At a traditional wedding, personal flowers go to the couple, the wedding party, both sets of parents and grandparents, and anyone with a role in the ceremony such as readers, ushers and officiants. Below is the full list, so nobody is missed on the morning of the wedding.
The couple
The bride carries a bridal bouquet, usually the largest and most detailed arrangement of the day. Many couples also order a smaller tossing bouquet if they plan a bouquet toss, so the original can be preserved.
The groom wears a boutonniere that is traditionally made from a flower repeated in the bridal bouquet, which visually ties the two together in photographs.
The wedding party
Bridesmaids carry bouquets, typically smaller than the bride's and often in a simpler palette. The maid or matron of honour sometimes carries a slightly larger or distinct arrangement.
Groomsmen wear boutonnieres, usually simpler than the groom's so his stands out. The best man may wear a slightly different one.
Flower girls carry petals, a small basket, a posy or a floral crown. Ring bearers may wear a small boutonniere.
Parents and grandparents
Mothers of the couple receive corsages, either pinned or on the wrist. Ask which they prefer, since a pinned corsage can damage delicate fabric.
Fathers of the couple wear boutonnieres. Grandmothers receive corsages and grandfathers boutonnieres. Stepparents are traditionally included on the same basis.
This is the group most often forgotten. Count every living grandparent attending before finalising the order.
Ceremony participants
Readers, soloists, ushers and anyone giving a blessing traditionally receive a boutonniere or corsage. So does the officiant, though some decline, so ask first.
Guest book attendants and gift table attendants are commonly included where the couple wants to acknowledge them.
Who is sometimes included
Some couples order flowers for a memorial table honouring family members who have died, or place a single stem on a reserved seat. Others provide a small arrangement for the getting-ready suite, which appears in a lot of morning photographs.
A simple count before you order
Work through this list before your final florist meeting: one bridal bouquet, one bouquet per bridesmaid, one boutonniere per groomsman plus the groom, two mothers, two fathers, every grandparent attending, every ceremony participant, and any flower girl or ring bearer.
Write the number next to each line. Most last-minute additions are grandparents and readers, and both are easy to miss until the morning of the wedding.
Common questions
Who traditionally pays for wedding flowers?
Traditionally the bride's family paid for the ceremony and reception florals while the groom's family covered the boutonnieres and the mothers' corsages. Most couples today split the cost or pay for it themselves.
Do grandparents get flowers at a wedding?
Yes. Grandmothers traditionally receive corsages and grandfathers boutonnieres. Grandparents are the most commonly forgotten group, so count every one attending before you finalise the order.
Does the officiant get a boutonniere?
Traditionally yes, though some officiants prefer not to wear one, particularly clergy in formal vestments. Ask in advance rather than assuming.
Do ushers and readers get flowers?
Ushers, readers, soloists and anyone with a speaking or ceremonial role traditionally receive a boutonniere or corsage as acknowledgement of their role.
Should stepparents receive flowers?
Yes. Stepparents are traditionally included on the same basis as parents, receiving a corsage or boutonniere. Where family dynamics are complicated, it is worth deciding early so nobody is overlooked on the day.
What is a tossing bouquet?
A smaller, less expensive bouquet made for the bouquet toss so the bridal bouquet can be kept intact and preserved afterwards. It is optional and only needed if you plan a toss.
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