10 Types of Flower for Weddings & Events
Flowers set the tone before guests even take their seats. The right types of flower can make a wedding feel romantic, make a brand dinner feel polished, or turn a simple room into a moment people remember. In 2026, the most requested designs are still built on a small group of blooms that look rich, photograph beautifully, and hold up through the day.
This guide shares the 10 types of flower we reach for most often at Fiore Designs when a client wants a premium look. You will learn what each bloom does best, when it is at peak quality, and how to style it so it looks intentional instead of overdone.
If you are planning an event, start with seasonality. It is the easiest way to get better flowers and fewer substitutions. For a quick overview, bookmark our flowers in season by month guide and use it as a planning tool.
For each flower below, you will find:
- Seasonality and sourcing: When quality is highest and what affects supply.
- Styling and pairings: What looks best in bouquets, centerpieces, and installations.
- Care and vase life: Simple steps that help flowers last through the event.
- Scent and symbolism: Helpful when you want meaning, not just color.
1. Garden Roses
Garden roses are the definition of romance. They open wide, show off ruffled petals, and often smell incredible. They also read “luxury” the second you see them, which is why they are a top choice for weddings and high-touch events.
Unlike standard roses, garden varieties look more natural and less uniform. They have movement, soft edges, and that “just picked” feel. In designs, we treat them like lead actors, not background texture.
Styling and sourcing insights
Garden roses can carry a design all on their own. Give them space and let their shape show.
- Pairings: Use trailing greens like jasmine vine, eucalyptus, or spirea. Keep other large focal blooms to a minimum.
- Color palettes: Peach and cream varieties fit modern neutrals. Deeper tones can anchor fall and winter palettes.
- Sourcing: For large events, order early to secure specific varieties and consistent opening stage.
- Pricing: Label them clearly as garden roses or heirloom roses so clients understand the premium.
Pro Tip: Condition garden roses as soon as they arrive. Give them a fresh cut, then let them drink for at least four hours in clean water. Our guide on how to care for fresh-cut flowers walks through the basics step-by-step.
2. Peonies
Peonies are famous for a reason. Their blooms are big, plush, and camera-ready, even when you only use a few stems. That “full” look makes them a favorite for bridal bouquets, statement centerpieces, and seasonal gifts.
The catch is timing. Peonies have a short main season, and quality can swing fast week to week. When they are perfect, they are hard to beat.
Styling and sourcing insights
Think of peonies as a limited-season feature. They are best when you plan ahead and build the design around them.
- Pairings: Sweet pea, ranunculus, clematis, or soft greens keep the look airy. Avoid stacking too many heavy blooms together.
- Color palettes: White and blush are timeless. Coral Charm starts bright and fades softer, which is great if you want a layered effect.
- Sourcing: For peak dates, reserve peonies 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
- Marketing: Promote “peony season” for a short window each year. It helps clients decide quickly.
Pro Tip: Peonies often arrive tight. For event timing, hydrate them in lukewarm water 2 to 3 days ahead so they open on schedule. If you want meaning for vows or a card message, read our guide to peony flower meaning.
3. Orchids (Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium)
Orchids bring clean lines and modern drama. Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) feel sleek and minimal, while cymbidium sprays add texture and structure. Both last a long time compared to many soft garden flowers.
Because orchids hold up well, they work especially well in spaces that need flowers to look good for days, like reception desks, hotel lobbies, and multi-day events. Their look is refined without needing lots of extra stems.
Styling and sourcing insights
Orchids already have strong shape. Keep the support ingredients simple.
- Pairings: Italian ruscus, monstera, and other clean greens keep the style crisp. Avoid overly busy filler.
- Color palettes: White phalaenopsis reads timeless. Green or burgundy cymbidiums add a bold accent.
- Sourcing: Phalaenopsis stems suit gifts and smaller pieces. Cymbidiums are sturdier for event work.
- Pricing: Talk about vase life. Clients understand value when flowers stay beautiful longer.
Pro Tip: Orchids are sensitive to ethylene gas from ripening fruit. Keep arrangements away from fruit bowls to prevent early drop.
4. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas give instant fullness. One stem can fill space, soften hard edges, and make an arrangement look generous. Their cloud-like shape works well in both classic and modern designs.
They come in whites, greens, pinks, purples, and blues. That color range makes hydrangeas easy to fit into many event palettes, from clean neutrals to summer color stories.
Styling and sourcing insights
Hydrangeas can be the focal flower or the base that supports the focal flowers. Either way, they need good hydration.
- Pairings: Garden roses and ranunculus for romance. Orchids or calla lilies for a cleaner, more modern look.
- Color palettes: White and antique green are the safest for timeless work. Blue and purple feel especially strong in summer.
- Sourcing: Premium blues and purples tend to be most available in summer. For big installs, reserve early.
