Choosing the Perfect Wedding Flowers

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Flowers

Wedding flowers

For a small wedding, your flowers can be as simple as one bouquet or a few arrangements. Choose what suits your ceremony, setting and budget.

White and green bouquet with native flowers and trailing ribbon

Ultimately, the decision to include flowers or not is up to you. If you love the idea of having flowers, it can be a beautiful and romantic addition to your elopement or micro wedding.

However, if flowers aren’t your thing or don’t fit with the style or theme you have in mind, there’s no need to feel obligated to include them.

Once you’ve decided that you want flowers, the next step is to figure out what kind of flowers you want and how you want to incorporate them into your celebration.

 

A couple holding hands beside a colourful wedding bouquet

Think About Your Bouquet

Your bridal bouquet is one of the most important flowers of the day, so it’s essential to choose flowers that reflect your style and personality.

Consider the shape of your bouquet, too—do you prefer a round, traditional bouquet, or something more organic and asymmetrical?

It’s also important to think about the size of your bouquet. A small, delicate bouquet might be perfect for an elopement or intimate micro wedding, while a larger, more elaborate bouquet might be better suited to a bigger celebration.

 

Close-up of a native flower bridal bouquet

Don’t Forget the Other Flowers

While your bouquet is undoubtedly the star of the show, don’t forget about the other flowers you’ll need for your micro wedding or elopement.

You might consider floral arrangements for your ceremony arch, centrepieces for your reception table, and boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen.

It’s essential to choose flowers that work well together and complement your overall colour palette and style. You might choose a mix of blooms and greenery for a wild, organic look, or stick to a single type of flower for a more minimalist approach.

 

A wedding couple smiling towards their celebrant

Consult with a Florist

Finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the flower selection process or unsure of where to start, consider consulting with a professional florist. A skilled florist will be able to guide you through the process, offering advice on what flowers are in season, what will work well in your location, and how to create a cohesive look.

 

Pink and cream wedding bouquet with foliage
A bride holding a colourful bouquet with trailing ribbon

Whether or not you need flowers for your elopement or micro wedding depends on your personal preferences and the overall aesthetic you are going for. If you want to incorporate flowers into your ceremony or reception, there are a few different ways to do so.

You could carry a bouquet, wear a floral crown or boutonniere, or incorporate floral arrangements into your decor. Alternatively, you could opt for non-floral decor, such as candles, greenery, or other decorative elements.

 

Native wedding bouquet with banksias, proteas and foliage

Consider the Season and Location

The first step in selecting your micro wedding or elopement flowers is to consider the season and location. Different flowers are available throughout the year, and choosing flowers that are in season can help you save money and ensure the freshest blooms.

Some popular Australian wedding flowers include roses, orchids, peonies, dahlias, and native blooms like banksia and kangaroo paw.

The location of your wedding can also influence your flower selection. If you’re getting married on a beach, you might consider tropical flowers like hibiscus or frangipani. If you’re tying the knot in a garden, you might choose a mix of wildflowers and greenery.

 

White orchid wedding bouquet with trailing ribbon

Decide on a Colour Palette

Once you have an idea of what flowers are in season and what will work well in your wedding location, it’s time to decide on a colour palette. Choosing a colour palette will help you create a cohesive look throughout your wedding, from the flowers to the bridesmaids’ dresses and table settings.

You might choose colours that reflect the season, such as warm oranges and yellows for autumn or soft pastels for spring.

Alternatively, you might choose colors that complement your wedding theme or location, such as blues and greens for a beach wedding or bold, bright hues for a modern city elopement.

 

Bright mixed wedding bouquet with pink and orange flowers

Start with your season, location and colour preferences, then talk with a florist about what is available. They can help you choose flowers that work for your budget and the conditions on the day.

Congratulations and best of luck with a professional florist. A skilled florist will be able to guide you through the process, offering advice on what flowers are in season, what will work well in your location, and how to create a cohesive look.

 

The Seasonal Bunch floral logo

Some photos courtesy of Seasonal Bunch 

Marry Now, Party Later

Marry Now, Party Later

In recent years, the phrase “Marry Now, Party Later” has become a rallying cry for couples eager to tie the knot without delay, yet unwilling to forgo a grand celebration. This trend, driven by both necessity and choice, has redefined the traditional wedding timeline, offering a blend of intimacy and anticipation that resonates with modern couples.

A bride and groom smiling together beside the sea

The Appeal of Marry Now, Party Later

The “Marry Now, Party Later” approach appeals to couples for several reasons:

A couple holding hands during their coastal wedding ceremony in black and white

Flexibility in Timing: Life doesn’t always align with our plans. Whether due to global events, personal circumstances, or simply a desire to be married sooner, many couples choose to exchange vows now and save the larger celebration for a later date.

