Although choosing your wedding flowers initially seems a miniscule task compared to everything else, it can really make a difference to your wedding. We at Pynes House are well aware of their importance and have put together the perfect guide to picking the most impeccable flowers. Step by step, we will guide you through the process, so that you know EVERYTHING a bride-to-be must know about her wedding flowers. By everything we truly do mean everything.
So, keep reading to find out what certain flowers symbolise, how they can be incorporated into your wedding day, what alternatives there are and the top 3 places where flowers really MUST play a part. After all, your wedding day deserves to be perfect – that includes the flowers as well.
Determine your wedding theme
Unless you already have a good idea, picking wedding flowers from scratch can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure what you want, don’t go anywhere before you have picked your theme. The theme will greatly influence the flowers, giving you a colour scheme and ideas to play with. Of course, flowers aren’t all about the colour. Discover what else is involved – read our advice about picking a wedding theme here: Picking the perfect wedding theme.
Decide how you wish to incorporate your flowers
Outside the venue – this is a good place to start. Many couples concentrate on the interior of their wedding venue, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the outside. Flowers are really effective when incorporated into archways outside the entrance and, of course, you can’t have a floral archway without a floral trail to match.
In your hair – including flowers in your wedding hairstyle has become increasingly popular. We think flowers look gorgeous, whether your hair will be up or down, with multiple flowers or just the one. The most popular are the boho flower crown and a single bloom.
In and around centrepieces – centrepieces are where you can really let your creative side out to play. Regardless of what you are planning, wedding flowers are typically used as a vital part of the decoration. This is a stunning way to use your carefully picked flowers to their potential. Ask yourself if it complements the interior, the food or the theme?
Within your wedding dress – whoever said that flowers have to stay in soil? If you’re feeling adventurous, use them as a gorgeous addition to your wedding dress. Be sure to buy them fresh on the day so they will last. You can go for a small bunch or completely cover yourself in them. If you suffer from hay fever, this isn’t advised!
Top 3 places you MUST have flowers
1. Bridal bouquet – traditionally, throwing the bridal bouquet represented good luck and warded off evil spirits. Nowadays, whoever catches the bouquet will supposedly be the next one to marry. Every female guest expects it and, as the bride, it’s your responsibility to carry on this tradition.
Source: https://photographyfarm.co.uk/farm-blog/
2. Buttonholes – remember, tradition dictates that the Groom’s buttonhole be different to that of the other male members of the wedding party. “Flower buttonholes originated from the ancient Greeks when the male members of the wedding party wore a small bunch of fragrant flowers attached to their clothing near the heart. It was believed to ward off evil spirits who could turn the Groom’s heart against his new Bride. Source:
3. Bridesmaids’ bouquets – a wedding wouldn’t be complete without the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Traditionally, they are usually a different style to that of the bride’s and remain the same for each and every bridesmaid. This is a tradition that is rarely broken.
Learn all you can about flowers
What do they symbolize?
The sentimental meaning behind flowers, rather than just their look, can play a big part in your decision. So, to help you choose, here are what some of the most romantic flowers stand for:
- Azalea – true to the end
- Bluebell – ever-lasting love
- Forget-me-not – true love, speaks for itself
- Heliotrope – devotion
- Honeysuckle – bonds of love, generosity
- Lily of the valley – happiness, return of happiness
- Rose (red) – love, passion
- Stephanotis – marital happiness
- Sunflower – adoration
- Tulip (red) – love
What’s in season?
The time of year can be important in picking your wedding flowers.
Seasonal availability is something to think about in terms of price. If you choose summer flowers during a winter wedding, they will no doubt have to be flown over. Also, the seasons make a huge impact on what will complement your wedding the best. Would you include sunflowers in your winter wonderland wedding?
Below are some suggestions for the perfect flower for each season.
Types of Spring flowers: Amaryllis, daffodils, gerberas, lilies, orchids, stephanotis, and sweet peas.
Types of Summer flowers: Sunflowers, anthuriums, carnations, chrysanthemums, magnolias, peonies and roses.
>>Read more about the perks of a summer wedding<<
Types of Autumn flowers: Agapanthus, asters, clematis, daisies, hostas, hydrangeas, and passion flowers.
Types of Winter flowers: Camellias, euphorbias, irises, pansies, poinsettias, snowdrops and tulips.
What styles are out there?
Assuming that you’ve chosen your theme, how to use your flowers and what they mean in terms of symbolism and season, you can now move on to choosing the style of your bouquets. We have gathered 7 unique and gorgeous styles that know will you’ll love.
The Arm Sheaf Bouquet – This is where the bride cradles the flowers in her arm. This is also known as a presentation bouquet which can be single-ended (with stems showing at one end) or double-ended (with no stems showing). A gorgeous ribbon provides the finishing touch for this stunning style.
The Crescent Bouquet – The crescent bouquet is in the shape of a quarter moon. A soft arch includes flowers that are usually gathered and extended at each end, with the centre more compact.
The Fan Bouquet – This is a simple bouquet of flowers usually attached to a lace fan. This style of bouquet is reminiscent of the Victorian Era, embodying a touch of history and vintage style. This should of course, only be complemented by the perfect period venue, such as Pynes House!
>>Discover the origin and history of Pynes House here<<
The Cascading Bouquet – This style is designed to spill gracefully over the bride’s hands as it flows downward into a point. This was most famously seen with Princess Diana’s wedding bouquet.
How to make them unique
The bespoke factor of wedding flowers is something of value to many brides-to-be. Creating something unique can be a challenge, so here are a few tips: add something unusual into the mix; try feathers, buttons, branches, seashells, or even fruits and veg for an eccentric result.
For a complete spin on things, have you considered wedding flower alternatives? We have and here are a few to get you thinking:
- Felt flowers
- Paper flowers
- French bead flowers
- Pom-Poms
- Leather flowers
- Button bouquets
- Crochet flowers
- Balloons
With this thorough flower-picking procedure, we hope we will help you with your decision. Of course, all these options and components may have left you with more questions. If that’s the case, feel free to contact us for further advice about contacting a Florist.
Drop us a comment below or go to our contact page