Wedding Flower List: Here's Exactly Who Needs Flowers on the Big Day
(Originally written by Kristi Kellogg, Updated by Leah Britt.)
Wondering who should get flowers at a wedding? The bride and bridesmaids need bouquets, of course, and the flower girl needs toss petals, but who else needs flowers? We get lots of brides asking us this very question. To that end, we compiled a list of everyone to consider getting flowers for on the big day. Here is the ultimate wedding flower list for the special people in your life:
The Bride
At the top of our wedding flower list is, of course, the bride! She'll need a bridal bouquet, and depending on her wedding day style, she might also consider a whimsical flower crown.
Carrying a bridal bouquet dates back to ancient times when brides would carry bouquets of herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and any bad luck. Later, in the Victorian era, these traditions developed to reflect flower color meanings. For example, white (representing purity) and orange (representing happiness and fertility) became popular choices.
Nowadays, brides usually choose bouquets based on their personal taste and/or wedding style. Being a flower company, we think the bridal bouquet is something pretty special — the ultimate accessory for your big day. It should represent you and your wedding!
Photo by Kay + Bee Photography
The Groom
Most grooms will wear a boutonniere that matches the style or color of the bridal bouquet. The groom's arrangement is an important part of creating your wedding flower list! While a rose or calla lily is a classic choice, many grooms are getting more creative with their boutonnieres and are wearing something a bit more personal.
For a bohemian or rustic wedding, you might even try using succulents or a small bunch of greenery for the boutonniere. Having a vintage or romantic wedding? Try a boutonniere of lamb's ear and a scabiosa pod. Modern and masculine billy ball boutonnieres are also a popular choice for grooms. The boutonniere should be pinned on his left lapel.
Bridesmaids
Usually, bridesmaids carry smaller versions of the bridal bouquet. They don't need to be exactly the same as the bridal bouquet, but they should complement the bride's bouquet with either a similar style or similar colors.
Groomsmen
Next up on the wedding flower list: the groomsmen. These gents can wear a boutonniere, but not the same boutonniere as the groom. Their boutonnieres should be a little different — or at least smaller — than the groom's boutonniere, while still following the same style and color palette.
The Flower Girl
Flower girls typically carry a basket of toss petals, but they could alternatively carry a miniature bouquet, a pomander, or a single stem. Again, depending on the style of the wedding, you might want a flower crown for this little lady. If you're going to have the flower girl carry a bouquet or wear a flower crown, consider choosing sturdy flowers that will stand up to the heat and tiny hands.
The Ring Bearer
We couldn't forget to include the ring bearer on our wedding flower list. Consider decking out the ring bearer with a miniature boutonniere. You can adorn his ring pillow or ring box with a few flowers, as well.
Mothers and Grandmothers
It's important to remember family members on your wedding flower list. Traditionally, mothers and grandmothers will wear a corsage with two or three blooms, worn either on the wrist or pinned to their left lapel. Alternatively, they can carry a miniature bouquet or a single stem. A miniature bouquet can be a smaller version of your bouquet or the bridesmaids' bouquets, consisting of about 3-5 stems depending on the flowers. Or, if you go the single-stem route, you can use a larger focal flower like a peony, hydrangea, or garden rose, and then simply wrap it with a ribbon —it'll look love and be so easy to DIY!
Fathers and Grandfathers
Fathers and grandfathers generally receive a boutonniere, as well. These boutonnieres can be in the same style as the groom or groomsmen, or completely different — it's entirely up to you.
The Officiant, Ushers, and Readers
Last but not least on the wedding flower list are the officiant, ushers, and readers. Consider giving any of these VIPs a corsage or boutonniere.
Once you've decided who all will need flowers on your big day, it's time to start thinking about what flowers will make up these arrangements. Our Make This Look page is a great place to start getting inspiration, and we're always posting new trends and ideas on Instagram and Pinterest! Once you're ready to order, try shopping for DIY flower combo packs, or look for wholesale flowers by color. Our flowers ship for FREE, from the farms right to your arms.
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