Bridesmaids' Bouquets: To Match Or Not To Match?

The bouquet toss is a wedding tradition that has existed for hundreds of years. Brides toss their bouquet into a group of single women, and whoever catches it is supposedly next to walk down the aisle. While some brides opt to toss their actual wedding bouquet, others choose to throw a second, smaller bouquet to make it easier for the catcher and less dangerous for those trying to catch it. Bridesmaids' bouquets are usually slightly smaller than the bridal bouquet and may incorporate some of the same flowers or colours to create a cohesive look. Ultimately, the choice of whether to have matching or contrasting bouquets is a personal one, and both options can look spectacular.

Bouquet toss: to toss or not to toss?

The bouquet toss is a wedding tradition that has been around for centuries, but is it still relevant today? Some brides choose to forego the toss altogether, while others see it as a fun and exciting part of the reception. So, what's the verdict? To toss or not to toss?

On one hand, the bouquet toss can be seen as a fun and lighthearted tradition that gets guests involved and adds a bit of excitement to the reception. It can be a great way to get everyone up and moving, especially if the dance floor is a little quiet. The bouquet toss also has a long history, dating back to ancient times when brides carried flowers to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune. Participating in the tradition can be a way to honour and celebrate the past.

However, there are also some valid reasons why a bride might choose not to do the bouquet toss. For one, it can be a bit dangerous, with guests potentially pushing and shoving to catch the bouquet. This is especially true if the bouquet is heavy or has sharp edges (from wire or other floral supplies). Another reason to skip the toss is to avoid any potential drama or hurt feelings among guests. The bouquet toss can sometimes cause tension or disappointment, especially if certain guests feel left out or pressured to participate.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to do the bouquet toss is a personal one. Some brides may choose to keep the tradition alive, while others may opt for alternative activities or simply skip it altogether. There is no right or wrong answer, and each bride should do what feels comfortable and aligns with their vision for the wedding.

If you do decide to toss the bouquet, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider using a separate, smaller bouquet specifically for the toss. This can be less expensive and easier to throw than your main bouquet. You can also ask your florist to create a toss bouquet that is less dense and has fewer sharp edges to reduce the risk of injury. Another option is to have a "bouquet pull" instead of a toss, where guests pull ribbons attached to the bouquet until one comes loose, or to do a "group toss" where all single ladies come forward and dance together while you toss the bouquet, eliminating the competition aspect.

Whether you choose to toss your bouquet or not, there are plenty of ways to make your wedding day special and memorable. Feel free to embrace tradition or create your own unique spin on things—it's your day!

Bridesmaids' bouquets: same or different?

Bridesmaids Bouquets: Same or Different?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Whether you want your bridesmaids' bouquets to be the same or different is entirely up to you.

Same

Having the same bouquets for everyone in the bridal party can create a very coordinated and matching look. You can still make the bride's bouquet stand out by making it slightly bigger than the bridesmaids' bouquets. You can also use the same flowers and colours but change the shape of the bridal bouquet to make it more dramatic.

Different

If you want to create contrast, you can make the bridal bouquet totally unique by changing its size, shape, and colours. You can also choose a variety of blooms for your bouquet and then have each bridesmaid carry a single bloom or a few stems of a single variety. You could also play with colour, either by adding an additional tone to your bouquet or by making one bouquet quite bright and the other more muted.

Alternatives to bouquets

If you want to depart from tradition, you could ask your bridesmaids to carry something other than a bouquet of flowers. For example, you could ask them to carry a book that played an important role in your friendship or a bundle of herbs to complement a rustic aesthetic. You could also forgo the bouquet altogether.

Cost: how much should you budget for bouquets?

The cost of wedding flowers can vary depending on several factors, including the types of flowers chosen, the season, and the location of the wedding. On average, couples in the United States spent $2,800 on wedding flowers in 2023, with the floral arrangement and decor being the fifth-highest wedding expenditure.

For bridal bouquets specifically, the average price typically ranges from $100 to $350. Bridesmaids' bouquets are usually smaller and simpler, costing between $50 and $100 each. The maid of honour's bouquet may be slightly larger or more elaborate, but it should not outshine the bridal bouquet.

To save money on wedding flowers, couples can consider alternatives such as choosing in-season flowers, selecting less expensive flower varieties, or creating their own bouquets. Additionally, opting for simple arrangements, smaller bouquets, or single-flower bouquets can also reduce costs.

It is worth noting that the cost of wedding flowers can fluctuate due to factors such as inflation and the impact of climate change on flower availability. Therefore, couples should be prepared for potential variations in pricing.

Preservation: what to do with the bouquet after the wedding?

So, you've tossed the bouquet and are now wondering what to do with your bridal bouquet after the wedding? Well, you're in luck! There are several ways to preserve your wedding flowers and transform them into lifelong keepsakes. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas to get you started:

Press the Flowers:

This method involves drying your flowers by placing them inside the pages of a heavy book. First, select the flowers you want to preserve and spread them out on clean wax paper. Arrange them the way you want as you won't be able to adjust them once they're dried and pressed. Place the wax paper with the flowers inside a heavy book and add another piece of wax paper on top to protect the flowers from ink. Weigh the book down with something heavy and leave it for about a week to let the flowers dry. Once they're dry, you can frame them or display them as you wish.

