Wedding flowers by season
Choosing wedding and bridal flowers: long-lasting, pollen-free choices by season, stems that need extra care, and taboos for Chinese, Japanese and Korean weddings.
Good choices by season (5+ days vase life, no pollen stains, not strongly scented)
Handle with care
- Pollen stains gowns — remove the anthers: Lily
- Short-lived — make up the day before or on the day: Tulip, Tree peony, Narcissus (daffodil), Camellia, Iris, Anemone, Lily of the valley, Gardenia, Jasmine, Dahlia, Lotus, Water lily, Clematis, Poppy, Sweet pea, Grape hyacinth (Muscari)
- Strongly scented — use sparingly indoors and on dining tables: Lily, Narcissus (daffodil), Freesia, Hyacinth, Lily of the valley, Stock (Matthiola), Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Marigold, Sweet pea, Tuberose
See also: How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture · Floral design styles compared
FAQ
Are lilies a good wedding flower?
They can be, but lily pollen stains gowns and suits, so remove the anthers; and lilies are highly toxic to cats, so avoid them if the couple has cats.
What shape is a classic bridal bouquet?
The classic is a round Biedermeier bouquet: concentric rings of tightly packed blooms, usually no more than three focal flowers, finished with a foliage collar.
Any flower taboos for Chinese, Japanese or Korean weddings?
Avoid white or yellow chrysanthemums (linked to funerals) and quantities of 4; for Japanese couples also avoid 9.