August weddings are a celebration of late summer’s warmth, vibrant colours, and the beginning of autumn’s subtle transition. This month offers a stunning array of flowers that can make your wedding day truly magical. Among the stars of August are Cosmos, Dahlia, Achillea, Aster, and Astilbe. Here are some ideas for incorporating these beautiful blooms in your August wedding bouquets and event decor.
Cosmos: The Delicate Beauty
Cosmos flowers, with their daisy-like appearance and range of colours from pure white to rich pink and deep red, symbolise harmony and peace. Their airy, delicate petals make them perfect for adding a touch of whimsical elegance to your bouquet.
Bouquet Idea: Create a romantic, garden-style bouquet with cosmos, roses, dahlias and filler flowers such as Alchemilla mollis or Astrantia along with oft foliage. Let the cosmos dance above the bouquet for an airy ethereal look and wrap the stems in a flowing, silk ribbon for added romance.
Styling Tip: Use Cosmos in your table centrepieces to create a cohesive look. Arrange them in pretty bud vases or mason jars for a rustic feel.
Dahlia: The Bold and Beautiful
Dahlias are known for their dramatic, multi-petaled blooms and come in a myriad of colours, from pastel pinks and yellows to striking reds and purples. These flowers symbolise elegance, inner strength, and creativity.
Bouquet Idea: Craft a bold and vibrant bouquet with large Dahlia blooms. Mix in smaller flowers like scabiosa, craspedia and spray roses for contrast. Use dark foliage such as ruscus, hydrangea leaves or burgundy cotinus to highlight the rich colours of the Dahlias.
Styling Tip: Dahlias can make a statement as solo flowers in your centrepieces when placed in tall, clear glass vases that showcase their full beauty. Or fill a pedestal bowl with them for a more opulent look.
Achillea (Yarrow): The Rustic Charm
Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow, is a versatile flower that adds texture and a touch of rustic charm to any arrangement. It comes in shades of yellow, white, pink, and red, and symbolises everlasting love and healing.
Bouquet Idea: Combine Achillea with wildflowers like lavender, cosmos, scabiosa, and daisies for a relaxed, bohemian bouquet. Add in some grasses or wheat stems to enhance the rustic feel. Tie the bouquet with a burlap or lace ribbon for an added touch of charm.
Styling Tip: Use Achillea in your floral arrangements for a countryside vibe. Create vibrant, natural installations with pops of yellow achillea or weave it into garlands for your ceremony arch. Its hardy nature makes it perfect for outdoor weddings.
Aster: The Starry Delight
Asters, with their star-shaped blooms, come in a variety of colours, including purple, blue, pink, and white. They represent love, wisdom, and courage, making them a meaningful addition to your wedding flowers.
Bouquet Idea: Design a romantic yet simple bouquet with Asters as the main flower. Combine them with roses and lisianthus for a soft, romantic arrangement. Use a mix of colours to create depth and interest, and finish with a satin ribbon.
Styling Tip: Asters are great for adding a pop of colour to your wedding décor. Use them in your boutonnieres and corsages, or create floral sprays for your seating plans, signage and photo booths. They also work well in flower crowns for a fun, vintage touch.
Astilbe: The Feathery Elegance
Astilbe’s feathery plumes add a unique texture and a touch of softness to any arrangement. Available in shades of pink, white, red, and purple, they symbolise patience and dedication.
Bouquet Idea: Incorporate Astilbe into a cascading bouquet for a dramatic effect. Pair it with peonies and garden roses for a lush, romantic look. The feathery texture of Astilbe provides a beautiful contrast to more structured flowers.
Styling Tip: Astilbe’s elegant plumes add height and texture, making it perfect for tall centrepieces or use it to add interest to table runners. Combine with trailing ivy or vines for a natural, garden-inspired feel.
Final Thoughts
August is a month bursting with floral possibilities. By incorporating Cosmos, Dahlia, Achillea, Aster, and Astilbe into your wedding, you can create breathtaking bouquets and stunning décor that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether you’re going for a whimsical, rustic, bold, or elegant theme, these flowers offer endless styling options to make your wedding day unforgettable. Embrace the beauty of late summer blooms and let your creativity shine!
If you’d like to book a consultation to discuss your wedding flowers just use the link to find a time that works for you. https://calendly.com/pollysgarden/wedding-flowers-consultation
Or have a look at my wedding gallery for more ideas https://pollysgarden.co.uk/wedding-flowers-gallery/