Your wedding day is a special occasion, and every detail should reflect the love and joy of your union. One of the most impactful elements that set the tone for the event is the flowers. Wedding flowers add beauty, elegance, and personal meaning to your celebration, whether you’re planning a grand ceremony or an intimate gathering. In Calgary, couples have a wide range of stunning floral options to choose from to create the perfect atmosphere for their big day.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wedding flowers in Calgary, from selecting the right blooms to working with local florists like those at Calgary Florist to bring your vision to life.
Why Wedding Flowers Matter
Wedding flowers are more than just decorations—they symbolize emotions, create an ambiance, and elevate the overall experience for you and your guests. The flowers you choose for your wedding day should align with your personal style, the theme of your event, and the time of year. Whether you’re drawn to classic roses, wildflowers, or exotic blooms, your choice of flowers can convey your unique love story.
Symbolism of Popular Wedding Flowers
Flowers have long held symbolic meanings, and understanding what different types represent can help you personalize your wedding day even further:
- Roses: Universally recognized as a symbol of love and passion, roses are a timeless choice for weddings. They come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning, such as red for true love, white for purity, and pink for admiration.
- Peonies: Peonies are often associated with romance, prosperity, and good fortune, making them a popular choice for spring weddings in Calgary.
- Lilies: Representing purity and refined beauty, lilies add a touch of elegance to any wedding bouquet or floral arrangement.
- Orchids: Exotic and sophisticated, orchids are symbols of luxury, strength, and beauty.
Working with Calgary Florists
Selecting the right florist is crucial to ensuring your wedding flowers meet your expectations. Calgary is home to many talented florists who specialize in wedding floral arrangements, each bringing their own unique touch to the process. Florists like Calgary Florist offer bespoke services, working closely with couples to design everything from bouquets and boutonnieres to elaborate floral arches and table centerpieces.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Florist
- Experience with Weddings: Not all florists are experienced with weddings, which require a unique blend of creativity, logistics, and communication. Make sure your florist has experience designing wedding-specific floral arrangements.
- Style Alignment: Each florist has their own aesthetic. Before making a decision, browse their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision. Do they specialize in classic, traditional arrangements, or do they excel in more modern, whimsical designs?
- Budget: Wedding flowers can range from simple to extravagant. Set a budget early on and communicate this clearly with your florist. They can work with you to maximize the impact of your flowers without overspending.
- Seasonality: Calgary experiences distinct seasons, and the availability of certain flowers may be limited depending on the time of year. A knowledgeable florist can guide you toward flowers that are in season and recommend beautiful alternatives if your top choices are unavailable.
Types of Wedding Floral Arrangements
When planning your wedding flowers, it’s helpful to know the various arrangements you’ll need. Here are the most common types of floral designs that make a wedding day feel cohesive and complete.
1. Bridal Bouquet
The bridal bouquet is the centerpiece of a bride’s floral ensemble and should reflect her style and personality. Whether you prefer a structured bouquet of roses and lilies or a more free-flowing arrangement of wildflowers, this is your chance to make a statement. Many brides in Calgary opt for bouquets with soft, pastel hues during the summer months, while rich, bold colors are popular for fall weddings.
2. Bridesmaid Bouquets
While the bridesmaid bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, they don’t have to be identical. Consider smaller, simpler versions of the bride’s bouquet or coordinating colors and flower types that suit the overall theme.
3. Boutonnieres and Corsages
Boutonnieres are typically worn by the groom, groomsmen, and fathers of the bride and groom, while corsages are worn by the mothers and grandmothers. These small floral accents should be cohesive with the rest of the wedding flowers, often incorporating a flower or two from the bridal bouquet.
4. Ceremony Decorations
From the altar to the aisle, flowers play a major role in setting the mood for the ceremony. Floral arches, aisle markers, and even petals strewn along the aisle are beautiful touches that can transform your wedding space. In Calgary, outdoor ceremonies are especially popular during the warmer months, and florists can create designs that complement the natural landscape.
5. Reception Arrangements
At the reception, floral centerpieces help create a festive, elegant atmosphere. Low arrangements work well for intimate gatherings, while taller arrangements can make a bold statement in larger spaces. In Calgary, wedding florists often incorporate seasonal flowers, greenery, and even candles or lanterns to enhance the décor.
Seasonal Flowers in Calgary
Calgary’s distinct seasons offer a variety of opportunities to incorporate seasonal flowers into your wedding.
Spring
Spring weddings in Calgary are ideal for soft, romantic blooms like tulips, peonies, and daffodils. These flowers represent new beginnings and bring a fresh, cheerful feel to your wedding décor.
Summer
Summer weddings open up a world of possibilities, with an abundance of flowers in full bloom. Roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers, and dahlias are all great choices for summer weddings, providing vibrant color and lush textures.
Fall
Fall weddings in Calgary can take advantage of warm, earthy tones. Consider rich-colored flowers like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds, paired with natural elements like branches, berries, and foliage for a rustic-chic look.
Winter
For winter weddings, elegant white flowers like lilies, roses, and amaryllis are popular, often paired with evergreens, holly, and pinecones for a festive feel. Many Calgary brides also incorporate metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of glamour.
How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Flowers
Maximizing the beauty of your wedding flowers while staying within your budget requires some strategic planning. Here are a few tips:
- Repurpose Ceremony Flowers: Use flowers from your ceremony to decorate the reception space. For example, aisle arrangements can be repurposed as centerpieces or placed around the cake table.
- Focus on Key Areas: If you’re working within a tight budget, focus on high-impact areas like the bridal bouquet, ceremony backdrop, and head table at the reception. These areas will be photographed the most and are where your flowers will make the biggest impression.
- Consider Alternatives: Mix flowers with non-floral elements like candles, lanterns, or greenery to create a fuller look without the expense of more flowers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding flowers in Calgary can transform your special day into a truly unforgettable experience. With careful planning, attention to detail, and the help of experienced local florists like those at Calgary Florist, you can create a stunning floral display that reflects your style, enhances your venue, and sets the perfect tone for your celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic, traditional wedding or something modern and unique, Calgary offers endless possibilities when it comes to wedding flowers.