Flowers play a significant role in weddings, adding beauty, fragrance, and a touch of elegance to the celebration. From the bridal bouquet to the centrepieces, flowers are an essential element of décor. However, when it comes to deciding who gets flowers on the wedding day, navigating through the maze of floral etiquette can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we’ll explore the traditional practices and modern trends surrounding floral distribution on the big day.
The Bride and Bridal Party:
- Bride’s Bouquet: Traditionally, the bride carries a bouquet down the aisle. It’s often a focal point of her ensemble and can be designed to complement her dress and the overall theme of the wedding.
- Bridesmaids’ Bouquets: The bridesmaids typically carry smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet or bouquets that coordinate with the wedding colour scheme. These bouquets serve as accessories and add to the cohesive look of the bridal party.
- Flower Girls: Flower girls often scatter petals down the aisle before the bride’s grand entrance. While they may not carry bouquets, they may wear floral crowns or carry small posies.
The Groom and Groomsmen:
Groom’s Boutonniere: The groom traditionally wears a boutonniere on the left lapel of his suit or tuxedo jacket. This small floral arrangement complements the bride’s bouquet and distinguishes the groom from the other men in the wedding party.
Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres: Similarly, groomsmen, ushers, fathers, and other male members of the wedding party often wear boutonnieres to signify their roles in the celebration. These boutonnieres typically match or complement the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
Family Members:
Parents: It’s customary to honour the parents of the couple with floral arrangements. Mothers may receive corsages to wear on their wrists or pin to their dresses, while fathers may wear boutonnieres like the groomsmen.
Grandparents: Some couples choose to extend floral tributes to their grandparents as well, especially if they play significant roles in their lives.
Ceremony and Reception Décor:
Altar Arrangements: Floral arrangements at the altar or ceremony space create a beautiful backdrop for exchanging vows. These arrangements can be repurposed as reception décor.
Aisle Markers: Pew markers or floral arrangements lining the aisle add a decorative touch to the ceremony venue.
Centrepieces: Floral centrepieces adorn the tables at the reception venue, enhancing the ambiance and tying together the overall theme of the wedding.
Special Guests or Contributors:
Officiant: Couples may choose to provide flowers for the officiant as a gesture of appreciation for their role in the ceremony.
Special Guests: Some couples opt to present floral gifts to special guests who have contributed to their wedding in significant ways, such as close friends or family members who have provided support throughout the planning process.
Personal Preferences and Cultural Considerations:
Modern Trends: While traditional guidelines exist, modern couples have the freedom to personalize their wedding floral arrangements according to their preferences and style. Some may choose to forgo certain floral traditions altogether in favour of alternative décor elements.
Cultural Traditions: Different cultures and religions have their own customs surrounding wedding flowers. It’s essential to consider any cultural or religious traditions that may influence the selection and distribution of flowers on the wedding day.
While there are traditional guidelines for who receives flowers on the wedding day, there’s also ample room for personalisation and creativity. Whether you adhere strictly to tradition or opt for a more contemporary approach, the most important thing is to choose floral arrangements that reflect your style, personality, and the significance of your special day. So, as you plan your wedding, consider the role flowers will play in bringing your vision to life and creating lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
