10 Popular Flower Types Used in Wedding Bouquets

Why Flowers are Important in Weddings

Weddings and flowers share an eternal bond of beauty and elegance. Beyond their obvious allure, here are key reasons why flowers are central to wedding celebrations:

• They set the mood: From roses symbolizing love and passion to lotus flowers representing purity, different blossoms carry different emotions. They help set the tone of your special day.
• They add color: Flowers like chrysanthemums come in a variety of shades, perfect for matching your wedding color palette.
• They convey cultural significance: In Chinese weddings, peonies symbolize peace and health, while Indian ceremonies incorporate flower garlands.
• They fit any budget: Options range from exotic orchids to the more budget-friendly chrysanthemums, ensuring there’s a blooming choice for all budgets.

10 Popular Flower Types Used in Wedding Bouquets

1. Rose

The rose, a symbol of beauty, love, and passion, is one of the most popular choices for wedding bouquets. Its wide-ranging versatility comes with characteristics that make it special. Here are some of the top features making roses an ideal pick:

• More than 3,000 varieties grown commercially, which makes them available year-round and surprisingly affordable.
• Various colors, not just classic romantic red. They come in solid hues, bi-colors, and even striped and tipped varieties.
• Comes in three primary types perfect for weddings: hybrid tea roses, spray roses, and garden roses.
• Notably, the garden rose, bred for denser petal count, offers a more romantic and unique look compared to standard roses.
• They express different emotions based on color. For example, a white rose interprets “I am worthy of you,” while a peach rose signifies immortality.

2. Peony

Peonies are a beloved choice for wedding bouquets, known for their bright color, fragrant scent, and voluminous fluffiness. Reasons peonies top the list for bridal favorites include:

• Their beautiful array of colors, ranging from pure white, to blush, baby pink, yellow, and red
• Their symbolic representation of love, honor, happiness, wealth, and bashfulness
• Their seasonal availability from late spring into early summer, making them perfect for spring and summer weddings
• Peonies’ flexibility in arrangements, working well in large bouquets and as stunning centerpieces
• Their recurring bloom year after year, symbolizing a long and prosperous marriage.

3. Calla Lilies

Calla Lilies are an elegant flower with a unique trumpet-shaped blossom, a celebrated choice for wedding bouquets. Their outstanding beauty and inherent symbolism of rebirth make them a significant pick for brides. Now let’s go over why brides just fall for these lovely blooms:

• Their compact yet graceful structure suits the sophistication of weddings.
• You can avail them in a plethora of colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
• They traditionally symbolize immense beauty, purity, and life.
• Calla lilies can last up to two weeks once cut, making them a longer-lasting bloom.
• The two different varieties, both long-stemmed and miniature ones, fit any bouquet size beautifully.
• Believe it or not, they are said to bring wedded bliss and fertility!

4. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular choice for wedding bouquets due to its showy, lush blooms and versatility.

Top features:

• Variety of colors: Available in green, pink, white, burgundy, and blue hues.
• Symbolic meaning: Represents vanity and appreciation.
• Economical: Moderately priced, offering luxurious appeal on a budget.
• Versatility: Can stand alone or pair well with other flowers.
• Seasonality: Typically available year-round with peak blooming season being mid-spring until mid-summer.

Pros:

1. Economical: Doesn’t compromise appearance for cost.
2. Versatile: Suits various wedding themes.
3. Variety of colors: Matches multiple color schemes.
4. Symbolizes appreciation: Perfect sentiment for weddings.
5. Abundant blossoms: Provides lavish arrangements.

Cons:

1. Seasonal availability: peak season is during spring until mid-summer.
2. Soil-dependent color: Colour can change based on soil acidity.
3. Odorless: Lacks aromatic appeal.
4. Can represent vanity: In the Victorian language of flowers.
5. Requires careful handling: Can wilt if not maintained properly.

