Beyond Centerpieces: 25 Creative Ways to Use Flowers in Your Wedding
Florals are a no-fail way to add a bit of beauty to your wedding. While they are best known as the centerpiece, they can actually create a bit of magic in other places. Whether strung from the ceiling overhead or swathed around your chairs, in bright bunches of blooms or husky hued wildflowers, they know how to change up the space. Bonus tip — repurposing florals from your ceremony to your reception is a great way to cut costs. Behold, a plethora of ways to flawlessly integrate them into the big day, sans the classic centerpiece.
By: Hillary Hoffower
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Backdrop Accents -170428
An artfully arranged heap of colorful wildflowers adorns a wooden frame as the focal point for a ceremony backdrop, paired with a macramé hang and large antlers for a bohemian feel.
Photo Credit: Darina Stoda Photography
Wreath Backdrop
This vibrant wreath is the song of a summer solstice, its oversized nature making it a whimsical and playful backdrop.
Photo Credit: 1985 Luke Photography / Florist: Vo Floral Design / Stylist: SmittenKiss
Aisle Runner
Shrubs of blooms decorate the aisles, changing it up from the traditional scattered petals.
Photo Credit: Danielle Nowak Photography
Archway
A garland of greenery and mellow roses frames an archway, instantly transforming the entrance.
Photo Credit: Jen Dillender Photography
Garlands
Floral garlands draped overhead freshen up any reception ceiling, creating a magical woodland indoors.
Photo Credit: Alison Conklin Photography
Dangling Flowers
Hanging strings of flowers takes a more delicate approach to floral ceiling décor, lending an air of whimsy and fun.
Photo Credit: Mango Studios / Planning: Rebecca Chan Weddings / Florist: FOS Décor Center
Curtain Ties
Forget ribbons — a bouquet of florals is the sweetest alternative to pull back curtains against tent poles. This pastel one in particular is all about the spring fever.
Photo Credit: Esther Sun Photography
Chandelier
An overhead floral wreath that emits whispers of romance is the perfect ceiling centerpiece for the dance floor, complemented by twinkling string lights.
Photo Credit: Luke Bugenske Photography
Seating Chart
A seating chart framed in magenta blooms pops, transforming it into a statement décor piece.
Photo Credit: Anneli Marinovich
Initials
Your new monogram never looks as beautiful as when it's showcased in bright flowers along the wall.
Photo Credit: Pen Carlson Photography
Staircase
A swath of pink roses framing a staircase banner and loose petals littering the steps are magically fit for a fairy-tale princess wedding.
Photo Credit: Le Secret D’Audrey
Art Installations
Suspended wrought iron sculptures in the shape of hot hair balloons and filled with overflowing purple blooms is a contemporary delight, managing to simultaneously be fun and sophisticated.
Photo Credit: Mango Studios / Planning & Event Design: Melissa Andre
Aisle Ends
Crates of lush greenery, vegetables and fruits, and sprigs of wildflowers are rich in nature, adding a rustic touch.
Photo Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography / Florist: Avery Beloved Bloom / Stylist: Avery Beloved Wedding
Aisle Markers
A bouquet of baby’s breath tied with ribbons of burlap and lace brings a bucolic element to ceremony chairs.
Photo Credit: McKenzie Brown Photography
Floral Arch
An arch made completely of florals is all romance, especially with a crystal chandelier hanging from its center. Complete with an aisle of white petals and large vases at the aisle ends, this outdoor ceremony set-up screams garden elegance.
Photo Credit: Muir Adams
Photobooth Wall
An ombre wall of roses is all sweet romance, creating a stunning backdrop to take pictures against.
Photo Credit: Anna Kim Photography
Dessert Tray
Roses and succulents take this donut tower to the next level.
Photo Credit: Cassidy Carson / Florist: Flowers by Milk and Honey
Cake Display
As if three cakes aren’t decadent enough, a bed of wildflowers and matching toppers make this trio even sweeter.
Photo Credit: Heart and Colour
Accents
A geometric candle holder complete with orange and blue flora has a modern, industrial vibe.
Photo Credit: Sarah Libby Photography
Menu
A ring of flowers gracefully frames a menu for a feminine touch.
Photo Credit: Mango Studios / Planning & Event Design: Melissa Andre / Florist: Canteiro
Napkin
Even a single flower can make all the difference — place a dainty stem in napkin ties to bring a softness to the place setting.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Chair Décor
Bodacious blooms grace wicker chair backs for a splash of color.
Photo Credit: Kristen Weaver Photography
Awning
Just because your reception is outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t create some ceiling magic. A canopy of florals thanks to perfectly situated trees is like a floating orchard.
Photo Credit: Eric Kelley
Ceiling Décor
An enchanting ceiling treatment of wisteria and fairy lights makes a dramatic and stunning statement.
Photo Credit: Victor Sizemore Photography
Lanterns
Vintage lanterns styled with bougainvillea and greens are playful accents to suspend from a tree in any outdoor wedding.
Photo Credit: Avec L'Amour Photography