Intimacy of Elopements and Micro Weddings: For many, the idea of an intimate ceremony is appealing. Fewer guests allow the couple to focus on the significance of the day without the pressures of hosting a large event. The immediate circle of family and friends present makes the moment even more special and personal.

A couple exchanging vows on the coast at Port Willunga
A couple exchanging rings beside the sea in black and white

Financial Benefits: Splitting the wedding into two events can ease financial pressures. Couples can have a modest ceremony now and save up for a more extravagant celebration when they’re ready.

Creative Freedom: With the pressure of a traditional timeline removed, couples have the freedom to plan a celebration that truly reflects their personalities. The party can be held at a unique venue, incorporate new trends, or even be a themed event that might not have been possible under traditional wedding constraints.

A wedding couple smiling at each other beside the sea

Planning a Marry Now, Party Later Wedding

If this approach suits you, start with these practical steps:

A small cliffside wedding ceremony in black and white

Choose the ceremony style: You might prefer a legals-only ceremony, an elopement or a micro wedding with a small group. Compare the KISS Package options and choose the services that suit your plans.

Communicate with Your Guests: Let your loved ones know your plan. Send out announcements for your “Marry Now” event and provide a “Save the Date” for the upcoming party. This way, they can look forward to celebrating with you later.

A bride and groom smiling together beside the sea
A wedding couple watching the sunset from the beach

Capture the Moment: Hire a photographer or videographer to document your intimate ceremony. These memories will be a great addition to the larger celebration later on.

Plan the Party with Intention: When the time comes to plan your celebration, think about what you want it to represent. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a grand affair, ensure it complements the journey you’ve been on as a couple.

A wedding couple walking along the wet sand beneath coastal cliffs
Bride and groom walking along the sand at Port Willunga

The Emotional Impact

One of the most beautiful aspects of the “Marry Now, Party Later” trend is the opportunity for couples to reflect on their journey between the two events. By the time the celebration rolls around, the couple has had time to deepen their bond and share their married life with family and friends. The party becomes not just a celebration of the wedding day, but of the marriage itself.

Marrying now and celebrating later lets you separate the ceremony from the party. Agree on what you want from each part, including who will attend and what you are comfortable spending.

The party can always wait.

A couple celebrating with a bottle beside the coast

Explore our elopement & micro wedding packages and preferred suppliers, or ask us about the services you need for your ceremony. You can make separate plans for a later celebration.

Wedding Seating Tips

Wedding Seating Tips

A couple holding hands during their wedding ceremony

Choosing Your Side: A Guide to Outdoor Wedding Seating

Bride on the right or left?

what if two brides or two grooms? 

Firstly, let’s talk about the wind.

For an outdoor ceremony, consider the wind before choosing which side to stand on.

Yes, that breeze can be a real game-changer. If you’ve been to an outdoor wedding, you know the struggle of keeping your hair in place while the wind decides to do its thing. To avoid having your veil in your face or blocking your guests’ view, think about the wind direction when choosing where to stand.

The fix? Position the person with the longest hair so they’re facing into the wind. It might take a little planning and tweaking of the setup, but it’s worth it to keep everything looking and feeling just right on your big day.

Guests watching two grooms beneath an outdoor wedding arbour

Choosing wedding ceremony seating

Now, let’s talk about personal preference.

While the wind direction is crucial for practical reasons, there’s also the matter of personal comfort and preference. Do you have a “good side” that you prefer to be photographed from? Or perhaps you have a particular angle that makes you feel most confident? Whatever the case may be, don’t be afraid to take your personal preferences into account when choosing your side at the ceremony. It’s your special day, and you deserve to feel comfortable and radiant from every angle.

Think about your hairstyle and any hair accessories when choosing a side. Your photographer can help you find a position that shows them clearly and keeps hair out of your face.

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about family.

Traditionally, your family sits on your side, but consider giving them a prime spot opposite you and your partner so they can see your faces clearly during the ceremony. This way, you can see their faces and they can see yours—not just the back of your head. Their smiles, tears, and expressions of joy will add an extra layer of love and warmth to the occasion.

For same-sex couples.

If you are both walking in, or using a different entrance, plan where each of you will stand and what your families will be able to see. Walk through the arrangement with your celebrant before guests arrive.

Check the wind, light, hairstyle and your families’ view when planning where to stand. A quick walk-through with your celebrant and photographer can help you choose a comfortable arrangement.

