Wedding Bouquets

If you are trying to decide on which type of bouquet  to get for your wedding, check out the styles below. Each one will change a bride's look, thus they should be chosen carefully to best match her style, size, and shape. The bouquet's colors should match the style and formality of the wedding gown,  the bridesmaids dresses,  and the other flowers  used for decorating the ceremony  and reception (such as centerpieces,  altar arrangements,  pew markers,  and garlands ). Finally, make sure that they also match any corsages  or boutonnieres  worn by the attendants or bridal party. If you use a professional florist, he or she will take care of these things for you; if you are doing all the flowers on your own, keep all these things in mind. Don't forget to order enough flowers plus a little extra, just in case a few get damaged. 

The bottom line is that the flowers should all harmonize. Check out the latest bridal magazines  for more ideas and suggestions.

Bouquet Shapes 

The most important factor in choosing a bouquet shape and size is... you. Are you big or small? What kind of dress are you wearing? What is your personal style? Bouquets should harmonize and accentuate, not try to steal the show! Petite  brides should choose smaller bouquets so they don't look overwhelmed; tall or voluptuous brides need larger bouquets so that the bouquet doesn't look oddly small or twee. Big gowns (like ballgowns ) call for bigger, rounder bouquets, while slimmer gowns (such as sheaths ) need a slim, elegant bouquet. If your gown has a lot of beadwork  or embroidery,  opt for a smaller bouquet so that you don't obscure or overwhelm the embellishments. Above all, though, you have to like your bouquet, so go for the one that suits your personality.  

Nosegay Nosegays  are bushy and round, and vary in size. They usually have greens  and sometimes even berries  integrated into them. Great for everyone. Choose the size and color accordingly. Simple, elegant, and classic, this works for varying levels of formality.	Pageant Pageant bouquets  are basically just long stemmed flowers meant to be cradled in the arms rather than held in the hands. They can be slightly awkward to hold. Great for tall ladies, but they can be a little much if you're short. Relatively formal style.	Cascade Long flowing cascade bouquets  have flowers and greenery of varying lengths so that it looks as graceful as a waterfall. Perfect choice if you want a slimming effect. The length of this bouquet makes you look longer and leaner. Very formal, this style would look out of place at a beach wedding.

Round These are composed mostly of flowers and few or no greens. The result is a bouquet that is shaped like a perfectly round ball. A small, round bouquet  perfectly flatters a small physique and won't overpower a tiny bride. Not the best choice for someone with very round hips, unless you are trying to enhance the roundness. May be a little too much for a very casual wedding, but otherwise these are great for almost all events.	Pomander Tiny hanging foam balls are stuffed with short stemmed flowers to create a perfect ball effect. The small size makes these great for flower girls. Since a pomander  dangles from your wrist, it isn't well-suited for the bride who traditionally holds the bouquet, but they can work for bridesmaids or flowergirls.	Hand-Tied Flowers and greens are loosely bundled together and hand-tied  with a ribbon  or bow. The effect if asymmetrical, casual, and a little wild. Great for an outdoor wedding or for a casual affair. Ideal for taller women, but can be too overwhelming for someone short unless the bouquet is not very big. Great for creating length and making the body slimmer. Allows for greater variety and a "just-picked" appearance.

Bouquet Tips

• Never get a bouquet that is so big or so flashy that it upstages the bride's gown, or even the bride herself.
• The bridesmaids' bouquets should be similar to the bride's bouquet and should complement the color of their dresses. Usually they are a little bit smaller too, but that is not a rule. It is, however, a good idea for the maid of honor to not be overwhelmed by her own bouquet, since she will also be expected to hold the bride's bouqet during the ceremony!
• You can always use silk flowers if you can't afford fresh ones.
• A good way to cut costs on bridesmaids bouquets is to have them carry one single flower instead of a bouquet. Simply tie it with a pretty bow or ribbon and make sure that it matches a flower in the bride's bouquet.
• Bouquets aren't the only way to dress up the bridal party. Head pieces  and wreaths  are other options. Wreaths are especially charming on flower girls.

Choosing a Style Based on Personality

Classic
A traditional white bouquet  is elegant and understated; perfect to complement your pearls.	A pale orange  or pink  pageant style bouquet of calla lilies  adds just a touch of color.

Romantic
Pretty pinks  and contrasting greens with white accents of babies breath  or Queen Anne's lace  are perfect for the romantic bride.	Lush peonies  or hydrangeas  packed in tight clusters paired with a creamy silk ribbon  will look smashing paired with pink accessories.

Casual and Natural
A sunny, cheery batch of sunflowers,  daffodils,  or daisies  speaks for your love of the sun and outdoors. Try mixing in stalks of wheat  or sprigs of berries  for autumn weddings.	Simple and bright, a bouquet of multicolored tulips  or even a loosely bundled bouquet of lilacs  are fun-spirited and relaxed. Also check out narcissus.

Unique
Try a bursting bouquet of exotic orchids.  Or pair together roses  and calla lilies,  or cosmos  and sweet peas.  Anything that is daring and different will be the perfect bouquet for you.	A bouquet full of colorful dahlias  with their unique shapes will be sure to make a splash. Whatever you do, be sure to get hot colors that will make a statement.

Related Articles

• Wedding Flowers
• How to Hire a Florist
• Ceremony Decorations 
• Reception Decorations