When planning your wedding, every floral detail becomes part of the story. A story that begins long before your walk down the aisle. Your personal wedding flowers set the tone for the day: meaningful, romantic and exquisitely you. With so many types of arrangements, each carrying its own tradition and purpose, it’s no surprise that many brides-to-be find themselves unsure of what is truly needed.
At David Austin Wedding Roses, we understand that planning your dream wedding can feel overwhelming. That is why we have created this beautifully curated glossary and checklist of personal wedding flowers. Designed to help you feel empowered and inspired, you can use this as you prepare for your floral design consultation. Whether dreaming of a grand destination wedding in the South of France or a timeless celebration in the rolling hills of Napa, this guide is your essential companion. It will ensure every cherished person has their floral moment and that your wedding day is picture-perfect.
Personal Wedding Flowers: A Glossary
Bridal Bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is one of the defining elements of your wedding day and likely the most photographed. From the moment you walk down the aisle to every cherished portrait, this floral masterpiece will be by your side. Your bouquet should reflect your personal style, carry meaningful symbolism and complement your wedding aesthetic flawlessly. This is your floral signature moment – romantic, unforgettable, and entirely yours. If you would like to keep your bouquet but observe the bouquet toss tradition, ask your florist to create a tossing bouquet. You could also use one of your bridesmaids’ bouquets.
Bridesmaids Bouquets
Designed to beautifully complement your bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets are slightly smaller in scale but still full of beauty and intention. Carried during the ceremony and throughout group photographs, they offer an opportunity to play with tone and texture, matching, contrasting, or subtly mirroring your rose bouquet. Your florist will help you create a harmonious collection that enhances your bridal party’s look and feel.
Flower Girl’s Bouquet / Basket Petals / Flower Crown
For your flower girls, consider a mini bouquet, a basket of petals to scatter or a delicate flower crown. Each one is a sweet, whimsical nod to your floral story. These age-appropriate touches often echo elements from your bridal bouquet to create a beautifully cohesive look.
Groom’s Boutonnière
Meaning buttonhole in French, a boutonnière is a small floral arrangement worn on the left lapel of the groom’s suit or tuxedo. It should be positioned directly above the heart and secured with a pin or magnet. Traditionally, boutonnières include the same flowers as the bridal bouquet. Depending on the groom’s preference, these are oftentimes more elaborate in design than the groomsmen’s boutonnières, a nod to the groom’s significant role in the day.
Father of the Bride and Groomsmen Boutonnières
Boutonnières aren’t just for the groom! They should also be offered to key male figures such as the father of the bride and the groomsmen, honouring their important role. The design of the groomsmen’s and father’s boutonnières typically references the groomsmen to create a cohesive look. These boutonnières are worn in the same place as a groom – on the left lapel. You may like to extend boutonnières to ring bearers and ushers.
Corsages for Immediate Female Family Members
A corsage is an elegant floral arrangement worn by immediate female family members who are not bridesmaids. Think mothers, aunts and grandmothers. Designed in harmony with the wedding palette, they are a wonderful way to identify key members of your wedding party. Traditionally worn tied on the wrist or pinned to a dress or jacket, ask those whom you would like to wear a corsage which style they prefer. Be mindful that sometimes an outfit will dictate their choice.
Boutonnière or Corsage for Officiant
Whether your officiant is a close friend, family member or a professional, presenting them with a boutonnière or corsage is a thoughtful gesture. For female officiants, it’s thoughtful to ask whether they’d prefer a pin-on or wrist corsage. Do keep in mind that if religious attire is being worn, a floral accessory may not be appropriate.
Fun Extras
While the key players in your wedding party will be front and centre, there’s something special about extending your floral story to unexpected places. These thoughtful extras might not be essential, but they’re the details your guests will remember, and the finishing touches that elevate your wedding to truly unforgettable. For those invited to take on a special role in your ceremony, perhaps as a reader or witness, consider giving them a small floral piece to honour their role. For many couples, including a beloved dog is a non-negotiable. A lightweight, dog-safe floral collar adds a playful, heart-warming and photo-perfect detail.
Personal Wedding Flowers: A Checklist
Your wedding day is a celebration of love and beauty, and personal wedding flowers are a signature part of that. From the statement-making bridal bouquet to the delicate petals carried by your flower girls, each floral detail plays a role in the overall experience and aesthetic. Our personal wedding flowers checklist is designed to give you clarity and confidence, making your floral planning feel less like a guessing game and more like a joy-filled journey. Download and save this checklist to bring along to your florist meeting. It is the perfect starting point for discussing your floral vision and ensuring no detail is missed. And of course, for a truly unforgettable floral experience, choose David Austin Wedding Roses – where unparalleled beauty, style and fragrance meet.
VENDOR DETAILS
Wedding Roses: David Austin Wedding Roses | Photography: Sposto Photography | Floral Design: Oak and The Owl | Planning: Vanessa Michelle Co|Hair and Makeup: Ashley Fierro | Video: Perfect Union Films | Linens: La Tavola | Venue: Vista Valley Country Club
