Over 20,000 years ago, the concept of weddings was introduced as a way to forge alliances, protect properties, and encourage offspring. Many traditions have been created since then but they used to be a little simpler; a ceremony within your village, possibly some cake (depending on the culture), and of course, a happily ever after. Today, you know how it goes. A grand proposal, a huge engagement party, and a destination wedding weekend. But before we get to the 3-day wedding extravaganza, we need to plan the big day!
As you may already know, planning a wedding involves endless decision making: choosing a theme, finding a venue, tasting the food, sampling desserts, hiring entertainment, and the most exciting — choosing your wedding flowers! The right blooms can transform your venue, set the tone for the event, and complement your theme. From timeless classics to trendy stems, the array of options can feel beautifully overwhelming.
We created this guide to the 18 most popular wedding flowers to assist you in finding the perfect flowers and greenery for your big day. Whether you're looking for a romantic centerpiece, a vibrant bridal bouquet, or subtle accents for your wedding party, we've got you covered with options. Let's explore these stunning flowers and why they’re favorites for weddings worldwide.
1. Peonies
Peonies are beloved for their lush, full blooms, and soft romantic colors. Often considered the ultimate wedding flower, they’re perfect for adding a dreamy touch to aisles, bouquets, and centerpieces. Available in shades from white to deep coral, peonies are symbols of prosperity and a happy marriage. Their appearance is luxurious and has an intoxicating fragrance that makes them a favorite for spring and early summer weddings. Whether used as the star of the bouquet or as part of a floral arch, peonies always make an impressive statement. Their versatility and elegance make them a go-to choice for brides seeking a classic yet opulent look.
Blooming months: April through June
Cost: $$$
2. Roses
Synonymous with romance, roses are the classic wedding flower. They come in nearly every color, from pristine whites to deep reds, allowing for versatile use in any wedding style. Their timeless beauty and romantic symbolism make them a popular choice for the wedding party, bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arches. Whether you opt for traditional garden roses or modern spray varieties, they exude elegance and passion, setting the tone for a wedding celebration. Roses are often paired with other flowers to create custom designs that fit within any theme or color palette.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$-$$$
3. Ranunculus
Well regarded for their paper-thin petals and delicate appearance, ranunculus flowers add texture and elegance to all wedding arrangements. They come in a variety of colors, including the popular blush, peach, and burgundy, which makes them ideal for both pastel-themed and colorful weddings. Ranunculus are very versatile, adding a touch of playful elements to bouquets or sophistication to table arrangements. These flowers symbolize charm and radiance, making them a meaningful addition to your special day. Their intricate layers create depth and dimension, ensuring they stand out in any floral display.
Blooming months: March through May
Cost: $$
4. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are well known and loved for their large, lush blooms and come in colors from soft white to vibrant blue and pink. They’re ideal for adding volume and drama to arrangements. Symbolizing grace and gratitude, hydrangeas are perfect for romantic ceremonies and adorable garden-themed weddings. Their versatility allows them to stand out as the focal point flower or blend beautifully in mixed bouquets. Hydrangeas are also a popular choice for creating cascading arrangements or adding a dash of grandeur to table centerpieces.
Blooming months: April through November
Cost: $$-$$$
5. Dahlias
Dahlias are bold and dramatic, just like the finest of brides. They feature intricate petals that are visually interesting and are perfect for late summer and fall weddings. Available in a range of colors, from soft pinks to deep reds, dahlias symbolize inner strength and creativity. Their versatility makes them a no-brainer for bridal bouquets, reception or dinner table arrangements, and statement pieces throughout the event. Dahlias can easily elevate any wedding decor with their rich textures and striking appearance. They are ideal for creating a focal point that your guests won’t forget.
