Wedding Flowers: Meanings Behind The 5 Most Popular Flowers

Your wedding day requires a lot of planning, from the catering, to the flowers and the venue. Bouquets have a lot of meaning, with each type of flower representing a different symbol, your bouquet means more than just decoration.

Whether you are looking to decorate a wedding venue in Cumbria to replicate the flowers in your garden or planning a bouquet with an individual twist, staying up to date with flower trends can help you choose the best choices for your wedding.

Below, we will look into some of the most popular wedding flowers of all time, according to The Knot, and the meaning behind them so you can pick the perfect bouquet for your special day.

Rose

It is no wonder that the rose is at the top of the wedding flowers list – its traditional connotations with romance and love make it perfect for any wedding bouquet. However, did you know that each colour variation has its meaning?

If you want to branch away from the traditional red and white roses, consider opting for purple or yellow. The purple rose connoted royalty, majesty and even enchantment. This can give a luxe feel to your wedding as the deep hues give elegance to your bouquet.

The yellow rose suggests happiness and appreciation. This can add a vibrant pop of colour to your big day. It can also symbolise friendship for those soon-to-be newlyweds who are not only partners but best friends too. You could even use them in your maid of honour bouquets instead to recognise your joy when surrounded by your loved ones.

The best bloom for a rose is in June, and with this being a quintessentially English flower, it is perfect for any wedding that indulges in tradition. From carrying them down the aisle in the English countryside to confetti made from their dried petals, roses can make a big impact on your day, whether as part of a large bouquet or a singular flower.

Ranunculus

The flower is glossy, bowl-shaped with tightly packed petals. Featured second on The Knot’s list, this flower can elevate and fill out any bouquet or floral centrepiece. This flower symbolises attraction and charm – making it a brilliant choice for the power couple getting married.

This could be an alternative to the rose. With colours ranging from cream to burgundy, this floral selection can fit any wedding aesthetic – whether you are aiming for a traditional white wedding or a gothic one.

Blooming in spring to early summer, this flower is best for those warmer weddings. And due to their packed paper-thin petals, they would work well inside a statement centrepiece or a larger bouquet where these flowers can be the focal point.

Peonies

The peony is the third on the list – specifically the coral charm peony, according to The Knot. This flower symbolises honour, wealth, and beauty. Not only can it add a touch of luxury to your ceremony, but also an abundance of love heading into your marriage.

With colours including red, yellow, white, and pink, the peony can fit into most wedding décor either as a statement piece or to accompany your other design choices. As with the roses, each colour of peony comes with its own meaning. The red peony can suggest passion and respect, whereas the white peony implies new beginnings.

Peonies bloom best between late April and mid-June, but depending on your tastes, you might want to choose the blooming stage of your flower. Unlike other flowers, some peonies can change colour during their bloom. Both the Coral Sunset and the Coral Charm are capable of this.

Dahlias

If you are looking for a flower with plenty of variety in shape and colour, look no further than the versatile dahlia. Not only is this fourth on the list, but it is also a predicted flower trend for 2023, according to Clever.

The dahlia has had symbolism dating back to the Victorian age, where they connoted dignity and devotion. This is perfect for couples looking to dedicate their lives to one another going forward. These flowers also symbolise love and beauty, explaining their long-standing involvement with weddings.

Flowering best between midsummer and autumn, these flowers are a great choice for weddings taking place later in the year – even during colder months. Their strong stems make them perfect for bouquets or centrepieces that will need transporting or to remain beautiful during a long wedding ceremony.

Calla Lily

Finally on the list is the calla lily. While traditionally, the lily implies death; they have also been known to represent rebirth and innocence. The calla lily itself can be a symbol of life and fertility. For those looking to start a family as they head into married life, this could be a good luck token for the day.

This flower will usually bloom in early summer, but planting them in spring can be delayed until the end of summer. Discussing your wedding date with your florist could mean these lilies bloom best just in time for your big day.

Flowers can offer a great variety of symbolism for your wedding, from suggesting passion and respect to rebirth and innocence. Your flowers can make your day special to you and represent yourself and your partners values.