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Weddings

30 Wedding Flower Arrangements You Might Need on the Big Day

Wedding flower arrangements go beyond the basic centerpieces and bouquets. Check out this wedding flower checklist for all the other times you might want to use fresh blooms at your event.

indoor reception space with greenery garlands hanging from the ceiling
Vintage Meets ModernKate Ames Photography

indoor reception space with greenery garlands hanging from the ceiling
Vintage Meets ModernKate Ames Photography

You're probably familiar with some of the most common wedding flower arrangements, such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces, but it turns out that they're just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your wedding decor. Aside from these popular options, there are dozens of additional ways to use flowers at your wedding, from ceremony altars to welcome table decor. Flowers are a gorgeous way to customize your wedding, but the first step is figuring out exactly what you'll need (and deciding what fits into your wedding budget). We've created this wedding flower checklist to outline every time you might want—or in some cases, need—to incorporate flowers on your wedding day. And while it's unlikely that you'll end up using all of these floral wedding ideas, we think it's best to know all your options, especially before hiring a wedding florist. Here are 30 flower arrangements to keep in mind while wedding planning.

wedding flat lay with invitation suite surrounded by pink roses and greenery

Wedding Flat Lay

You can ask your photographer ahead of time if they're planning to capture flat lay photos and detail shots of your miscellaneous wedding day items (invitations, rings, accessories, etc.). If so, we suggest asking your wedding florist to include a few extra flowers and pieces of greenery with your arrangements—your photographer will appreciate having the blooms on hand for their creative shots.

portrait of two brides face to face touching cheeks holding bridal bouquet

Wedding Bouquet

The bouquet is an arrangement of flowers that the bride carries down the aisle and holds during portraits. It's arguably one of the most important floral elements of the entire wedding day. Depending on the flowers you choose, bouquets come in many different styles, colors, sizes, and shapes, making each one a unique floral masterpiece. The flower stems may be wrapped in ribbon, lace, a handkerchief, or left exposed.

Black bride posing on outdoor staircase with bridesmaids standing behind her holding greenery bouquets

Bridesmaid Bouquet

Maid of honor and bridesmaid bouquets are usually smaller, less elaborate versions of the bride's bouquet, with similar flowers and a matching color palette. Traditionally, the bridesmaid bouquets are identical to each other, but a growing trend has brides asking their wedding florists to create bridesmaid bouquets that are complementary in color and style rather than being exact clones.

a row of greenery boutonnieres arranged side by side against white backdrop

Wedding Boutonniere

This tiny accessory is a floral pin worn on a suit or tuxedo lapel. Wedding boutonnieres are typically composed of one or two small flowers and may also contain decorative accents like berries or greenery. They are traditionally reserved for the groom, best man, groomsmen, father of the bride, father of the groom, wedding ushers, and occasionally the ring bearer.

close-up of greenery corsage on wrist of grandmother
Fluff Media/Shutterstock

Wedding Corsage

A corsage is a small bundle of blooms that is traditionally worn around a woman's wrist like a bracelet. Wedding corsages are most often reserved for the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, grandmothers of the bride and groom, and other special female guests who aren't part of the main wedding party.

Bride looking directly at camera with asymmetrical flower crown made from roses, greenery and lunaria

Floral design by The Rosy Posy

Wedding Flower Crown

Flower crowns are halos of flowers (and sometimes greenery) that are worn around the head. These pretty crowns started out as accessories for flower girls and younger wedding attendants, but they have also been a favorite for bohemian, free-spirited, and ethereal brides over the last several years. 

Black bride is seated while fastening ankle straps on her high heels with fresh flowers adorning her sleek bun hairstyle

Floral Wedding Hair Accessory

Even if flower crowns aren't your thing, you can still rock fresh blooms in your hair on the big day. A floral hair accessory or headpiece is perfect for bringing a romantic effect to your bridal beauty look, whether you're sporting a loose updo or pinning your locks to one side.

long-haired black and white dog sitting on pink velvet couch with flower collar around its neck

Floral design by Market Floral Studio

Floral Collar or Leash for Pets

If you're including a furry friend in your wedding (see exactly why you should here), they'll need to look their best. One way to dress them up is by having your wedding florist create a special floral collar or leash for their big walk down the aisle. Prepare for guests to gush about how cute your pet is!

newlyweds walk down the aisle during wedding ceremony recessional wearing indian magnolia garlands

Ceremonial Wedding Flowers

Depending on your culture and heritage, it may be customary to include flowers in your wedding ceremony, and not just for decor. Indian weddings and Hawaiian weddings are just two examples of cultures that use flowers as symbolic elements of the ceremony.

two flower girls wearing greenery crowns sit in chairs during the wedding ceremony and look at each other while giggling

Flower Girl Bouquet or Arrangement

If you're having a flower girl (or two), she'll need something to hold as she walks down the aisle. Unless she's carrying a sign or tossing petals, the traditional option is for the flower girl to carry a small bouquet or pomander modeled after the bridal bouquet.

vases of white tulips are placed on the floor at the end of each row of folding chairs at indoor wedding ceremony

Wedding Ceremony Aisle Markers

Decorate your ceremony venue with small wedding flower arrangements displayed at the end of every row or pew. Floral aisle markers are typically arranged in vessels that are tied onto chairs or placed at the foot of each seat.

outdoor wedding ceremony with pink rose petals arranged in a swirling pattern down the grass aisle

Flower Petal Carpet

Is there anything more romantic than a trail of flower petals leading to your altar? The blooms may be arranged in a detailed pattern or scattered allover for a more natural look.

colorful wedding flower arch with greenery, decorative grass, and pink and yellow flowers

