Wedding Bouquet from Guests: How to Choose

A wedding bouquet from guests is a traditional addition to a gift and a wish. It is given to the bride, so it should suit the festive atmosphere and wedding attire. Here is which flowers to give for a wedding, which colours and size to choose, how many stems to include, when to present it and what to give instead of a classic bouquet.

More on this topic: what to give for a wedding, wedding wishes, the language of flowers in a bridal bouquet.

Which flowers to give for a wedding

• Roses are a wedding classic. White ones symbolise purity and a new beginning, soft pink — tenderness and gratitude, cream — comfort and harmony.
• Hydrangeas are lush, festive and very photogenic. White and blue hydrangeas look lovely in wedding photos.
• Peonies and peony-shaped roses symbolise a happy marriage and prosperity in many cultures.
• Orchids and lilies are an elegant choice for a formal wedding. Lilies have a strong scent, so check that the bride has no allergy.

Which colour to choose

• The safest choice is white, cream and pastel shades: they match the wedding dress and any décor.
• If the wedding has a colour theme, check it with the best man or in the invitation and match the bouquet.
• Bright red roses are usually given to a partner, so guests choose them less often for a bride.

Size and number of stems

• Choose a medium-sized bouquet: the bride will receive dozens and needs to hold and pass them easily.
• By Ukrainian tradition, a festive bouquet has an odd number of stems: 7, 11, 15, 25 or more.
• Close relatives and godparents may choose a luxurious large bouquet or a boxed arrangement.

When and to whom to present it

• Present the bouquet to the bride during congratulations after the ceremony or at the start of the reception, together with the gift.
• If you are close family, you can also give flowers to the mothers of the bride and groom — a lovely gesture of gratitude.
• Cannot attend? Order bouquet delivery to the couple on the wedding day with a greeting card.

Alternatives to a classic bouquet

• Flowers in a box need no vase, keep their look for a long time and are convenient at the reception.
• A flower basket is a festive option from a family or a team.
• A potted orchid is a gift that will delight the young family for years.

What to write on the card

• Love, patience and happy days together! Happy wedding day!
• May your love bloom as brightly as these flowers.

Florist’s tips

Order the bouquet in advance — florists are busy in wedding season and the flowers you want may run out.

Ask for neat wrapping without too many ribbons: it is easier to hold and photograph.

In summer choose hardy flowers — roses, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas with a water tube — so the bouquet survives a long day.

Ready wedding bouquets from UFL

We have picked bouquets that guests choose most often for weddings: classic white roses, tender spray roses and boxed arrangements. All are in light shades and a convenient size, so they will match the wedding attire.

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See white roses and flowers in a box.

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FAQ

Which flowers are given for a wedding?

Most often white, cream or soft pink roses, hydrangeas, peony-shaped roses and orchids. Choose light shades that match the wedding attire.

How many stems should a guest’s wedding bouquet have?

Traditionally an odd number: 7, 11, 15, 25 or more. A medium size that is easy for the bride to hold is best.

Can you give red roses for a wedding?

You can, but they are usually given to a partner. Guests traditionally choose light shades for the bride.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.