Your wedding flowers are more than just beautiful decorations — they’re a key part of your day’s look, mood, and personality. From the moment you walk down the aisle to the final toast at the reception, your floral choices will be seen in almost every photo.
But with so many options available and so many decisions to make, choosing the right flowers can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the process with eight practical tips to ensure your blooms are as unforgettable as your big day.
Set Your Budget
Before you fall in love with exotic orchids or lush peonies, it’s important to be realistic about your floral budget. Wedding flowers can quickly add up, especially when decorating multiple areas like the ceremony space, reception, and bridal party. Having a clear figure in mind helps your florist recommend blooms and arrangements that work for your style and spend. Once the budget is set, every decision becomes easier to manage.
Allocate around 10% of your total wedding budget for flowers as a general guide.
Be upfront with your florist about what you can afford before discussing ideas.
Consider areas where flowers aren’t essential to cut costs, like cocktail tables or signage.
Ask about budget-friendly options such as in-season flowers or using the same arrangements in different parts of the day.
Find Your Inspiration
Knowing what you like — and what you don’t — can make the florist’s job much easier and the end result much more aligned with your vision. A mood board or Pinterest collection of flower styles, colour palettes, and bouquet designs will help you express your preferences clearly. It’s not about replicating an image exactly, but rather communicating a feeling or theme. This is your chance to let your personality shine through in every petal.
Save bouquet photos, table arrangements, or even dresses and décor that appeal to your aesthetic.
Look beyond flowers — consider fashion, art, or nature for unexpected inspiration.
Make notes on what draws you to a particular arrangement (e.g. texture, colour, size).
Share your inspiration with your florist so they can interpret it with seasonal blooms.
Do Your Homework
While you don’t need to become a flower expert, it’s helpful to understand some basics before meeting your florist. Knowing which blooms are in season and what different flowers symbolise can lead to more informed choices. Understanding your venue’s layout and timing also helps when deciding where and when flowers will be most impactful. The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel making final decisions.
Research which flowers are in season during your wedding month to avoid surprises.
Learn basic floral terms (e.g. cascading bouquet, boutonnière, centrepiece) to guide conversations.
Ask your venue if they have restrictions on floral installations (e.g. hanging pieces or open flames).
Be aware of flowers with strong scents, especially if guests or the couple have allergies.
Hire the Right Florist
Not all florists are created equal, and not every one will suit your style or needs. A great florist will not only deliver beautiful arrangements, but also listen to your ideas, respect your budget, and offer helpful advice. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who understands your vision and has the creative skill to bring it to life. Think of them as your floral partner — not just a supplier.
Browse portfolios online and look for work that aligns with your desired aesthetic.
Read reviews and ask for recommendations from recently married friends or venue coordinators.
Arrange a consultation to assess their communication style and willingness to collaborate.
Ask about delivery, setup, and breakdown services so you understand what’s included.
Consider Your Colour Scheme
Flowers can either complement or clash with your chosen wedding colours — and the difference is huge. Whether you’ve selected soft pastels, bold jewel tones, or something completely unique, your flowers should reflect and enhance that palette. A well-matched colour scheme will help tie all your elements together, from bridesmaid dresses to table settings. It’s not just about what’s pretty — it’s about what works together.
Bring fabric swatches or colour samples to your florist appointment for accurate matching.
Ask your florist to suggest complementary or contrasting shades for added visual interest.
Don’t be afraid to include greenery or neutral tones to balance brighter colours.
If you’re unsure, start with the base colour and build around it with varied hues or textures.
Match Your Theme
Your wedding theme — whether formal, boho, rustic, modern, or traditional — should guide your flower selection. Different flowers and arrangements evoke different styles, and consistency is key to a cohesive look. Elegant roses might suit a ballroom affair, while wildflowers could be perfect for a countryside barn wedding. Matching your floral choices to your theme ensures everything feels intentional and well-curated.
Identify the overall style of your day and share it with your florist in your first meeting.
Use floral arrangements to enhance key décor elements like arches, signage, or centrepieces.
Avoid overly formal flowers if you’re going for a relaxed or casual wedding vibe.
Think about how the arrangements will look in your venue and setting — not just in a photo.
Pay Attention to Seasonality
Seasonality doesn’t just affect cost — it also determines availability, freshness, and sustainability. Choosing flowers that are naturally in bloom at the time of your wedding helps keep your arrangements looking their best. Plus, seasonal flowers tend to last longer and can often be sourced locally, which is a win for both quality and the environment. If you have your heart set on a specific flower, check if it’s available in your chosen month.
Ask your florist what flowers are in season and local to your area at the time of your wedding.
Consider substitutes if your preferred bloom isn’t available or is too costly.
Seasonal flowers are usually more resilient, especially in hot or humid conditions.
Using in-season flowers reduces the need for international shipping and refrigeration.
Start with the Bridal Bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is the centrepiece of your floral arrangements and often sets the tone for the rest of the wedding flowers. It’s also one of the most photographed elements of your day, so it deserves special attention. Once your bouquet design is finalised, it becomes easier to coordinate matching buttonholes, bridesmaid bouquets, and table décor. Use the bouquet as your floral foundation and build from there.
Choose the bouquet shape (e.g. round, teardrop, cascading) that fits your dress and overall look.
Make sure the bouquet is comfortable to hold and not too heavy for the day.
Include any sentimental flowers or family traditions if they hold meaning to you.
Use similar blooms throughout the event to tie everything back to the bridal bouquet.
Conclusion
Selecting your wedding flowers should be an enjoyable part of the planning process — not a stressful one. By approaching it with a clear budget, a bit of research, and a strong sense of your personal style, you can ensure your florals add magic and meaning to your special day.
Whether you're dreaming of roses, lilies, or something wildly unique, these tips will guide you to choices that reflect who you are as a couple. With the right florist and a thoughtful plan, your wedding flowers can be as unforgettable as the vows you exchange.
