What Flowers do I Need for My Wedding? Our Guide To Planning Your Wedding Florals
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Often, when we chat with our couples, we’ll mention certain floral elements and hear: “Oh — we hadn’t even thought of that!”
Which is completely normal.
Wedding flowers aren’t something most people plan often, so this guide is here to give you a gentle heads-up on the most common floral arrangements you might want to consider for your day — not as a tick list you have to follow, but as a way to help you think things through calmly and confidently.
Bridal Party Flowers
These are usually the first flowers couples think about, and they set the tone for the rest of the day.
Bridal bouquet
How big would you like it to be? Soft and relaxed, or fuller and more statement? Rounded, loose, or slightly trailing?
Bridesmaid bouquets
Will they echo the bridal bouquet or be simpler? What colour dresses will they be wearing?
Flower girl flowers
A smaller version of the bridesmaids’ bouquets, or something a little different — flower wands, hoops or posies?
Hair flowers
Combs (worn at the back or side), flower crowns, or loose stems for your hair stylist to place as they wish?
Buttonholes
Who will be wearing them — groom, best man, ushers, dads, grandads, brothers?
Would the groom like his to be slightly different or larger?
If any are for children, we can make these with a special safety pin.
Corsages
Often chosen for mums, grandmas or sisters. These can be worn on an outfit (using a magnet fastening — we’ll check if anyone has a pacemaker), or on a pearl bracelet as a wrist corsage.
Ceremony Flowers
Ceremony flowers help frame the most important moment of the day and can be as simple or as impactful as you like.
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Aisle flowers
Will your aisle have pews or chairs? Would you like flowers on every row, or every other row?
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Altar or ceremony table flowers
A single arrangement or something more generous?
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Pedestals or urns
Positioned either side of the altar, at the entrance, or at the back of the church.
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Arches or installations
Moon arches, broken arches, or flowers fixed to existing venue structures.
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Fonts or focal features
If your font or ceremony feature is in a prominent position, flowers can really help it stand out.
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Lych-gates or entrances
Garlands along the top, or tied bunches on gates.
Many ceremony flowers can often be reused later in the day at your reception — something we always discuss with you to help your budget go further, especially if your ceremony and reception are in the same venue.
Reception Flowers
Reception flowers are where atmosphere really comes into play.
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Table flowers
How many tables will there be? Are they long or round?
Will you need space for sharing platters?
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Top table flowers
How long is the table, and how many people will be seated?
A single arrangement, clusters of pieces, or a soft garland?
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Cake flowers
Would you like fresh flowers on the cake itself, or arranged around the base?
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Welcome board or seating plan
These are perfect spots for a touch of floral magic.
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Gift or card table
Often overlooked, but a vase or two of flowers can finish it beautifully.
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Windowsills, corners or awkward spaces
Are there any bare or “ugly” spots that could benefit from flowers?
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Bar tables
A few bottles or bud vases can add colour without overwhelming the space.
A good tip is to browse your venue’s social media — you’ll often spot areas where other couples have used flowers and find inspiration you hadn’t considered.
Other Thoughtful Touches
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Thank-you bouquets
Often for mums, but also for anyone who’s played a special role in your day.
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Extra buttonholes
Some couples like to provide buttonholes for all guests, or for a small, close-knit group. These can match the main ones or be kept simpler.
A final thought
Often, planning wedding flowers is less about having everything and more about choosing what matters most to you. Flowers should enhance your day, reflect your style, and help the whole celebration feel considered and personal.
If you’d like help talking through your ideas — whether you’ve planned every detail or are just starting out — we’re always happy to help.