The sky is definitely the limit when it comes to decorating your ceremony and reception space with gorgeous fresh blooms. Keep in mind, though, that flowers are one of those wedding traditions which have a way of consuming a good amount of the budget if care is not paid to determining what you can afford (and what you can live without) before even entering a floral design shop.
Tip: A good rule of thumb is to keep floral and decor expenses to roughly 10% of your wedding budget.
Flowers are typically incorporated into a wedding in the following ways, although none of these items are essential requirements. It is recommended that you go through the following list carefully and decide on your essential floral needs for the big day, with a second list of “nice to have” wedding flowers that can be added if budget allows.
- Bridal Bouquet and Bridesmaids’ Bouquets
- Corsages and Boutonnieres
- Flower Girl Baskets
- Ceremony Aisle and Altar Flower Arrangements
- Huppah or Gazebo Arrangements
- Aisle Runner (Fresh Rose Petals, etc.)
- Petals for Guests to Toss
- Reception Centerpieces
- Cocktail Hour Table Centerpieces
- Bar or Buffet Station Arrangements
- Fresh Flowers for Wedding Cake Display
- Arrangements for Entrance, Lounge Areas and Restrooms
Bridal Bouquet and Bridesmaids’ Bouquets
Most brides will agree that the bridal bouquet and her bridesmaids’ bouquets is one of those items on the wedding flower checklist that is worth investing in. You’ll have so many wedding photos that capture your bridal flower arrangements for years to come, so if budget allows you can allocate a little extra here.
Also consider whether you’ll need flowers or a floral crown for your wedding hairstyle, or work with your stylist to discuss options on incorporating fresh flowers.
Pro tip: If you plan to toss a bouquet during the wedding reception, decide ahead of time whether you’ll use yours, a bridesmaid’s, or an extra one to be ordered along with the other bouquets.
Corsages and Boutonnieres
These shouldn’t tie up nearly as much as the bridal bouquets, but again this is one of those floral elements that most couples opt to include; a nice touch to complement the bridal flowers.
If budget allows, you can also consider ordering corsages or boutonnieres for other important members of the family (parents, grandparents, etc.)
Flower Girl Baskets
This item only applies if you plan to have a flower girl in your bridal party. If you are, you can purchase a woven basket from a local craft store to save some money–you may choose to decorate it with some wide ribbon, a bow or some lace to match your wedding colors and style. Typically, the flower girl will toss fresh rose petals from the basket as she walks down the aisle. She may also have a floral crown similar to to the bride’s, if you are incorporating one.
Pro tip: This is an item that you don’t necessarily need to order through your florist; there are many online retailers offering bulk rose petals in a variety of colors and you may be able to save some money by doing so.
Ceremony Aisle and Altar Flower Arrangements
This is a nice-to-have item that, while gorgeous to look at as you enter the ceremony area, can add up quickly depending on the number of guests in attendance. You might consider spending a larger amount of the budget on reception centerpieces, since your guests will have a much longer opportunity to gaze at these arrangements versus to much shorter ceremony adornments.
Chuppah or Gazebo Arrangements
A chuppah, on the other hand, it such a special and worthwhile investment to adorn with fresh flowers, branches, etc., and a gazebo can be similarly decorated. The chuppah or gazebo will obviously be front and center during the ceremony, and your wedding photos will capture it for decades to come.
Aisle Runner (Fresh Rose Petals, etc.)
As mentioned under flower girl baskets, an aisle runner that consists of fresh rose petals can be obtained online through floral retailers that specialize in bulk orders of rose petals.
Petals for Guests to Toss
While you don’t see this all the time as weddings, you might consider purchasing small organza bags and filling them with fresh rose petals to toss as you and your new spouse walk down the aisle after the ceremony. These bags can be placed on top of the wedding program on each ceremony chair.
This a one of those personalized touches that guests will remember, and one that’s pretty easy to pull together particularly if you have extra bulk rose petals from the aisle runner or flower girl basket.
Reception Centerpieces
Perhaps second only to the bride’s bouquet and bridesmaids’ bouquets, table arrangements for your wedding reception are normally considered an important budget item. Your guests will ooh and ahh at them as they enjoy the reception events and food, and they really can turn an event space from good to spectacular along with lighting, table setting and other decor choices.
Cocktail Hour Table Centerpieces
Cocktail hour flower arrangements are certainly nice to have, but just like the ceremony which can fly by before the aisle arrangements are even noticed, the cocktail hour is short and sweet. So while a few festive floral placements are nice, your guests will likely be more focused on mingling and hors d’oeuvres. 😉
Bar or Buffet Station Arrangements
Also a nice to have, particularly if you’ll be planning a buffet-style wedding. If you’re planning a winter or holiday wedding, these can be festive and warm.
Fresh Flowers for Wedding Cake Display
Yes, the cake cutting will undoubtedly be in wedding photos and you could decorate the table with some extra flowers, but no need to go crazy with the budget. A few creatively placed flowers, branches or fresh petals can go a long way here.
Arrangements for Entrance, Lounge Areas and Restrooms
And finally, a nice to have item for your guests to see as they use the restroom or in the lounge area outside the reception. This is one more way you can add a special touch through flowers.