A Guide to Wedding Floral Terminology

Boutonnières, Bouquets, and Beyond: A Guide to Wedding Floral Terminology

When you're newly engaged and diving into the world of wedding planning, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the floral terms being tossed around. From cascading bouquets to corsages, flower clouds to compotes, it can start to sound like a foreign language! But don’t worry, we’ve got you!

At Bell’s Flowers, we believe understanding your floral options is key to feeling confident and excited about your big day. So we’re breaking down some of the most common (and a few lesser-known) wedding flower terms you might hear during the planning process

Bouquet

Let’s start with the star of the show! A bouquet is the arrangement carried by the bride, bridal party, or even flower girls. Bouquets come in many styles

• Round: Classic, tightly arranged in a dome shape, symmetrical and timeless.
• Hand-tied: Natural, garden-inspired with visible stems, loose and organic (Bell's Flowers style!) 
• Cascade: Waterfall-style, trailing down with lots of movement and drama.
• Posy: Small, round, and classic—perfect for bridesmaids or minimalist brides.
• Nosegay: A tighter, smaller bouquet often used for mothers or junior attendants.
• Pageant (or Presentation): A longer, elegant bouquet that rests in the crook of the arm—often seen in pageants or for a more fashion-forward bride.

Boutonnière

A boutonnière is a small floral pin worn on a lapel, typically by grooms, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers. It usually features one or two blooms with some greenery or textural accents, and is designed to complement the overall floral palette.

• Traditional boutonnière: Pinned to the left lapel of a suit jacket—timeless and simple.

• Pocket boutonnière: A more modern, floral arrangement that slides into the breast pocket like a pocket square. It gives a cleaner, more structured look—ideal for grooms who want something unique without the pins.

Corsage

A corsage is a small floral piece traditionally worn by mothers, grandmothers, or special guests. It can be:

• Wrist corsage: Tied with ribbon or attached to a bracelet.

• Pin-on corsage: Pinned to a dress or jacket.
  We often offer modern alternatives, like floral cuffs or petite posies that feel updated and elegant.

Aisle Flowers

These are the florals that line your ceremony aisle. They can be:

• Attached to chairs or pews

• Ground arrangements along the aisle

• Floral markers or small clusters
  They add that extra something special to your ceremony entrance and frame the moment beautifully.

Arbor / Arch Flowers

Whether you're saying “I do” under a wooden arbor, metal arch, or floral hoop, ceremony structures can be dressed up with blooms, greenery, or even hanging installations. These pieces are often designed to be repurposed later at the reception—like behind the sweetheart table. Not looking for the classic arch option? There's also the following:

• Tiered floral stands: A set of stands at varying heights with coordinated arrangements, creating a layered, dimensional effect around the couple. These work beautifully for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

• Floral meadows: Low, lush ground arrangements that look like flowers are growing naturally around your feet. These can be U-shaped or curved in front of the couple to gently frame the space.

Centerpieces

These are the arrangements placed on reception tables. Styles include

• Low centerpiece: Usually in a vase, bowl, or compote. These are lush and full, but low enough for guests to see across the table and chat easily.

• Tall centerpiece: Elevated on a stand or vase to create height and drama without blocking the view, great for grand spaces.

• Garland or runner: A flowing arrangement of greenery and florals that runs down the center of long tables—romantic, organic, and perfect for a garden-inspired look.

• Bud vases: A collection of small, single-stem vases clustered down the table. These are sweet, modern, and a great budget-friendly option that still makes a visual impact. They work beautifully for more minimalist or intimate weddings.

Floral Installation

Also called "statement pieces," these are the wow moments—like hanging flower clouds, floral chandeliers, staircase florals, or large-scale arrangements that make your venue feel fully transformed.

Floral Details You Might Not Know About

• Cake flowers: Fresh blooms styled on your cake by your florist or baker—simple or elaborate, they tie your whole look together.

   

• Flat lays: Extra flowers and petals styled for your photographer to use in detail shots (like your invitation suite, rings, or perfume).

   

   

• Guest book table flowers: A small arrangement where guests sign your book or leave notes. It sets the tone and adds a little beauty to a meaningful spot.

   

• Memory flowers: A tribute to loved ones who can't be there—often displayed with photos on a remembrance table or in an empty seat during the ceremony. We can design a custom arrangement that honors their memory with beauty and love.

Final Thoughts

The world of wedding florals is full of beautiful details—and knowing the lingo helps you better communicate your vision and feel confident in your choices. Of course, you don’t need to know every term perfectly, that’s what we’re here for!

At Bell’s Flowers, we walk you through everything step-by-step, so you can focus on what matters most: marrying the love of your life surrounded by beauty.