Month Six: Wedding Flowers

Flowers have formed a symbolic part of the marriage ceremony since the beginning of recorded time.  Steeped in tradition and symbolism they are an essential part of any wedding celebration. In the modern world, wedding flowers reflect our cross-cultural communities and unify the multi-faith society we live in.  Blooms from the world over are air freighted in and sold at flower markets throughout Scotland - you can have whatever your hearts desire.  Flowers can be used to wonderful effect to clearly express and signify who we are as individuals, couples, families and communities.  If trying to create a specific style, mood or theme there's a flower or flowers to match.  They can transform a venue, bringing it to life, creating a beautiful environment and a stunning sense of occasion. 

You might already have a vision of how your wedding will look, or you could be in need of some advice. Think about what flowers you already like and dislike.  Do you prefer traditional floral arrangements or a few wild flowers presented in a simple vase?  What flowers do you buy for your home?  How do these preferences fit with the style of wedding you are hoping to have, what you'll wear, your choice of venue(s) and the time of day and year you are marrying in?  Are flowers a priority?  Are they the starting point to creating your day? 

The national flower of Scotland is the thistle. It looks fantastic in a bouquet and even better when used in a buttonhole or corsage. The Scottish bluebell is also considered a national flower. Seek the advice of a reputable florist - our suppliers search can assist.  Get quotes from more than one and do ask your venue who they recommend. If you are looking for inspiration a visit the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens is a must. Scotland can also boast a plentiful supply of fantastic, floral garden venues from privately owned castles and estates - such as the traditional Highland estate of Ardkinglas on the banks of Loch Fyne (which has been used as the backdrop for TV dramas and films) to Dundas Castle, just eight miles from Edinburgh and set in 1,000 acres of garden and parkland, complete with a secluded loch side boathouse for a romantic wedding night. Use our venues search to find many more. 

When considering styling your reception remember that 'less is more' - it may sound like a cliché - but most reception rooms need little more than flowers to transform them. Work with what you have and if there is something you can't change (like the colour of a carpet) just go with it. Trying to cover it up will only draw attention to it. But if something you don't like can be changed (like hiring chair covers or table-wear) that may be all you need to do to transform the space. Use the category dropdown menu in our suppliers search that lists many different kinds of companies who will be able to help you. 

Below is a typical wedding flowers checklist to assist you.  Finally, it is always nice to leave your guests with a fantastic last image of you (rather than you being the last to leave and draped around one another on the dance floor!) and the 'tossing of the bridal bouquet' is a great way to achieve this.  It is also a tradition dating back to medieval times in the UK. It was then believed a bride could pass on her good fortune to others and in an attempt to avoid her clothing being torn by those wanting a piece of her good luck, a bride would toss her shoe or flowers into the crowd as she got away.  As shoes were more valuable it was the tossing of the bouquet that became the norm.  Hence tradition now dictates that the girl who catches the bouquet will receive the bride's good fortune and be the next to secure a husband! So gather your guests together and toss the bouquet as you depart to a round of applause… 

Wedding flowers checklist                          

Bride's bouquet	quantity
Bridesmaids' bouquets/corsages	quantity
Buttonholes	quantity
Corsages	quantity
Floral headpieces	quantity
Ceremony arrangements	quantity
Reception arrangements	quantity
Table centerpieces	quantity
Buffet table arrangements	quantity
Cake table flowers?	quantity
Additional spaces?(bathrooms, corridors,  etc.)	quantity

 

 

VisitScotland's Wedding Planner
Wedding Top Tips
Month One: Getting Started
Month Two: Finding Your Dream Venue
Month Three: Bridal Wear
Month Four: Deciding Groomswear
Month Five: Wedding Day Food
Month Seven: Photography
Month Eight: Transport
Month Nine: Guests
Month Ten: Hair and Beauty
Month Eleven: The Big Day
Month Twelve: Honeymoon