The flowers you should NOT put in your wedding bouquet

Kat O'Connor

What are the best flowers for your wedding day bouquet?

There are 101 decisions a bride will make in the run-up to her wedding day with some being a little more glamorous than others.

One we’re incredibly excited about is picking the flowers for our bouquet. It is one of the most beautiful elements of your wedding day and something that makes your photos look even more special.

But where do we start?

There are so many options out there and so many different styles of bouquets. Some opt for traditional, but others adore wildflowers or something in between.

However, there are some flowers you should really avoid on your big day.

When picking the best wedding flowers Gardener’s Dream founder Craig Wilson says:

Orange Lillies

“Different kinds of lilies carry different meanings because they come in so many varieties, shapes and colours. White lilies are mostly known as the ‘funeral flower’, each coloured lily represents something unique. However, a fair few may not know that orange lilies carry a sentiment of hatred and contempt, so they’re not the best choice for gifting to someone you admire.

“Still, some say they can have a double meaning. If you do decide to include them in a bouquet, it might be wise to include a little note to emphasise your good intentions and clarify the message. Instead of Orange Lillies, using Orange Orchids can still reflect the beauty of the arrangement as well as add more meaning since they represent excitement and enthusiasm.”

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Dahlias

“Dahlias are known to be a complicated flower but have gained popularity in wedding bouquets over the years. These flowers are most notably known for being tied to sadness and betrayal as well as the tragic story of The Black Dahlia. Despite these negative connotations, they have been featured prominently in autumn bouquets and flower arrangements. Rather than incorporating Dahlias, you could use Chrysanthemum which represents longevity. Fitting for a wedding.”

Sweet Peas

“Sweet Peas are a super popular flower mostly used in centrepieces. However, they are ones that most probably won’t know have a darker meaning. Historically, sweet peas were known for farewells and goodbyes in Victorian England, so you might want to overlook this flower when adding it to your wedding arrangements. An alternative flower to use are Peonies, another well-known flower that represents love, happiness and beauty.”

This is just one expert opinion so take it with a pinch of salt. After all, it’s your wedding day so if you want to walk down the aisle holding a bunch of dandelions then go for it!