When it comes to wedding design, flowers do more than decorate—they define the mood. A thoughtfully curated floral plan turns ordinary venues into lush, living environments. Whether you’re hosting an intimate courtyard elopement or a black-tie ballroom affair, understanding the different types of wedding floral arrangements gives you the vocabulary to plan with intention.
Here’s my guide to the 10 foundational floral types every stylish couple should consider, with real-world design notes and scale strategies from the Greg Reese Events portfolio.
1. Bridal Bouquet
The showpiece that sets the tone
- Typically the most lavish personal arrangement.
- Shape matters: hand-tied, cascading, garden-style, or nosegay.
- Design tip: Use signature blooms here first—peonies, orchids, garden roses—and echo them throughout the rest of your florals for cohesion.
“Your bouquet shouldn’t match your personality—it should amplify it.”
2. Bridesmaid Bouquets
Scaled-down companions that complement the bride
- Often smaller versions of the bridal bouquet.
- Can feature fewer premium blooms or a tighter palette to save on cost.
- Consider dried elements (like pampas or ruscus) for visual contrast.
3. Boutonnieres
Small but powerful
- Worn by the groom, groomsmen, and close family.
- Typically made with a single bloom (ranunculus, rose, or carnation) plus greenery.
- Greg Reese Events always double-secures them—no drooping halfway down the aisle.
4. Corsages
Traditionally worn by mothers, grandmothers, or officiants
- Can be pinned or worn on the wrist.
- For modern elegance, opt for petite blooms like spray roses or lisianthus over larger blossoms.
5. Ceremony Backdrops & Arches
Where all eyes land during your vows
- Options include floral arches, grounded floral nests, chuppahs, or hanging installs.
- These can be repurposed later behind your sweetheart table or cake display—smart design meets budget efficiency.
“At one ranch wedding, we turned a floral arch into a photo booth backdrop. Double duty, full impact.”
6. Aisle Flowers
Guiding the walk to forever
- Ideas range from simple chair bouquets to meadow-style arrangements lining the entire aisle.
- Petals scattered by the flower girl? Timeless.
- Pro tip: Use floral clusters at the entrance and halfway down for balance without overstuffing.
7. Reception Centerpieces
The core of your tablescape
- These vary in size: low-and-lush compotes, tall arrangements on risers, or eclectic mixes across tables.
- Greg Reese Events often blends height and texture to create movement across the room.
- Include taper candles or votives for added depth and lighting magic.
8. Sweetheart Table Florals
Your own private garden at the reception
- Typically more luxe than guest table centerpieces.
- Options include cascading floral runners or structured arrangements in varying heights.
- Don’t forget coordinating linens and chargers—it’s a photo moment.
9. Floral Installations
The “wow” factor
- These can be suspended from ceilings, built over staircases, or draped along fireplaces.
- Budget $1,500–$7,000+ depending on scale and mechanics.
- Use these to direct attention (above a dance floor, behind the cake) or create immersive moments.
“Installations are where you stop decorating and start storytelling.”
10. Welcome & Accent Arrangements
Subtle touches that complete the atmosphere
- Entry table florals, bar arrangements, powder room touches—these quiet details round out the event experience.
- Often overlooked, but incredibly photogenic.
- Dried elements, grasses, or sculptural branches can make these stand out without overpowering.
What Should You Budget for Wedding Flowers?
Most couples working with Greg Reese Events allocate 8–15% of their wedding budget to floral design. A custom floral plan includes:
- Full floral concepting
- Vendor curation
- Floral design reviews
- Repurposing strategy for key pieces
- Coordination of setup, install, and strike
Planning Tip from Greg:
“Think of flowers as set design. They frame your story, evoke emotion, and bring the room to life. Don’t just pick colors—choose intention.”
Looking for a floral designer who understands art direction, logistics, and layered storytelling? Let’s build your wedding flower plan together. Contact Greg Reese Events to start your personalized design journey.
