Let a thousand blossoms bloom with our wedding flowers’ dos and don’ts

Wedding flowers are an essential part of the day. From venue styling through to your signature bouquet, you can’t be in the throes of wedding planning without considering the flowers. But, have you considered the dos and don’ts of your wedding blooms?

We explore the benefits of working with a florist rather than tackling this on your own, and other common misconceptions around wedding florals.

Don’t let your flowers die before you’ve even said “I do.”

Wedding flowers dos and don’ts

There’s a lot that can be said when it comes to wedding flowers, and lots of variables. Whether you want them to be the focal piece of your styling or just pops here and there, this doesn’t change some of the rules of thumb.

Queensland-based wedding florist Lavish Floral Design gives some advice to those planning their wedding.

Don’t

• Don’t attempt to do your own flowers: flowers are growing things that require attention, certain conditions and care for them. It may seem like an easy thing, but it’s not as simple as it seems.

“[Flowers] can look fresh but aren’t, even from a market,” says Lavish Floral Design. “They can die within hours, [and need] to be hydrated in different ways.

• Don’t pick them up (or have them delivered) too early in the day: the longer they can stay in a temperature-controlled environment, like a cool room, the fresher they’ll look throughout the day.

Flowers are temperamental and can wilt and die within hours. “Most need to be purchased five days prior, open naturally, and kept in a cool room,” explains Lavish Floral Design. 

• Don’t choose your florist on price: yes, everyone has a budget. But the cheapest route isn’t always the best. 

“Find a supplier who has experience and will talk to you [and] not just email.” Lavish Floral Design tells about wedding flowers. “Look at their real wedding work.”

• Don’t rely on cheap online options: for arches, hoops and plinths, don’t cut costs and go for ones meant for balloons of faux flowers.

“Many of these can’t handle the weight of real flowers and water, leading to design limitations, or worse, collapse on your big day,” says Melbourne-based Flower Head Events.

• Don’t forget about allergies: some guests can be highly sensitive to certain flowers, and some are more allergenic than others.
• Don’t neglect your climate: flowers that don’t suit your wedding season or the climate you’re in could wilt quicker, losing their beauty.
• Don’t wait until last minute: book your florist early to avoid missing out on one you like and to detract from any last-minute stress.

Dos

There might be a lot of rules or what feels like ‘don’ts’ when it comes to your wedding flowers, but there are just as many things that you can do right to bring your vision to life.

• Do take the time to look at the themes: and figure out the ones that you love. 

“There are many trends,” says Lavish Floral Designs. “It is best to follow what suits your personality.” 

• Do think about the season: use this as a guide for your stylistic choices.

Lavish Floral Designs explains further: “If you are set on a certain flower or colour, make sure that it’s available.”

Explore the best seasonal flowers.

• Do allow enough money: this is your dream day, and you should have the freshest flowers to accompany it.

“When the drinks are drunk, and the food is eaten, there are your memories,” says Lavish Floral Design.

• Do use professional-grade stands, arches, and hoops: ones designed to support fresh flowers and water.

“These ensure stability against the weight, wind, and uneven ground and allow for fuller designs,” explains Flower Head Events.

• Do consider your wedding theme and venue: match your floral arrangements with the venue and scheme of your wedding for a cohesive look.
• Do think about fragrance: lightly scented flowers add a lovely touch but do consider ones that have a strong smell as is may bother some of the guests.
• Work with a professional: you can DIY a lot of things for your wedding day, but something that is hard to perfect and can take time is the flowers. It’s worth setting aside budget for this, you won’t regret it!
• Repurpose your flowers: don’t throw them away! Use the ceremony flowers for the reception and then keep them and freeze-dry them at the end so you’ve got your own wedding keepsake forever.

We’ve explored different ways to keep your flowers after your wedding. Read here.

And perhaps the most important “do” of all. “Do have the best time, choose what you love, and choose the vendors with excitement to work with you!” concludes Lavish Floral Design.

Explore the best floral vendors for you.