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Florals are so much more than just pretty centerpieces. They shape the atmosphere of your reception, guide your guests’ experience, and bring your entire wedding vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of lush, cascading arrangements or modern, minimalist blooms, choosing the right florals—and knowing where to place them—can make all the difference.

So in today’s episode, we break down everything you need to consider when selecting flowers for your wedding reception, from table arrangements to unexpected floral details that can elevate your space. Plus, we’ll cover how to choose the right florist, key questions to ask, and how to make the most of your floral budget.

If you’re in the middle of planning and feeling overwhelmed by floral decisions, you’re not alone! This episode answers a recent question we received from one of our loverves and I’m excited to get down to the nitty gritty with you.

 

START WITH THE BIG PICTURE

Before you start picking specific flowers for your reception, I want you to step back and think about the bigger picture here.

Your wedding florals should feel cohesive with your overall wedding vision. That means aligning them with your color palette, season, and wedding style. Are you going for a soft, romantic look with lush garden roses and peonies? Or maybe a sleek, modern aesthetic with orchids and architectural blooms? Thinking about this upfront helps you make intentional floral choices that complement your entire event.

Another key factor? Seasonality. The flowers that are naturally in season on your wedding date will not only be fresher but often more cost-effective. If you’re planning a winter wedding and dreaming of lush peonies, you might need to either adjust your vision or your budget.

I recently saw a wedding that was tropical themed. It had beautiful magentas, greens, pinks, and oranges. But what struck me was that it took place in October! It wouldn’t be so weird if the wedding took place indoors, but I distinctly saw fall foliage behind the beautiful arch. It struck me, but if it makes you happy, you do you, boo. However, I love using seasonal tones to influence our designs. It’s more natural and usually gives you the best quality of flowers. 

And finally, if you’re working with a wedding planner or florist, bring them into the conversation early. A planner can help refine your vision and connect you with a florist whose style matches what you’re looking for. Meanwhile, an experienced florist will know how to maximize your budget and recommend floral combinations that achieve the look you want without overspending.

So, before you start listing out centerpieces, take a step back and make sure your floral plan aligns with your overall wedding aesthetic. Now, let’s move into the key floral elements for your reception.

 

KEY FLORAL ELEMENTS FOR YOUR RECEPTION

Oftentimes when we think about reception flowers, we picture centerpieces and bouquets, but florals can enhance so many different parts of your wedding space. Let’s break it down, starting with guest tables.

 

Guest Tables

The way florals are arranged on your guest tables plays a huge role in the overall feel of your reception space.

For round tables, you might opt for a mix of low, lush arrangements or a single statement piece in the center. For rectangular tables, long garlands, bud vases, or alternating floral groupings can create a more dynamic look.

One approach I love is a mosaic layout—this means mixing different centerpiece styles, heights, and textures throughout the room rather than having everything match exactly. It creates depth and makes the space feel more intentional rather than overly uniform.

But, a well-designed reception space isn’t just about the dinner tables—it extends into every area where your guests will gather. And one of the first places they’ll experience your wedding’s ambiance is at your wedding ceremony.

 

Cocktail Hour & Lounge Areas

After the ceremony we have the cocktail hour. Cocktail hour is where the party begins, and while it may not need grand floral installations, small floral accents will make the space feel polished and complete.

For high-top cocktail tables, single bud vases or floating candles with greenery are subtle yet effective. If you have a lounge area, florals on coffee tables and side tables make it feel warm and inviting. These small touches may not seem essential, but they help create a cohesive and elevated guest experience.

 

Bar & Beverage Stations

Next, let’s talk about one of the most visited spots at your wedding—the bar.

Adding florals or greenery here helps integrate this space into your overall design. You might place low arrangements at each end of the bar or add floral accents on the shelving behind the bar to create a beautiful backdrop.

For larger bar setups, I also recommend placing florals around your bar signage to make it pop. These little details elevate an area that’s often overlooked!

 

Escort Card Display & Signage

Next on the list, let’s talk about signage.

Whether it’s your welcome sign, seating chart, or escort card table, adding floral accents ensures these pieces don’t feel like afterthoughts.

You have greenery drape down sides of a seating chart or place floral arrangements at the base of a welcome sign. It’s a subtle touch that makes a big impact in the overall aesthetic of your space.

If you’re working with a calligrapher or stationer to create your signage, don’t be afraid to loop them in as well.

 

Head Table or Sweetheart Table

Then, after guests find their names on the seating chart, they’ll make their way to their tables—but one table should stand out above the rest: the head table or sweetheart table. This is where you and your partner will sit, and it should feel just as special as the moment itself.

