Popular Wedding Flowers: Symbolism, Seasons, and More

From the bridal bouquet to the wedding arch, boutonnieres, and centerpieces, the flowers you choose for your wedding will depend on your color palette, theme, budget, and availability. However, the most popular wedding flowers are chosen for their symbolism and beauty. Here’s a breakdown of flowers to have in mind when you meet with your florist.

Roses

• Symbolize love, beauty, and passion (different colors have additional meanings).
• Best for bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces.
• Available year-round.
• Varieties include garden roses, spray roses, and hybrid tea roses, plus they come in a wide selection of colors.

Ranunculus

• Symbolize charm and attractiveness.
• Best for bouquets and boutonnieres.
• Available from winter to spring.
• Wide variety of colors with a beautiful, layered petal structure.

Peonies

• Symbolize happiness, romance, prosperity, and good fortune.
• Best for bridal bouquets and lush arrangements (they may be more expensive than other options).
• Available in spring and early summer (peaking in May and June).
• Colors include white, red, yellow, and shades of pink.

Hydrangeas

• Symbolize heartfelt emotions, gratitude, and abundance.
• Best for large arrangements and centerpieces.
• Available from summer through fall.
• Colors include white, blue, pink, purple, and green.

Tulips

• Symbolize love and new beginnings (different colors have additional meanings).
• Best for spring weddings and minimalist bouquets.
• Available in spring for the freshest tulips.
• Wide variety of colors, including variegated and multicolored options.

Lisianthus

• Symbolize appreciation, gratitude, and charm (different colors have additional meanings).
• Best for soft, romantic bouquets.
• Available in summer and fall.
• Wide selection of colors, including two-toned varieties, though white and pink are chosen most often.

Orchids

• Symbolize luxury, beauty, and strength.
• Best for elegant and exotic weddings.
• Available year-round.
• Varieties include phalaenopsis and cymbidium, and though they come in many colors, pure white and deep purple are the colors most commonly selected for wedding bouquets.

Anemones

• Symbolize love, anticipation, and protection.
• Best for modern weddings as focal flowers in bouquets and centerpieces.
• Available from fall to spring.
• The most common variety is a striking black center with white petals to add dramatic contrast to an arrangement.

In addition, common greenery choices for filler are silver dollar eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, olive branches, and ferns, plus traditional baby’s breath (gypsophila) for a soft touch of white.

What will complement your dress and venue? What will match the season to save you money and ensure freshness? Will the scent of your chosen flowers overwhelm your venue? The florist you select will walk you through the best choices for your wedding flowers and help you balance your vision and your budget.

If you’re eager to explore your options, mark your calendar for Wisconsin’s longest-running and most prestigious bridal expo. Discuss your wedding with several florists in person at the 58th Annual Wonderful World of Weddings Show, January 10-11, 2026, at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park. We can’t wait to help you plan your day!