How to Choose Wedding Flowers and Arrangements

Let’s be real — wedding flowers are gorgeous, but choosing them? That can feel like walking through a field of Pinterest boards and floral jargon with no map. What’s a boutonniere again? Do you really need flowers on the cake? And how far ahead are you supposed to place your order? If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about wedding flowers — how to choose them, when to order, and which ones you’ll actually need — so you can breathe easier and focus on the fun stuff.

Where to Start with Wedding Flowers?

Start with the basics before you get carried away by garden roses and eucalyptus trails.

Key aspects of the process include choosing the right color palette and selecting the perfect lighting to set the tone for the event.

Here are a few examples of event styles:

Lock in your date and venue. Why? The location and season will guide what flowers are available and what styles work best. A beach wedding in July? Think hardy, sun-loving blooms. A winter ceremony in a ballroom? Go lush and dramatic.
Set your budget early. Flowers typically take up about 8–15% of a wedding budget. That includes bouquets, boutonnieres, wedding ceremony décor, and reception flowers. Be upfront with your florist — they’ll help you prioritize and adjust based on what matters most to you.
Find your floral vibe. Are you all about wildflower whimsy or more of a classic calla lily lover? Think about what colors, textures, and shapes make your heart skip a beat. This is your starting point.

How to Pick Wedding Flowers That Fit Your Style

Picking wedding flowers isn’t just about what looks pretty (although, yes, that helps). It’s about what works with your whole wedding story — the setting, the vibe, the season, and your personal style.

Here’s how to make it easier:

Start with your color palette. You don’t have to match everything, but your flowers should complement the other elements — bridesmaid dresses, linens, invitations.
Choose blooms by season. Not only is this more budget-friendly, but it also ensures your flowers are fresh and thriving. Peonies might be dreamy, but if your wedding’s in November, you’ll either pay a premium or need a backup plan.
Think shape and structure. Do you want loose, organic arrangements? Or clean, structured designs? Your floral choices should reflect that.
Bring personal meaning. Maybe it’s a bloom your grandmother loved or the flower from your first date bouquet. These little details make your arrangements feel more “you.”

What Flowers Do You Need for a Wedding?

Here’s the quick and dirty breakdown of who needs what:

Personal Flowers:

Bride’s bouquet
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Groom’s boutonniere
Groomsmen’s boutonnieres
Corsages for moms and grandmas
Boutonnieres for dads and grandpas
Flower girl petals or mini bouquet

Ceremony Flowers:

Welcome or entrance arrangements
Aisle markers or florals
Altar or arch flower
Pew or chair decorations

Reception Flowers:

Guest table centerpieces
Head or sweetheart table arrangement
Cake florals or cake table accents
Bar, lounge, or gift table florals

You don’t need everything, but knowing your options helps you decide what’s important and what you can skip.

When to Order Wedding Flowers

Timing matters big time when it comes to wedding florals.

Book your florist 6 to 9 months in advance. If your wedding is during a peak season (think spring or fall), aim closer to the 9-month mark.
Finalize your flower list 3 months out. By then, you should have your guest count, layout, and bridal party set — all of which impact your floral needs.
Confirm delivery and setup logistics 2–4 weeks out. Your florist needs to know when to arrive, where to go, and who to hand flowers to.

If you’re planning on a shorter timeline, it’s doable — just be flexible with flower choices and quantities.

How to Choose Your Wedding Bouquet

This one’s personal. The bridal bouquet is front and center in most photos and should reflect you.

Here’s how to pick a winner:

Match it to your outfit. Your dress or suit’s fabric, cut, and vibe should guide the shape and feel of your bouquet. A flowy boho dress? Go for a loose, romantic style. A modern jumpsuit? Try a chic, minimal bouquet.
Keep proportions in mind. Petite brides don’t need a towering bouquet. Let your florist help you find something that complements your frame without overwhelming it.
Don’t forget scent. Some flowers smell incredible (hello, garden roses), but others might be overpowering up close. Balance beauty with wearability.

Wedding Party Flowers Etiquette

Wondering who should carry what? Here’s the traditional breakdown — feel free to mix it up based on your crew:

Bride: Full bouquet
Bridesmaids: Smaller versions or coordinating arrangements
Groom: Statement boutonniere, often matching the bride’s bouquet
Groomsmen: Simplified boutonnieres
Parents and grandparents: Corsages or boutonnieres
Flower girl: Petal basket, floral crown, or mini bouquet

Tip: Keep a checklist for who gets what — it saves headaches on the big day.

How to Pick Flowers for a Bouquet

Whether you’re choosing your bridal bouquet or something for your bridesmaids, here’s the formula:

Start with a few focal blooms — big, eye-catching flowers like roses, peonies, or proteas.
Add in supporting flowers for color and variety — think ranunculus, lisianthus, or scabiosa.
Finish with greenery and filler — eucalyptus, ruscus, or baby’s breath.

Stick to three to five types of blooms max. Too many and things can get chaotic fast.

How to Arrange a DIY Wedding Bouquet

Want to try arranging your own bouquet?

You’ll need:

A mix of statement flowers, filler flowers, and greens
Floral tape, ribbon, scissors, and patience
A mirror or friend to test how it looks in-hand

Start with your focal flowers in the center, then layer in filler and greenery around them. Wrap with tape to secure, trim the stems, and wrap with ribbon. Practice before the wedding — trust us.

In a (Flower) Nutshell

Choosing wedding flowers doesn’t have to be confusing. Start with your vibe, know your must-haves, and trust your florist to guide the rest. And if you’re ever feeling stuck?

That’s where we come in.

At Miami Flowers Time, we’re all about making florals feel fun, not frantic. Whether you’re dreaming of romantic roses or tropical statement pieces, we’ll help bring your wedding vision to life — one bouquet at a time.