Groom's Bouquet Glimpse: Is It Bad Luck Before The Wedding?

There is no strict rule about whether or not the groom can see the bridal bouquet before the wedding. It is generally considered to be a matter of personal preference for the couple. Some brides choose to keep their bouquet a secret, while others involve their fiancé in the design process or show them the bouquet ahead of time. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the groom sees the bouquet before the wedding is up to the couple and there is no right or wrong answer.

The bouquet's role in wedding photos

The bridal bouquet is an important accessory with a long history, and it plays a significant role in wedding photos. The bouquet is a collection of flowers carried by the bride as she walks down the aisle, adding a complementary touch to her overall look and the wedding's theme. The bouquet is often one of the first things guests notice, and it can tie together the wedding's design and decor.

The choice of flowers, colours, and style of the bouquet is essential. The bouquet should complement the bride's gown and reflect her personal taste. The size of the bouquet also matters, as it should be proportionate to the bride's frame. Whether it's a traditional round bouquet or a more unique shape, the bouquet should be comfortable for the bride to hold and not overwhelm her or the overall look.

The flowers used in the bouquet can also carry symbolic meanings. While the practice of assigning specific meanings to flowers is less common today, some brides still choose certain flowers to represent their sentiments. For example, in the Victorian era, white flowers symbolised purity, while orange flowers represented happiness and fertility.

Overall, the bridal bouquet is an essential part of the wedding aesthetic and plays a starring role in many wedding photos. It adds a touch of nature, elegance, and romance to the images, helping to capture the beauty and joy of the special day.

The groom's input on the bouquet

The bridal bouquet is meant to complement the overall theme of the wedding and the style of the bride's dress. It is also meant to amplify the wedding decor and is often chosen based on the couple's personal preference, the wedding's colour theme, and the time of year the wedding is taking place.

Some grooms may not be interested in the specifics of the bouquet but may still want to be involved in the decision-making process. In this case, the bride could show the groom a few different bouquet options and ask for his opinion. This way, the groom can have a general idea of what the bouquet will look like without knowing exactly how it will turn out.

The groom's boutonniere is usually chosen to match the style or colour of the bridal bouquet. So, even if the groom does not have a say in the bouquet, he will still be included in the floral choices through his own accessory.

Ultimately, the decision to include the groom in the bouquet selection is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. The couple should decide based on their own preferences and level of comfort with each other's involvement in the wedding planning process.

The groom's interest in the bouquet

In some cases, grooms may be involved in the selection of flowers or the design of the bouquet, especially if they are interested in wedding planning or have strong opinions about the aesthetic of the wedding. In these instances, the groom's interest in the bouquet may be just as high as the bride's, and they may work together to create something that reflects their shared vision. This collaborative approach can be a fun way for the couple to bond during the planning process and ensure that both parties are happy with the final result.

However, it is also common for grooms to take a more hands-off approach and leave the decision-making to the bride or other family members. In these cases, the groom may still be consulted on major choices or be shown the bouquet at some point before the wedding, but they may not have the same level of interest or investment in the details. This does not necessarily mean that they are uninterested in the wedding as a whole; it simply reflects the fact that different people have different priorities and levels of engagement when it comes to wedding planning.

One important consideration for grooms who are interested in the bridal bouquet is the symbolism and meaning that different flowers can convey. While modern couples often choose flowers based on personal preference, colour, or seasonal availability, certain flowers have traditionally been associated with specific sentiments or well-wishes for the happy couple. For example, in the Victorian era, white flowers represented purity, while orange flowers symbolised happiness and fertility. Grooms who want to infuse their wedding with personal touches or hidden meanings may take a particular interest in selecting flowers that align with their values or hopes for the future.

Additionally, grooms may want to consider the practical aspects of the bridal bouquet, such as its size and shape. The bouquet should be proportionate to the bride to avoid overwhelming her or appearing too small. It should also be comfortable for the bride to hold and not too heavy or cumbersome. Grooms who are involved in the planning process may want to discuss these considerations with the bride or florist to ensure that the bouquet is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable for the bride to carry throughout the ceremony and reception.

