Planning your wedding flowers can feel like a big task, but breaking it down into categories makes everything a lot easier to manage. Whether you're looking for blooms to enhance your personal look or to transform your ceremony and reception spaces, this checklist will help you make sure you've got everything covered. Here’s a simple guide to what you really need, broken down into personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers.
Personal Flowers
1. Bridal Bouquet
The bridal bouquet is a focal point of your wedding day, so it’s essential to get this right. Think about your wedding theme and how the bouquet can tie into that, but most importantly, choose flowers that reflect your personality. A well-designed bouquet should be easy to hold and complement your dress and the overall vibe of your day.
2. Bridesmaid Bouquets & Corsages
Bridesmaids can carry flowers that match or complement your bridal bouquet. Bouquets for your bridesmaids can be smaller versions of yours, or you can give them a distinct style that works with your wedding colours. If you'd prefer a different look for the bridal party, corsages or brooch flowers can also be a great choice.
3. Flower Girl Flowers
Whether it’s a small bouquet, a sweet posy, a floral basket, or a whimsical flower wand, the flower girl’s flowers should be age-appropriate and light. Choose something that will be easy for her to carry or wear, and make sure it fits with the rest of the floral design.
4. Buttonholes for Groom, Groomsmen & Page Boy
Buttonholes are an important finishing touch for the groom and groomsmen. A simple flower or a mix of small blooms can add personality to their outfits without overpowering them. Don’t forget the page boy – a small buttonhole will keep him looking the part as well.
5. Flowers for Family and Friends
Consider extra flowers for family members like the mothers of the bride and groom, or any other important people in your lives. These can be in the form of buttonholes, corsages, or brooch flowers, depending on your style. This can be a great way to make your family feel included in the celebration.
6. Flowers for Gifting
Bouquets or potted arrangements can be a beautiful way to gift flowers to the mothers of the bride and groom or other special family members. These flowers can be simple and elegant, or you could go for a design that matches the larger wedding flowers.
Ceremony Flowers
1. Entrance Flowers
First impressions count, so the flowers at your ceremony entrance can make a big impact. A statement table arrangement or flowers on the welcome sign is an option that can set the tone for the ceremony. It’s a small but powerful way to create an inviting atmosphere.
2. Altar Arrangements
The altar flowers are a major part of the ceremony decor. Large or smaller arrangements can frame the space beautifully and give the area a focal point. Keep in mind the height and arrangement of these flowers, so they don’t block views during the ceremony.
3. Arch Arrangements, Pillars or Plinths
Arch arrangements, pillars, or plinths can create a dramatic entrance or provide a stunning backdrop for the ceremony. These can either line the aisle or frame the altar. The arch is especially popular as a place to exchange vows under, providing a striking centrepiece for photos.
4. Aisle Decor
Aisle decor helps define the walking path and adds a personal touch to the ceremony. You can use small arrangements at the end of each row or attach flowers to the chairs themselves. Keep it simple to avoid cluttering the space, but don’t underestimate how much this can elevate the overall atmosphere.
Reception Flowers
1. Entrance Flowers
The entrance to your reception is a great place for floral arrangements. A welcoming display on a table or a small feature beside the door can set the tone for the rest of the space. Think about where your guests will first enter and make sure there’s something to draw them in.
2. Arch Arrangements, Pillars or Plinths
Similar to your ceremony space, arch arrangements, pillars, or plinths can also be used at your reception to create a stunning visual effect. These can be placed at the entrance, near the top table, or used as a backdrop for photos later in the evening. They add a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the space.
3. Top Table Decor
For the top table, you can use a garland, a table spray, or scatter small bud vases along the table. If you want to add extra drama, you can incorporate the floor arrangements, which will tie everything together. Mixing garlands with small vases can create a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
4. Guest Table Decor
At Elsie Rocks, we love using table plinths for guest table decor. They’re perfect for creating drama by stacking large arrangements on top, but because the plinth is see-through, it doesn’t obstruct guests’ views. Alternatively, smaller centre arrangements or a collection of bud vases can also work well. And you don’t have to stick to just one option – mixing and matching these different types of decor can create a more dynamic and interesting look.
5. Floor Arrangements
Large floor arrangements or vases can be used as statement pieces around the reception. These can either stand alone or be placed in front of sail boards or other structures to add depth and interest to the space.
6. Bar Arrangements
The bar is another key area where flowers can make a difference. Small arrangements or vase flowers can brighten the space, especially in the evening when the lighting changes. These don’t have to be large but should complement the rest of your decor.
7. Welcome Drinks Reception Table
For the drinks reception, florals on the welcome table will enhance the first impression. These flowers should coordinate with the rest of your decor and make the space feel inviting. A few simple arrangements or a statement display can set the tone.
8. Cake Decor
Your cake table deserves its own floral touch, whether it's small blooms scattered around the table or flowers cascading from the cake itself. Think about how the flowers can enhance the design without overwhelming the cake.
In a nutshell...
Wedding flowers are an important part of your big day, and the beauty of them is that much of your decor can be reused throughout the day. For example, your ceremony arch could later double as a stunning backdrop for your reception, and aisle flowers can be repurposed at the entrance of the reception space. Buttonholes or corsages for family members can be worn throughout the day, and centrepieces can be moved from tables to add colour and life to different areas. Wedding flowers provide endless opportunities to bring together your personal style and the overall theme of your day.