The Biggest Mistakes Couples Make with Wedding Flowers (and How to Avoid Them)
Wedding flowers set the tone for your big day, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Here are the top pitfalls couples face when planning their florals, and expert tips to avoid them.
Planning your wedding flowers should be an exciting experience, as they play a crucial role in setting the mood, transforming your venue, and telling your unique love story. However, since many couples don't plan weddings frequently, it's easy to make small mistakes that can lead to unnecessary time, money, or stress.
The good news is that with the right florist by your side, these pitfalls are entirely avoidable. Here are the most common mistakes couples make when it comes to wedding flowers, along with tips on how to sidestep them.
1. Leaving Florals to the Last Minute
The Problem: Many couples wait until the final months to book their florist. By this time, dates may be booked up, and certain flowers could be hard to secure.
The Fix: Book your florist as soon as you confirm your venue. This allows sufficient time for planning, designing, and sourcing the most beautiful blooms for your big day.
2. Not Sharing a Clear Budget
The Problem: Couples often hesitate to share their budget, fearing it might limit their options. Without clear guidance, florists can only guess, leading to mismatched quotes and potential disappointment.
The Fix: Be upfront about your budget as early in the process as possible. A good florist will help you prioritize and create arrangements that have the most impact within your budget.
3. Forgetting About Logistics
The Problem: That dreamy Pinterest arch might not fit your venue’s entryway, or a hanging floral installation may not be feasible without rigging points. Additionally, seasonal heat and setup times can greatly affect what's realistic.
The Fix: Rely on your florist’s expertise. We understand how flowers perform in various spaces and conditions, and we can guide you toward choices that are both beautiful and practical.
4. Trying to Exactly Recreate Pinterest Finds
The Problem: Inspiration images often showcase high-end budgets, imported flowers, or heavily edited designs that may not be achievable locally. Trying to replicate them exactly can lead to unrealistic expectations.
The Fix: Use Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration regarding mood, colour, and style rather than as a strict shopping list. Trust your florist to interpret your vision in a way that works for your wedding.
5. Overlooking Repurposing Options
The Problem: Ceremony flowers often look stunning but may only be used for 30 minutes before being left behind.
The Fix: Plan to repurpose your flowers. Aisle arrangements can become table centerpieces, plinths can be moved to the dance floor, and arch flowers can frame your cake or photo booth.
6. Ignoring Personal Touches
The Problem: Flowers can feel generic if they're solely based on trends.
The Fix: Incorporate meaningful elements, such as your grandmother’s favorite bloom, colors that connect to your heritage, or flowers that evoke memories of a special place. These personal details make your arrangements memorable and unique.
7. Underestimating the Scale of Florals
The Problem: A few bouquets and small table arrangements may look lost in a large ballroom or outdoor venue.
The Fix: Consider flowers as part of your overall styling. Your florist can advise you on where to go bold and where to keep it simple for maximum impact.
Final Thoughts
Every couple wants their wedding flowers to leave a lasting impression. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free process and florals that truly wow on your special day.
If you would like expert guidance and assistance in navigating these decisions, I would be delighted to discuss your wedding vision with you.
Wedding Flowers by Colour & Season: A Guide for Canberra Couples
Find Your Perfect Blooms. This guide gives you a seasonal snapshot of what’s blooming in Australia throughout the year, with a focus on locally grown flowers available in Canberra and surrounds. By choosing in-season florals, you not only support local growers, but also get the freshest, most beautiful flowers for your day.
Dahlia’s in season late summer into autumn
Find Your Perfect Blooms, One Shade at a Time
Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, bold jewel tones, or vibrant garden colours, this guide makes it easy to plan your wedding palette.
We’ve organised popular summer flowers available in the ACT by colour, with a focus on supporting local and Australian growers. While imported blooms are sometimes available, they can come with added costs and complexities.
Here’s a seasonal snapshot of what’s typically available to us here in Australia.
Summer Wedding Flowers by Colour
Sun-drenched hues, lush textures, and garden-fresh abundance
Summer brings an explosion of colour and variety — from playful pastels to vibrant brights and everything in between. It’s the perfect season for bold statements, soft romance, or breezy, wildflower-inspired designs.
