include small tied bouquets, hanging jars, or garlands.
For outdoor weddings, florals can be tucked into shepherd hooks or lined along the grass with petals and greenery. These decorations subtly highlight the space where the bride will walk and add elegance to the ceremony photos.
Alter Arrangements
Altar arrangements draw attention to the space where your ceremony takes place. These can range from low, elegant floral clusters to towering arrangements placed on pedestals. If your ceremony is in a religious venue, make sure to confirm with the officiant or site coordinator what types of décor are allowed. Altar flowers should complement the flower arch or chuppah and work well in photos from all angles. After the ceremony, these arrangements can be moved to the reception to decorate other tables.
Chuppah
For Jewish weddings, the chuppah is a central ceremonial structure representing the couple’s future home. It's typically made from four poles and a canopy, which can be simple or adorned with intricate fabric and abundant flowers. Floral chuppahs often feature corner accents or full coverage with cascading greenery and blooms. Many modern couples personalize their chuppah with heirloom fabric, family embroidery, or symbolic flowers. Like flower arches, the chuppah serves as a visual anchor for stunning vow exchange photos.
Tossing Petals
Tossing petals adds a joyful and celebratory note as you make your grand exit as a newlywed couple. These petals can be handed out in small cones, paper packets, or baskets to guests sitting near the aisle. Choose petals that are lightweight and brightly colored for the best visual effect in photos. Consider coordinating the color of the petals with your bouquet or wedding palette. Some venues have restrictions on what can be tossed, so confirm whether fresh, dried, or biodegradable petals are suitable.
Reception Flowers
After vows are exchanged and petals are tossed, it’s time to celebrate at the reception. Having flowers at your reception creates an atmosphere, elevates the guest experience, and carries your floral vision into every detail of the evening. From the grand entrance to intimate spaces, these flowers enhance the space by adding elegance and a sense of occasion.
Welcome Table
The welcome table is the first thing guests see at your reception, so it's a great idea to decorate it. A simple vase of flowers or a small arrangement in your wedding colors can instantly elevate the setup. This area often includes signage or welcoming drinks, so the florals should enhance these elements without overwhelming them.
Seating Chart or Escort Card Table Display
The seating chart or escort card display is both functional and decorative, so adding flowers here ensures it blends beautifully with the rest of your reception. Whether you're using a sign, mirror, or card arrangement, tuck florals around the base or create a garland to frame the display.
Table Centerpieces
Centerpieces are the floral heart of the reception. They define your tablescape and influence the entire look and feel of the space. Whether you're going for tall and dramatic or low and lush, your centerpieces should complement your table linens, place settings, and lighting. Think about guest visibility and conversation when choosing heights and shapes.
Wedding Cake Flowers
Fresh flowers on your wedding cake elevate it and tie it into the rest of your décor. Work with your florist and cake designer to ensure the blooms are food-safe and arranged securely. Cascading flowers, floral clusters, or sugar flowers are all popular choices.
Top Table Backdrop
The top table or head table is often the visual focal point during dinner and speeches, so don’t forget the backdrop. A floral installation, draped greenery, or even a flower wall behind your seats will look stunning in photos and highlight your place at the reception.
Chair Decorations
Decorated chairs are a sweet and simple way to highlight important people at your wedding, such as the newlyweds or parents. Florals can be tied to the backs of the chairs with ribbon, woven into garlands, or arranged in swags.
Guest Book Table
The guest book table is often overlooked, but a small floral arrangement can make it feel just as special as the rest of your décor. Whether it’s a traditional book, a message in a bottle, or a unique setup, flowers draw attention to this interactive space and make the area more inviting for guests.
Photo Backdrop
While it’s optional, a floral photo backdrop gives guests a place to take selfies and group photos. This can be a flower wall, a greenery-covered frame, or a hanging floral installation. Many couples also include signage or neon lights to personalize the backdrop.
Food Station Arrangements
Buffet tables, dessert tables, or grazing stations are perfect places to incorporate flowers. Small clusters of flowers or greenery placed between platters, on stands, or around signage help tie your décor into the food display without taking up space needed for serving.
Bar Arrangements
Bars are natural gathering spots during the reception, and adding floral accents makes them feel more styled and tied together. Small arrangements or bud vases placed on the corners of the bar or shelves behind it can add softness and color without getting in the way of the bar service. For a more dramatic look, add greenery or floral garlands around the base of the bar or overhead installations.
Cocktail Table Florals
During cocktail hour, guests will mingle around high-top tables with drinks in hand. A small, low-profile arrangement on each table adds a decorative touch and ties the space into the overall theme. These cocktail table arrangements don’t need to be extravagant. Simple bud vases and single stems in your color palette can be just as impactful.
Wedding Car Decorations
Decorating your getaway car with flowers is a charming tradition. Florals can be attached to the rear bumper, bonnet, or roof rack using ribbons or clips. Match the style of the car and the rest of your wedding flowers for a cohesive look.
Bringing Your Floral Vision to Life
From the bouquet you carry down the aisle to the centerpieces that grace your reception tables, flowers bring your wedding vision to life in the most beautiful way. With our handy checklist, you can ensure no detail is overlooked and every floral moment feels intentional and cohesive. Whether you’re going all out with floral installations or keeping things simple and romantic, working closely with your florist and having a clear plan will help you create a day filled with blooming beauty from start to finish.
Checklist Written by Amy
We hope this checklist has planted some beautiful ideas and helped you feel confident and inspired. Here’s to a day filled with joyful moments, meaningful blooms, and memories that last a lifetime — and if you ever need a hand with the finishing touches, we’re here to help. Love, Amy x
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