Wildflower bouquets for Sussex weddings
What is a wildflower?
Technically speaking, a wildflower is any flower that grows naturally in the wild, without intentional planting or seeding, thriving without our help and often adapting to flourish in its environment, whether that’s woodland, meadow or wetland.
When it comes to wildflower wedding flowers, though, the meaning shifts slightly.
For weddings, I define wildflowers, and wildflower-style bouquets, as flowers arranged in a loose, natural floral style that captures a “just picked” look. A style that feels relaxed, carefree and spontaneous, as if you’ve wandered through a meadow on a warm summer’s day and gathered an armful of flowers.
Effortless in appearance (even if it’s been carefully planned behind the scenes).
“Almost every person, from childhood, has been touched by the untamed beauty of wildflowers.”
What wildflowers grow in the UK?
There are so many wildflowers growing across the UK, often thriving in the smallest of places, from cracks in pavements to old walls and hedgerows. If you’re curious, the Wildlife Trust has a comprehensive guide to British wildflowers.
In Sussex, where I live and work, each season brings something different:
early snowdrops marking the end of winter
delicate primroses and carpets of bluebells in spring
frothy cow parsley and ox-eye daisies drifting through meadows and verges in early summer
That said, many of the wildflowers we see growing naturally aren’t suitable for use in wedding bouquets.
Some wilt quickly once picked (like poppies), others drop easily (like cow parsley), and some, like bluebells, are protected by law. In fact, did you know, it’s illegal to pick wild bluebells!
The National Trust has more information on this if you’re interested — and it’s always best to leave wildflowers where they are for everyone to enjoy.
How do you create a wildflower-style wedding?
At Bryony Mae Flowers, I create wildflower-style wedding flowers that replicate the look and feel of something naturally gathered, while still being practical and long-lasting for your wedding day.
These aren’t picked from the wild, but are:
grown by local flower farms
sourced from trusted growers
And occasionally even grown by me!
In Sussex, I’m lucky to have access to an incredible network of local growers. If you’re planning a DIY wedding, Flowers from the Farm is a great place to find suppliers near you, or I offer a dedicated wildflower wedding package if you’d prefer everything taken care of.
What are the best flowers for wildflower wedding bouquet?
There’s no fixed recipe for a wildflower bouquet and that’s part of the charm. Some of my favourites include:
cosmos
cornflowers
larkspur
phlox
daisies
rudbeckia
zinnias
I also love incorporating:
grasses
herbs
seedheads
foraged textures like bracken or teasels
Wildflower wedding bouquets are some of the most expressive, full of movement, texture and a real sense of season and place.
“Do you suppose she’s a wildflower?”
Why choose wildflower wedding flowers?
There’s something undeniably special about wildflowers, full of nostalgia, long summer days and that slightly untamed beauty.
One of the loveliest things about a wildflower wedding bouquet is that you never quite know exactly how it will look. Each one is shaped by the season, the flowers available, and the overall feel of the day — making every bouquet completely unique.
They work beautifully for:
outdoor ceremonies
festival-style celebrations
…. but can also soften and add personality to more classic or formal settings.
Here are a few of my favourite wildflower wedding bouquets, created with Sussex grown flowers for Sussex weddings.
Wildflowers as a sustainable choice
Wildflower-style wedding flowers are also one of the more sustainable options.
By working with local Sussex growers and flower farms:
flowers travel fewer miles
they are often grown without chemicals or artificial heat
they retain their natural scent, movement and slightly imperfect beauty
Because they aren’t mass-produced, they feel more personal, more seasonal and more connected to the landscape around you.
I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by talented growers in Sussex, and I’m constantly inspired by what they produce. Find other ways to make your wedding flowers more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Planning a wildflower wedding in Sussex?
If you’re planning a wedding in Sussex and are drawn to natural, seasonal flowers with a relaxed, slightly wild feel, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Find out more about my wildflower wedding package Explore weddings in my galleryor contact me here.
