Wedding Flowers

I remember visiting the flower auction when in Amsterdam some years ago. Truckloads of flowers were wheeled into the auction arena. The sight was impactful as it struck me, that flowers are given for one reason only. Flowers are given out of love. There is no other motivation. They bring joy and express love and care. For this reason, wedding flowers are one of the most important parts of the wedding.

You will want to base your wedding flowers on the decisions you have made concerning your wedding theme and location.

Flowers can be expensive. You can manage those expenses through simplicity. I once officiated at a backyard summer wedding. In the spring the family strategically planted rows of white impatience. When it was time for the summer wedding, those gardens served as a border to the pathway leading to the wedding ceremony and reception tents. It was a very beautiful setting.

Flowers Decor

Wedding Flowers and the Wedding Ceremony

Flowers for the ceremony

You will need to select flowers for both the wedding ceremony as well as the wedding reception. Flowers for the ceremony will include seating markers, flowers that compliment the venue, bouquets, and boutonnieres that you and the wedding party will carry or wear, and perhaps flower petals to be scattered if that is a tradition that you would like to include.

Flowers Silk

One mistake to avoid is using silk or manufactured flowers. A wedding is the time for authenticity. Only real, fresh flowers are appropriate, even if it means limiting the number of bouquets and arrangements that adorn the ceremony and reception settings.

One exception to consider would be in the situation where there are just no flower colors that match the theme of your wedding. In this case, you could use real, white, fresh flowers, and accent the arrangements with very minimal silk flowers in the color of your wedding theme. If you choose this option, use silk flowers, not plastic, and use them sparingly. 


Flowers for the reception

Flowers for the reception will include table center adornment and any other floral decorative arrangements that you prefer.

Seasonality may dictate what types of wedding flowers are easily available. Also, not every flower is available in every color, so the color theme of your wedding will determine the type of flower that will be able to be used.  

Flowers Reception


Flowers - leave it to the professionals unless . . . 

Many people want to express their own creativity when it comes to floral design. As talented as you and your friends may be, there are many things to consider. As well as time and skill, you will need floral materials such as water picks, floral tape, wire, cutting tools, etc. You will need to have suppliers and resources. Flowers take refrigeration, water containers, and storage space, and flowers are subject to time-sensitive limitations.

This means that you and your friends will have only the day prior to the wedding to prepare the floral tributes.

Flowers Minimal

If your wedding flowers and designs are minimal and simple, such as carrying a single flower or a small grouping of flowers, you may not need a florist.

Minimalism is fine when it comes to your wedding decor.  A few simple flowers or herbs can be beautiful. There are also many other alternatives when it comes to decor for the center of the tables at the reception.

If, however, you want bouquets, table settings, seating markers, boutonnieres, corsages, and other adornments, you need a qualified florist. 


Flowers - Delivery details

My mom and dad were florists when I was a kid. I went with them to deliver boxes of wedding flowers to the home of the bride, to the church or ceremony location, and the wedding reception venue. This all took place either the afternoon before the wedding or on the morning of the wedding. I helped decorate the church when that was the ceremony location. It will be important that you determine where flower deliveries are to be made providing addresses and contact information, how the delivery person will gain access to the various locations, and any other important details regarding set up, etc. 

Flower lapel

Sometimes the flowers for the fellows will be delivered to the wedding ceremony location, and the flowers for the bride delivered to her home. It is important to be specific about delivery details. Otherwise, someone at the last minute will need to make the adjustments.

Your florist should advise you in advance should there be a need to make adjustments to your order due to the unavailability of a specified flower or product.

Confirm with your florist a few days prior to the wedding, to ensure that everything is as planned, and verify the delivery location or locations.  


Decorations and the Details that make it Special

Wedding Reception

Check with the vendor when you, or those responsible for decorating the reception area will be able to have access to place the decor and trimmings that help create the theme of the wedding.

Wedding Decor

You will also want to know when the decorations need to be removed and to plan for who will be responsible for completing this task as you will be on your way to your honeymoon. Ensure that you are aware of what decorations are acceptable, and if there are restrictions.

Wedding Cake