5. Dahlia

Dahlia is a captivating flower, often popping up in wedding bouquets due to its vibrant colors and grand presence. Here’s why it’s a top choice:

• Dahlias are available in a wide array of sizes and colors, perfect for every wedding theme.
• Their lush petal structure adds an elegant touch to any bouquet.
• Known for their grand presence, certain Dahlia varieties, like the dinner-plate Dahlia, can be as large as your head.
• Apart from their visual appeal, Dahlias are also valued for their symbolism of deep commitment and eternal love.
• Naturally, Dahlias bloom from May to mid-October, making them ideal for summer weddings.

6. Gardenia

Gardenia is an iconic flower often linked with love, beauty, joy, and purity, making it an ideal choice for wedding bouquets. Here are some of the top features that make it a favorite:

• Gardenias are known for their fragrant and elegant blooms. These delicate yet highly aromatic flowers add a touch of charm and sophistication to any wedding ambiance.
• The gardenia’s blooms, with their soft curves and intricate petals, perfectly sync with both vintage and modern wedding themes.
• These flowers boast high versatility because of their compatibility with a variety of other flowers, enabling unique and aesthetically pleasing bouquet designs.
• Gardenias have a strong and sultry scent, making them one of the most sought-after fragrant houseplants.
• They usually have short and small stems that can be glued together, simplifying the handful management of bridal bouquets.

7. Anemone

Anemone is a preferred choice for your wedding bouquet because of its eye-catching colors and black center, giving a modern dramatic touch. Coming in white, berry, purple, and red, it provides a variety of options. Sparkling in the light with its tall stems and delicate feel, Anemones stand out for their symbolic anticipation and hope, which adds emotional depth to your bouquet. Ideal for mono-floral arrangements or as an accent among other flowers. Add Anemones to your bouquet by following these steps:

• Keep them water-picked and avoid exposure to intense heat as they’re delicate flowers.
• Adjust the Anemones throughout for a whimsical touch or make a stunning statement with a solo anemone surrounded by greenery.
• Expert tip: Anemone is in season from March to August, so plan your wedding in these months for the freshest blooms.

8. Stephanotis

The Stephanotis flower, often known as Madagascar jasmine, is a popular choice for wedding bouquets. Here’s why:

• Its Victorian meaning implies “marital happiness,” making it fitting for weddings.
• Its dainty, star-shaped appearance can be a charming addition to any arrangement.
• It’s available year-round and moderately priced, making it an accessible choice.
• Despite not being a real jasmine, it has a pleasing scent that can enhance the wedding atmosphere.
• Its mini size allows it to work well as a boutonniere flower or as a filler in larger bouquet arrangements.
• Stephanotis is traditionally incorporated in bridal flower crowns and tiaras.

9. Daisy

Why are daisies a darling in wedding bouquets, you ask? Firstly, they symbolize sweetness, purity, and innocent love. Secondly, they come in a variety of colors like white, pink, and yellow, allowing for versatile pairing with other flowers.

• Daisies are also all-rounders, blooming from spring to early fall, ideal for any season wedding.
• They are affordable and can create texture when used as filler flowers.
• A lovely example? A wildflower bouquet with daisies, wheat, berries, and herbs – perfect for a country-inspired wedding.
• From the classic yellow-and-white daisy to the bold Gerbera and dainty feverfew varieties, they easily add a touch of elegance to your big day.

10. Carnations

Carnations are a fantastic choice for your wedding bouquets and here’s why. These versatile flowers, with a rich history dating back 2,000 years, symbolize love, joy, and devotion. In particular, white carnations symbolize good luck – a charming sentiment for your special day. And, they are quite affordable and durable, hence easy to work with.

Look at the top features of carnations:

• They are available in a wide array of colors for perfect matching.
• Carnations have smaller blossoms with ruffled petals that give a full and feathery look.
• Influencers are bringing them back with contemporary floral tricks.
• Carnations are available all year round, making them a reliable choice.
• Lastly, their budget-friendly nature doesn’t compromise their beauty.

