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The Best 8 Flowers Used in Indian Weddings

These flowers help give the 'Big Fat Indian Weddings' their signature charm.

By: THURSD. | 16-07-2025 | 5 min read
Wedding Flowers Flowers
The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers for Your Big Day

Indian weddings are never complete without flowers. Indians have flowers in every aspect of their ceremonies. The decoration, the outfits, the hairstyles, and, you also can’t forget the fragrances. It is pretty impossible to avoid flowers at their weddings. And, the amazing thing about it is that flowers in an Indian wedding can be traditional or contemporary.

The Best Flowers for Your Indian Wedding

Flowers are, without a doubt, an integral part of weddings. They are a tradition as well as a decoration. And what better flowers to decorate an Indian wedding with, other than those that are authentically Indian? It is just the way Indians use them that makes a difference here. Indian flowers are especially dear to weddings because they aren’t just mere decorations but also traditions that have been passed down through the generations. So, which are these Indian flowers without which our weddings would hardly be complete?

You can read more about the symbolism of Indian flowers in this blog post: 'Symbolism of Indian Flowers'.

 

Indian Wedding Flowers
An Indian wedding. Photo by @maharaniweddings

 

1. Hibiscus

Though hibiscus was not always a very popular wedding flower, it is starting to be seen now as one that is. This Indian flower comes in various colors and looks gorgeous when it blooms beautifully. This flower has started to crop up in Indian wedding scenes all around the world. It is used in designs and decorations, or even as a part of a bouquet sometimes.

 

The Best Indian Wedding Flowers
Hibiscus by @_growing_happiness_

 

2. Jasmine

Jasmine or Mogra is one of those Indian flowers that you see being used almost daily. Mogra is very famous for being used to decorate one’s hair. These small white flowers are very strongly scented and are even used as perfumes. Jasmine flowers are perfect flowers for weddings and are likely to crop up in one way or the other.

 

Indian Wedding Flowers for Your Big Day
Jasmine décor. Photo by Rajib Ahmed

 

3. Sunflower

This cheerful-looking yellow flower will brighten up your wedding like no other. Sunflowers (botanical: Helianthus) can make excellent backgrounds and even amazing table decorations. The bright yellow goes wonderfully with most colors and can be a part of a colorful background.

 

The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers for Your Big Day
Sunflowers by @_phoenixical_

 

4. Periwinkle

Periwinkles (botanical: Vinca minor) are one of the most overlooked Indian flowers. Though these small flowers are not used much individually, in combination with other flora aspects, they can make breathtaking decorations. You can find them in white or in a range of pink colors. Plus, they can also be combined with similar colors to achieve their full effect.

 

The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers
Periwinkles in a design by @aishwaryaknair

 

5. Lotus

As evergreen Indian flowers go, there is no chance that lotus does not come in the count of the most ideal Indian wedding flowers. It is a flower that is not only beautiful but also very useful. Since it has a number of medicinal benefits, it was used in wedding poojas, and as such, a lotus flower (botanical: Nelumbo nucifera) is always included in a wedding. Other than that, it can be used to adorn the hair, or the venue can still be decorated with the lovely lotus buds and flowers.

 

The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers for Your Big Day
Lotus flower. Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva

 

6. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is also a common feature in wedding designs and decorations around the country. These Indian flowers cannot be used for much, like a hairstyle or bouquet, but they make exquisite backgrounds for photoshoots or even for the venues.

 

The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers
Photo by@_aathiraraj

 

7. Rose

Roses always come up in a wedding decoration or design in one way or the other. They can be used in decorations, centerpieces, bouquets, perfumes, hair decorating, outfits, and many other arrangements. You name it, and this flower fits suitably and can be used for that task. These are one of the most versatile Indian flowers used at a wedding and by far the most beautiful too.

 

The Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers
Red rose garlands. Photo by @archaraflowers

 

8. Marigold

Last but certainly not least are the marigold flowers (botanical: Tagetes erecta). No Indian wedding can be complete without the presence of this flower. They are a staple at Indian weddings from North to South and East to West. They come in beautiful orange and yellow colors and have a scent that makes them so perfect for weddings. You can almost always see them in decorations, hairstyles, Varmalas, and other adornments. Nothing says 'Indian wedding celebrations' like this flower.

 

Indian Wedding Flowers
Marigolds used during a wedding ceremony. Photo by 🇮🇳Amol Nandiwadekar

 

Foreign Wedding Flowers

Though these Indian flowers are perfect and complete for all occasions, we also have foreign flowers that have become a common sight at many Indian weddings nowadays. Some of these include:

1. Orchids

These pretty and vibrant flowers have started to appear at Indian weddings as bouquets, Varmalas, or even decorations.

 

Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers
Orchids in a wedding garland by Next Frame Company

 

2. Lilies

Delicate and colorful come to mind when you think about lilies. They put a shine on your wedding décor and can be seen gracing the bride’s bouquet or even her hair. Lilies come in different colors, which makes them easy to use or put them up with any decoration you have.

 

Indian Wedding Flowers
Apricot Fudge lilies by @bredefleur

 

3. Carnations

One of the most common foreign flowers you will find in the Indian wedding decorations is the carnation (botanical: Dianthus). These flowers are so popular as they can be used in a number of things and fit almost everywhere, be it in bridal bouquets, or any other designs and decor.

 

Indian Wedding Flowers
Carnation hair design. Photo by @makeupbyshirinrei

 

4. Gerbera

Though we do not usually recognize this flower by its name, we do see it at all the functions we go to. They are amazing for decorating flowers since they have such dense petals. Still, yet, the colors of these flowers appear bold and striking. These flowers used in wedding decorations have always looked superb; they add a touch of dream-like charm and allure to the event.

 

Best 8 Indian Wedding Flowers
Gerbera decoration. Photo by Jagadish Naidu Gorle

 

So, which are the Indian and exotic flowers that you plan to add to your wedding decorations?

 

Feature image by @maharaniweddings, header image by Sourav Maiti.

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So, which are the Indian and exotic flowers that you plan to add to your wedding decorations?

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