How to Pick Wedding Florals: The Guide Every Wedding Actually Needs

This is the only, no-nonsense guide you’ll need for how to pick wedding florals. When you start planning a wedding, florals suddenly feel like a personality test you never studied for. Garden roses? Ranunculus? Something that sounds like a pasta shape? Relax. You don’t need a ph.D. to choose beautiful wedding flowers — you just need a vision, a little strategy, and a great florist.

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Step 1: Start With the vision, not the flowers

The biggest mistake couples make? Trying to pick flower types first. Your florist doesn’t need you to know what a lisianthus is. They need you to know the feeling you want. These are some popular wedding floral vibes:

• Clean + modern

• Romantic + moody

• Minimal + architectural

• Warm + autumn inspired

• Soft + classic

• Earthy + natural

Once you dial in the vibe, your florist can translate it into actual blooms that fit the look and your budget.

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Step 2: Choose Flowers That Are In Season (Your Budget Will Thank You)

Seasonal flowers aren’t just fresher — they’re cheaper, fuller, and easier for florists to source. Here’s a quick breakdown:

 Spring Wedding Flowers = Airy, Soft, Delicate 

• Tulips

• Ranunculus

• Lilac

• Sweet pea

 Summer Wedding Flowers = Lush, Editorial

• Garden roses

• Peonies (early summer)

• Dahlias (late summer into fall)

 Fall Wedding Flowers = Textured, Warm

• Dahlias

• Mums

• Amaranthus

• Moody seasonal foliage

 Winter Wedding Flowers = Bold , Contrast

• Evergreens

• Roses

• Anemones

• Berries and branches

If you love a flower that’s out of season, ask your florist for a similar one that won’t cost the price of an international flight.

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Step 3: Focus on High-Impact Floral Areas

You do not need flowers everywhere. Prioritize the pieces that will be highly visible. Spend your money here:

• The bouquet

• Ceremony focal point (arch, ground florals, pillars)

• Head table or sweetheart table

• A bar install or statement arrangement

Everything else — aisle markers, cocktail tables, guest tables — can be simplified without losing the overall effect.

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Step 4: Pick 1–2 Hero Flowers and Build Around Them

The best wedding florals aren’t a free-for-all. They’re intentional.

Use this structure:

• One hero flower (ex: garden rose, peony, dahlia, orchid)

• One supporting flower

• Texture + foliage

This keeps arrangements cohesive, and photogenic — without blowing your budget.

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Step 5: Bring Inspiration Photos But Trust Your Florist

Show your florist 5–10 photos that capture the vibe you want. Then get out of the way. Let them do their thing and get back to you with some ideas. Don’t try to copy a Pinterest photo stem-for-stem. No one likes a copy-cat and it kills creativity. Let your florist design something that works with your season and your venue.

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Step 6: Talk Budget Early — Like… Right Away

Don’t set a budget as an exact number. Set a range from “heres my bare minimum” to “everything I want”. Floral pricing ranges depending on scale and season. Be honest about your budget so there are no surprises or sticker shock.

You can always ask: “Here’s my range. How can I spend it for the most impact?”

You’ll get clearer expectations and better results — every time.

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Step 7: Choose Florals That Match Your Venue

Your venue determines 50% of the floral story. A good pairing guide can look like this:

• Botanical garden: natural, airy, organic florals

• Hotel ballroom: dramatic, structured arrangements

• Vineyard: textured greenery

• Warehouse / industrial: modern, sculptural pieces

• Outdoor fall venue: rich tones, earthy textures, grounded stems

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Step 8: Be True To Yourself

As always, make sure all of your florals feel like they were made for you. Don’t spend excessively on florals because Jennifer Lawrence had that look for her wedding and you want it. Also don’t pick the biggest bouquet possible because your mother told you to do it. It’s your day, have it your way like the Burger King said. 

Joe and Victoria’s wedding at the Atrium at Meadowlark in Vienna, VA used florals that beautifully complimented their venue and their wedding aesthetic.  It was the perfect match for the season and they looked damn good with it. If you’re having your wedding at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, be sure to contact me so we can make it unforgettable! 

 

Venue: Atrium at Meadowlark

Florals: Floriography

MakeUp: Make Up By Brie Renzi

Hair: Sundown and Rise Up

Wedding Dress: Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique

Cake: Heidel Bakery

Videography: Fine Art Wedding Film

Assoc. Photography: Kayla Mae Photography