When it comes to wedding flowers, brides have a variety of options. Some choose to focus on one particular bloom for their bridal bouquet and centerpieces, while others use a mix of different flowers to create unique arrangements.
For budget-conscious couples, consider using inexpensive fillers like daisies to complement splurge-worthy bouquets. Or, do what planner So Happi Together did and use leftover lilac sprigs to adorn menu cards for a coordinated look.
Peony
Peonies are one of the most popular wedding flowers, thanks to their show-stopping beauty and romantic appeal. These gorgeous blooms come in an array of colors, from coral to pink to salmon and even white. Their lush texture, delicate petals, and sweet fragrance make them a perfect choice for any style wedding.
Whether you are having a rustic, bohemian or glamorous affair, peonies can be easily integrated into your flower arrangements and bouquets. They also look gorgeous on their own as a centerpiece or in a simple vase.
To create a more colorful and textured arrangement, mix peonies with other flowers like roses, hydrangeas or ranunculus to add dimension and contrast to your bouquet. You can also choose to use smaller flowers such as poppies, forget-me-nots or eucalyptus for an even more whimsical bouquet.
Since peonies are seasonal, it is best to work them into your wedding bouquets during the spring and summer. However, if you are planning a wedding outside of these months, don’t worry – peonies can be easily replaced with other blooms that have a similar aesthetic like hydrangeas and roses.
Calla Lily
The calla lily is a classic wedding flower that will never go out of style. It’s a symbol of faith, devotion, and new beginnings making it perfect for a wedding. Calla lilies come in various colors, so you can create a bouquet that matches your wedding color palette.
For a romantic and feminine bouquet, try pairing calla lilies with delicate white Lily of the Valley flowers. The soft petals will complement the trumpet shape of the calla lily for a dreamy look. For a more dramatic wedding bouquet, pair calla lilies with orchids and greenery for an eye-catching arrangement.
If you’re looking for a more rustic or organic feel, try pairing calla lilies and succulents for an earthy bouquet. The hardy succulents will provide a great contrast to the soft blooms of the calla lily.
For a unique bridal bouquet, try a cascading calla lily design. This is a perfect option for brides who want to showcase their stunning gown by incorporating it into the design of their bouquet. A cascading calla lily bouquet will be the focal point of your wedding decor and is sure to wow your guests.
Gardenia
When it comes to romantic wedding flowers, gardenias are a top choice. Their delicate petals and sweet fragrance make them a lovely addition to any bridal bouquet. The blooms are also easy to incorporate into floral arrangements and centerpieces. This classic flower pairs well with a variety of wedding color palettes, from soft pastels to vibrant accent colors like lilac and periwinkle.
For spring brides, daffodils are a great option. These bright blooms can be used as fillers or in full-size bouquets. They’re available in a variety of colors, including the popular yellow and white varieties. For an eye-catching touch, daffodils can be accented with fringe tulips, which feature ruffled edges and are similar in appearance to baby’s breath.
Other flowers to consider for your bouquet include ranunculus, anemones, and dahlias. With their elegant petals and unique shapes, these flowers are a florist favorite and look stunning in bridal bouquets and table centerpieces. They’re also great fillers and work well with a variety of wedding colors, including the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year, Very Peri.
Smilax
Smilax, also known as Jackson Vine, is a versatile flower or greenery that can be used for a variety of floral designs. It cascades beautifully from vases, twines up candlesticks and is great for adding natural touches to a wedding bouquet. It also looks great draped over a cake or woven through boutonnieres.
While many brides look to their wedding florist for inspiration, it’s a good idea for to-be-weds to have some ideas of what they want their wedding flowers to look like. Bring along some of your inspiration images to your florist consultation and they’ll be able to translate them into something truly special.
One of the best ways to determine your wedding floral design style is to consider the history and layout of your venue. For example, if you’re having your wedding at an old Florida hotel, you may want to go with tropical flowers and bright pinks, while a modern art museum wedding would call for more minimal colors and structures.
Succulents
Succulents are one of the best flower wedding designs for couples looking to create a natural vibe. The blooms come in a variety of colors and work well with both spring and winter themes. They can also add texture and interest to bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.
Jasmine flowers are a popular choice for floral arrangements because they have a delicate and subtle fragrance. The blooms also make excellent petal toss items for a grand exit ceremony recessional. If you’re planning a garden-themed wedding, try using iris flowers in your arrangements. These delicate purple blossoms are unique and have a distinctive petal shape.
If you’re planning a tropical themed wedding, consider adding bouvardia to your bouquets. These flamboyant American herbs are known for their vibrant color and their resemblance to a hummingbird’s beak.
Another option for a tropical wedding is astilbe, which features bright plume-like blooms that resemble lily-of-the-valley or astrantia. This flower also makes a great filler and works beautifully with other blooms like roses, peonies, and orchids. Lastly, for a regal and elegant look, try using freesia flowers in your wedding arrangements. The curved blooms resemble a bell and are available in several shades.
Baby’s Breath
A bride might use this delicate flower as filler in her bouquet, but it’s also popular for centerpieces and other floral accents. It comes in many different colors, from white for purity and innocence to pink and blue for hope and new beginnings.
For a more rustic feel, use a wildflower like fennel flower or forsythia. These flowers have long stems covered in small blooms, making them ideal for wildflower-inspired wedding designs. You can even find these flowers in a range of colors, including yellow for happiness and joy.
On the other hand, a florist might opt to include freesia in the bridal bouquet or tablescape. These flowers have curved blooms that grow along the length of their stalks. Miranda Priestly may have hated on these flowers in The Devil Wears Prada, but they are a great addition to any wildflower-inspired wedding.
Another option is hydrangea, which offers a large variety of color choices in a single flower. It can be incorporated into full bouquets or used as a filler, which is great for brides who want to keep their budget under control.
Carnation
Carnations have gotten a bad reputation for being cheap, but they are beautiful and versatile. Whether used in an opulent flower crown or a lush hydrangea bouquet, these flowers add a touch of rustic beauty to any wedding floral design. These affordable blooms also symbolize integrity and faithfulness, making them a great choice for your big day.
The peony has a wide variety of colors and sizes which make it a perfect flower for a bouquet. The large petals give off a soft and romantic feeling to your big day. However, if you are on a budget, you can substitute these flowers with ranunculus or smilax.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your wedding day, consider using pink and white carnations. The small bunches can be sprinkled around the dance floor or dining area of your reception. This way, the decoration will not look overdone and match your wedding theme perfectly. Moreover, you can also use these flowers to decorate a backdrop. This is one of the best ways to impress your guests.
Ranunculus
Known for their delicate, paper-thin petals and vast color palette, ranunculus flowers have been accenting weddings for centuries. The blooms’ rose-like blossoms come in an array of colors, from creamy whites and blushing pinks to apricots, deeper oranges, and bold reds.
Ranunculus can be mixed with other blooms to create a unique bridal bouquet. They pair beautifully with roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas. Their round shape makes them a wonderful complement to peonies, tulips, and gardenias. They also look gorgeous in bridal bouquets with anemones, lily of the valley, and irises.
To glam up a simple ranunculus bouquet, add in a few crystal brooches. The result is a romantic, vintage-inspired flower crown fit for the queen of your wedding day.
For an unforgettable DIY decoration, drape ranunculus stems across the ceremony arch or arbor at your venue. Fill the arch arrangement with other small flowers like mini carnations and waxflower to give it a fresh, modern look. Alternatively, you can add ranunculus to corsages and boutonnieres for a bright pop of color.