The Complete Guide to Wedding Floral Items
What you actually need (and what you don’t), from a Colorado wedding florist
What you actually need (and what you don’t), from a Colorado wedding florist
There’s a lot to think about when planning your wedding, and flowers can quickly become overwhelming. My goal is to simplify how you think about your wedding florals so you can focus on what actually matters.
After designing over 300 weddings, I’ve found that most floral decisions come down to two questions:
Does this set the tone for the event?
Does this make an impact?
If the answer is no to both, you likely don’t need it.
This guide walks through the most common wedding floral items, with honest insight into what’s worth it—and what’s not.
Personal Flowers
Personal Bouquet (Wedding Bouquet)
100% yes.
This is the piece that truly sets the tone. It will be in nearly every photo, and it plays a big role in how you feel throughout the day.
A well-designed bouquet doesn’t just look beautiful—it helps you feel grounded and styled in front of the camera.
Boutonnieres
50/50.
They can be meaningful for a partner, parents, or grandparents, and help distinguish key people. But they can also quickly add up when extended to everyone.
At a certain point, it’s worth asking: is this where you want to invest?
Alternative idea:
Consider something more lasting, like vintage brooches, bolo ties, or a wearable gift that can be kept after the day.
Wedding Party Bouquets
50/50
Again, it is a nice gesture and definitely looks really tied together in the photos. These tie your color palette together and bring cohesion to your photos—especially alongside dresses or attire you’ve carefully chosen. The truth is: the bouquets tend to wilt and get forgotten by the wedding party after the ceremony because they are out of water for an extended period of time. They are generally only for photos, so you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.
You can also get creative here:
Monochrome bouquets
Single-variety designs
More minimal shapes
These can feel modern and sometimes more cost-effective.
Pro tip:
Repurposing your wedding party bouquets is really tough. Have your coordinator place bouquet vases at the reception so they can be reused and don’t wilt immediately after the ceremony.
Corsages
Optional.
They’re a thoughtful gesture, but less commonly worn than they used to be. Many people prefer something less traditional.
If you want to honor someone, consider:
Jewelry
A handwritten note
A meaningful keepsake
Petals
Aisle petals: Hard pass.
They’re expensive and often don’t hold up (wind, sun, foot traffic), and are usually only appreciated in a quick “before” moment.
Toss petals: Fun, but still a photo-forward decision.
If you love the idea, go for it—but know it’s more about the moment than lasting impact.
Alternatives that are more sustainable and intentional
Lavender
Leaves
Seasonal foliage
Pro tip:
Check with your venue—many don’t allow petals due to staining or environmental concerns.
Dog Collars
Very cute—if it matters to you.
If your dog is part of your day, a floral collar can be a fun, personal touch.
Pro tip:
Have someone dedicated to caring for your dog. You don’t want to manage that on your wedding day.
Ceremony Flowers
Altar Flowers
Must-have.
This is one of the most impactful design moments of your entire wedding. Ceremony flowers set the tone for everything that follows.
The key is designing with your environment, not against it.
If you have a beautiful natural backdrop, let the flowers enhance it rather than compete with it.
Aisle Flowers
Yes—if it fits your budget.
A full aisle of flowers can completely transform a space and create an immersive, elevated feeling.
They are an investment (often $200+ per foot), so scale accordingly.
Cocktail Hour
Bar Flowers
Yes.
Bar areas naturally draw attention, and flowers here can set the tone as guests transition into the reception.
A high-impact, often overlooked moment.
Satellite Table Designs
Optional.
They add cohesion across your event, but aren’t essential if you’re already investing in key focal areas.
Reception Flowers
Centerpieces
If you want a garden-style, abundant feel—yes.
Centerpieces create depth and richness in a space.
Round tables: typically 1 centerpiece
Rectangular tables: 2–5 arrangements depending on size
Bud Vases
The most cost-effective option—and still impactful.
They create movement and texture across tables without the cost of full centerpieces.
Round tables: ~3 vases
Rectangular tables: 5–7+ vases
They can also be paired with centerpieces for a more layered look.
Installations
Budget-dependent, but high impact.
These are your statement moments—hanging pieces, large-scale designs, etc.
Not necessary, but if you want a transformative feel, this is where it happens.
Welcome Table
Nice to have.
A small floral moment here helps set the tone right as guests arrive.
Cake Flowers
Simple and effective.
A few well-placed blooms can elevate your cake without needing a full floral design.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need everything.
If you focus on a few key moments that set the tone and create impact, your wedding will feel intentional, cohesive, and elevated—without unnecessary spend.