Blooming months: July through October
Cost: $$-$$$
6. Calla Lilies
Elegant and sophisticated, calla lilies make a stunning statement in bouquets or as single-stem arrangements. Their unique shape adds a modern touch to wedding florals. Typically available in classic white as well as deep purples and pinks, they symbolize purity and devotion, making them a meaningful choice for your big day. Calla lilies are often used in minimalist designs but can also add drama when paired with lush greenery or cascading arrangements.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$-$$$
7. Anemones
With their striking dark centers and bold petals, anemones provide a contemporary edge to wedding arrangements. They’re perfect for monochromatic or dramatic color schemes. Often seen in white with black centers or vibrant jewel tones, anemones symbolize anticipation. They’re a favorite for modern, elegant weddings and pair beautifully with greenery and other flowers. Their unique appearance makes them ideal for creating focal points that are both chic and timeless.
Blooming months: November through May
Cost: $$
8. Tulips
Symbolizing love and happy years, tulips bring a fresh and modern feel to weddings. They work well in both minimalist and elaborate arrangements for the wedding party, ceremony, or reception. Available in a wide array of colors, ranging from soft pastels to bold hues, tulips really can suit any wedding palette. Their simple yet striking form makes them a timeless choice for spring weddings and more. Tulips can be used in everything from elegant bridal bouquets to colorful table settings.
Blooming months: March through May
Cost: $$
9. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are dainty, fragrant flowers that add a tender, romantic feeling to wedding bouquets and reception centerpieces. Their pastel hues are most ideal for vintage-inspired weddings. Symbolizing a life of bliss with your sweet spouse, sweet peas create a beautiful ambiance. Use them in loose arrangements for a whimsical garden vibe or as accents in more structured designs. Their delicate appearance and subtle fragrance make them a charming addition to any floral arrangement.
Blooming months: March through November
Cost: $$
10. Proteas
Known for their distinctive and prominent appearance, proteas are perfect for bohemian or tropical-inspired weddings. Their bold look adds a modern twist to any arrangement you have in mind. Symbolizing courage and transformation (what's more courageous or transformative than marrying someone in front of everyone you know?!), proteas come in several sizes and colors, making them a standout choice for adventurous couples. Use them as focal flowers or pair them with greenery for a more dramatic effect. Proteas can also serve as a conversation starter, showcasing your unique taste in floral design.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$-$$$
11. Marigolds
Bright and cheerful, marigolds bring warmth and joy to weddings with a colorful or cultural theme. They are often used in traditional Indian ceremonies and can add a distinctive touch to any wedding celebration. Symbolizing creativity and passion, marigolds are perfect for garlands, centerpieces, or an accent stem in larger arrangements. Their rich hues of gold, orange, and red make them ideal for autumn or bold color palettes.
Blooming months: May through November
Cost: $
12. Gardenias
Highly fragrant and strikingly beautiful, gardenias are a timeless choice for classic and romantic weddings. They’re often used as focal flowers or delicate accents in bouquets for the bridal party. Their creamy white petals and glossy green leaves evoke elegance and refinement. Gardenias are perfect for creating boutonnieres, hair accessories, or adding a touch of luxury to your bridal party bouquets. Their strong scent makes them a delight for your guests, enhancing the ambiance of your wedding.
Blooming months: May through September
Cost: $$-$$$
13. Daisies
Simple yet charming, daisies add a cheerful and eccentric touch to wedding arrangements. Symbolizing innocence and purity, they’re ideal for rustic or casual weddings ceremonies. Daisies can be used in loose, hand-tied bouquets or as accents in larger arrangements like centerpieces at your reception. Their bright and sunny disposition brings a sense of joy and lightheartedness to your wedding setting.
Blooming months: April through September
Cost: $
14. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, more commonly known as mums, are multifaceted and robust flowers that come in a variety of shapes and colors. They symbolize longevity and joy, making them a meaningful choice for wedding decor. Use them to add texture and volume to bouquets or create lush centerpieces for your reception. Their affordability and availability make them an excellent option for budget-conscious couples as well.
