Wedding flowers are the blooms that make a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony and reception.

They add romance, elegance, beauty and a needed colour palette to the day. The most popular wedding flowers for brides in Australia are roses, lilies, orchids and gerberas. A rose bouquet is great, as are double tulips but there are many other beautiful blooms to choose from.

How much do wedding flowers cost?

A good idea is to set aside 3 to 5 per cent of your total budget for flowers. If you are on a tight budget, there are a few ways to save money on your wedding flowers. Firstly, choose in-season blooms which will be cheaper than out-of-season flowers. Secondly, opt for native Australian flowers which are often more affordable than imported blooms. These make ideal flower crowns. Finally, ask your florist about using greenery and filler flowers to bulk out your bouquets and table arrangements.

Which Australian natives are good as wedding flowers?

There are many beautiful Australian native flowers that make stunning wedding blooms with bright gorgeous flowers against dark foliage. The most popular natives for weddings include banksias, waratahs, proteas, grevilleas and bottlebrushes.

Banksias are iconic Australian flowers with large cone-shaped heads.

Waratahs are another popular choice with their large crimson blooms. These beautiful flowers are native to New South Wales.

Proteas are a unique type of flower with large petals and a wide variety of colours. They originate from Western Australia but can now be found all over Australia.

Grevilleas are a popular choice for native bouquets with their clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, red and purple.

Bottlebrushes are colourful Australian natives that make beautiful filler flowers.

How do I make a wedding bouquet?

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose in-season blooms or native Australian flowers. You can also ask your florist about using greenery and filler flowers to bulk out your bouquet. The traditional way to make a bouquet is by wrapping the stems in florist tape and then securing them with wire. You could try using ribbon, string or even twine to tie up your stems. You may want to wrap the stems in ribbon or add a boutonniere for your groom.

Are wedding flowers expensive?

There is no definitive answer to this question since the cost of wedding flowers can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the type of flowers you select, the size of your wedding, and the location of your event. However, some couples report spending an average of $1,500 on their wedding flowers. If you are planning a large, formal wedding with many guests, you may need to budget more for your flowers. On the other hand, if you are having a small, intimate ceremony with only close family and friends, you may be able to get away with spending less on your floral arrangements. Ultimately, it is important to work with your florist to create a wedding flower budget that fits your needs and budget.

Where is the cheapest place to buy wedding flowers?

The cost of flowers can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. However, some couples report saving money by purchasing their flowers from a wholesale market or online florist. You may also be able to find cheaper blooms by opting for in-season flowers or native Australian varieties that stand up during summer, autumn, winter or spring.

Cheaper blooms may not always be the best quality or have the longest shelf life. It is important to work with a reputable florist who can help you choose the best flowers for your budget. If you have a garden, you may be able to use some greenery from your trees and shrubs.

Where are wedding flowers grown?

Wedding flowers are grown all over the world. Some of the most popular varieties, such as roses, lilies and tulips, are cultivated in warm climates such as Spain, Italy and South America. Other flowers, such as orchids and anthuriums, grow best in tropical regions like Hawaii and Southeast Asia. It is important to remember that some flowers may not be in season when you need them for your wedding. If you have your heart set on a particular type of flower and don't want any artificial flowers, be sure to work with your florist well in advance to ensure that they will be able to source the blooms for your wedding day.

How long do wedding flowers last?

It depends on the type of flower and the conditions in which they are stored. Generally speaking, most wedding flowers will last anywhere from 3 to 5 days. If you want your flowers to last longer than your wedding day, it is important to take good care of them and keep them away from drafts, heaters and direct sunlight. You should also mist your flowers regularly and check the water level in their vases to make sure they are not wilting. You may even consider artificial wedding flowers if you want to keep a memento from the special day.

What is the best time to order wedding flowers?

It is generally recommended that couples order their wedding flowers at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of their wedding date. This will give you enough time to work with your floral designer to select the perfect blooms and make any necessary changes to your order.

If you are planning a last-minute wedding or are working with a limited budget, you may still be able to find beautiful flowers a few weeks or days out from the big day. It is important to remember that some flowers, such as phalaenopsis orchids, calla lilies, sweet peas and other stunning flowers may need to be ordered well in advance so that they can be shipped from overseas if not found locally.

The Attorney General's Department has more information on marriage in Australia.