Wedding bouquets have long been an old tradition carried on into modern weddings. No matter what sort of wedding you have, a bouquet of flowers will complement your big day, even if you want to have a goth wedding with black flowers - you still gotta know what petals you want to carry!

Here is a comprehensive guide to identifying the type of flowers you can use for your bridal bouquet and reception decor. The flowers mentioned in this post are mostly tuned to a 4 season weather, so if you're based in tropical conditions, you may want to speak to your florist to see when and how they are able to import the flowers.

Note: Speak to your florist as early on in the wedding planning process as you can, so they have time to arrange and order the flowers of your choice.

Let's begin our floral education!

ALSTROEMERIA
(Peruvian Lily)



These flowers have small, bright blooms that grow in clusters and often have freckled petals. They're best used as a backdrop to primary flowers (but make a lovely and cost-effective bouquet).

Season
All year-round

Colors
white, yellow, orange, pink, red, lavender, purple, flecked

Scent
none

AMARYLLIS
(Belladonna Lily)



Brides desiring maximum impact may choose this impressive flower, which features two to five large, trumpet-shaped blossoms that open in succession at the top of its extra-long stalk. Grown from a bulb, the amaryllis originated in the tropical rainforests of Africa and South America and is now available in white, pale yellow, pale green, pink, salmon, and red. Very rare and expensive, these flowers are long-lasting and offer a lot of drama with just a few stems.

Season
November-April

Colors
white, yellow, green, pink, red, burgundy

Scent
none (belladonna variety has a mild sweet fragrance)

Meaning
splendid beauty, pride

ANEMONE



Greek mythology has two legends about the anemone. These jewel-toned flowers were said to have sprung up from the blood that was shed by Aphrodite's lover, Adonis, when he died. The ancient Greeks also believed that Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, favored the bloom, hence its other name: windflower. Though unscented, this relative of the peon and ranunculus is sought after for its vibrant magenta, red, and purple hues. Just a few bright blooms add a blast of color to bouquets and arrangements.

Season
November-May; primarily spring

Colors
white, pink, purple, magenta, burgundy

Scent
none

Meaning
expectation

ASTER



According to mythology, the starburst-shaped aster originated when Virgo scattered stardust on the earth. A good supporting-role flower, the aster is a charming background for showier blooms.

Season
November-May in the US; year around if imported from South Africa

Colors
white, yellow, pink, purple

Scent
none

Meaning
variety, I will partake of your sentiments

BOUVARDIA



This flower is perfect for fleshing out a classic wedding bouquet or arrangement. It has clusters of small, star-shaped blossoms bursting from a leafy green stem and is very delicate.

Season
year-round

Colors
white, peach, pink, red

Scent
faint

Meaning
enthusiasm

CALLA LILY
(Arum Lily)



This trumpet-shaped blossom originated in Africa and symbolized "magnificent beauty" to the Victorians. Two types are commonly available: one with a large head and a long, smooth stem, suitable for tall arrangements or presentation bouquets; and a miniature version ideal for nosegays and boutonnieres.

Season
year-round, winter to late spring is the peak

Colors
ivory, yellow, orange, light pink, dark pink, red, dark burgundy

Scent
none

Meaning
ardor, magnificent beauty, feminine, modesty

CAMELLIA



A symbol of loveliness and beauty, this multipetaled relative of the tea plant was originally from China. The flower had a notable role in Verdi's opera La Traviata, which he adapted from the play The Lady of the Camellias. In the story a courtesan named Violetta always wore a white camellia, except for the few days of the month when she was "not available" and donned a red camellia instead.

Season
late-winter to early-spring, fall

Colors
white, cream, pink, red

Scent
mild, sweet

Meaning
excellence, beauty, perfected loveliness, contentment

CARNATION



Don't turn up your nose at the common carnation -- this long-lasting flower is full of possibilities for weddings. The ruffled-heads look offers an inexpensive way to bring lushness and color to bouquets and arrangements. When massed, they also make a pretty bouquet of their own.

Carnations have a long history; they were reportedly used to make ceremonial crowns in ancient Greece, and they were on hand at the wedding of Maximilian of Austria, the emperor of Mexico (1864-67), symbolizing marital bliss. Today, more than 300 species (in large, single blooms and miniature spray varieties) are available.

Season
year-round

Colors
white, yellow, apricot, pale pink, dark pink, red, burgundy, also bicolors and flecked

Scent
spicy, clovelike

Meaning
admiration, fascination, strong and pure love, unfading beauty

CHRYSANTHEMUM



About a thousand varieties of long-lasting, versatile mums can be found in single blossoms or sprays. The mum has been cultivated in the Far East for more than 2,500 years, even making appearances in the writings of Confucius. What it lacks in sweet perfume, it makes up for in a range of bold colors.