Blooming months: August through November
Cost: $
15. Orchids
Exotic and luxurious, orchids add a touch of modern sophistication to wedding decor. Their unique shapes and colors make them a favorite for modern weddings. From white orchids to pink varieties, these flowers symbolize love, beauty, and strength. Orchids are perfect for tropical themed weddings or adding a contemporary edge to traditional arrangements. Their prominent appearance ensures they’ll be a memorable part of your special day.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$-$$$
16. Carnations
Affordable and long-lasting, carnations are a versatile flower that can mimic the look of more expensive blooms. They’re great for budget-friendly yet beautiful arrangements. Available in nearly every color, carnations symbolize admiration and love. Use them to create lush bridal bouquets, garlands for the ceremony, or as accents in mixed bouquets for a cost-effective yet stunning result. Their durability ensures they’ll look fresh throughout your big celebration.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $
17. Stephanotis
Stephanotis is a delicate and fragrant flower that symbolizes marital happiness, making it a meaningful addition to any type of wedding. Its star-shaped blooms are often used in bridal bouquets or as boutonnieres for the groom. Stephanotis adds an elegant touch to any wedding arrangement, and its crisp white petals complement both modern and traditional designs. Their scent is subtle and their appearance is refined, making them a favorite for intimate or classic ceremonies.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$
18. Anthuriums
Anthuriums are bold and contemporary flowers that make a statement in wedding decor. Known for their heart-shaped blooms, they symbolize hospitality and happiness. Anthuriums are ideal for tropical or modern weddings, bringing a pop of color and sleek design to arrangements. Available in many shades including red, pink, white, and green, they pair well with other exotic flowers (think hibiscus) or stand alone as striking focal points.
Blooming months: Year-round
Cost: $$-$$$
More Types of Wedding Flowers
The 18 flowers we listed above are certainly the most popular, but there are literally hundreds of other varieties that exist in the floral while. And while these well known options often steal the limelight, there are plenty of other stunning blooms to consider. Here are a few options to consider for your big day:
- Lilies – Elegant and fragrant, perfect for a sophisticated arrangement.
- Sunflowers – Bright and cheerful, great for a rustic themed wedding.
- Lavender – Adds a fragrant and whimsical touch to a fun ceremony.
- Zinnias – Vibrant and budget-friendly for every type of wedding.
- Delphiniums – Tall and striking, ideal for a dramatic bouquet.
- Poppies – Unique and colorful, perfect for an eclectic wedding.
- Hibiscus – Tropical and bold, great for a beachfront wedding.
Popular Wedding Greenery
Even the main character needs a sidekick. So for your wedding arrangements we recommend adding some texture and depth to your boutonnieres, bridal party bouquets, and centerpieces with gorgeous greenery. Here are some popular choices to include:
- Eucalyptus – Versatile, fragrant, and affordable.
- Myrtle – Symbolic of love and prosperity.
- Sage – Soft, rustic and lightly fragrant.
- Ruscus – Perfect for cascading designs.
- Leather Leaf Fern – Perfect to capture that lush vibe.
- Palms – Great for boho or tropical themes.
- Baby's Breath – Delicate, affordable, and classic.
We know you’re preparing for the most exciting day of your life and while we know that choosing the right wedding flowers can feel overwhelming, UrbanStems is here to make the process seamless. Explore our collection of wedding flowers to find the perfect match for your big day!
FAQs
What are the most popular types of wedding flowers?
The most popular wedding flowers are peonies, roses, ranunculus, and hydrangeas. These flowers are celebrated for their beauty, how versatile they are, and their ability to suit different wedding themes.
How much should I budget for wedding flowers?
Wedding flower costs vary based on the types of flowers, the season, and the size of your floral arrangements. On average, couples spend between $700 and $2,500 on their wedding flowers.
Where should I buy my wedding flowers?
For high-quality flower and streamlined service, consider UrbanStems. Our curated collection of wedding flowers is designed to meet your style and suit your budget.
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