If you’re just starting to plan your wedding in Toronto, one of the first things that might feel overwhelming is flowers. Bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony décor — it’s a lot to consider, and many brides aren’t sure where to start.
This guide is designed for brides who are beginning their wedding flower research. I’ll walk you through the types of flowers you might need, the questions to ask yourself, and how to think about style, budget, and seasonality — all with a focus on locally grown, naturally dried flowers when possible.
Step 1: Understand the Key Wedding Flower Categories
Even if you’ve never planned a wedding before, most ceremonies and receptions have similar floral needs. Here’s a breakdown:
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Bridal Bouquet: The main bouquet carried by the bride. This is typically the most detailed and important arrangement. It sets the tone for your floral aesthetic.
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Bridesmaids Bouquets: Usually smaller and complementary to the bridal bouquet.
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Boutonnieres: Small floral accents worn by the groom, groomsmen, and sometimes fathers or other family members.
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Corsages: Worn by mothers, grandmothers, or special guests.
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Ceremony Décor: Arches, altar arrangements, aisle markers, or floral garlands.
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Reception Décor: Centerpieces, table arrangements, head table décor, and sometimes hanging installations.
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Extras: Cake flowers, floral crowns, hairpieces, or flower petals for tossing.
For Toronto brides, starting with this checklist helps you see the full scope and prioritize based on your budget and vision.
Step 2: Think About Style and Aesthetic
Before you dive into specific flowers, it’s helpful to consider your overall wedding style:
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Romantic / Classic: Garden roses, ranunculus, peonies (fresh or preserved), soft colors.
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Boho / Rustic: Pampas grass, dried grasses, bunny tails, wildflowers, earthy tones.
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Minimalist / Modern: Single stems, neutral tones, simple greenery, structured arrangements.
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Seasonal / Locally Inspired: Ontario-grown blooms that reflect the season of your wedding.
For brides in Toronto, consider how your venue and season influence flower choice. Outdoor or barn weddings might look stunning with dried textures, while city hotels often pair well with structured bouquets.
Step 3: Decide Between Fresh, Dried, or Mixed Flowers
Toronto brides often ask: “Should I choose fresh or dried flowers?”
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Fresh Flowers: Lush, fragrant, vibrant — perfect for same-day impact but perishable.
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Dried Flowers: Long-lasting, sustainable, and versatile. Ideal for keepsakes or early assembly.
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Hybrid Bouquets: Combine fresh and dried blooms for texture, longevity, and a timeless aesthetic.
As a flower farm owner, I specialize in naturally grown dried flowers. They’re chemical-free, farmed locally in Ontario, and perfect for Toronto brides looking for sustainable, long-lasting bouquets and décor.
Step 4: Consider Color Palette and Season
Choosing colors early makes it easier to pick flowers that complement your wedding theme:
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Neutral / Earthy: Creams, tans, muted greens — perfect with dried blooms.
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Bold / Moody: Deep reds, plums, burnt oranges — great for statement bouquets.
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Seasonal Inspiration: Spring weddings: soft pastels; Summer: vibrant shades; Fall: warm, rustic tones; Winter: jewel tones or whites with greenery.
For Toronto brides, focusing on seasonally available flowers — whether fresh or dried — ensures your bouquets are beautiful, affordable, and environmentally conscious.
Step 5: Budget and Quantity
Early on, consider how many bouquets and arrangements you’ll need:
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Bridal bouquet: 1
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Bridesmaids: 2–6 depending on size of wedding party
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Boutonnieres: 1 per male family member or groomsman
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Corsages: 1–2 for mothers or grandmothers
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Ceremony & reception décor: Depends on table count, venue size, and style
Even if you’re just starting your research, having rough numbers helps florists or farms give accurate quotes. Dried flowers can sometimes save costs because they last longer, ship easier, and reduce waste.
Step 6: Find Inspiration and Local Options
Toronto brides often search for terms like:
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“Toronto wedding flowers for beginners”
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“Wedding flower guide Toronto”
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“Affordable dried wedding bouquets Toronto”
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“Local flower farms Toronto wedding”
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“Wedding floral checklist Ontario”
Pinterest boards, Instagram hashtags, and blogs from local flower farms are great ways to get inspired. Visiting a local farm or florist can help you see options in person — especially for dried flowers where texture and color may vary.
Step 7: Ask Questions and Plan Early
When reaching out to florists or flower farms, consider asking:
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What flowers are in season in Ontario?
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Do you offer dried, fresh, or hybrid bouquets?
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Can you match my color palette or wedding theme?
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How far in advance should I order?
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What’s included in your pricing (bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, delivery)?
As someone who grows, dries, and arranges flowers personally on my farm, I encourage brides to ask questions. The right guidance ensures you’ll get bouquets that fit your vision and timeline.
