Who Wears Flowers at a Wedding in the UK? A Guide to Wedding Floral Traditions
At a wedding in the UK, flowers play an important role in celebrating the day and showing the relationships between the couple and their loved ones. Typically, the groom, groomsmen, and both sets of parents wear flowers like boutonnieres and corsages to signify their special roles in the ceremony. This tradition helps guests easily identify the wedding party and adds a beautiful touch to the overall decor.

You will also find that flower girls and page boys often wear smaller floral accessories, which can include corsages, wristbands, or boutonnieres. These personal touches not only enhance their outfits but also symbolize their connection to the couple on this important day.
Understanding who wears flowers can help you plan for your own wedding or better appreciate the customs at a friend’s celebration.
Types of Wedding Flowers and Accessories

When planning your wedding, choosing the right flowers for yourself and your guests is important. Flowers play a key role in the overall aesthetic and can highlight special relationships. Let’s explore some popular options, including corsages, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and hair flowers.
Understanding Corsages and Boutonnieres
Corsages and boutonnieres are classic floral accessories that hold meaning. A corsage is typically worn by mothers and grandmothers on the wrist or pinned to their clothing. A wrist corsage is a beautiful choice that makes it easy for the wearer to carry without fuss.
Boutonnieres are small floral arrangements worn by the groom and groomsmen. They are usually attached to the lapel of a suit. These buttonhole flowers add a touch of elegance and can match the wedding’s color scheme.
Choosing flowers like roses, orchids, or carnations can personalize these accessories.
The Charm of Flower Crowns and Hair Flowers
Flower crowns and hair flowers add a whimsical touch to your bridal look. A flower crown can be worn by the bride, bridesmaids, or flower girls. It typically features a mix of fresh blooms, creating a romantic vibe.
Hair flowers can be single blooms or small clusters placed throughout your hairstyle. They enhance your look while keeping things natural and lovely.
When choosing flowers, consider options like daisies or baby’s breath for a soft touch. These accessories help express your style and make your wedding day even more special.
Who Wears Flowers in the Wedding Party?

In a wedding, flowers are an important part of the celebration. They add beauty and a personal touch. Within the wedding party, several key roles include flowers as part of their attire, each holding its significance.
Role of the Best Man and Groomsmen
The best man and groomsmen typically wear a buttonhole flower, also known as a boutonniere, pinned to their lapels. This small floral piece often matches the bride’s bouquet or the overall wedding theme.
Common flowers for buttonholes include roses and carnations. You can personalize these flowers to reflect the groom’s style or the wedding colors. It’s customary for the best man to wear a slightly different flower or arrangement to stand out.
Moreover, the groom also wears a boutonniere that often features a unique bloom or arrangement, signifying his special role. This thoughtful detail adds sophistication to the wedding party’s look.
Bridesmaids and Flower Girls
Bridesmaids usually carry bouquets, which can range from simple arrangements to elaborate floral displays. These bouquets should coordinate with the bride’s bouquet, enhancing the color scheme of the wedding.
Flower girls often wear floral hairpieces or smaller bouquets. Their flowers are usually lighter and softer to match their charming attire. This role helps create a cohesive look across the wedding party.
Consider using seasonal flowers for these arrangements, as they add freshness to the celebration. Whether it’s roses, lilies, or sunflowers, choose blooms that reflect your style and the wedding’s theme.
Special Flowers for the Parents and Grandparents
Special flowers are given to the parents of the bride and groom. Mothers typically receive corsages, which are worn on the wrist or pinned to their dress. This gesture honors their role in the ceremony and ties them into the wedding’s floral theme.
Fathers usually wear a buttonhole flower like the groomsmen, creating a uniform look within the wedding party. Grandparents can also be included, often receiving similar floral arrangements to honor their presence.
Using flowers for these family members enhances the emotional aspect of the day. It shows appreciation for their support and involvement in your journey. Choose flowers that are meaningful or reflective of your family’s traditions to make it even more special.
Floral Etiquette and Tradition

When planning your wedding flowers, it’s essential to consider color schemes and floral arrangements that match the overall theme. Incorporating meaningful blossoms and family heirlooms can add personal touches to your special day.
Importance of Colour Scheme and Visual Representation
Choosing the right color scheme for your wedding flowers is crucial. It helps create a cohesive look throughout your ceremony and reception.
You can select colors that complement your wedding attire, such as the bride’s dress and the groom’s suit.
Here are a few tips:
- Match with Bridesmaids: Coordinate flowers with bridesmaid dresses.
- Venue Compatibility: Consider the colors of your venue to enhance the space.
- Seasonal Blooms: Use flowers that are in season for better vibrancy.
This attention to detail not only elevates the visual representation of your wedding but also ensures your floral arrangements blend beautifully with the overall atmosphere.
Incorporating Family Heirlooms and Meaningful Blossoms
Using family heirlooms in your floral arrangements can add sentimental value to your wedding. These heirlooms could be vases, brooches, or other items passed down through generations.
Additionally, think about incorporating blossoms with personal meaning. For example:
- Your Favorite Flower: Include blooms that you love or that hold special memories.
- Family Traditions: Consider flowers that reflect your family’s cultural heritage or traditions.
By combining these elements, your wedding flowers will not only look stunning but also tell a story that connects you to your family and friends.
