Wedding Flowers Simplified Checklist for Brides
Planning wedding flowers can feel like walking into a floral jungle: beautiful, yet overwhelming. Don’t worry, I've got you covered with an extremely clear and simple checklist that will turn "What flowers do I need?" into "Look, how perfect this is!"
From the show-stopping bridal bouquet to the boutonniere and corsage, this guide helps you not miss a bloom.
I'll dive into everything you need to know, from aisle florals to swoon-worthy reception decor: sweetheart table decor, centerpieces, and even those little details like cake toppers! I'll also touch on personalizing your florals to match your style, save money without sacrificing beauty.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
Ready to design a awe-inspiring wedding flower plan? Great. Let's get on with those floral must-haves. By the end, you'll have it all nailed down like a pro.
What Flowers do I Need for a Wedding?
It's helpful to divide wedding flowers into two major categories when planning: bridal flowers and venue decor. This helps you break down the process and not forget something important. Here's a more detailed breakdown for your guidance:
Bridal Flowers: The Stars of the Show
Bridal Flowers are all about enhancing the beauty of the wedding party to make everyone look and feel great, and are worn or carried throughout the ceremony and reception.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
Venue Decoration: Space Transformation
Flowers for venue decor transform your wedding venue into a fairyland-like, dreamy place. Consider these blooms to be the heart of your theme and ambiance. We usually divide it into two parts: Wedding Ceremony Decor and Reception Decor.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
How Much Do You Need?
The amount of flowers depends on the size of your venue, number of guests, and your budget. It's quite tempting to go all out, but a few well-chosen arrangements can make quite the impact. Focus on high-traffic areas or places that will be photographed most.
Pro Tip:
The flowers you will choose are really a matter of your personal taste. You may always discuss this with your wedding planner or closest people. Whether you're going for a romantic garden look or a classical, sophisticated affair, flowers should be an extension of your love story.
What are the most important flowers for brides?
Bridal flowers are the heart of a bride's wedding day look-these blooms add personality, romance, and an extra touch of elegance. Whether you're envisioning a bouquet that will make you feel like a princess or a hairpiece that adds a whimsical flair, your bridal flowers should reflect your style, your venue, and the overall vibe of your wedding day.
Now, let's get to the must-have blooms every bride needs, so you can feel confident you've covered all floral essentials on your big day.
1.The Bridal Bouquet: The Showstopper
The bridal bouquet is the crowning glory of your wedding flowers, and it's going to be the one that everyone oohs and aahs over. It's what you'll be holding during your ceremony, during photos, and at the reception-so it needs to be perfect.
Here's what to think about when choosing your bouquet:
Size & Shape: Your bouquet size should complement your dress.
Flower Variety: Flowers should be selected that fit the overall wedding theme and color palette.
Style: Cascade bouquet, Free-Form Bridal Bouquet or Round Bridal Bouquet.
Personal Touch: Add flowers of meaning to you personally.
2.Maid of Honor & Bridesmaid Bouquets:
Keep them in coordination with bridal bouquet. The maid of honor's can be slightly bigger to make it different.
3.Boutonnieres:
Keep the groom and groomsmen coordinated with small but important floral details that complement the bride's bouquet.
4.Corsages:
These will be provided for honored guest-mothers or grandmothers - worn on the wrist or pinned to clothing for a subtle floral accent.
5.Floral Crowns or Hairpieces:
Add a playful touch with flowers on your head or a flower crown.
6.Flower Girl Petals & Basket Decor:
Let the flower girl add a sweet touch with petals or a mini bouquet, making the ceremony even more magical.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
How Can I Decorate My Wedding Ceremony?
Flowers are the perfect way to create a dreamy atmosphere for your wedding ceremony. From the moment your guests arrive to the moment you say “I do,” floral decor will set the tone.
1.Flowers for Entryway & Welcome Sign
Welcome your guests with beautiful flower arrangements beside the entry or on the welcome sign.
2. Arch Flowers -- Corner Swags
Adorn your ceremony arch with flowers to frame your vows.
3. Assigned Seating Decor
Add small floral accents to dress up the seating area.
4. Decorations on the Altar
Floral arrangements on the altar make for a fantastic focal point.
5. Aisle Decor
Line the aisle with flowers for a romantic touch.
6. Chair or Pew Decor
Simple floral arrangements on chairs or pews add charm to the ceremony.
7. Artificial Flower Petals
Delicate petals down the aisle or tossed by the guests create a whimsical scene.
8. Floral Lanterns
Flowers tucked into lanterns can add a warm glow to your ceremony.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
What Flowers Should I Use for My Reception?
With flowers in reception areas, you will create a cohesive, elegant atmosphere from the first moment to the last dance.
1.Sweetheart Table Decorations:
Your table also deserves a floral touch!
2.Table Centerpieces or Table Runners:
The easiest way to add some flair to your dining tables.
3.Cake Topper Flowers:
The cake is a star of the show-so have it shine with a few well-placed flowers, which match your bouquet and overall decor.
4.Cocktail Hour Table Arrangements:
For cocktail tables, flowers should be simple.
5.Bar Arrangements:
Add some flowers to the bar area-keep the vibe going.
6.Restroom Decor or Markers:
Even the restroom deserves some love!
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
What Are Some One-of-a-kind Floral Ideas I Could Use at My Wedding?
Personalized flowers will make your wedding more special and reflective of your style and the love shared.
Make every bloom your own with custom floral arrangements for your wedding.
Custom Bouquets:
Tailor-make your wedding bouquet to suit your personality or love story. Add flowers with personal significance, such as your favorite flowers or flowers that hold special memories for you.
Match Your Theme:
Match your flower colors with your wedding theme, dresses, or venue for a harmonious and customized look.
Flowers with Meaning:
Use flowers that have meaning, such as roses for love or lavender for devotion. It is one more beautiful way to add a deeper meaning into your arrangements.
How Can I Save on Wedding Flowers?
Concerned about keeping your wedding budget but still having flowers that look nice? Well, don't sweat it-there are plenty of ways to cut corners without sacrificing style.
Repurpose Ceremony Flowers: After the ceremony, bring flowers like altar arrangements, aisle flowers, and floral arches to the reception.
Use Faux Flowers: High-quality faux flowers are one of the best ways to save money and save up to 70% compared to fresh flowers while looking beautiful during the whole celebration. Artificial flowers can be put to reused long beyond your wedding day as home decor, bringing beauty to you for years.
Save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style, and find even more creative ways to make floral arrangements both gorgeous and budget-friendly.
Photo from MerciGarden Bride's feedback.
When Should I Order My Wedding Flowers?
Planning is the best way to get everything just perfect on the big day, and ordering flowers 3 months prior usually gives a florist more time to meet your customized needs.
Here is the step-by-step guide for you:
Start by considering your wedding theme, flower preferences, and budget.
Finalize the flowers: bouquet, ceremony flower decor and reception centerpieces, confirm any custom requests.
Order flowers: you could book a local florist in service. For more convenience and variety, try some options online like MerciGarden.
Need a complete wedding planning checklist? We've got you covered.
Wedding flower planning does not need to be daunting.
The right checklist keeps it all in perspective to manage the 'must-have' blooms and decor that make your big day just as you've always dreamed.
This will all involve your taste and personal touch while taking care of staying within your budget.
Ready to get started in designing your dream wedding flowers? Browse our gorgeous collection of wedding flowers and let me help make your floral vision a reality. Click here to browse our selection and get started today!