Crafting A Fall Wedding Bouquet: A Guide To Getting Started

Autumn is the perfect time for a wedding. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and rich color palettes create a warm and cozy atmosphere. If you're planning a fall wedding, you'll want to incorporate the season's beauty into your bouquet. From rustic wildflowers to elegant roses, there are endless options for creating a stunning fall wedding bouquet. Sunflowers, roses, dahlias, and mums are popular choices, but you can also explore unique options like pampas grass, berries, and leaves. Whether you're going for a rustic, boho, or romantic aesthetic, here's a guide to help you create a fall wedding bouquet that's uniquely yours.

Choosing flowers and colours

Flowers

The flowers you choose will depend on the style and theme of your wedding. If you're going for a rustic look, you might want to include plenty of greenery and wildflowers. For a boho vibe, pampas grass is a great option, and for a romantic feel, pack your bouquet with red and burgundy tones.

Some of the most popular choices for fall wedding bouquets include:

• Sunflowers
• Roses
• Dahlias
• Mums/Chrysanthemums
• Calla lilies
• Ranunculus

Other flowers that work well in fall wedding bouquets include:

• Anemones
• Asters
• Astilbe
• Lilies
• Peonies
• Tulips
• Orchids
• Zinnias
• Shasta daisies
• Berries
• Pampas grass
• Ferns
• Eucalyptus
• Thistle
• Succulents

Colours

When it comes to colours, you can go in a few different directions. Pumpkin-inspired hues like orange, yellow, and red are classic choices for fall. But you can also explore other options like jewel tones, pastels with contrasting shades, or neutrals.

• Burgundy and navy
• Emerald and amber
• Blush pink and dark mauve
• Sage green and dark teal
• Grey, beige, black, and cream
• Lilac and yellow
• Peach and pink
• Fuchsia and purple
• Mauve, butter yellow, cream, and green
• Blue and burnt orange
• Red, yellow, and orange

Using foliage and other additions

Foliage and other additions are key to creating a stunning fall wedding bouquet. Here are some ideas to elevate your bouquet and embrace the beauty of the season:

Foliage

The right foliage can add texture, movement, and a touch of whimsy to your bouquet. Consider incorporating leaves in autumnal shades, such as rust-hued maple leaves, or opt for types of greenery like eucalyptus, Italian eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, or olive branches. For a boho vibe, pampas grass is a perfect choice, while fern, silver bell eucalyptus, and geranium foliage add a delicate touch. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unexpected like a bouquet filled with foraged branches or a mix of wildflowers and grasses.

Berries

Berries are a wonderful way to add a pop of colour and a touch of whimsy to your fall bouquet. You can choose from a variety of options, such as snowberries, hypericum berries, viburnum berries, or even raspberries for a late-summer twist.

Fillers

In addition to foliage and berries, there are other fillers you can use to enhance your bouquet. Fillers like clematis, honeysuckle, bleached Japanese fern, spirea, and grasses can add interest and texture. For a unique touch, consider using vegetables or herbs like parsley and mint, or even edible flowers like chocolate cosmos.

Vines

Trailing vines can create a free-spirited, bohemian look. Opt for flowering vines like clematis or jasmine, or choose a simple green vine to add a hint of fall colour.

Feathers

If you're looking for something a little different, feathers can be a trendy alternative to flowers. Combine them with wheat stalks and greenery for a rustic or bohemian vibe.

When creating your fall wedding bouquet, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different elements. The key is to embrace the natural beauty of the season and incorporate it into your floral arrangements.

Bouquet shapes and sizes

When it comes to the shape and size of your fall wedding bouquet, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the overall shape of the bouquet can be hand-tied, cascading, or hoop-style. Hand-tied bouquets have a more relaxed and natural feel, often with an asymmetrical shape. Cascading bouquets, on the other hand, are more traditional and feature a trailing shape, sometimes with vines or greenery spilling out from the bottom. Hoop bouquets are a unique alternative to handheld bouquets and can be carried or worn on the arm.

The size of your bouquet is also an important consideration. Oversized bouquets have been a popular trend in recent years, often featuring an asymmetrical shape with a mix of large blooms and trailing greenery. However, you can also opt for a smaller, more petite bouquet if you prefer a simpler look. Another option is to choose a bouquet that matches the size of your body. For example, a petite bride may feel overwhelmed by a large bouquet, while a larger bouquet may balance out a curvier figure.

When deciding on the shape and size of your fall wedding bouquet, it's important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your own personal preferences. For example, a rustic wedding might call for a larger, more wild-looking bouquet with lots of greenery, while a more elegant or minimalist wedding might suit a smaller, more structured bouquet. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can work with your florist to create a bouquet that is uniquely yours.

Finding a florist

Now for the fun part: finding a florist to bring your fall wedding bouquet to life. Here's what to keep in mind:

Start Looking Early

Begin your search for a wedding florist shortly after you've confirmed your wedding date and venue. It's recommended that you hire your wedding florist at least 9 to 10 months before your wedding day. This gives you ample time to meet with several florists without feeling rushed or stressed.

