Where to start with planning your wedding flowers
Many couples come to me and are not sure how to plan their wedding flowers – not knowing where to start, quantities, who needs a corsage etc. It can be a little bit daunting! If you fall into that category, read on, and I will try and demystify the process for you! It’s not that complicated really, so don’t worry.
How much do I budget & pay for wedding flowers?
First off, you probably have a wedding budget, if not, you need to work out how much you want to spend overall. If you Google “how much should I spend on wedding flowers” the general consensus is that wedding flowers take up 8-10% of the overall wedding budget. If you look at my price guide here, you can see my prices which might help.
Obviously if flowers are your focal point, you might want to spend more, or if they’re not so important to you, you can have less flowers, and put the money elsewhere.
Deciding who carries what flowers….
The flowers carried by the happy couple, bridesmaids, best people and family are collectively known as “Bridal Party Flowers”. There are no rules, anyone can carry whatever flowers they want to, below is a guide only and it’s a bit traditional so don’t feel restricted by it!
- Traditionally a bride carries a bridal bouquet and sometimes a flower crown.
- A groom has a buttonhole (also called a “boutonniere”), the bridesmaids carry posies, the mothers of the couple wear a corsage (like a buttonhole but often a bit flouncier), the best man/person, fathers of the couple wear buttonholes too. As well as anyone else who might like one!
- Bridesmaids and flower girls carry posies and/or wear flower crowns.
- Dogs can wear (non toxic) flowers too!
Flowers for the ceremony area
You can really go to town on flowers for the ceremony area, or you can have them as simple as you like.
Things to consider are:
- Flowers to decorate signs
- An arrangement for the registrar’s table (this will show in photographs)
- Little bunches of foliage and flowers tied on chairs at the ends of the rows
- Big vases of flowers along the aisle, or to mark the start/end of the aisle
- Meadow type arrangements that run along the length of the aisle
- Freestanding floral installations (like having a piece of garden indoors)
- An arch to provide a backdrop – bear in mind many photographers shoot photos from behind the arch looking at you coming down the aisle, so be sure to talk to your photographer if you want the front and best side of the arch in your wedding photos!
Flowers for the Reception room
Consider:
- Top Table and Guest table flowers – think about whether you’re having rectangular or round tables
- Flowers for the bar area
- Cake flowers – talk to your baker – they might already have a plan!
- Hanging installations above the top table
- Any niches or entrance points you might want something special to decorate – your florist and the venue can advise you here.
It might seem like a lot of flowers but bear in mind many arrangements, (even the bouquets) can be reused – either the venue staff or the florist will organise moving them for you.
One last little thing; sometimes couples order “thank you” bouquets to give out after the ceremony. I’ve made these for the mothers of the couples and chief bridesmaids in the past. Not essential, but can be a nice touch.
So go and make a list of all the flowers you want, the basic prices are in my wedding guide to help you plan, and do feel free to email and ask questions! Have fun!
