As a Kent wedding photographer, I always make sure I take a close look at the flowers a bride and groom have chosen for their wedding day. You will often find me photographing a brides engagement ring amongst her wedding bouquet; alongside shots of her getting ready these feminine details look stunning together in your wedding album.
Given that Kent is the garden of England, I figured I should do a bit of research into the hidden meanings of flowers that my couples may use. There are so many different types of flower that I thought I would share a few popular wedding flowers with you.
The Rose
Apparently, the rose is the most popular wedding flower; I could have guessed this given how 90% of the weddings I have photographed this year have featured them in some way. Different colour roses symbolise different things. White means purity and innocence, Red roses mean passion and beauty whilst pink tones symbolise gentleness and admiration.
The Freesia
Freesia's give off a sweet scent so make for a lovely bridal bouquet. Representing friendship, trust and honesty; all fantastic relationship values, they symbolise far more than most are aware.
The Gypsophila
Affectionately known as 'Baby's Breath', gypsophila apparently represents fertility. Many couples seek to start a family shortly after they have said their vows, incorporating the flower into your wedding day subtly sends this signal to your guests.
The Sunflower
Representing pure thoughts and adoration, the easily recognisable sunflower adds a fantastic splash of colour to any wedding. Contrasting against a deep navy blue suit would make for some fantastic wedding photography.
The Calla Lily
Signifying faithfulness & sophisticated elegance, the Calla Lily is an unusual shape flower. Tied delicately, the stems allow them to form a good bouquet or when placed in a vase a fantastic centrepiece.
The Hydrangea
Recently back in fashion the hydrangea offers a large bloom of flowers representing gratitude. Everyone should be grateful for the friends and family around them making the Hydrangea a perfect addition to your wedding day.
The Gerbera
A Gerbera is a larger version of the childhood favourite, the Daisy. One of the meanings behind the flower is cheerfulness which given Gerbera's come in such vibrant colours, it would be hard not to smile with a buttonhole like this one.
The Peony
One of Beth's favourites, the Peony is believed to bring good fortune and a happy marriage. What better choice for a wedding bouquet?
More than a bouquet...
Flowers are used for so much more than just the bouquets and buttonholes. A good florist will be an expert at creating stunning centrepieces and archways, alongside making versatile arrangements that can be repositioned, this is especially useful if your ceremony & reception are in different locations.
Like everything, transforming a venue into a floral explosion comes at a cost, according to Hitched an average couple will spend £1200 on their wedding floristry but for larger venues it is not uncommon for it to be more. The extravagant of folk can spend upwards of £5000 if they are after a full package with a flower wall large enough to make Kim Kardashian jealous.
Whatever you choose, whatever your budget; all I ask is one favour. It is extremely hard for your wedding photographer to be able to capture the signing of the register when there is a massive arrangement in the way, it is even harder for your guests. Sometimes practicality is just as important as beauty.