Determine Your Wedding Flower Style

Before you start your search, discuss with your partner how you want to incorporate flowers on the big day. Figure out if you want the style of your flowers to be classic, rustic, vintage, modern, or something else entirely. This will help you find a florist whose style and design specialties align with your vision.

Ask for Recommendations

Sometimes, the best way to find a wedding florist is through your personal circle. Chat with friends or family members who have recently gotten married or ordered flowers for other occasions. If you have a wedding coordinator, they can also provide recommendations for talented florists.

Do Your Research

Browse local wedding florists online and read reviews from previous clients. Check out their websites or blogs, and pay attention to how they describe their style and the photos they've shared. Ideally, their photos should showcase a variety of styles and arrangements to give you an idea of their talent and versatility.

Visit Their Studio or Shop

If the florist has a walk-in shop, consider dropping by briefly to get a feel for their business. Observe how the shop looks and the quality of the flowers on display. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday, keep your visit short as these tend to be busy days for florists.

Schedule a Sit-Down Appointment

Once you've found a potential florist, schedule a one-on-one appointment to discuss all the details. Be prepared to share your estimated guest count, color scheme, wedding season, and any specific flowers or design elements you have in mind. Don't hesitate to meet with several florists before making your final decision.

Discuss Budget and Services

Be honest about your budget, as this will determine the types of flowers and arrangements that are feasible. Keep in mind that certain flowers are more expensive than others, and prices can vary depending on the season. Ask the florist about their pricing, availability, and the services they offer, such as delivery and set-up on the wedding day.

Ask About Their Wedding Day Routine

Inquire about their process for setting up and breaking down the floral arrangements on the wedding day. Find out if they provide delivery and set-up services, or if those will be handled by your event planner or venue staff.

Watch Them in Action

Many wedding florists host floral arranging workshops, which can be a fun way to get to know a potential florist and see them work in real time. Check the florist's website or contact them directly to see if they have any upcoming workshops or events in your community.

Match Your Aesthetics

Floral designers are creatives, and each one has their own unique style. Look for a florist whose style resonates with yours and whose work showcases a range of styles and arrangements that align with your vision and budget.

Know the Difference Between a Floral Designer and a Florist

A floral designer typically curates a design and works with a vendor team, whereas a florist usually operates out of a shop selling arrangements à la carte. If you need someone to provide expertise on how to activate a space or bring a theme to life, a floral designer may be a better fit.

Keep Sustainability in Mind

If minimizing environmental impact is a priority, opt for a florist who works predominantly with locally-grown blooms. Ask about how they dispose of their flowers (composting is best) and what materials they use in their designs, as some are more reusable than others.

Reviews and Feedback

While reviews can be a helpful tool, they aren't the only deciding factor. If a florist has mostly negative reviews, that's a red flag, but if there are one or two negative reviews among many positive ones, ask the florist about the situation. A good florist will be transparent and won't hesitate to explain.

Happy planning!

Bouquet care and transportation

To ensure your fall wedding bouquet stays vibrant and fresh throughout your big day, here are some tips and tricks for care and transportation:

Before the Wedding

• Choose hardy flower varieties for your bouquet, such as roses, lilies, orchids, and peonies. These flowers are not only gorgeous but also more resilient and can withstand the excitement of your wedding day.
• The night before your wedding, trim the stems of your bouquet at an angle and place them in a vase of fresh water. Keep the flowers in a cool, dark place to prevent dehydration.
• If possible, have a small spray bottle of water on hand during the wedding day to give your blooms a refreshing mist when needed.

During the Wedding

• Be mindful of temperature extremes. Keep your bouquet away from direct sunlight and store it in a temperature-controlled environment before the ceremony.
• Avoid leaving your bouquet in a hot car for too long, as the temperature inside can quickly rise.
• Handle your bouquet gently. Hold it from the base rather than squeezing the stems, as this can damage the delicate petals.
• When not in use, place your bouquet in a dedicated bouquet stand or ask your bridesmaid to carefully set it in a secure spot.

Transportation

• Use a box to safely transport your bouquet. Place the bouquet on top of the box and mark the outline of the vase or container.
• Cut an X-shaped opening with a knife, removing the excess cardboard.
• Put the arrangement inside the box, securing it with tape if needed.
• Alternatively, use a spare vase or jar with an inch of water. Place your bouquet inside, ensuring the water doesn't touch any ribbon. You may need to remove and replace the ribbon at the venue.
• For corsages and boutonnieres with exposed stems, use plastic cups with a small amount of water to hold them during transport. Place the cups snugly in a box, filling any gaps with balled-up newspaper.
• If the stems are sealed, carefully place them in a small box with paper towels to prevent sliding.

By following these steps, your fall wedding bouquet will stay fresh and vibrant, preserving the magic of your special day.

Frequently asked questions