The bouquet's preservation after the wedding

There are several ways to preserve a wedding bouquet, with some methods preserving the whole bouquet and others preserving just a few flowers.

Drying the Bouquet

One way to preserve the entire bouquet is by air-drying it. This method preserves the original shape of the bouquet, although slight shrinkage will occur. To dry a bouquet, start by removing any browning parts of the flowers, torn petals, and extra leaves. Then, tie a piece of string to each stem and hang the flowers upside down to dry in a dark and temperate area. Leave the bouquet to air-dry for at least two weeks, or longer if the temperature is cool. The colour of the bouquet will gradually fade, but it can still be displayed in a vase or hung on a wall.

Pressing the Flowers

Another method that preserves a few flowers from the bouquet involves pressing them inside a heavy book. First, select the flowers you would like to preserve and arrange them on a piece of parchment, wax paper, or a clean coffee filter. Place the flowers in the middle of the book and put another sheet of paper or coffee filter on top to prevent ink from transferring onto the flowers. Put heavy objects on top of the book, such as a skillet or more books, and leave the flowers to dry for about two weeks. Once dried, the flowers can be displayed in a frame.

Silica Gel

Using silica gel is one of the best methods to preserve the shape, colour, and form of the flowers. Silica gel can be purchased at most craft stores for $10 to $30. To preserve the bouquet, place the flowers face-up in an airtight container with a layer of silica gel at the bottom. Slowly pour silica gel over the flowers, ensuring that the crystals nestle into the petals, until the container is full. Seal the container and let the flowers sit for about a week. Once dry, use a small paintbrush to gently brush off any remaining silica gel and protect the flowers with a floral preserving sealant or hairspray. The preserved bouquet can then be displayed in a shadowbox frame or a vase.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is another way to preserve the original shape and colour of the flowers. This method involves drying the flowers first, either through air-drying or using silica gel, and then submerging them in epoxy resin. The resin can be poured into different moulds, such as a sphere or heart shape, and glitter can be added for a creative touch. After drying the flowers, pour a thin layer of resin into the mould and place the flowers face-up into the fluid. Slowly pour more resin into the mould, ensuring that it gets into every nook of the flowers to avoid air bubbles. Continue pouring the resin until the mould is full and let it harden for about 24 hours before removing the mould. The final product can be used as a paperweight, jewellery holder, or centerpiece.

Wax-dipping

Wax-dipping is not a permanent preservation method, but it will extend the life of the flowers for up to six months and preserve their original shape and colour. To wax-preserve the bouquet, melt paraffin wax in a pot and let it cool until it is warm. Then, dip each flower into the wax and slowly turn it to let any excess wax fall back into the container. Dip each flower a second time to ensure longevity. The waxed flowers can be hung upside down to dry or placed upright in a vase.

Painting

While not a preservation method for the actual flowers, painting the bouquet is a fun and permanent way to preserve the memory of the flowers. The bride and groom can create their own artwork using any medium, such as charcoal, watercolour, or acrylic, or they can commission a professional artist to paint an interpretation of the bouquet.

The bouquet's colour and type of flowers

The bouquet is meant to complement the bride's dress and the wedding's overall theme and style. It is an accessory and a focal point, and one of the first glimpses guests will have into the celebration.

The types of flowers used in the bouquet often come down to three things: personal preference, the wedding's colour theme, and the time of year.

In ancient times, brides carried bouquets of fragrant herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In the Victorian era, these traditions evolved to reflect flower colour meanings. For example, white symbolised purity, and orange represented happiness and fertility. Today, brides usually choose bouquets based on their personal taste and wedding style, but the symbolism and meaning of certain flowers can still guide bouquet choices.

The bouquet's colour and types of flowers used are a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include:

• Roses
• Calla lilies
• Succulents or greenery for a bohemian or rustic wedding
• Lamb's ear and scabiosa pods for a vintage or romantic wedding
• Billy balls for a modern and masculine look

Frequently asked questions