Planning wedding flowers can feel overwhelming, especially in a busy city like Toronto. From bouquets to centerpieces, arches to aisle décor, there’s a lot to think about — and it’s easy to overlook details that affect both style and practicality.
This detailed checklist and guide is for Toronto brides who are just starting to think about flowers. I’ll explain the types of arrangements you’ll likely need, how to plan for different venues, and tips to save money while keeping your flowers beautiful.
1. Bridal Party Flowers
Bridal Bouquet Types
Your bridal bouquet is the centerpiece of your floral design. Choosing the right style ensures it complements your dress and wedding theme.
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Round Bouquet: Classic, formal, and structured. Perfect for elegant or traditional weddings.
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Garden-Style Bouquet: Loose, flowing, romantic. Great for whimsical or outdoor weddings.
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Cascade or Waterfall Bouquet: Long trailing stems; dramatic effect for grand ceremonies.
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Whimsical / Wildflower Bouquets: Mix of textures, often with dried flowers, perfect for boho or rustic Toronto weddings.
Bridesmaids Bouquets
Smaller versions that complement the bridal bouquet in style and color. Consider keeping them simple and lightweight, especially if the bouquets will be carried for a long ceremony.
Boutonnieres & Corsages
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Boutonnieres: For groom, groomsmen, fathers. Keep them small, cohesive with bouquets.
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Corsages: Mothers, grandmothers, or VIPs. Options include wrist or pinned styles.
💡 Tip: Bridesmaids bouquets can sometimes be reused for reception décor, like decorating the sweetheart table, if the florist packages them carefully.
2. Ceremony Flowers
Altar / Arch Arrangements
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Large statement pieces framing the couple.
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Can be fresh, dried, or a mix.
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Consider reusing these pieces for reception décor (e.g., head table backdrop), but assign someone to move and re-set them between ceremony and reception.
Aisle Décor
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Small arrangements attached to chairs or pews on the inner aisle (where guests walk past the couple).
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Keep arrangements low and narrow to avoid obstructing views.
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Options include flowers in small vases, floral hoops, or tied bouquets.
Entry / Welcome Table Flowers
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Small arrangements to greet guests.
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Can also include dried petals or potted blooms for a sustainable, reusable touch.
💡 Tip for Toronto brides: Outdoor venues might require flowers in water or refrigeration before setup, especially in warm summer months. Discuss logistics with your florist.
3. Reception Flowers
Centerpieces
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Round Tables: Consider medium-sized arrangements so guests can see and converse easily. Avoid oversized or tall arrangements without clear sightlines.
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Rectangular Tables: Long garlands or linear arrangements work well. Ensure they’re low enough for guests to see each other.
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Budget Tip: Candles, greenery, or small accent flowers can add drama without increasing costs. Risers look pretty in photos but are often impractical for guest seating.
Head Table / Sweetheart Table
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Larger bouquets, garlands, or a mix of arrangements.
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Bridesmaids bouquets can sometimes be placed here after the ceremony.
Cake Table / Dessert Table
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Small arrangements or accent flowers that match overall theme.
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Consider reusing flowers from ceremony décor or bouquets to save costs.
💡 Tip: Coordinate with your florist to maximize reuse of ceremony pieces without compromising freshness or aesthetic.
4. Logistics & Practical Considerations
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Indoor vs Outdoor: Outdoor weddings may require flowers to be shaded, refrigerated, or hydrated prior to setup.
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Bouquet Storage: Keep bouquets in water until needed; dried flowers are more forgiving but should still be handled carefully.
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Timeline: Assign someone (MOH, planner, or coordinator) to move ceremony flowers to reception if reusing pieces.
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Vase / Container Planning: Ensure the florist provides vessels appropriate for tables and surfaces at your venue.
5. Budget-Friendly Tips
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Mix flowers with candles, greenery, and other décor elements to reduce overall floral costs.
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Reuse ceremony décor at reception — arches, aisle flowers, or bouquets.
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Consider dried or preserved flowers, which can be prepared in advance and reduce waste.
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Focus on focal points (bridal bouquet, ceremony altar, head table) and keep side tables simple.
Quick Toronto Wedding Flower Checklist
| Category | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|
| Bridal Bouquet | Round, garden-style, cascade, or wildflower; dried/hybrid options available |
| Bridesmaids Bouquets | Smaller, complementary; can reuse at reception |
| Groom & Groomsmen Boutonnieres | Coordinate with bridal bouquet colors |
| Corsages | Wrist or pinned, for mothers/grandmothers |
| Ceremony Arch / Altar | Statement pieces; can reuse for reception if assigned |
| Aisle / Chair Decor | Inner aisle focus; keep small and visible |
| Welcome / Entry Table | Small arrangements or dried petals |
| Round Table Centerpieces | Medium size; guests can see each other |
| Rectangular Table Centerpieces | Low garlands; avoid blocking views |
| Head / Sweetheart Table | Larger arrangements; can reuse bridesmaids bouquets |
| Cake / Dessert Table | Small matching accents |
Final Thoughts
Toronto brides, planning flowers doesn’t need to be stressful. By thinking through types of arrangements, table sizes, logistics, and reusing flowers, you can create a cohesive and beautiful wedding look that stays practical and cost-effective.
At Harvest Hill Flower Farm, I grow and dry flowers personally in Ontario, offering bouquets, centerpieces, and décor options that are sustainable, long-lasting, and perfect for Toronto weddings. Naturally grown dried flowers are particularly useful if you want stress-free, prepped flowers that won’t wilt during long summer days or outdoor ceremonies.