KISS Package

Adelaide | South Australia

 

A Pear Orchard Wedding | Paracombe Premium Perry

A Pear Orchard Wedding | Paracombe Premium Perry

Colin & Tim

Paracombe Premium Perry

 

Two grooms standing together among autumn trees

Adelaide Elopement & Micro Wedding Packages

Tim and Colin’s wedding at Paracombe Premium Perry

Set against the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and the pear orchard, their ceremony took place in an open grass area below the dam, offering panoramic views of natural beauty. One moment that will remain in my memory is when their daughter made her grand entrance, a surprise that left everyone in awe. Instead of the traditional procession, Tim and Colin appeared separately, each walking atop the dam wall before meeting in the middle, creating an image reminiscent of a wedding cake topper. As they walked hand in hand toward Penelope, their celebrant, for a heartfelt and emotional ceremony, the love and happiness radiating from them was truly palpable. 

 

Two grooms and a celebrant beneath an outdoor wedding arbour

Testimony:

“Coming across Glenn’s website and viewing his gallery of predominantly nature settings, we knew he was the right person for our pear orchard wedding.  Glenn was very accommodating and extremely easy to plan and deal with. Throughout the process, we had no concerns or worries about the photography aspect of our special day”

Two grooms walking down a grassy hillside

“Glenn arrived, and rapidly cast his experience and professional eye over the venue, whilst creating an ease and warm comfortability between us. He felt more than a photographer, he felt like a good friend we had known for years, as he kept us at ease and laughing throughout, even our teenager”

Wedding guests gathered around a bird on a barrel in black and white

“He sent a few samples to us within 24 hours, of which the fantastic quality, composition, lighting, colours and clarity left us eagerly awaiting the final photos in the weeks to come.  We wholeheartedly recommend Glenn” – Colin & Tim. 

Wedding rings hanging from a thin tree branch
Guests gathered for an outdoor wedding ceremony in evening light

It was a privilege to witness and capture such a unique and beautiful moment of love and commitment. Tim and Colin’s wedding at Paracombe Premium Perry was an absolute joy to capture.

 

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Sites

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Sites

“Wedding Ceremony Site Ideas”

Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

Creating Your Dream Wedding with Our KISS Team in Adelaide

Adelaide Botanic Garden has a range of ceremony settings for elopements, micro weddings and larger celebrations. Compare the spaces, guest limits and booking conditions, then choose a spot that suits your ceremony and photos.

The KISS team brings together a planner, celebrant and photographer. We help you organise the ceremony, photography and agreed services, with the details confirmed before your wedding.

Parking and access vary with your chosen ceremony site. Confirm guest numbers, walking distances and arrival arrangements with the gardens and your suppliers before booking.

KISS Package Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony locations
Summer House, Adelaide Botanic Gardens

1. Summer House

Choose from an intimate undercover ceremony in the historic rotunda or on one of the five lawn areas. It is a short walk to the North Terrace and other essential amenities.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : Cycad Collection

2. Cycads Collection

Under the shade of the Kauri Pine this lawn area gently slopes, allowing excellent vantage points for your guests. Looking out across the Main Lake, this popular location is close to the gates amenities, restaurant and kiosk.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site: Palm House Lawns

3. Palm House Lawns

The large lawn foreground of the heritage listed Palm House accommodates large wedding parties. Located centrally within the gardens, the Palm House site is close to public amenities, restaurant and kiosk.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : Barbershop

4. The Barber Shop

This small rotunda suits intimate ceremonies. The wisteria arbours at the end of the Mediterranean Garden are also used for photographs.

Marriage register and certificate books on a garden table

5. International Rose Garden

When in flower, the manicured rows of colour provide a romantic setting in the International Rose Garden. Located near gates and amenities, the lawn area can accommodate large wedding parties or intimate gatherings. This is also where our Rose Garden Pavilion is situated, for marquee wedding receptions.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site: Araucaria Avenue

6. Araucaria Avenue

The natural avenue created by the Araucaria (Hoop Pines) provides a spectacular framing around your ceremony. With a gentle slope, the site lends itself to a ceremony as well as being able to take in a panoramic view across the gardens.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : North Lodge Lawns

7. North Lodge Lawn

This ceremony area sits beside First Creek, with tree-lined lawns close to the Friends Gate on Plane Tree Drive. Confirm the route, amenities and access for your group when booking.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony site : Economic Garden

8. Economic Garden

A display of plants of economic importance including those used for food, medicine, oils and dyes, as well as plants used in religious and cultural ceremonies. A beautiful manicured garden and wonderful backdrop of a quaint fountain.

Photos: Courtesy of Blanco Weddings & Scott Goh