5 Tips For Choosing The Right Wedding Bouquet

When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, brides always want to match them to the colour scheme or theme of the wedding in general. This is of course very important, but equally important is the size, colour and design of the bouquet. Being an essential part of the bridal outfit and overall look, we want to help you get it just right.

As always with all things “wedding” there is so much choice on offer, it just gets confusing, leaving us back where we started – in a spiral of confusion. Here are some examples of bouquets which should clear things up a bit.
The Round Posy
There are only a few basic bouquet shapes and everything is really a variation of those shapes. Starting with the classic round posy this versatile style never goes out of fashion. Traditionally consisting of flowers which are arranged tightly in a circular fashion into a posy, they flatter most styles of gowns. Flowers can be all the same colour and type, for example tulips, or a mix of flowers, roses and dahlias. They are usually finished wrapped in ribbon, are flattering to petite brides and easy for flowergirls to carry.

The Nosegay
The Nosegay style is similar to the posy and usually has more foliage. They make excellent bridesmaid bouquets.
The Cascade Bouquet
Wanting to make a statement? Then the cascade bouquet will certainly put you in the spotlight. Constructed to resemble a waterfall they have an abundance of flowers at the top, gradually tapering to the end in a loose fashion.
They work well with orchids, gardenias, and roses to name a few. The cascade complements the fish tail style of gown and gowns with a full skirt, drawing the eye down and creating balance.

The Pageant Bouquet
The pageant bouquet is cradled on your arm at the inner of your elbow. Constructed mainly of long stemmed flowers, for example, roses or cala lilies, they are held together with a big ribbon. They are particularly suited to slim, slender wedding gowns.
The Crescent Bouquet
Prefer something different? Consider the crescent bouquet. Shaped like a quarter moon with the flowers more compact in the centre and extending out at the sides to a tapered finish, they can be symmetrical or asymmetrical according your preference. A large cresent bouquet works well on a wide, full skirt.

Bouquet Alternatives
Don’t want too many flowers, or none at all? Here are some alternatives you might like, and if you’re into crafting you could even make them yourself:
Try making a dreamcatcher using an embroidery hoop. This can be left plain or you can dress it with ribbon or whatever takes your fancy. Then, add more ribbon, lace, feathers and some flowers or greenery – you choose – to waterfall from the hoop.

Feather bouquets can be very striking when made using only one colour. Think deep pinks, fuscia, magenta and even black. Decorate with some pearls or crystals and you have a wow-factor look.
Finally, keep in mind the old tradition of the groom’s buttonhole being a miniature of the brides bouquet and give the groom some wow-factor as well. It can’t always be about us girls – well, yes it can, but don’t tell the groom!
By Valerie Anderson, Excalibur Press

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