Bridesmaids' Bouquets: Choosing The Perfect Flowers For Your Girls

Choosing the right bridesmaids' bouquets is an important part of wedding planning. The bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' dresses, and the wedding's overall theme and colour palette. There are many factors to consider when selecting the flowers, including the size of the bouquet, the types of flowers used, and the cost. While fresh flowers are traditional, there are also many alternative options, such as corsages, paper flowers, and even lanterns. Ultimately, the choice of bridesmaids' bouquets should reflect the style and personality of the bride and groom.

Bouquet size and cost

When it comes to the size of a bridesmaid's bouquet, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and the practicalities of what your bridesmaids will be able to carry comfortably. A good rule of thumb is that a bridesmaid's bouquet should be roughly half the size of the main bridal bouquet or slightly smaller. This might include five to ten focal flowers, such as roses, peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, or ranunculus, along with smaller complementary flowers and greenery to complete the arrangement.

The cost of a bridesmaid's bouquet will depend on several factors, including the wedding season, location, and types of flowers used. On average, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per bouquet. If you're working with a tight budget, consider alternative options such as single-stem bouquets or corsages, which can be more cost-effective.

If you want to add a unique touch to your bridal party's look, you can also explore non-floral bouquet alternatives. These can include feathers, lanterns, fans, or even parasols. These options often allow for more creativity and can be tailored to your wedding theme and colour palette.

Ultimately, the size and cost of the bridesmaids' bouquets should align with your overall vision for the wedding while also being mindful of your budget and your bridal party's comfort.

Bouquet colour and style

When choosing the colour and style of your bridesmaids' bouquets, you should consider the following:

Bouquet Colour

The bouquet colour should complement the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. You can either use the same colour palette but with varying shades, or bring in a broader range of colours to create an impact. If you want to be more adventurous, you can opt for a monochromatic palette, especially if the bridesmaids' dresses are different prints and styles.

Bouquet Style

The bouquet style should complement the bridal bouquet and the overall theme of the wedding. The bouquets can be in a similar style but slightly smaller in scale compared to the bride's bouquet. You can also play with the idea of having a mix-and-match option, where each bridesmaid carries a different alternative such as dried grass or greenery for a natural look.

Bouquet Wrapping

The wrapping of the bouquets is also important. You can include sweet strands of hand-dyed silk ribbon to add depth to the overall floral look.

Individuality

While the bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, they can also be made slightly different to symbolise the love and admiration you have for your bridesmaids.

Scent

It is recommended to avoid overly scented flowers such as lilies, lilacs, or jasmine as your bridesmaids will be holding these flowers all day. Any overly potent blooms can cause headaches or allergies.

Bouquet Size

The bridesmaids' bouquets are roughly half the size of the main bouquet or slightly smaller. On average, the bridesmaids' bouquets might include five to ten focal flowers (depending on the type of bloom), with smaller, complementary flowers and greenery to complete the arrangement.

Bouquet Cost

The cost of the bridesmaids' bouquets depends on several factors, but on average, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per bouquet. The wedding season, location, and types of flowers included will impact the final cost.

Bouquet contents

The contents of a bridesmaid's bouquet can vary depending on your preferences and the overall theme of the wedding. Here are some ideas for what to include in your bridesmaid bouquets:

Flowers

Traditionally, a bridesmaid's bouquet consists of flowers that complement the wedding's theme, the bridesmaids' outfits, and the bridal bouquet. When choosing flowers, consider the colour theme of your wedding and the time of year. You can opt for a single type of flower or a mix of blooms. Popular choices include roses, peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, and ranunculus. If you want to incorporate the bridesmaids' bouquets with your own, you can choose a variety of blooms for your bouquet and then have each bridesmaid carry a single bloom or a few stems of a particular flower from your bouquet.

Foliage

Foliage, such as eucalyptus leaves, is a great way to add texture and interest to the bouquets. Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, with its soft green colour and round leaves, can add movement to the arrangement. You can also include other types of greenery, such as ivy, bay leaves, and Israeli ruscus, which has a more structured look.

Dried Flowers and Foliage

Dried flowers and foliage, such as baby's breath, can be a whimsical and charming choice for bridesmaid bouquets. They can be used on their own or mixed with fresh flowers for a unique contrast.

