How to choose your wedding flowers 2026 guide
November 29, 2025
Whether you choose simple button holes, or want to decorate your entire venue with blooms, flowers will more than likely play an important part on your wedding day. Able to transform a space, add colour, or become part of a theme that runs throughout your wedding, flowers are not only a traditional part of a wedding, but can also be used in so many ways to add a touch of personality to your day.
With so many beautiful varieties of flowers and an abundance of suppliers, and of course an endless stream of images and ideas online, choosing your wedding flowers can feel like a daunting task.
Here’s our guide on picking the perfect flowers for your wedding day.
When are you getting married?
Once you have a date set for your wedding, you can start slimming down the options for your wedding flowers, as seasonal flowers will not only look better and be of better quality, but will be a lot cheaper too. If you have a florist, talk to them about the best flowers available at the time of your wedding.
For example, peonies are in season in the UK from mid-May to early July but would have to be shipped in from elsewhere if you are getting married outside of the British summertime. Likewise, hyacinths, orchids and roses can be in season in the UK throughout the winter months.
What is the theme of your wedding?
It’s important to consider the theme of your wedding before you start looking at flowers or talking to your florist, as generally your flowers should reflect the style of the day. For example, light coloured blooms mixed with lush greenery and roses would be perfect for a romantic, ‘fairy tale’ wedding, whilst a mix of bright add a modern pop of colour to a more contemporary theme.
The way in which the flowers are arranged also contribute to the style and theme of the wedding. Whilst lush arrangements of big, soft blooms are romantic and whimsical, cleaner and more minimalistic arrangements appear more modern. If you’re having a formal wedding, neater and more traditional flowers would be a good choice, but a more relaxed day would call for looser arrangements that are mis-matched for a more casual look.
What’s your colour scheme?
If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to selecting your wedding flowers, your colour scheme can be a good place to start. There are some flowers such as dahlias, carnations, roses and tulips which are available in a range of colours, whilst blooms such as peonies and hydrangeas are a bit more limited in their colour range.
Your wedding flowers don’t have to be an exact match to the rest of your décor, but you should certainly try to pick shades which will complement it. Consider the colours used throughout the wedding, from the invitations through to the table linen and bridesmaid dresses and take a few swatches or photographs with you when you meet your florist.
How much do wedding flowers cost?
The cost of wedding flowers in London can vary significantly based on several factors, including the types of flowers chosen, the size and complexity of the arrangements, and the specific florist. The prices for a bridal bouquet can go from £80 to £300, flowers for your ceremony can reach a few thousands. It's a good idea to get quotes from multiple florists and discuss your budget and vision with them to find the best options for your wedding flowers in London. We worked with a lot of florists and would be very happy to put in you touch with them.
Real vs Artificial wedding flowers
When choosing between real and artificial wedding flowers, both options have their pros and cons. Real flowers offer natural beauty, fragrance, and a wide variety of choices, creating an authentic and vibrant atmosphere. However, they can be expensive, have a limited lifespan, and are susceptible to wilting, especially in extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, artificial flowers are more durable, allergy-friendly, and can be prepared well in advance. They often cost less in the long run and can be kept as mementos. However, they may lack the natural charm and fragrance of real flowers, and high-quality artificial blooms can still be quite costly.
Flowers and colour scheme
Flowers play a crucial role in establishing and enhancing the colour scheme of a wedding. Here’s how they contribute to the overall aesthetic. Flowers can introduce and emphasize the primary colours of your wedding palette. For example, if your colours are blush pink and gold, selecting blush roses and peonies will set a soft, romantic tone. Touches of greenery or secondary blooms can highlight and complement the main colours. Using flowers in the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and ceremony arrangements ensures a consistent colour theme throughout the event. Well-chosen flowers can make wedding photos more vibrant and visually appealing. The colours of the flowers can pop against the bridal attire and the venue, creating striking and memorable images. Flowers provide beautiful, natural backdrops for photos, enhancing the aesthetic of both posed and candid shots.
What would work in your venue?
Your wedding venue automatically sets the tone for your big day, so choosing flowers to complement the space is a brilliant way to make sure the theme is consistent. Weddings taking place in grand venues may call for lavish arrangements of roses, orchids and flowering branches in timeless shades of white and ivory. More rustic settings, such as barns, often suit a more ‘boho’ approach, so consider a more garden-inspired look with crates of pretty, wild flowers.
Think about the characteristics of your venue, too. Beams can be decorated with vines and foliage, and if your venue has candelabras they can be adorned with blooms. If you have opted to have your ceremony in a large room with high ceilings, it’s a good idea to fill the space with large arrangements that won’t get lost, whereas ceremonies taking place in a registry office will need to be much smaller, and easy to install and take down in a short time.
The Brewery, best wedding venue in London
If in doubt, chat to your venue about what flowers have worked well in the past, and you may get some inspiration from discussing some the weddings they have held there previously. No one will know what works best in their venue than the venue themselves, so ask them as many questions as you can before making the appointment with your florist.
Here at The Brewery, we work closely with florists at Hybrid, a London based studio with a fantastic reputation for their innovative floral design. Before creating your bespoke wedding package, our wedding planner will listen to your individual requirements and can source anything from flowers to entertainment.
With an emphasis on originality, The Brewery is located in the heart of London and boasts a range of unique and adaptable spaces, full of character and each available to host your wedding ceremony and reception. For more information about planning your big day at The Brewery, get in touch with us today.
Wedding flowers FAQs
Do I need flowers at my wedding?
Flowers are a traditional and popular element in weddings, but whether you need them depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall theme of your wedding. Here are some considerations to help you decide: aesthetic, symbolism, fragrance, colours… Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding but not an absolute necessity. Your wedding should reflect your tastes and priorities. Whether you choose traditional flowers, alternatives, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that the decor feels right for you.
How do I choose the right wedding flowers?
Choosing the right wedding flowers involves balancing your budget, theme, seasonality, and personal preferences. Working closely with a professional florist and considering all aspects of your wedding will help you select flowers that beautifully enhance your special day.
How to choose flower colours for a wedding?
Choosing flower colors for your wedding involves a thoughtful and creative process that considers various factors to create a cohesive and visually stunning color palette. By considering your wedding theme, seasonality, personal preferences, and cultural symbolism, you can select flower colours that beautifully complement your special day.
How early to pick up wedding flowers?
Choosing wedding flowers should ideally be done several months before your wedding date to ensure you have ample time to make decisions, work with your florist, and secure your desired blooms.
Are fake flowers ok for a wedding?
Yes, fake flowers, also known as artificial or silk flowers, can be a perfectly acceptable choice for a wedding, and they come with several advantages (such as durability, cost, allergy-friendly etc). While fake flowers offer many benefits, some couples may prefer the natural beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers. Ultimately, the choice between fake and fresh flowers depends on your personal preferences, budget, and wedding vision. If artificial flowers align with your aesthetic and logistical needs, they can be an excellent option for your wedding day.
