10 of the Most Popular Wedding Flowers & Their Meaning

By Kings Norton Weddings & Events

When it comes to planning a wedding, flowers are one of those details that can completely set the tone of the day. From walking down the aisle with your bouquet to styling the tables at your wedding venue, the blooms you choose will be remembered in your photos forever. But did you know many flowers have hidden meanings that can add an extra layer of romance and symbolism to your big day?

Here’s a round-up of ten of the most popular wedding flowers in the UK – and what they really mean:

1. Roses – Love & Passion

It’s no surprise roses top the list. They’re timeless, classic, and loved by brides everywhere.

Red roses traditionally symbolise deep love and passion, while white roses are linked to purity and new beginnings. Blush or pastel roses bring a softer, more romantic vibe. No matter the shade, roses are the ultimate symbol of love – perfect for bridal bouquets and table centrepieces.

2. Peonies – Romance & Prosperity

If roses are the queen of romance, peonies are the dreamiest of them all. Their full, fluffy petals make them a firm favourite for summer weddings.

Peonies represent romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage, which makes them a meaningful choice for couples starting their new life together. Plus, they look incredible in oversized bouquets.

3. Lilies – Beauty & Commitment

Elegant and sophisticated, lilies are a striking choice for wedding flowers.

The white lily symbolises purity and commitment, while pink lilies represent admiration and prosperity. They’re often chosen for stylish, modern weddings because of their bold presence – especially when paired with greenery for a clean, minimal look at the wedding venue.

4. Hydrangeas – Gratitude & Grace

Hydrangeas are instantly recognisable with their large, cloud-like clusters of petals. They come in dreamy shades of white, pink, blue, and purple.

Hydrangeas symbolise gratitude, grace, and abundance, making them ideal for celebrating your love story. They’re also brilliant for filling space in large floral arrangements, whether at the altar or across reception tables.

5. Orchids – Luxury & Strength

For couples who want something exotic, orchids are a beautiful choice.

They’re often used in contemporary wedding styling because they symbolise beauty, strength, and luxury. Orchids are also long-lasting flowers – just like the love they represent – and they look especially striking as statement centrepieces in elegant wedding venues.

6. Tulips – Happiness & Elegance

Tulips are a classic spring wedding flower and bring a simple elegance to bridal bouquets.

They come in a rainbow of colours, each with its own meaning: red tulips stand for true love, white tulips for forgiveness, and yellow tulips for cheerfulness. Their neat, elegant look makes them a versatile choice for almost any wedding theme.

7. Sunflowers – Joy & Loyalty

If you’re planning a rustic or countryside wedding, sunflowers bring instant cheer and warmth.

Their bold, sunny faces symbolise loyalty and joy – two essentials for a happy marriage. Sunflowers are also wonderful for late summer and early autumn weddings, especially when paired with natural textures like hessian, wood, and greenery at your venue.

8. Carnations – Devotion & Affection

Once thought of as “old-fashioned,” carnations are making a big comeback in wedding flowers.

Their ruffled petals and wide range of colours make them incredibly versatile. Carnations symbolise devotion, love, and affection. They’re also budget-friendly, which means you can create impressive arrangements without stretching your wedding budget.

9. Baby’s Breath – Everlasting Love

Often used as a filler flower, baby’s breath has become a star in its own right in recent years.

Its delicate, cloud-like appearance gives a soft, romantic touch to bouquets and décor. Baby’s breath symbolises everlasting love, which makes it perfect for weddings. Whether used alone in minimalist bunches or woven through larger arrangements, it creates a dreamy, whimsical feel.

10. Lavender – Calm & Devotion

Lavender adds more than just a pop of soft purple to your wedding flowers – it also brings a wonderful fragrance.

Symbolising calm, serenity, and devotion, lavender is perfect for relaxed, countryside-style weddings. It works beautifully in rustic décor, tied into napkin holders, or even scattered along the aisle for a natural, fragrant touch.

Choosing Flowers for Your Wedding Venue

The flowers you choose can do so much more than look pretty – they can bring meaning, personality, and atmosphere to your wedding day. When planning your floral arrangements, think about the style of your wedding venue, the season, and the colours that will tie everything together.

For example, a grand ballroom might suit dramatic roses, orchids, or lilies, while a countryside venue pairs perfectly with lavender, sunflowers, and wildflower-inspired displays. Your florist will help guide you on what’s in season and how to create arrangements that wow your guests while staying within budget.

Final Thoughts

Flowers are more than decoration – they’re storytellers. Each bloom carries its own meaning, adding another layer of romance to your wedding day. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of roses, the cheerfulness of sunflowers, or the elegance of lilies, your choice of wedding flowers will forever be part of the memories you create.

So when you’re next planning your bouquet or centrepieces, don’t just think about what looks beautiful – think about what feels meaningful too.