Wedding and anniversary flowers: ideas and timing

Wedding flowers that work

If you are wondering what to send a couple, or what to choose for your own day, start with the season. Spring and autumn are popular times to marry in Australia, and each brings a different palette. Summer weddings call for hardy stems, because heat and wind are hard on delicate petals.

Peonies

Peonies are the spring showpiece, with big ruffled heads in blush, white and deep pink. They are at their best in the early part of the warm season, so they suit a spring wedding. Book early if you want them, because supply is limited and florists plan around it.

White roses

White roses are the dependable choice because they are easy to find and work with every style, from a barefoot beach ceremony to a formal ballroom. Combine them with eucalyptus for a soft, country-garden look.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea gives volume quickly. A few heads fill a table centrepiece or an arch, so they are a smart option for large venues. Because they drink heavily, keep them in water until the last moment on a hot day.

Lilies

Oriental lilies bring scent and a formal feel. Their pollen stains fabric, so ask the florist to remove the stamens before the bouquet meets a wedding dress. If anyone at the venue has a cat at home who may touch the flowers later, remember true lilies are very harmful to cats.

Australian natives

Many couples are now choosing native stems such as kangaroo paw, wax flower and banksia in bouquets and arrangements. They are tough in heat and give a look that could only be from here. Ask your florist what grows well in your region.

Anniversary flowers by milestone

Tradition links each year with a theme. A few ideas:

• 25 years (silver): white roses, white lilies or hydrangea with silvery foliage.
• 30 years (pearl): creamy white roses and soft pearly tones.
• 40 years (ruby): deep red roses, perhaps with burgundy foliage.
• 50 years (gold): yellow roses, sunflowers or gold-toned natives.
• Any year: a bunch in your partner’s favourite colour is never wrong.

Whatever the number, you can order flowers for delivery anywhere in Australia.

Practical advice for the bridal bouquet

• Book your florist early, especially for peonies or for a date in a busy season.
• Pick colours that sit well with the dress, the venue and the bridesmaids.
• Think about scent. Strongly perfumed flowers can overwhelm a small chapel or a marquee.
• On a hot day, keep the bouquet in a cool place until the ceremony and ask the florist how to look after it.
• Consider pressing a few blooms from the bouquet afterwards as a keepsake.

Our guide to sending flowers covers delivery, and the language of flowers helps you give the arrangement a meaning.

To surprise a couple on their big day, browse flowers online and pick a delivery date.