What flowers do you need to have – & for who – at your wedding? Don’t worry – this is a very common question! And, while I know this may come as a surprise (especially coming from a florist), the answer is… you don’t actually need any.
Having an idea of what you want for each person, though, is really helpful when you start meeting with florists, planners, etc.
What are personal flowers?
You may be wondering, “What the heck do people mean by ‘personals’ when talking about wedding flowers?”
Personals are items that are specifically for a person to carry or wear during the day of the wedding.
Wedding Party Flowers Etiquette
Like everything wedding-related, who gets flowers is entirely up to you and your partner!
The people getting married, and each person in their wedding party, all typically have some sort of floral element.
Traditionally, the parents & grandparents of those getting married also get some sort of floral item. But I think traditions (and “proper etiquette”) are just peer pressure from dead people, and I encourage you to do whatever the hell you want.
Cam Vitale Photography & Cinematography
Who gets personal flowers?
Here’s a list to get you started, but don’t take this as me telling you these are required!
- You
- Everyone on your side of the wedding party
- Your partner
- Everyone on their side of the wedding party
- Any children involved (flower girl, ring bearer, etc.)
- Others involved in the ceremony: officiants, ushers, etc.
- Important relatives: parents, grandparents, godparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.
- Special guests: anyone else who you and your partner might want to give a little extra attention.
More Frequently Asked Questions
- Who gets boutonnieres at a wedding?
People who will be wearing things like suits or tuxes, or even just button-down shirts, vests, suit/tux jackets, etc.
Most commonly, it’s those in the wedding party, and family members of the couple, who identify as men.
Some couples also get boutonnieres for their ring bearers, officiants, and ushers.
- Who wears corsages at a wedding?
People who will be wearing things like pantsuits, dresses, etc.
Most commonly, it’s those in the wedding party, and family members of the couple, who identify as women.
Some couples get corsages (and/or boutonnieres) for their officiants and ushers if the ushers, too.
- Do moms wear corsages at weddings?
In my experience, it’s most common for the mother figures of the couple to wear corsages. Corsages can be worn on the wrist or worn similarly to a boutonniere and pinned to the wearer’s clothing. My couples usually opt for the type worn on the wrist.
Other options that couples like for moms are nosegays (essentially mini bouquets) and floral hair combs/accessories.
- Who gets a bouquet in a wedding?
Bouquets, and bouquet alternatives, are traditionally what couples select for brides, those who are getting married, and anyone in the wedding party who identifies as a woman.
I’m a big believer in “there are no rules,” so if anyone wants a bouquet, I vote to give them one!
- Are corsages necessary for wedding?
The answer to this probably depends on who you ask, but you probably know what my answer will be…
No! Corsages, like all wedding flowers, are not necessary for a successful, happy wedding.
Common personal items my couples order:
Bouquets
Boutonnieres
CorsagesWant something more unique for your wedding flowers?
Other, less-traditional items have been gaining popularity for weddings with a bit of a more modern or alternative aesthetic, such as lanterns and hoops.
Opting for a modern take on bouquets can help add a personalized layer to your big day. For example, bouquets with one large flower are a fun way to mix things up!
Hoops are a great option for flower girls. Many venuses no longer allow petals – or anything – to be “tossed” or “thrown,” and since flower girls tend to be pretty young, hoops are easy to carry and are quite durable.
As I said, no flowers are required for your wedding…
It’s important to remember that neither the amount of flowers you have, nor how much you spend on your flowers, make your marriage any more or less valid. You’ll still end the day married to the love of your life.
That being said, I would absolutely love to provide you with some guidance in figuring out what florals you want for your wedding, contact me to set up a consultation!
