Why Your Bouquet Deserves a Starring Role: A Guide to Summer Wedding Bouquets in the UK

There are few moments more iconic than when you first appear on your wedding day. Whether you glide down the aisle or strut your stuff, your guests will take in three things instantly: your smile, your outfit, and your bouquet. And let me tell you, your bouquet is not just a bundle of blooms – it’s a statement, a story, and sometimes, a whole personality in flower form! LEt’s dive into creating the perfect summer wedding bouquet!

As a floral designer, I get giddy just thinking about bouquets. They might be small in size compared to installations or centrepieces, but oh boy, do they pack a punch. They’re personal. They’re symbolic. They’re the first thing people see when they look at you, and one of the last things captured before you toss it (if you dare – if you don’t just hit me up for an extra tossing bouquet!)

Creating bouquets is one of my favourite parts of the job – from chatting about what colours make you feel something, getting to know you and any personal touches we can add, hearing about your outfit or dress to figuring out the shape that suits your style, to finding those little details that make it uniquely you (yes, I’ve included herbs, lockets, and even a radish once!)

It’s just the most precious, individual and special thing to create for you – and there’s a lot more to it than bouncing some blooms together!

​​A Little Bouquet History (Because Flowers Have Always Meant More)

Bouquets have been a part of wedding traditions for centuries, and not just for their good looks. In ancient Greece and Rome, brides carried herbs like garlic and dill to ward off evil spirits (and possibly nosy in-laws). In the Victorian era, flowers were chosen based on their meanings – roses for love, myrtle for good luck, and ivy for fidelity.

The idea of the bouquet toss? That came about in the 14th century, when guests would literally try to rip pieces of the bride’s dress or flowers as good luck charms. (Hence the clever invention of tossing the bouquet and running away!)

Today, your bouquet is less about superstition and more about expression. It tells your story, sets the tone, and becomes one of the most photographed parts of your day – second only to your face, of course!

Sustainable Blooms for UK Summer Weddings

Sustainability is important to me, see my other posts, and is becoming more important to couples which is amazing. Luckily, summer in the UK offers a stunning array of locally grown flowers that are beautiful and better for the planet, and look just perfect in your bouquets. If you’re looking for some more carbon friendly options, and want to know where your blooms have come from, here are some of my top picks.

Top Flowers for Summer Wedding Bouquets

• Sweet Peas: Fragrant, fluttery, and oh-so-pretty. These are perfect for a romantic, whimsical vibe.
• Cosmos: Delicate and airy, with pretty daisy-like faces and soft colours.
• Garden Roses: These have that luxury look with layers of ruffled petals and an incredible scent. Bonus points if they’re grown locally.
• Dahlias: Big, bold and brilliant. They bring structure and drama to your bouquet.
• Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist): Adds texture, colour, and the cutest little seed pods later in the season.
• Scabiosa: Light and bobbly with a wildflower feel – dreamy in looser bouquet styles.
• Achillea (Yarrow): Flat-topped clusters that come in a rainbow of shades and bring depth and detail.
• Ammi Majus: A lacy, delicate flower that works as a beautiful filler and gives that ‘meadow-picked’ feel.

All of these can often be sourced from UK growers, reducing your floral footprint while supporting local flower farms – a win win in my book. 

Choosing seasonal flowers isn’t just a tick for sustainability—it’s a smart move for style, quality, and your budget too. Locally grown, in-season blooms haven’t been flown halfway around the world or pumped full of chemicals to keep them fresh. 

That means a lower carbon footprint and fresher, more vibrant flowers that last longer on the day. Plus, when you’re working with what nature is already giving us at that time of year, the results tend to feel more organic, cohesive, and beautifully tied to your season. You’re not fighting against nature – you’re flowing with it. Win – win – win!

What Does That Mean? A Quick Summer Wedding Bouquet Glossary

Ever heard your florist, or your Pinterest board, talk about ‘hand-tied’, ‘textured’ or ‘meadow-style’ and smiled while secretly Googling it later? I got you. Here are some common terms you might see.

• Hand-tied: A style of bouquet where flowers are gathered and tied together with twine or ribbon, giving a more natural, less structured shape.
• Posy: A small, round bouquet, typically easy to hold and quite classic.
• Cascading: A bouquet that flows downwards in a trail, often dramatic and full.
• Textured: A mix of different shapes, sizes and materials to give interest and depth.
• Meadow-style: Looser, more wild and whimsical in shape, often using seasonal or wildflowers.
• Focal flowers: The big showstoppers in the bouquet, like a dahlia or rose.
• Filler flowers: Smaller blooms or greenery used to support and frame the focal flowers.
• Ribbon trails: Long strands of ribbon tied around the stems that trail down. Dreamy in photos!

Let’s Create Something You Love

Bouquets might be a small part of the overall wedding styling, but they’re a big moment in your day. I pour just as much love into these bundles of beauty as I do the big installations. Because when it comes to walking down the aisle, holding something that feels like you? That’s magic.

So whether you’re dreaming of wildflower whimsy, timeless elegance, or something a little quirky and offbeat, your summer wedding bouquet is the perfect place to start.

Ready to chat about your dream bouquet (and maybe a whole lot more)? Let’s talk florals, styling, and everything in between.