- Pricing: Hydrangeas add volume fast, which helps create a lush look with fewer total stems.
Pro Tip: Hydrangeas drink constantly. Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle and refresh the water daily. For more general care habits, share how to make flowers last longer with clients or recipients.
5. Ranunculus
Ranunculus look delicate, but they make a big impact. Their layered petals feel romantic and detailed, like a tiny peony. They also come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to saturated jewel tones.
They are popular in spring weddings and feminine designs, but they also work in clean, modern palettes when used in tight groupings. When they open well, they photograph beautifully.
Styling and sourcing insights
Ranunculus are a smart way to get a rich look without relying only on high-priced focal blooms.
- Pairings: Anemones, sweet peas, tulips, and garden roses. Add airy texture like astilbe for softness.
- Color palettes: Peach, butter yellow, blush, and white are spring staples. Cluster them for stronger impact.
- Sourcing: California-grown stems are often fresher. For special colors, order 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
- Marketing: Feature them heavily in spring collections and seasonal event proposals.
Pro Tip: Strip lower foliage and hydrate stems in deep, cool water for at least two hours before designing. Clean water helps prevent petal damage.
6. Dahlias
Dahlias are late-summer to fall showstoppers. Their shapes range from neat pompoms to huge dinner-plate blooms. They add pattern and bold texture in a way most flowers cannot.
Dahlias also come in almost every color except true blue. That range makes them easy to match with seasonal palettes, from warm neutrals to rich burgundy and rust.
Styling and sourcing insights
Dahlias are strong focal flowers. Let them be the “wow” and keep the support blooms lighter.
- Pairings: Dusty miller, astilbe, eucalyptus, and other softer textures help highlight dahlia structure.
- Color palettes: Café au lait and burgundy varieties are fall favorites. Hot pinks and corals bring energy to late-summer designs.
- Sourcing: Specialty growers often have the best shapes and colors. Availability can change quickly with heat.
- Marketing: Promote dahlias as a seasonal feature from late summer through early fall.
Pro Tip: Dahlias have tender stems. After cutting, dip the bottom inch in hot (not boiling) water for about 10 seconds, then place in clean, cool water.
7. Lisianthus
Lisianthus can look like a rose from a distance, but it has its own charm. The petals are soft and ruffled, and one stem often carries multiple blooms and buds. It is elegant, but it also lasts well.
That long vase life makes lisianthus a strong pick for weddings and events where flowers need to stay fresh from setup through the last toast. It is also a favorite for weekly deliveries because clients get more days out of the design.
Styling and sourcing insights
Lisianthus plays well with many flowers. It can support a focal bloom or stand on its own in a simpler arrangement.
- Pairings: Silver dollar eucalyptus, spray roses, ranunculus, and soft grasses.
- Color palettes: White and blush are classic. Purple and bi-color varieties add depth.
- Sourcing: Look for strong stems and a good bud count for best value.
- Positioning: Share it as a premium rose alternative, especially when longevity matters.
Pro Tip: Remove any leaves below the waterline and hydrate in deep water for several hours. This helps buds open and keeps petals cleaner longer.
8. Proteas
Proteas are bold and sculptural. They bring a modern, editorial look and hold up extremely well, even in warm rooms. If you want a piece that feels artistic and unexpected, proteas deliver.
They are also a smart choice for designs that need durability, like corporate gifting or arrangements that will travel. Their texture reads premium without needing a lot of extra ingredients.
Styling and sourcing insights
Proteas are best as the hero flower. Keep the palette and supporting textures intentional.
- Pairings: Leucadendron, grevillea, and silver dollar eucalyptus. Avoid very delicate blooms that get lost next to protea scale.
- Color palettes: Soft pinks and whites feel modern and calm. Reds create strong contrast for a more dramatic look.
- Sourcing: Proteas often come through specialty channels. Confirm supply early for large orders.
- Pricing: Emphasize uniqueness and vase life when explaining cost.
Pro Tip: Proteas often last 10 to 14 days or more. That longevity is a strong selling point for recurring displays.
9. Tulips (Premium Varieties)
Premium tulips do not look like the grocery store bunch. Parrot, French, and double tulips have ruffles, twists, and larger heads that feel special. Their stems curve naturally, which adds movement to bouquets and centerpieces.
Tulips are also one of the best ways to get a spring look that feels fresh and current. They work in modern designs, garden styles, and simple monochrome arrangements.
Styling and sourcing insights
Tulips change in the vase. That is part of the charm, but it helps to set expectations.
- Pairings: Garden roses, sweet pea, and ranunculus for a textured spring mix. They also look beautiful arranged in one variety only.
- Color palettes: Jewel tones feel dramatic. Soft doubles feel romantic and classic.
- Sourcing: Peak season is usually February through May. Order early for specific cultivars.
