To those not in the wedding industry, all bouquets might seem pretty similar. In reality, each type of bouquet serves a different purpose for your big day.
Roses and hydrangea blossoms are premium flowers that can add up to a costly bridal bouquet, while gardenias are budget-friendly blooms. Other options include pressed and dried bouquets, which are great for creating a unique keepsake. Check out Bouquets and Personals to learn more.
Bridal Bouquets
The bridal bouquet is a timeless symbol of love, happiness, and the promise of new beginnings. It is the bride’s personal expression of her style and personality, as well as the beauty of her unique journey to marriage. From a romantic cascade of gardenias and peonies to a minimalist arrangement of wildflowers, the bridal bouquet can be as extravagant or understated as you desire.
Traditional round wedding bouquets are a popular choice for classic and formal looks. These medium-sized bouquets are perfectly symmetrical when viewed from the front and sides, with all flowers at a similar height to create a balanced arrangement. They are often decorated with decorative pins or small charms for added flair.
A modern alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet is the hoop bouquet. Instead of a tightly bound grouping of flower stems, the hoop bouquet is secured on a circular piece of metal or wire that can be carried in the hand or slipped onto the wrist for easy transportation. Hoop bouquets are a great choice for boho vibes and can be designed with any color or floral type.
Also known as a arm sheaf or presentation bouquet, these long-stemmed bridal arrangements are held in one hand or tucked under the arms like a single flower with greenery at the base for balance. Traditionally made with calla lilies or orchids, this style offers a sophisticated silhouette and high-fashion edge. It is a beautiful option for brides looking to make a glamorous statement as they walk down the aisle.
Floriography has historically been used to convey special meanings in bride bouquets, such as dill for fertility and prosperity or marigolds for romance and happiness. Today, many brides choose their bouquets for their beauty and sentimental significance.
With so many options, it’s important to communicate with your florist about the kind of bridal bouquet you want for your big day. Whether it’s a full, lush cascade of roses or a simple posy of daisies, it will be helpful for your florist to have a clear picture of the style you envision.
Bridesmaid Bouquets
The bridesmaid bouquets will be an extension of the bridal bouquet and should be similar, but not identical. The bouquets should feature one kind of flower from the bridal bouquet for a cohesive look, but you can also use a different color or flowers for each bridesmaid’s bouquet. This allows each bridesmaid’s bouquet to stand out on its own, but still tie back to your wedding theme.
The type of flowers in a bridesmaid bouquet depends on the style of dresses your bridesmaids will be wearing. For example, short and sleek dresses pair beautifully with slender bouquets that include smaller blooms like sweet peas or calla lilies. Fuller dresses require larger bouquets, so consider using peonies or hydrangeas to create a beautiful centerpiece for the girls’ dresses.
To make the bridesmaid bouquets stand out and complement the dresses, try matching each flower with a shade on the color wheel. For example, if you have white roses in the bridal bouquet, pick out a darker blue for the bridesmaid bouquets to create a subtle shift of color.
Another way to add a personal touch to your bridesmaid bouquets is to include dried petals from the bridal flowers that can be used as personalized gifts for the bridesmaids. To do this, simply melt candle wax and mix in the petals before pouring it into molds. Then, the bridesmaids can hang the flowers on their doorknobs or walls to display a beautiful memento from your big day.
Many brides also choose to use the flower stems from their bridal bouquets to make a wreath or table runner for the reception. This gives a unique, handmade touch to the wedding decor that will be loved by all.
Lastly, a popular way to save money on wedding flowers is to combine fresh flowers with premium silk florals. This will allow each bridesmaid to have a lush bouquet that is elegant and easy to transport. It will also help reduce the costs of large ceremony arrangements, which can cost thousands to create with fresh flowers alone. If you’re considering this option, Something Borrowed Blooms offers a free preview pack so that you can test out fresh and silk flowers for your wedding.
Boutonnieres
Boutonnieres are single floral accents worn by men, pinned to the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo. Typically, the groom and groomsmen wear boutonnieres, as do male guests at weddings or proms, or anyone else who wants to make a special statement of style. They serve as the final, artful brushstrokes on a man’s formal attire, and are often coordinated with corsages or bouquets for a cohesive look.
Traditionally, boutonnieres feature one or two small flowers or buds, usually roses or carnations. These are classic, affordable, and long-lasting—making them an easy choice for boutonnieres. Flowers like dahlias, tulips, or even wildflowers can also be used to add a pop of color and create a unique boutonniere that fits your event’s theme. Dried flowers or greenery, such as eucalyptus, are another option that can be a stylish, cost-effective way to achieve your wedding’s signature look.
The boutonniere should be centered on the left side of the jacket, positioned just above the heart. It should be secured firmly, but gently to avoid damaging the fabric of the suit or tuxedo. The placement of the boutonniere is important because it symbolizes honor and unity and ties the groom’s look to his bride or wedding party.
In addition to their significance, boutonnieres are a great opportunity for couples to personalize their big day. Some couples choose to use their initials or a favorite quote to create a boutonniere that represents them. Others choose to match the color scheme of their flowers, creating a cohesive and intentional aesthetic throughout their event.
The style of boutonnieres can vary just as much as the styles of dresses and gowns do for bridal parties and individual attendees. While some men prefer simple, elegant florals, others go for a bolder, more colorful look, or even use non-floral elements to make their boutonnieres stand out, such as feathers or pins.
Personals
In the past, personals have been used for everything from dating and matrimonial ads to political and business announcements. The idea behind personals is to provide a way for people to get to know each other. It is also a great way for people to connect with others and share information and resources.
For weddings, the personal flowers include bouquets for bridesmaids and boutonnieres for the groomsmen as well as florals to be held by important guests like parents, grandparents, ushers, and readers. These are the flowers that will be with you and your wedding party throughout the day and can really help to define your style. They can be as large or small as you would like but are a fun and creative way to add your own personality to your big day!