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Who Gets Flowers at a Wedding?

Bride, bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen holding bouquet, corsages, and boutonnieres respectively

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Nothing sets the mood of your wedding ceremony and the reception right quite like stunning flowers. And the choice of who gets flowers at a wedding could be troubling to many since lots of people get flowers; from the bride, groom, and bride and groom’s parents, to mention a few. Not only do flowers spruce up and add ambiance to your venue, but they are also the ideal accessory for you and your entire wedding party.

Making a list of who receives flowers at a wedding is a crucial step in the wedding planning process, even while finding the ideal dress or reserving a fantastic venue may be higher on your priority list than choosing wedding flowers.

Many soon-to-be newlyweds allocate around 10-15% of their wedding budget to flowers. However, there aren’t any cardinal rules when choosing flowers for your wedding party and family. Your wedding is a big day for you, and you need to decide what you believe works best for you.

It is easy to forget this small but important detail of who will get bouquets, boutonnieres, and flowers at your wedding. But we’re here to help you understand who should get floral additions at your wedding.

Who Receives Flowers at a Wedding?

Regarding modern wedding ceremonies, you need to note that personalized flowers for this occasion are broken down into 4 main categories:

  • bouquets
  • corsages
  • hair flowers
  • boutonnieres

Below is a complete wedding flower arrangement on who gets flowers at a wedding.

Wedding Party Flowers

Your wedding should be a special day for you and a reflection of your character as a married pair and your personality as a bride. Among other things, your choice of flowers plays a significant role in that. The key is to ignore tradition and choose what suits you and your fiancé best.

Below are the people who get flowers at a wedding:

  • The Bride

bride holding flowers at her wedding

For the bride, that’s simply straightforward! The bridal bouquet and any extras for the getaway or bouquet toss are given to the bride. The bridal bouquet is one of the most essential parts of your entire floral budget.

Most brides spend between $100 and $350 on the arrangement they will wear, but if you select a bouquet that brings you joy on your wedding day, you may have to spend slightly more. However, you need to be considerate of the flower costs since mostly it’s the bride’s family that pays for the wedding flowers.

To get the most for your money, choose in-season flowers, whether a hand-tied arrangement, a classic round bouquet, or an exquisite cascade bouquet. Gardenias, calla lilies, carnations, roses, valley lilies, orchids are ideal flowers for the bride’s bouquet. Despite lovely blooms, you can find all year round, they almost work in any bouquet style.

  • The Groom

groom wearing a boutonniere on his suit lapel

The groom will accessorize his suit or tuxedo for formal occasions with a boutonniere, a floral embellishment. Even though they’re not required, boutonnieres can add a classy touch to the groom’s lapel, particularly in a formal wedding setting. We advise selecting a flower that complements your bouquet for the groom’s suit pocket.

  • The Bridesmaids

bridemaids holding flowers at a wedding

Undoubtedly, your bridesmaids must also carry their bouquets. In most cases, bridal maid bouquets tend to be smaller than bridal bouquets, a paler version of what the bride will have, or a different look altogether.

Usually costing between $65 and $125, bridesmaid flowers might be less expensive if you give each bridesmaid a single long-stemmed flower to carry down the aisle. Dahlias, hydrangeas, magnolias, peonies, or roses are standard options for the bridesmaids.

  • Flower Girl(s)

flower girl holding flowers at a wedding

Your flower girls should also get flowers on your wedding day. However, you need to note that the flowers you choose for your flower girls need to match their age and size. For a little flower girl, a basket of rose petals would be a lovely option, while an older youngster could carry a nosegay, a pomander bouquet, a hoop bouquet, or even just one long-stemmed flower.

  • The Ring Bearer

The ring bearer is another important person who deserves flowers on your big wedding day. Given his status as a grand seigneur during the wedding ceremony, you might want the ring bearer to look his finest.

Based on the above, that’s precisely what a gorgeous boutonniere can do — it can complete his fashionable ensemble. You could also arrange some beautiful flowers on the ring box or pillow he’s holding for an added glamorous touch.

  • Fathers and Grandfathers

Just like the groom, in most cases, these deferential gentlemen wear boutonnieres as well. It’s up to you (or them) to select if their floral accessories will match the groom’s or groomsman’s arrangements or be completely distinct.

  • Mothers and Grandmothers

mother of the bride holding flowers at her daughter's birthday

Mothers and grandmothers typically wear a two- or three-flower corsage, fastened to their left lapel or worn on the wrist. Alternatively, they can hold a single stem or a little nosegay. A petite bouquet might be a dowry of three to five flowers or a smaller version of the bridesmaids’ or bridal bouquet.

Alternatively, sticking to the single-stem plan, you could use a big, lush flower, like a garden rose, hydrangea, or peony, highlighted with a pretty ribbon. Again, it would be best if you remembered that your choice of flowers depends on what you believe works best for you.

  • The Groomsmen

Additionally, the groomsmen and best man may choose to wear boutonnieres. All the men in your wedding party can wear the same outfit, or you can make the best man stand out by making his boutonniere a little different. Some of the most incredible floral arrangements for a boutonniere include tulips, calla lilies, carnations, and roses.

  • Ushers, Readers, and the Officiant

Ushers, readers, and your officiant deserve to get flowers at a wedding. Given their significance to the wedding ceremony, you can also offer them exquisite flowers. To keep the general theme of your wedding extravaganza consistent, think about accessorizing these attendees with corsages or boutonnieres.

  • Close Family Members

Many brides honor their family’s significant contribution to their special day with corsages and boutonnieres. Giving flowers to members of your immediate family is usually a kind gesture. It not only looks fantastic in wedding photos, but it also helps your loved ones feel included on your special day.

Conclusion

One of the most significant days of your life is your wedding, and the floral arrangements you select for the occasion will make it even more memorable. Those who receive flowers at a wedding include the bride, groom, the day’s officiant, parents, and grandparents. To ensure those who get flowers don’t miss them, talk to your florist and day-of wedding coordinator about everything, including bridal bouquets and boutonniere styles.

I am Megan Nova, a wedding planner and Author based in New York City. My vast exposure in the wedding planning trade and my passion for storytelling has inspired me to share expert advice and creativity on this blog.

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