White & Off-White
Agapanthus, Amaranthus, Bouvardia, Calla Lily, Clethera, David Austin Rose, Hydrangea, Lisianthus, Peony (November only), Rice Flower, Snowberry, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Tuberose
Pink & Blush
Amaranthus, Bouvardia, Calla Lily, Cottage Rose, Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Lisianthus, Peony (November only), Spray Rose, Standard Rose
Peach, Apricot & Latte
Calla Lily, Cottage Rose, Dahlia, David Austin Rose
Purple, Mauve & Plum
Agapanthus, Calla Lily, Dahlia, Hydrangea, Lavender, Lisianthus, Standard Rose
Red & Burgundy
Amaranthus, Calla Lily, Cottage Rose, Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Gloriosa Lily, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Copper Beech Foliage
Yellow & Lemon
Calla Lily, Cottage Rose, Dahlia, Spray Rose, Standard Rose
Green & Natural Tones
Amaranthus, Clethera (stems), Crab Apple Branches, Green Privet Berry, Hydrangea, Lisianthus, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Wild Grass, Young Berries
Orange
Calla Lily, Cottage Rose, Dahlia, Spray Rose, Standard Rose
Multi-Tonal / Bi-Colour
Dahlia, Spray Rose, Standard Rose
Foliage & Branches
Copper Beech Foliage (Burgundy), Wild Grass (Natural), Crab Apple Branches (Green to Red)
Peonies- the local season is short and sweet, and changes year on year depending on weather patterns. Imports available June-August
Autumn Wedding Flowers by Colour
Moody tones, layered textures, and bold seasonal charm
Autumn is all about richness — deep tones, dramatic blooms, and beautiful, textural foliage. Think warm colours, sculptural shapes, and florals that feel cosy and opulent.
White & Cream
Cotton, Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Erica, Freesia, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Lisianthus, Scabiosa, Sedum, Tuberose, Tulip, Veronica, Zinnia
Pink & Blush
Amaranthus, Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Erica, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lisianthus, Pink Pepper Berry, Scabiosa, Sedum, Tulip, Veronica, Zinnia
Peach, Apricot & Latte
Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Hyacinth, Sedum
Purple, Mauve & Plum
Celosia, Dahlia, Freesia, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Kale, Lisianthus, Rattail Celosia, Scabiosa, Tulip, Veronica
Red & Burgundy
Amaranthus, Celosia, Cymbidium Orchid, Dahlia, David Austin Rose, Gloriosa Lily, Lisianthus, Rattail Celosia, Scabiosa, Tulip, Zinnia
Yellow & Lemon
Celosia, Dahlia, Freesia, Hyacinth, Tulip, Zinnia
Green & Natural Tones
Amaranthus, Cymbidium Orchid, Jasmine Foliage, Kale, Lisianthus, Trick Carnations
Orange
Celosia, Dahlia, Freesia, Tulip, Zinnia
Multi-Tonal / Bi-Colour
Dahlia, Cymbidium Orchid, Tulip
Foliage & Branches
Jasmine Foliage, Kale, Pink Pepper Berry
Hydrangeas- the varieties and possibilities are endless
Winter Wedding Flowers by Colour
Crisp beauty, subtle drama, and sculptural textures
Winter weddings may be cool in temperature, but they’re full of floral potential. Expect striking silhouettes, fragrant blooms, and elegant colour palettes with plenty of character.
White & Cream
Andromeda, Anemones, Astilbe, Blushing Bride Protea, Daffodil, Daphne, Earlicheer, Flowering Viburnum, Freesia, Hyacinth, Jasmine Buds/Flower, Kale, Magnolia Buddy Branch, Peony (French Import), Poppy, Ranunculus, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Wax Flower
Pink & Blush
Andromeda, Anemones, Astilbe, Blushing Bride Protea, Daphne, Flowering Viburnum, Freesia, Hyacinth, Jasmine Buds/Flower, Magnolia Buddy Branch, Peony (French Import), Ranunculus, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Wax Flower
Peach, Apricot & Coral
Hyacinth, Peony (French Import), Ranunculus, Stock
Purple, Plum & Mauve
Anemones, Freesia, Helleborus, Hyacinth, Ranunculus, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip
Red & Burgundy
Anemones, Astilbe, Freesia, Poppy, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Tulip
Yellow & Lemon
Daffodil, Freesia, Poppy, Tulip
Green
Helleborus, Kale
Bi-Colour / Multi-Tonal
Sweet Pea, Tulip
Darkest Blue / Black
Black Privet Berry, Black Kale, Helleborus
Earthy & Textural
Magnolia Buddy Branch (Brown buds, soft pink/white flowers)
Tulips- available in numerous shades
Spring Wedding Flowers by Colour
Soft petals, heady fragrance, and fresh beginnings
Spring is a floral dream — full of fresh, delicate, and joyful blooms. It’s the season of abundance, offering everything from blousy blooms to sweetly scented stems in soft romantic tones.