For a sweetheart table, a cascading floral arrangement spilling over the sides creates a romantic, intimate look. For a long head table, consider a lush floral runner or elevated arrangements above the table to make a stunning statement. No matter what you choose, your head table should feel like the centerpiece of the reception space. We often do more at this table because more attention will be given to this table over any other table.

 

Cake & Dessert Table

Now let’s talk about the final floral touch: The cake and dessert table.

Some couples opt for fresh flowers on the cake itself, while others prefer letting the baker sculpt edible floral designs out of fondant or gum paste or buttercream. One trend I’m seeing lately that I love is a “cake meadow” where florals surround the base layer of the cake. Either way, adding small arrangements to the dessert table makes the entire display feel intentional and complete.

 

CEREMONY-TO-RECEPTION FLORAL TRANSITIONS

Now, let’s talk about getting the most value out of your floral investment: transitioning your ceremony florals into your reception space. 

Your ceremony flowers create a stunning first impression, but their purpose doesn’t have to end once the recessional is over. With a little planning, they can be seamlessly transitioned into your reception design. 

For example, aisle arrangements can be repurposed at the entrance to your reception space, creating a warm welcome for guests. They can also frame the dance floor, the bar, or even the escort card display for added impact.

Then you have the altar flowers—whether they’re grand arrangements, floral pillars, or a lush arch—they can be moved behind the sweetheart table, used as statement pieces around the reception space, or even placed near the cake table for a beautiful backdrop.

You may also have pew or chair florals, and those can be reimagined as delicate centerpieces or placed on cocktail tables for an elevated touch.

Lastly, at least for now, floral garlands or greenery installations from the ceremony can be woven into the reception decor. They can go along the bar, by staircases, or even in front of the head table.

Executing these transitions takes coordination and manpower, but a skilled wedding planner and florist will help make sure that everything is moved efficiently and styled beautifully before guests transition to the reception space. 

The key is to plan ahead so these florals don’t just get relocated but are thoughtfully reintegrated into the design, keeping the space feeling intentional and luxurious rather than pieced together.

This approach not only enhances the guest experience but also maximizes your floral budget.

I do want to add a word of caution though. Some arrangements can’t be transitioned everywhere. The shape and scale of each piece will influence where it can be repurposed and where it would look odd if you tried to do that.

 

PERSONAL & SENTIMENTAL FLORAL TOUCHES

Now moving on, beyond decor, flowers can also hold deep personal meaning, adding layers of sentiment and storytelling to your wedding day.

I’ve seen couples include a remembrance chair with a single flower for a loved one who has passed, and others weave their family’s favorite flowers into bouquets or centerpieces as a quiet tribute.

One of my favorite ideas is a family photo display adorned with florals, honoring generations of love and marriage. Whether it’s florals framing heirloom wedding photos or a small arrangement placed beside cherished mementos, these details create a heartfelt connection between the past and present.

Another beautiful touch is incorporating signature flowers with personal significance—perhaps the ones from your first date, a parent’s garden, or a meaningful cultural tradition. These small yet thoughtful floral elements make your wedding feel deeply personal.

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLORIST

Finally, let’s talk about choosing the right florist to bring your vision to life.

Florists, like other wedding professionals, have distinct styles—some specialize in romantic, garden-inspired designs, while others lean toward modern, sculptural arrangements. As you look at their portfolios, pay attention to their use of texture, color, and balance to ensure their aesthetic aligns with yours.

Beyond design, it’s essential to understand pricing and logistics. Flowers are just one piece of the investment—consider additional costs like delivery, labor, setup, and breakdown fees, which can significantly impact your final budget. A transparent and detailed proposal will help you avoid any surprises.

If you’re working with a planner, they’ll typically help you put together an RFP (Request for Proposal)—a document outlining the floral quantities, design style, and budget parameters. This ensures your florist can provide an accurate quote and a proposal that aligns with your wedding vision.

Most importantly, choose a florist whose communication style and professionalism make you feel confident. Wedding florals are a significant investment, and a florist who is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about their craft will make the entire process seamless and enjoyable.

 

CONCLUSION

Let's go over the key takeaways to choosing flowers for your reception:

• Align your florals with your overall wedding vision, color palette, and season.

• Think beyond centerpieces—lounge areas, signage, and bars all benefit from floral accents.

• Repurpose your ceremony florals to maximize your budget.

• And Choose a florist whose style and pricing align with your needs.

Your wedding flowers aren’t just decor—they’re part of the atmosphere, the emotion, and the story of your day.