How to Choose the Right Flowers for Your Wedding Bouquet

Step 1: Choose the type of flower you want

Start by selecting a color scheme for your wedding decor; this helps narrow down your flower choices. With your color scheme in mind, consider the season – certain flowers bloom only at specific times of the year. Next, think of texture and interest; incorporating a variety of flowers can help achieve this. Note, there are over 400,000 types of flowering plants and over 100 types of roses alone! But don’t fret, some popular wedding flowers to consider include: roses, ranunculus, peony, hydrangeas, sweet peas, gardenia, anemones, dahlia, tulips, orchid, calla lily, lilac, lily of the valley, jasmine, and hellebore. Finally, remember your budget and wedding location size factor into your decision.

Step 2: Check out available varieties and colors

Start with deciding your wedding color scheme which will guide your flower selection. Use a seasonal wedding bloom guide to shortlist your favorites, and remember to incorporate different textures and types for an engaging bouquet. Consider the availability of flowers during your wedding season.

• Explore the variety of Cosmos, ideal for fall weddings, with colors such as “Chocolate”, “Purity”, “Apricot Lemonade”, “Bright Lights” ,”Double Click Cranberries”, and “Versailles Tetra Red”.
• Consider the vintage and versatile stock flower which comes in peach, mauve, white, and hot magenta shades.
• Incorporating greenery can add fullness and a vibrant color contrast.
• Lastly, consider color-blocking with flowering plants of bold and robust colors such as red, orange, and purple for a striking effect.

Step 3: Research the tradition of using this flower in wedding bouquets

• Start your research with commonly used flowers in wedding bouquets, like Roses, Stephanotis, and Lilies. Roses, being symbols of love and beauty, could be a superb starting point.
• Dive deeper into the subject by exploring the specific traditions of different cultures. For instance, Chinese weddings often employ peonies and lotus flowers, each carrying their respective symbols of peace, beauty, health, purity, longevity, and honor.
• Extend your research to the cultural practices tied to wedding flowers. For example, the jaimala or varmala ceremony in Indian weddings involves the exchange of garlands made of jasmine, roses, and marigolds.
• Use imagery and look for pictures to help your understanding. You’re not just looking for a list of flowers, but a dimensional view of their application in weddings.
• Remember: the goal is to see how these traditions can help create a unique, meaningful bouquet that matches your wedding theme.

Step 4: Find out about its historical significance and importance in weddings

1. Start by researching various cultures: Discover how countries like Rome, Japan, or Greece incorporate flowers into their wedding traditions.
2. Pore through the symbolism: Delve into the meanings behind popular wedding flowers like roses, ranunculus, daisies, and delphinium.
3. Understand seasonality: Some flowers are special to different seasons. Expand your research to include seasonal wedding blooms.
4. Explore specific wedding flower guides: Websites like the Wedding Spot blog provide a wealth of information on this topic. Use these resources wisely.
5. Create a shortlist of your preferred flowers: Once you’ve understood the traditions and meanings, choose flowers that correspond with the emotions you wish to evoke at your wedding.
6. Collaborate with a florist: Present your shortlist to a professional who can help you create an outstanding floral display.

Step 5: Read reviews from previous customers about the bouquet size, quality, and overall satisfaction level

• Expert Tip: Compare the reviewer’s size preference with yours to see if their review matches your requirements.
• Expert Tip: Observe any repeated concerns about quality from multiple reviews.
• Expert Tip: Pay attention to the background of the picture to understand the size context.

Step 6: Consider budget when choosing the flowers

• Kick-off by setting a definitive budget. Realize that while flowers bring elegance, they shouldn’t lay heavy on your pocket.
• Stay seasonal. Choosing flowers in the season when you’re getting hitched can save you a bundle. From lilies in summer to hydrangeas in spring – stick to the season’s picks.
• Mix it up. Use a variety of less expensive flowers for texture and interest. Blend with a few pricier blooms for a touch of luxury.
• Say yes to greenery. Foliages can make your bouquet fuller without breaking the bank.
• Creativity counts. Use common flowers in unique ways, or pick multi-color blooms. It’s all about making it look expensive without the hefty price tag.