White & Cream
Andromeda, Anemones, Arabs Eye, Blushing Bride Protea, Boronia, Chincherinchee, Corn Flower, Flannel Flower, Freesia, Lilac, Peony, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Rice Flower, Snowball Viburnum, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Tweedia, Waratah, Wax Flower
Pink & Blush
Andromeda, Anemones, Blazing Bride Protea, Blossom Branches, Boronia, Dogwood Branches, Freesia, Peony, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Rice Flower, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Wax Flower
Peach, Apricot & Coral
Blossom Branches, Peony, Ranunculus, Stock
Purple, Mauve & Plum
Anemones, Bearded Iris, Freesia, Lilac, Ranunculus, Rhododendron, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip
Red & Burgundy
Anemones, Freesia, Peony, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Waratah
Yellow & Lemon
Bearded Iris, Boronia, Daffodil, Freesia, Ranunculus, Tulip
Green & Natural Tones
Helleborus, Kale, Snowball Viburnum
Blue
Corn Flower, Tweedia
Lemon coloured stock and white ruffled tulip
Year-Round Wedding Flowers by Colour
Reliable beauties that bloom almost all year round
White & Cream
Alstroemeria, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Chincherinchee, Daisy, Delphinium, Disbud Chrysanthemum, Easter Daisy, Gladioli, King Protea, Lily, Misty, Orchid (Phalaenopsis & Mixed varieties), Queen Anne’s Lace, Scabiosa, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Sweet William Carnations
Pink & Blush
Alstroemeria, Aster, Carnations, Delphinium, Disbud Chrysanthemum, Gladioli, King Protea, Lily, Orchid, Scabiosa, Snapdragons, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Succulents, Sweet William Carnation
Peach, Apricot & Antique Tones
Alstroemeria, Carnations (Antique tones), Disbud Chrysanthemum, Gladioli, Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Snapdragons, Succulents
Purple, Mauve & Plum
Aster, Delphinium, Disbud Chrysanthemum, Gladioli, Lilac, Misty, Orchid, Queen Anne's Lace, Scabiosa, Snapdragons, Standard Rose, Sweet William Carnation
Red & Burgundy
Alstroemeria, Banksia, Carnations, Gladioli, Hypericum Berries (Green to Red), Leucadendron, Orchid, Protea, Queen Anne's Lace, Ranunculus, Scabiosa, Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Sweet William Carnation, Sunflowers (Teddy Bear)
Yellow & Gold
Alstroemeria, Banksia, Billy Buttons, Carnations, Daisy, Freesia, Gladioli, Orchid, Snapdragons, Sunflowers, Teddy Bear Sunflowers
Green
Eucalyptus, Herbs, Hypericum Berries, Italian Ruscus, Leucadendron, Magnolia Foliage, Orchid (Green varieties), Succulents
Blue
Delphinium, Sea Holly, Orchid (Vanda and dyed phalaenopsis varieties)
Bi-Colour / Dyed / Multi-Tonal
Baby's Breath (Tinted), Billy Buttons (Tinted), Carnations (Bi-colour), Disbud Chrysanthemum (Dyed shades), Orchid (Phalaenopsis, tinted varieties), Spray Rose, Standard Rose, Tulips
Brown, Chocolate, and Neutrals
Banksia, Disbud Chrysanthemum (Dyed brown), Magnolia Foliage (Green/Brown), Queen Anne's Lace (Chocolate)
Grey & Silver
Dusty Miller, Spanish Moss, Eucalyptus Foliage (Grey-green), Succulents (Grey varieties)