Hang the Flowers Upside Down to Dry:

Another simple preservation technique is air-drying. Remove any tape or ties from your bouquet and hang the stems individually in a dry, temperate area, such as a hallway closet. Let the flowers air-dry for at least a week or longer if it's cool. Once they're completely dry, you can arrange them in a vase or create a wreath to display.

Add the Petals to Taper Candles:

You can salvage dried petals or flower sprigs and use them to decorate plain taper candles. Light a tea candle and allow the wax to soften. Hold a dried petal over the taper candle, and use a small paintbrush to apply the melted wax over the flower like glue. Press the flower gently until it stays flat. You can also commission a candlemaker or candle painter to incorporate your dried flowers or recreate your bouquet design on tapers.

Submerge Them in Silica Gel:

Silica gel is a porous sand that absorbs water and dries flowers in one to seven days. It's an excellent way to preserve the colour and shape of your flowers. Simply form a base of silica gel in an airtight container, nestle your blooms in the sand, and gently pour more silica gel around the petals. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent mould. After a week, remove the flowers, spray them with fixative spray or hairspray, and display them in a vase or shadow box.

Make a Resin Paperweight:

Clear epoxy resin can be used to create decorative shapes and preserve your flowers. Get a mould in your desired shape, such as a sphere or cube, from a craft store. Fill the mould halfway with epoxy resin, delicately arrange the flowers, and then fill it to the top with more resin. Let it dry, and you'll have a beautiful decoration that captures your wedding bouquet forever. You can also send your flowers to an artist who specialises in resin creations.

Dip the Flowers in Wax:

Wax-dipping is a technique that will extend the life of your flowers by up to six months. Melt paraffin wax in boiling water until it's smooth, and then let it cool slightly. Gently dip your best blooms into the wax solution and immediately hang them upside down to dry. This method will preserve the colour and integrity of your flowers, but they will feel waxy to the touch.

Preserve Them With Glycerin:

Glycerin is a unique way to preserve your flowers by replacing the water in the blooms. Fill a vase or container with two parts lukewarm water and one part glycerin. Place your flower stems into the container and wait about two to three weeks for the absorption process to complete. You can also send your flowers to a professional who offers this preservation service.

Freeze-Dry the Flowers:

Freeze-drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve flowers, but it can be costly and time-consuming. It requires purchasing a freeze-dryer, which freezes the flowers while they are in full bloom, preserving their original brightness and colour. You can also send your flowers to a professional florist who offers freeze-drying services.

Paint Them:

Although this method doesn't preserve the actual flowers, it's a lovely way to capture their beauty. Commission your favourite artist to paint an interpretation of your bouquet, whether it's abstract or realistic. You can also try your hand at painting your bouquet as a meaningful DIY project.

Create Jewellery:

If you're feeling creative, you can use resin to create unique jewellery pieces that showcase your preserved flowers. However, if you're not proficient in jewellery making, it might be best to leave this idea to the professionals.

Display Your Wedding Invite:

Use dried flowers to frame and display your wedding invitation. This is a beautiful way to showcase your invitation and create a lasting memory of your special day.

Remember, when preserving your bridal bouquet, it's important to act quickly. The sooner you start the preservation process, the better the results will be. Additionally, consider skipping the bouquet toss or using a "dummy" bouquet to prevent any damage to your flowers.

History: why do brides carry bouquets?

Carrying a bouquet is a long-standing tradition for brides. The practice dates back to ancient times, when brides would carry fragrant herbs and spices to ward off bad luck during weddings. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians believed that the herbs and spices would bring new beginnings and hopes of fertility, happiness, and fidelity to the marriage.

Over time, the bouquet also became a way for brides to mask their body odour, especially as bathing was not a frequent occurrence. Pungent additions like garlic were also added to ward off evil spirits and keep away bad luck or curses.

In the Elizabethan era, bouquets became more decorative, with small bouquets and posies becoming a bridal must-have. It was also common for brides to wear flowers in their hair, either as accents or as a floral circlet, which evolved into the modern flower crown.

During the Victorian age, the wedding bouquet as we know it today was born. While flower symbolism was popular, with brides choosing specific flowers to communicate their romantic sentiments, that practice has faded. Today, couples often select flowers based on beauty and colour rather than symbolic meaning.

The bridal bouquet is now seen as a beautiful accessory and an essential part of the wedding decor. It is meant to complement the bride's dress and the overall theme of the wedding. While there is no 'wrong' bouquet style, it is important to choose a bouquet that reflects the couple and is proportionate to the bride's size.

When it comes to differentiating the bridal bouquet from the bridesmaids' bouquets, there are a few common approaches. Brides often opt for a slightly larger bouquet than their bridesmaids, or they may choose a different variety of flowers or colour scheme to make their bouquet stand out. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and aesthetic choices.

Frequently asked questions