“What Wedding Flowers Do I Actually Need?” (And Why That’s Not the Right Question)

Let’s be honest – wedding planning is full of questions you’ve never asked yourself before. And somewhere near the top of the list is “What flowers do I actually need?” Spoiler alert: it’s not just about bouquets and buttonholes. At Wildflower & Willow, florals aren’t about ticking boxes – they’re about transforming your space, setting the tone, and telling your story.

Let’s Start with the Staples (aka the Usual Suspects)

So, what wedding flowers do I actually need? Let’s start with the basics — the flowers you think you need. These are your classic, time-honoured floral elements. They’re beautiful, sentimental, and in most weddings, they play an important role. But they’re also just the beginning.

The Bridal Bouquet
This is the floral moment. It’s the one you’ll hold as you walk down the aisle, feature in your portraits, and (probably) preserve long after the big day. It should feel like a natural extension of your style – personal, symbolic, and absolutely stunning. I design bouquets to reflect you: your dress, your venue, your story. No cookie-cutter arrangements here.

Buttonholes or Boutonnières
Small but mighty. These little details pull your styling together beautifully, especially in photographs. Whether you want something wild and textural or minimal and sleek, they’re a nod to tradition that we can elevate to feel fresh and modern.

Bridesmaids’ Bouquets
Just because they’re not the main event doesn’t mean they’re an afterthought. I often design these to complement, not copy, the bridal bouquet – with subtle colour shifts, different textures, or unique details for each of your bridesmaids if you like. It’s all in the personal touches.

Ceremony Flowers
Here’s where things start to get interesting. Whether it’s a pair of grand urns, an aisle lined with wildflowers, or a meadow-style arch that frames your vows, ceremony florals set the tone for the entire day. They anchor the space and signal to your guests that something truly special is about to happen.

These pieces are beautiful, yes. But the question I ask is: how can we go beyond expected and create unforgettable?

Where the Magic Happens – Impactful Design Choices

This is where we move from pretty to powerful. These are the pieces that catch your guests’ breath and live on in their memories long after the confetti settles.

Because luxury doesn’t mean “more of everything.” It means knowing where to focus. Where to go big. And when to let a single bloom do all the talking.

Large-Scale Installations
Think suspended flower clouds, dramatic archways, or climbing florals that blur the lines between architecture and nature. These transform your venue into something that feels truly yours – and give your photographer endless beauty to capture.

Statement Entrance Pieces
You only get one chance at a first impression. A well-designed floral entrance makes a bold one. Whether it’s an archway, floral pillars, or a meadow-style path to the marquee, these pieces instantly tell your guests: This wedding is something special.

Tablescape Details
We can absolutely go grand on the tables (and often do), but sometimes it’s the details that make the difference: a single perfect stem in a bud vase, a textural runner of greenery, a mix of heights and vessels that create rhythm and movement across the table. Tablescape florals are often where your guests spend the most time – they should feel effortless, but rich in detail.

The Designer Difference
Here’s where working with a floral designer and stylist makes all the difference. (Hi, that’s me!) I’m not just choosing flowers – I’m curating an experience. It’s not about plonking arrangements into a room and hoping for the best. I consider how your florals interact with your linens, lighting, tableware, and venue architecture. I help you create a space that flows visually and feels cohesive from ceremony to last dance.

When you work with one person who sees the full vision – from the overall mood to the tiniest detail – you get impact without overwhelm. Cohesion without cookie-cutter. And florals that feel like they were always meant to be there.

So… What Wedding Flowers Do I actually Need?

That’s the question I love to answer in a consultation. Not what Pinterest says. Not what tradition dictates.
But what will make your wedding feel like you.
Because your florals should be as unique as your love story.

Ready to chat? Book a consultation and let’s bring your floral vision to life – minus the overwhelm.

There’s also a checklist on Brides.com that can be helpful in considering the range of flowers you could have, but always speak to your floral designer who will know what you need for your vibe and your space.