Floral design by Sophie Felts Floral Design

Wedding Flower Arch, Arbor, or Chuppah

Wedding arches and arbors are some of the most popular wedding flower checklist ideas. The floral arch, arbor or chuppah (at Jewish weddings) serves as a structural backdrop for the ceremony, not to mention that it's a gorgeous setup for wedding portraits.

wooden gazebo is decorated with sheer white curtains tied back with floral arrangements on each post

Floral Tie-Back

Attach flowers to a ribbon and use them to to hold a drapery to one side. This is most often see on ceremony backdrops, venue entrances, and decorative arches behind sweetheart tables.

two stone pillars mark each side of outdoor wedding ceremony aisle

Floral Pillars

Make an entrance with large wedding flower arrangements that are displayed on top of columns. The columns typically flank the start of the ceremony aisle or adorn both sides of the altar.

bride holds metal wreath decorated with trailing greenery and pink and white flowers

Wedding Flower Wreath

A circular arrangement of flowers and greenery. Smaller wreaths and floral hoops are typically displayed as decorative accents above an altar or table, or they're paired with venue entryways such as gates and doors. And how could we forget oversized floral wreaths? Couples are asking wedding florists to create life-sized wreaths to use as ceremony or reception backdrops, and the result is definitely wow-worthy.

greenery and rose flower garland hanging off the end of a dark wooden table
Natalie Watson PhotographyFloressence Flowers

Floral Garland

A long "rope" of densely packed greenery and blooms. Floral garlands are often draped on the front of cocktail bars or display tables, draped around entryways, wrapped around banisters, or used as table runners in lieu of traditional wedding centerpieces.

wooden sign featuring couple's monogram in white calligraphy is decorated with pink garden roses and eucalyptus

Floral design by Clementine

Floral Swag

This is a shortened garland with a slight crescent shape. Floral swags can be displayed atop door frames, wedding signage, or on the front of a ceremony structure.

iron chandelier is decorated with greenery and white flower garlands

Floral Chandelier

Hanging flower arrangements, including floral chandeliers, are another favorite decorative accent of ours. They're typically in the shape of a wreath or feature tiered levels (mimicking a traditional chandelier) and are hung above the head table, dance floor, or throughout the reception space.

bunches of white hydrangeas floating on in-ground pool at outdoor wedding venue

Floating Flowers

If your venue has a water feature, such as a pool or fountain, you can use it to display single, stemless blooms. Floating flowers can also be showcased in trays or cylinder centerpiece vases.

three faux greenery panels decorated with white flowers stand behind sweetheart table at outdoor wedding venue

Floral Statement Wall

A floral wall is a must-add to your wedding flower checklist if you're looking to make a statement with your decor. This impressive backdrop can be made entirely of flowers, or with a mix of flowers and greenery—check out local event rental companies to find faux walls, like these boxwood panels. 

sailcloth wedding tent is decorated with greenery trailing up the posts and ropes

Floral design by Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

Wedding Reception Venue Entrance

Whether your reception will take place indoors or beneath a tent, you can consider decorating the entryway with flowers or greenery that match the rest of your wedding flower arrangements. It's a lovely way to greet guests upon their arrival to the party!

gray marble fireplace mantel is decorated with white flowers and greenery in front of antique gold frame mirror

Fireplace Mantel

If your wedding venue has a fireplace, it's an excellent spot to incorporate a fresh flowers and personal details that will complement your wedding theme. Flowers, candles, mirrors, and picture frames are just a few examples of wedding fireplace decor ideas to try.  

Welcome table displayed at the base of a staircase with glass card box, globe wedding guest book, and small flower centerpiece

Event design by Kelly Golia Events

Wedding Welcome or Guest Book Table

Whether you're displaying escort cards or your wedding guest book, flowers are a simple way to dress up the welcome table at your wedding reception.

bare wooden table is decorated with garden-style wedding centerpiece featuring roses, ranunculus, dahlias, and greenery

Wedding Centerpieces

Centerpieces are floral arrangements displayed in the center of your banquet tables and are staple pieces for nearly every type of wedding. Wedding centerpieces can vary in style, shape, height, and color depending on your wedding theme and venue. You'll need at least one centerpiece per table, or several if you have long banquet tables—this includes your head table or sweetheart table, too.

wedding place setting decorated with two ranunculus displayed on the plate next to menu card

Wedding Place Settings

You may want to have your florist set aside a few extra blooms to display at each place setting. It's not a necessity, but it's a great way to tie your wedding decor together and add to the ambience of your reception.

custom wedding bar decorated with eucalyptus greenery garland
Aaron and Jillian Photography

Event design by ELM Events

Wedding Bar Decor

Spruce up your reception bar or drink station—whether it's built into your venue or made from rental items—by adding a handful of wedding floral arrangements and greenery garlands.

white four-tier wedding cake decorated with hand-painted buttercream flowers and fresh roses

Floral design by Yo Frida

Wedding Cake Decor

Flowers are a popular adornment for wedding cakes no matter your style or budget. Even just a few fresh blooms will instantly take your cake to the next level (see our fave examples of wedding cakes with flowers here).

three-tier buttercream wedding cake on table with votive candles,vintage book stacks, and small flower arrangements

Wedding Cake Table or Buffet Table

Don't forget about decorating your food and dessert displays, including your cake table or buffet table when applicable. One small arrangement at the front/center of the table will be enough—you don't want to block access to the food.

vintage 1960s convertible with wooden "just married" sign decorated with greenery garland on the bumper

Wedding Getaway Car

Making a grand exit at the end of the wedding? Don't forget to decorate your getaway car, especially if you're renting a special one for the big day. A simple wedding flower arrangement and a "Just Married" sign on the back will do the trick. Be sure to have your photographer capture those details before you drive off into the sunset!