When it comes to planning your wedding there are countless ways to make the day a true reflection of you and your beloved, while also making it a uniquely delightful experience for all of your guests. One often underestimated element of a wedding celebration that truly adds so much to the overall guest experience is your wedding florals.
Over the years, Boizelle Affaires has experienced our fair share of wedding florals ranging from timeless neutrals to bold elevated arrangements. Traditional wedding flowers often favor soft pastels and whites. However, we are seeing more and more couples choose bold and unexpected color palettes including deep, rich burgundies, vibrant oranges, and pinks that pop.
We love when florists mix various textures, colors, and blooms that were once considered unusual for weddings but are now becoming more mainstream. Incorporating dramatic, moody tones or vibrant pops of color can totally transform the vibe of the ceremony and reception. This trend embraces each couple’s individuality, allowing them to express their style and create a floral ambiance that is personal.
First Things First
Typically, when most people think of wedding florals, they often picture bouquets and centerpieces. Florals can also be used as large-scale art structures, backdrops or ceiling installations. Everything from floral walls as a backdrop for photos to full length cascading tablescapes to cakes adorned with tiers of flowers, florals are no longer confined to just vases.
Floral installations create stunning visual experiences for guests, making every wedding feel more like an immersive experience. Flowers are used in bold, sculptural ways, with designers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in floral architecture. If you’re looking to create a wedding that feels truly unique, an elaborate floral installation is the way to go.
That being said, it is really helpful and important to consider a few things when budgeting for your wedding florals: The best blooms for each season, the cost for floral installations, as well as the differences between various arrangements and the equipment and staff needed to make your floral dreams a reality. While the world is your oyster when it comes choosing florals, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
The Season’s Best
Spring in our nation’s capital is truly magical, the cherry blossoms and gardens around the city are in full bloom creating a romantic atmosphere. Popular springtime flowers include peonies, ranunculus and tulips, these are your best options to achieve an airy and romantic vibe. Expect to spend $6-10 per stem for peonies, $2-3 per ranunculus, and $3-5 per stem for tulips.
Historically, Washington D.C. summers are hot and humid, but it’s also ideal for rich colors and lush flowers that stand out against the backdrop of D.C.’s iconic venues. Summer flowers are a wonderful way to infuse life and vibrancy into your celebration. Some of our favorites are dahlias, zinnias and the beloved garden rose. While these are available year-round, the summer offers a broader range of rose colors and would be another perfect way to capture the desired vision for you big day. Expect to spend $3-7 per stem for dahlias, $1-3 per zinnia, and $4-7 per stem for garden roses.
Another favorite versatile and transitional floral are dahlias. They work amazingly for most autumn brides and their visions of nuptials in the city. Chrysanthemums and pansies as well as cockscomb and cranberries bring out the stunning richness of colors, perfect for the changing foliage and cooler temperatures.
Finally, we find that winter weddings in Washington, D.C. have a unique elegance and a touch of magic. While floral options are more limited during the winter, the right flowers and greenery can create a stunning and sophisticated ambiance. Some of our favorite ways to decorate with winter florals include pine branches, magnolia leaves, amaryllis and orchids, as well as dainty spray roses to fill in gaps. Expect to spend $5-13 per stem for amaryllis, $4 per magnolia leaf stems, and $1-2 per stem for spray roses.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
After establishing a budget and choosing ideal blooms, it’s important to decide on the style that best fits your wedding theme and venue. We have found that there are two prominent styles of floral arrangements that can make your wedding stand out: elevated arrangements and traditional compote arrangements. Additionally, we love when couples use mantle florals and lots of candlelight as a way to add a touch of elegance to indoor venues.
Elevated Arrangements
Elevated arrangements are dramatic floral installations placed in tall vessels, often used for centerpieces or as focal points during the ceremony, traditionally at the altar or the beginning of an aisle. These arrangements are ideal for venues with high ceilings where you want to make a bold statement and work well for a modern or luxurious weddings. They also work well for guest visibility across the table!
Traditional Compote Arrangements
Traditional compote arrangements are low, lush arrangements typically featuring a mix of seasonal flowers and greenery in a wide, shallow bowl or vessel. They are versatile and classic in style aimed to create a romantic and intimate feel, making them ideal for dinner tables, smaller venues, or outdoor garden settings.
Mantle Installations
Mantle florals are absolutely perfect for creating an elegant focal point on a fireplace or a ceremony altar. These installations typically combine flowers, greenery, and candles, adding a cozy, sophisticated touch to your decor. They generally range from $300–$800, depending on the size and complexity of the design and add a unique backdrop for your “I dos”.
Wedding florals play such a vital role in the vision of a clients wedding. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or an extravagant celebration, flowers are a key ingredient to the magic that makes your day truly unforgettable.
Photography: @elliemckinneyphotography, @margaretstradaphoto, @gipephotography, @bradburckelphotography, @abbyjiu, @birdsofafeatherphotos, @anendlesspursuit, @alivaldez.photography, @nikkidaskalakis, @kylajeanette
Florals: @lavanda_eucalypto, @millcreekflorals, @sweetrootvillage, @flordecasa_designs, @bfloraldc_, @ricksflowersllc, @littleacreflowers