Season
year-round, peak in late summer and fall

Colors
white, yellow, green, orange, russet, red, burgundy

Scent
strong, musky

Meaning
cheerfulness, optimism, long life, joy

COCKSCOMB



Named the cockscomb due to its resemblance to a rooster, this vibrant flower is sure to make a statement. Coming in a variety of colors, this flower looks brilliant when cut short and used as a centerpiece.

Season
mid summer-frost

Colors
yellow, green, orange, pink, crimson

Scent
none

CORNFLOWER



In medieval lore, it was believed that a girl who placed a cornflower beneath her skirt could have any bachelor she desired -- which is perhaps how the flower acquired its other name, bachelor's button. An inexpensive choice appropriate for a casual wedding, the cornflower comes in white, pink, dark magenta, and, most commonly, blue, with feathery blue-gray foliage. Its button head and colorful legend make it a charming boutonniere flower for groomsmen.

Season
summer-early fall

Colors
white, pink, blue

Scent
none

Meaning
delicacy, felicity

COSMOS



Brides hoping to capture the look of a summer garden in full bloom would succeed with cosmos. This daisylike flower grows in shades of pink and magenta on long stems with feathery foliage. A striking chocolate color is also available and can be used to create rich, late-summer arrangements.

Season
mid summer-fall

Colors
white, pale pink, dark pink, chocolate

Scent
none

Meaning
modest

DAFFODIL
(also Narcissus/Paperwhite, Jonquil)



Shakespeare and Wordsworth both created rhapsodies about this humble bulb flower. Perhaps it is so well liked because its merry yellow bloom is one of the first to appear after winter's frost subsides. The daffodil (and members of its family, including the narcissus and the jonquil) is a flower of true variety -- blooms can be single or multiple, with large or small cups, in solid colors or in combinations of white and yellow with touches of orange.

Season
November-April

Colors
white, yellow, apricot, orange

Scent
clean, sweet or none, paperwhite narcissus have a very strong scent

Meaning
regard, respect, chivalry, gracefulness

DAHLIA



These bold, bushy flowers have a history as dramatic as their appearance. Conquistadors found the dahlia in the gardens of the Aztecs and caused a sensation when they brought the flower back to Europe. As the dahlia gained popularity, the pursuit of its potatolike tubers was conducted with intrigue and deception -- dahlia tubers were reportedly stolen even from the garden of the Empress Josephine!

Season
summer-early fall

Colors
white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple

Scent
spicy

Meaning
gratitude, dignity, forever thine

DAISY



You may find the daisy a fitting flower for your wedding if you plucked its white petals in a game of "he loves me, he loves me not" as a child. Generally available year-around, the affordable daisy is a lovely and whimsical flower for a casual wedding.

Season
summer-early fall

Colors
white

Scent
none to faint

Meaning
innocence, simplicity, I share your sentiments

DELPHINIUM
(Larkspur)




A classic in English cottage flower beds, the delphinium has towering spires and clustered florets. The delphinium and its sister, the larkspur, lend a country-garden feel to wedding arrangements while adding height and drama. Delphiniums can be found year-round, but most colors are at their peak from summer to early fall.

Season
year-round, peak June-October

Colors
white, pink, lavender, purple, blue

Scent
none

Meaning
well-being, sweetness

DUTCH TULIP



Widely available, this flower shouldn't be overlooked just because it's fairly common; its versatility and wide range of colors make it a wonderful flower at weddings. Dutch tulips have shorter stems and smaller blossoms than the French tulip.

Season
November-May

Colors
white, yellow, orange, pale pink, dark pink, red, purple

Scent
none to mild, sweet scent

Meaning
declaration of love, honest, happy years, memory

FREESIA



A favorite of perfumers for its fresh, fruity scent, freesia packs a lot of fragrance in just a few blossoms. A couple of stems are all that's needed to make a bouquet sweet-smelling. The green buds clustered along the thin, arched stem open gradually into delicate flowers.

Season
year-round

Colors
most colors are available, except for blue

Scent
very sweet, almost fruity

Meaning
innocence

FRENCH TULIP



Large, tapered heads spring from graceful stems in this elegant variety. The extra-long stems can be 12 inches or longer, which makes the French tulip a natural for presentation bouquets or tall centerpieces. More expensive than the Dutch variety, the French tulip is most often seen in cream, soft pink, and yellow pastels.

Season
November-May

Colors
ivory, pale yellow, pink

Scent
none

GARDENIA



Surrounded by dark green, waxy leaves, the exquisite gardenia exudes a very sultry and heavy scent. It was this intoxicating fragrance that captivated an English sea captain traveling through South Africa in 1754, prompting him to bring home one of the native plants as a souvenir. But the delicate, creamy ivory petals of this expensive flower can bruise easily, so handle with care. Fragrant gardenias have many uses -- carry a few as a posy, wear one as a corsage, or float a few in a low bowl for a minimalist centerpiece. Large three-to four-inch blossoms, as well as a miniature variety, are available.

Season
year-round

Colors
ivory

Scent
very fragrant perfume

Meaning
transport of joy, ecstasy, I love you in secret, purity, peace