Choosing Bridesmaids' Dresses: Flowers' Color Harmony

Flowers are a beautiful accessory for bridesmaids to carry down the aisle, but they can be an expensive addition to your wedding. Bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, their dresses, and the overall vibe of the day. There is no hard and fast rule for bouquets, but if you want the flowers to stand out in photographs, it's recommended that they are one or two shades lighter or darker than the bridesmaids' dresses.

Bouquet size: Bridesmaids' bouquets should be smaller than the bride's

The bridal bouquet is the most photographed floral arrangement of the entire wedding, so it is important that it stands out. The bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' dresses, and the overall vibe of the day.

While there is no hard and fast rule for bouquets, the bridesmaids' bouquets should be smaller than the bride's. They can be slightly different versions of the bridal bouquet, with mostly the same flowers and colours, or they can be kept simple and made with cheaper flowers. If the bridesmaids' dresses are all different prints and styles, a monochromatic palette for the bouquets can keep the overall look cohesive.

If you want to differentiate the bridal bouquet from the bridesmaids' bouquets but maintain a degree of similarity, ask your wedding florist to use smaller flowers that match the dress colours. Matching the bouquet to the dress creates a beautiful consistency and a running theme.

If you want all bouquets to look the same, your florist can make smaller versions of your bouquet for the bridesmaids. Alternatively, if you want to keep costs down, you can ask your florist to use smaller flowers that come in the dress colours.

Bouquet cost: Bridesmaids' bouquets can be cheaper

While there are no hard and fast rules for bouquets, bridesmaids' bouquets can be cheaper. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be smaller, with less expensive blooms, and simpler arrangements. They can also be made from artificial flowers, which are typically 50% less expensive than fresh flowers and can be reused after the wedding.

For example, one bride chose to have her bridesmaids carry a large bouquet of baby's breath, which is a more affordable option than pricier blooms like dahlias, garden roses, or orchids. Another bride chose to have her bridesmaids carry sunflowers and daisies, while she carried a brooch bouquet.

The key is to ensure that the bridesmaids' bouquets complement the bridal bouquet, their dresses, and the overall vibe of the wedding. This can be achieved by using varying shades of the same colour palette or incorporating a broader range of colours to create impact.

Bouquet colour: Flowers should complement dresses, not distract

Bouquet colour is an important consideration for bridesmaids' outfits. The flowers should complement the dresses without being distracting.

For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing cream, a blank canvas shade, you could opt for pastel colours such as pink, lilac, or peach, interwoven with elegant white flowers. This will create a gorgeous match without pulling focus from the bridesmaids.

Sage green bridesmaid dresses work well with white roses and green leaves and stems, carrying on the natural, earthy tone.

For a seasonal wedding, such as autumn or winter, rust-coloured dresses can be paired with red roses or burgundy flowers, along with lighter shades like orange and peach. You could even use flowers that are in season, such as autumn or winter plants, to maintain a consistent aesthetic.

If you want to keep costs down, you can request cheaper flowers that still fit your colour scheme. Alternatively, you could ask your florist to use smaller flowers that match the dress colour.

The size of the bouquet is also a factor to consider. If the bridesmaids' gowns have a colourful print or are tied at the waist with a brooch, a smaller, simpler bouquet is best. However, if the gown is modern and chic, a more intricate bouquet is a good choice.

Bouquet style: Flowers don't need to match, but can be similar

There is no rule that says the flowers must match the bridesmaids' dresses, but they should complement each other. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be smaller, simpler, and cheaper than the bride's, but they should still be carefully considered as they will feature heavily in photographs.

One option is to choose flowers that are a few shades lighter or darker than the dresses. For example, sage green bridesmaid dresses could be paired with bouquets of white roses and green leaves and stems. White flowers and exposed green stems can also complement black dresses.

If the bridesmaids are wearing cream, a blank canvas, any colour will work, but it's best to stick to delicate pastel shades such as pink, lilac, or peach with elegant white flowers to avoid pulling focus from the dresses.

For a seasonal wedding, you could use flowers that are in season, such as autumn or winter plants for a winter wedding. You could also use flowers that specifically grow in the season of the wedding.

If you want to differentiate the bridal bouquet from the bridesmaids' bouquets, ask your wedding florist to use smaller flowers that come in the dress colours. Matching the flowers to the dress colours creates a beautiful consistency.

If you want all bouquets to look the same, your florist could make smaller versions of the bridal bouquet for the bridesmaids.

Bouquet contents: Avoid strongly scented flowers

When it comes to your wedding, you want everything to be perfect, from the decor to the flowers. While there is no hard and fast rule for bouquets, it's important to put thought into the flowers your bridesmaids will carry down the aisle. Their bouquets should complement your arrangement, their dresses, and the overall vibe of the day.

One important consideration when choosing flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets is to avoid strongly scented flowers. While a fragrant bouquet may smell lovely, it can be overpowering for those carrying the flowers all day and may even cause headaches or allergies. Some flowers to avoid for this reason include lilies, lilacs, and jasmine.

Lilies, for example, are known for their strong fragrance, which can be overwhelming in a bouquet. In addition, they are toxic to animals and people, so it's best to avoid them if you're looking for a pet-friendly and non-toxic option. Stargazer lilies, in particular, are known for their huge pink and red-spotted flowers with an exotic appearance, but their scent can be too much for some people.

Jasmine is another flower to avoid if you're sensitive to strong scents. While its sweet scent is beloved by many, it is often used in perfumes and can be too intense for a bouquet. Night-blooming jasmine is most fragrant after dark, so it might be better suited for an evening wedding, but even then, the scent may be too much for some.

Lilacs are another strongly scented flower that can be overpowering in a bouquet. They have a distinctive, heady fragrance that is beloved by many, but their short blooming season means you'll need to plan ahead if you want them in your wedding bouquet.

While it's important to avoid strongly scented flowers to prevent allergies and headaches, you don't want to forgo fragrance completely. A light, sweet-smelling bouquet can be a lovely addition to your wedding, especially if you choose flowers that complement the colour scheme and theme of your event.

Freesias, for example, grow in a variety of colours and have a sweet, fruity scent. Their trumpet-shaped blooms and delicate leaves make them a wonderful choice for adding a natural, sweet smell to your bridesmaids' bouquets.

Peonies are another excellent option for a light fragrance. While they only bloom for a short time, their lush, full blooms emit a fresh, sweet fragrance that can fill a room. Peonies come in an assortment of colours, including pink, white, lavender, and magenta, making them a versatile choice for any wedding palette.

In addition to freesia and peonies, roses can add a subtle scent to your bridesmaids' bouquets. Darker-coloured roses tend to have a stronger fragrance than lighter ones, and the smell of a rose as a bud is different from when it's fully opened. The rose's fragrance intensifies with warm and humid weather, making it a perfect choice for a summer wedding.

When choosing flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets, it's important to consider the scent of the flowers to avoid overwhelming your bridal party and guests. By selecting flowers with light, pleasant fragrances, you can create a beautiful and fragrant addition to your special day without risking allergies or headaches.

Frequently asked questions