Step 7: Make sure that the flowers are safe to use in your wedding bouquet

To ensure that the flowers chosen for your wedding bouquet are safe to use, consider these expert tips:

• Start by investigating the source of your flowers. Make sure they come from a reputable florist who doesn’t use harmful pesticides.
• Next, verify if any blooms are toxic. Some flowers may be harmful if eaten, or cause skin irritation and allergies.
• If you’re considering wildflowers, double-check that they aren’t an invasive or endangered species.
• Finally, ask your florist for guidance. They’re experts in this area and can provide valuable insight.

Remember, your bouquet should be beautiful, unique, and of course, safe.

Step 8: Consider the shape, style, and color of the bouquet when choosing flowers

• Evaluate the shape and style suitable for your dress and theme. Unique shapes like an arm bouquet can offer a distinct charm.
• Pick a color scheme that complements your dress and decor, using data-driven approaches. Brides in ivory, for example, benefit from peach, pink, and orange blooms.
• Consult a reliable florist for professional recommendations and don’t shy away from adding greenery for extra fullness and color. Your bouquet should enhance, not overpower, your appearance.
• Lastly, remember creativity and planning are vital for constructing a show-stopping arrangement.

Step 9: Add some special accent flowers to your bouquet

• Start by selecting your main bloom. Perhaps, consider popular wedding flowers like stephanotis that can uniquely serve as a focal point of your bouquet, adding texture and interest.
• Toss in a few jasmine flowers; not only do these star-shaped beauties add a flirtatious touch, but they’re also wonderfully fragrant.
• Next, consider the boldness of color. Break away from the traditional all-white and choose unique colors or multi-colored blooms for a visually impactful bouquet.
• Finally, think about variety. Different types of flowers or less common bouquet shapes can add a unique touch. Arm bouquets, for instance, can provide an elegant twist.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect flowers for your wedding bouquet is an artful blend of personal style and symbolism. Each of the ten popular flower types we’ve explored in this blog has its unique charm and meaning, allowing you to create a bouquet that truly reflects your love story. To turn your floral dreams into reality, we invite you to experience the exquisite craftsmanship and unmatched beauty of Bourkes Florist. With a wide array of fresh blooms and a team of skilled florists ready to create your dream wedding bouquet, we’re here to make your special day even more memorable. Don’t wait any longer – order your flowers today and let us deliver the essence of love and beauty right to your doorstep. Your wedding day deserves nothing less than perfection, and Bourkes Florist is here to help you achieve it.

FAQs

Which flower is best for a rustic wedding theme?

Ranunculus, with their multi-layered petals and romantic appearance, are perfect for a rustic wedding theme. Pair them with greenery and wildflowers for a charming, countryside feel.

Do hydrangeas last long in bouquets?

Hydrangeas can wilt quickly if not properly hydrated. If using them in your bouquet, ensure they get ample water, and consider misting them to keep them fresh.

How do I care for a tulip bouquet?

To keep tulips fresh, trim the stems at an angle, remove any excess leaves, and place them in cold water. Since they continue to grow even after being cut, you might need to trim them again to maintain the desired length.

What do orchids symbolize when used in wedding bouquets?

Orchids are a symbol of beauty, luxury, and strength. Using them in wedding bouquets can represent a couple’s strong and enduring love.

Can I mix different flowers in my wedding bouquet?

Absolutely! Mixing different flowers can create a unique and personalized bouquet. It’s essential to ensure the flowers you choose complement each other in color, size, and style.

Why are gardenias a popular choice despite their fragility?

Gardenias, with their intoxicating fragrance and creamy-white petals, are often chosen for their elegance and symbolism of purity and joy. Their fragility is a trade-off for their beauty and scent.