Choosing Your Wedding Flowers
- Gina Ludwig
- Jul 30, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Wedding Floral Inspiration From A Photographer's Perspective...
I remember being a young bride and knowing I wanted a Pinterest worthy bouquet ...but had absolutely no idea where to start. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how flowers can completely transform a space—from quiet gardens to grand ballrooms. Your wedding florals set the tone for your guests before you even walk down the aisle, and they show up in almost every photo in one way or another. So choosing the right ones isn’t just a floral decision—it’s a visual storytelling moment. Whether you're planning an elaborate event or an intimate vow exchange, your flowers deserve thoughtful attention. My first piece of advice shouldn't be controversial, but it sadly is...pay a florist! Wedding flowers are an art form, and trying to DIY them can easily turn into a stress spiral. If you’re worried about cost, consider reaching out to florists in smaller towns or more rural areas. You might be surprised by their creativity and affordability. Even if you don’t go big on installations or centerpieces, put your floral budget into your bridal bouquet—it’s the star of the show in most of your wedding portraits.
Current Wedding Flower Trends
The industry standard has always been that floral is roughly 10% of your overall wedding budget but lately I've seen that number pushed closer to 15%.
This increase doesn't necessarily mean flowers are getting more elaborate ...but my own perspective is that we simply seeing more variety in bridal bouquets than ever before. Most of my bride's have a wide range of unique stems on display. Gone are the days of symmetrical, uniform bouquets.
“Gone are the days of symmetrical, uniform bouquets”
Lush, oversized wedding bouquets have been the norm for a few years...
...but wedding bouquet trends for 2025 signal couples are leaning a little smaller and definitely looser than previous years.. I think we're seeing a curb in the maximalist, two-hander bouquets and bunches are instead leaning closer to a posy bouquet style with a more organic feel for themselves and also extremely minimalistic bouquets for the bridesmaids.
Maximizing Your Wedding Flower Impact...and Dollars
If you’re working with a tighter budget, here’s a little photographer tip: go big on one or two focal point flowers. Think king protea, garden roses, or even anthurium. These flowers are more expensive per stem, but you don’t need many of them. Their bold shape and texture can anchor your bouquet or ceremony arrangements and make everything look high-end without a massive investment. Trust me, they draw the camera’s eye instantly and elevate the look of all your other blooms. Also, don’t be afraid to make surprising swaps! Instead of defaulting to white roses, consider white anemones for a more graphic, high-contrast look—they’re modern, striking, and photograph beautifully with their dark centers.
“Instead of defaulting to white roses, consider white anemones—they’re modern, striking, and photograph beautifully with their dark centers.”
A few unexpected choices like that can really set your florals apart.
Don't Forget The Aisle
Aisle flowers are another secret weapon for stunning photos. Whether you're tying the knot indoors or outside, lining your aisle with florals adds so much depth and texture to your ceremony photos. You don’t need an over-the-top installation either—repeating arrangements or ground-level florals go a long way. By placing a more elaborate arrangement near the front and simpler coordinating bunches farther back you can cut costs without losing the dynamic effect. From overhead shots to the moment you walk back down the aisle as newlyweds, aisle flowers create consistent beauty in every frame.
Let Your Florist Do Their Job
One last piece of advice: try not to give your florist overly tight restrictions on colors—unless you're intentionally working with a very strict, two-toned palette. Giving up control can be hard ...your wedding is your baby...trust me, I get it. But you are paying a professional for a reason! Florists are artists, and some of the most breathtaking arrangements I’ve photographed happened because the couple gave their florist a little creative freedom. Maybe a shade of blush that wasn't in your Pinterest board ends up softening your palette in just the right way, or a pop of unexpected coral brings a fresh energy to your bouquet. Trust their eye for balance and contrast. Wedding flowers are at their best when they feel alive, not overly curated.
"Some of the most breathtaking arrangements I've photographed happened because the couple gave their florist a little creative freedom."
Whatever your take away from this is...just remember that if a rule doesn't resonate with you that's okay! Your wedding is a reflection of who you are and what your story is! Just remember to breathe and enjoy the beauty that wedding flowers bring to the table!!
Anxious to see more bridal bouquet inspiration? Check out my Pinterest Board here:
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