- Marketing: Run a spring tulip feature for a limited window when quality is best.
Pro Tip: Tulips keep growing after they are cut, and they bend toward light. Re-cut stems often and keep water cool. For a deeper care checklist, see how to care for tulips.
10. Amaryllis and Hippeastrum (Large-Bloom Varieties)
Amaryllis, botanically hippeastrum, is a winter statement flower. Tall stems and big trumpet blooms make it feel festive and clean at the same time. It is a go-to for holiday events and winter parties because it reads dramatic with just a few stems.
Amaryllis also works in modern designs. The lines are simple, and the bloom size brings scale without needing lots of filler.
Styling and sourcing insights
When you use amaryllis, build the recipe around it. Let it be the centerpiece of the story.
- Pairings: Cedar, eucalyptus, branches, and winter greens. For softer looks, add white anemones or ranunculus.
- Color palettes: Red and white are classic. Bi-color and peach tones help bridge late fall into winter.
- Sourcing: Secure premium stems early for holiday dates, since availability tightens fast.
- Pricing: Position as a premium seasonal statement flower for high-impact installs and gifts.
Pro Tip: Remove stamens once the bloom opens to avoid pollen stains. If the head is heavy, add a thin stake inside the hollow stem for support.
Top 10 Flower Types Comparison
| Flower | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Roses | High, delicate handling, advanced arranging | High cost, advance premium sourcing, year-round availability | Lush focal blooms, 7 to 10 day vase life, strong photo impact | Luxury weddings, premium events, upscale subscriptions, corporate gifting | Heirloom look and scent, reads instantly luxurious |
| Peonies | Medium to High, timing buds, heavy blooms | Highly seasonal (peak spring), pre-order 4 to 6 weeks | Large fragrant blooms, 5 to 7 day vase life, high demand | Spring weddings, Mother’s Day, seasonal subscriptions | Big bloom size and soft texture, premium feel fast |
| Orchids | Low to Medium, careful packaging | Year-round supply, moderate to high cost | Modern long-lasting displays, 2 to 4 week vase life | Corporate gifting, subscriptions, modern events | Long vase life, clean architectural lines |
| Hydrangeas | Medium, hydration and conditioning | Year-round (best in summer), moderate pricing | Full arrangements quickly, 7 to 10 day vase life | Weddings, event centerpieces, subscriptions | Big volume per stem, cost-effective fullness |
| Ranunculus | Medium, delicate petals, timing | Seasonal (late winter through spring), accessible pricing | Romantic detail, 5 to 7 day vase life | Spring weddings, gifting, subscription boxes | High perceived value, wide color range |
| Dahlias | Medium to High, special conditioning | Seasonal (late summer to fall), specialty growers | High-impact texture, 5 to 7 day vase life | Late-summer and fall weddings, statement work | Huge variety of shapes and colors |
| Lisianthus | Low to Medium, gentle handling | Year-round availability, specialty sourcing at times | Elegant and long-lasting, 7 to 10 day vase life | Weddings, events, subscriptions, gifting | Multiple blooms per stem, refined look |
| Proteas | Medium, specialty sourcing | Often imported, high cost, limited suppliers | Sculptural focal pieces, 10 to 14+ day vase life | Modern/editorial events, gifting, statement pieces | Very durable, distinctive texture |
| Premium Tulips | Medium, stems grow and bend | Spring seasonal, moderate cost | Movement and freshness, 5 to 7 day vase life | Spring weddings, gifting, seasonal subscriptions | High impact at moderate price |
| Amaryllis / Hippeastrum | Low to Medium, remove pollen | Winter seasonal, plan ahead for holidays | Bold winter statements, 7 to 10 day vase life | Holiday events, winter parties, gifting | Big blooms, clean lines, easy statement |
Bring Your Floral Vision to Life with Fiore Designs
These 10 types of flower cover most “wow” moments we design, from romantic garden looks to clean modern installs. The best results come from matching the bloom to the job. Long-lasting flowers like orchids, proteas, and lisianthus work well for multi-day displays. Short-season favorites like peonies and dahlias shine when you plan the date around what is at its best.
Budget matters too. If you are building a full floral plan, start with real numbers, then choose where you want the biggest impact. Our wedding flower cost breakdown explains what drives pricing and how to plan without surprises.
If you want hands-on help, we offer wedding floral design services and event floral design for everything from centerpieces to large installations. We also create luxury gifts and recurring designs that keep spaces feeling fresh year-round.
For a ready-to-go seasonal piece, our Designer’s Choice arrangement is an easy way to get the best blooms available that week, styled in our signature garden-inspired look.
Want fresh flowers on repeat, without re-ordering every time? Explore our flower subscriptions for homes and offices, designed with seasonal flowers and delivered on a set schedule in Los Angeles.