Feathers

Feathers can be a beautiful addition to the bouquets, adding a touch of rustic elegance or a dramatic flair. Ostrich feathers, for example, create a graceful and feminine look, while peacock feathers add glamour and colour.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be used to accent the bouquets and add a touch of colour or texture. They can be long and flowing, matching your colour palette, or used to create bows for a more whimsical effect.

Beads and Accessories

Small details such as jewels, accent leaves, silk, bows, sparkles, or feathers can be added to the bouquets to complement the floral and greenery choices.

Non-Floral Alternatives

If you want to forgo flowers altogether, there are plenty of alternative options for bridesmaid bouquets. Some ideas include:

• Single stems of flowers or foliage, such as a large Monstera leaf or a Palm fan.
• Corsages, which can be worn on the wrist and leave the bridesmaids' hands free.
• Hairpieces, such as floral crowns or headdresses, for a boho or romantic look.
• Hoops decorated with foliage, feathers, ribbons, or other embellishments.
• Lanterns, which can also double as lighting for the reception and symbolise good luck, health, and prosperity.
• Balloons, which can be decorated with ribbons or matched to your wedding colour palette.
• Fans, such as traditional Chinese fans or paper hand fans, which can add a touch of elegance or whimsy.

Bouquet alternatives

There are many bouquet alternatives to choose from if you're looking for something a little different for your bridesmaids. Here are some unique ideas to inspire you:

Floral Crowns

Floral crowns are a perfect fit for a garden party-themed wedding. You can even combine them with dainty bouquets for a more whimsical look.

Baby's Breath

Baby's breath creates a whimsical and charming look and can be used to create an all-white bouquet or added to other flowers for a pop of white.

Single Flowers

Single flowers, such as roses or calla lilies, wrapped in ribbons can add a touch of romantic decadence to your bridesmaids' look.

Feathers

Feathers tucked into posies are not only beautiful but also symbolise good luck, making them a perfect choice for your special day.

Herbs

Bouquets made of herbs like rosemary or sage, or even olive branches, are a unique and lovable wild child of the wedding flower space.

Greenery

If you love the lush look of a bouquet but want to avoid flowers, an arrangement of greenery like eucalyptus, olive branches, or ferns can create a natural and textured option.

Flowering Plants

Anthurium, a flowering plant with a tropical-meets-modern feel, can be a unique choice for your bridesmaids to carry. A single stem in a coordinating colour will definitely stand out.

Books

For a truly distinctive option, your bridesmaids can carry beautifully bound books or their favourite books down the aisle, honouring your passion for reading.

Parasols

Parasols are a stunning and practical choice for outdoor weddings, especially in the summer. They will not only protect your bridesmaids from the sun but also add a touch of elegance to their ensemble.

Corsages

A chic corsage with plenty of greenery on each bridesmaid's arm is a sophisticated alternative to a traditional bouquet.

Tropical Leaves

Large palm or monstera leaves can be a stunning and bold alternative, especially for a beachside bash or a formal reception.

Hanging Bouquets

Hanging bouquets, with flowers dangling from a loop of ribbon, create a unique and romantic statement for your bridesmaids to carry.

Bouquet traditions

The tradition of carrying bouquets dates back to ancient times, with the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians carrying fragrant herbs and spices to ward off bad luck during weddings. The flowers were also symbolic of new beginnings and brought hopes of fertility, happiness, and fidelity. Dill, rosemary, wheat, ivy, and thistle were commonly included in the bouquet.

In addition to their symbolic value, bouquets were also used to mask body odour and the smell of death during the plague. Pungent additions like garlic and spices were added to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

The tradition of the bouquet toss also originated from this time. Touching the bride was considered lucky, and the bouquet toss was invented as a distraction to prevent frenzied mobs from harming the bride.

During the Elizabethan era, small bouquets became a bridal must-have, and flowers were also worn in the hair. In the Victorian age, flower symbolism became popular, and brides chose flowers to communicate romantic sentiments.

Today, the bouquet is primarily a beautiful accessory that amplifies the wedding decor, but the symbolism of certain flowers still guides some bouquet choices.

When it comes to the bridal party, the maid of honour's bouquet can differ slightly from the rest of the bridesmaids' bouquets to signify her special role. The bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bridal bouquet, their dresses, and the overall wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions