Bridesmaids' Bouquets: Matching The Bride Or Standing Out?

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether bridesmaids' bouquets should match the bride's. It is a matter of personal preference and can depend on the desired aesthetic for the wedding. Some brides may prefer a coordinated and matching bridal party look, while others may be inspired by contrast and opt for a unique bridal bouquet that stands out from the bridesmaids' bouquets. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the bride's vision for their wedding and what will make them feel the most special on their big day.

Bouquet size

When it comes to the size of the bouquet, it is generally agreed that the bride's bouquet should be bigger than the bridesmaids' bouquets. This is because the bride is the most important person in the bridal party and her bouquet should be representative of that.

Some sources suggest that the bride's bouquet should be designed first, with the bridesmaids' bouquets taking inspiration from it. For example, if the bridal bouquet contains the boldest blooms, a way to complement this could be to use a smaller bloom in the same colour for the bridesmaids' bouquets.

There is also the option to differentiate the bridal bouquet by both size and shape. Using the same colour palette throughout the bridal party bouquets can maintain a strong floral cohesiveness, but changing the shape of the bridal bouquet can make it more dramatic. This works well for brides who love cascading bouquets, which are naturally lush and require a high level of craftsmanship.

The size of the bridesmaids' bouquets can also be used to complement the dresses. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing bright dresses, a smaller bouquet that blends in with the wedding colours can be used to let the dresses speak for themselves.

Bouquet shape

When it comes to the bouquet, the bride should stand out. The bouquet can be designed with an interesting shape, such as a natural overflowing bouquet, or with a unique colour combination.

The bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bride's bouquet and their dresses. They can be designed with a similar style but should be slightly smaller in scale compared to the bride's bouquet. The bridesmaids' bouquets can also incorporate similar flowers to the bride's bouquet but with a different colour or a smaller bloom. For example, if the bridal bouquet contains bold-coloured blooms, the bridesmaids' bouquets could incorporate that colour with a smaller flower.

Another option is to use the bridesmaids' bouquets to bring in a broader range of colours. If the bridesmaids are wearing different prints and styles, a monochromatic palette for the bouquets can help to keep the overall look cohesive.

If the bridesmaids are wearing a lot of colours or different dresses, it might be best to let the dresses be the statement and make the bouquets more neutral.

The bouquets can also be used to bring cohesiveness to the bridal party. For example, if the bridal party is wearing neutral dresses, the colour palette can be incorporated into the bouquets.

The bride and bridesmaids' bouquets should ultimately accentuate the wedding's colour palette and complement the dresses.

Bouquet colour

There are no rules when it comes to the colour of your bridesmaids' bouquets. You can choose to have them match your own, or go for something completely different. The most important thing is that you like the look you choose and that it fits your wedding's theme and colour palette.

If you want to differentiate your bouquet from your bridesmaids', you can do so through size, shape, and colour. You could, for example, opt for a colourful bouquet that pops against your wedding gown, while your bridesmaids carry neutral blooms. You could also use your bouquet to introduce a bold shade that complements your bridesmaids' darker dresses.

If you want your bridesmaids' bouquets to complement your own, you could use the same colour palette, but with a different variety of flowers, or the same flowers in different proportions. You could also use your bouquet to introduce a statement flower that is absent from your bridesmaids' bouquets.

If your bridesmaids are wearing a lot of colour, you may want to opt for more neutral bouquets. However, if your bridesmaids are wearing neutral dresses, you could use their bouquets to introduce some colour.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can be as creative as you like with your bouquets, and there are many options to make your bridal bouquet stand out.

Bridesmaids' dresses

Firstly, consider the shape of the bouquets. A natural, overflowing, or cascading bouquet can be adapted for bridesmaids by focusing on certain elements, such as cascading greenery, to create a 'wild' look without overpowering the bride's arrangement.

Secondly, colour plays a vital role in achieving a cohesive aesthetic. You can incorporate the same colours or shades from the bridal bouquet into the bridesmaids' bouquets, or use complementary colours to create a broader impact. If the bridesmaids are wearing a lot of colours or different dresses, consider a neutral bouquet that anchors the look without complicating it. Alternatively, if the dresses are neutral, add a pop of colour with the bouquets.

Finally, you can also play with the size of the bouquets. The bride's bouquet is usually larger than those of the bridesmaids to signify her importance. You can also reserve certain statement blooms exclusively for the bridal bouquet to make it stand out.

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to aesthetics. Feel free to mix and match elements to create a unique and personalised look for your bridal party!

Budget

• Discuss with a florist: A professional florist will be able to guide you in choosing flowers that fit your budget. Be open about your price range, and they can suggest specific blooms and arrangements to match.
• Prioritize the bridal bouquet: While all bouquets are important, the bride's bouquet typically takes centre stage. Consider allocating a larger portion of your flower budget to the bridal bouquet and opting for more affordable options for the bridesmaids.
• Choose seasonal flowers: Flowers that are in season will generally be more affordable and readily available. Plan your wedding flowers around the season to save costs. For example, hydrangeas are perfect for summer nuptials, while jewel-toned flowers are ideal for autumn weddings.
• Mix premium and affordable blooms: You can create beautiful bouquets by mixing premium flowers with more affordable options. For instance, combine elegant roses or peonies with baby's breath or greenery. This approach will add texture and volume while keeping costs down.
• Size and quantity: Bridesmaids' bouquets are typically smaller than the bridal bouquet. You can also opt for fewer flowers per bouquet for your bridesmaids to reduce expenses.
• Simplify the designs: Elaborate, cascading bouquets require more flowers and are more labour-intensive, increasing the cost. Consider simpler designs with a single type of flower or a small assortment of blooms.
• Alternative options: If you're on a tight budget, consider alternative bouquet ideas. For example, dried flowers, single-bloom bouquets, or even non-floral options like floral cuffs or hoops can be more affordable choices.
• Reuse and repurpose: Discuss with your wedding planner or florist about ways to reuse the bridesmaids' bouquets as part of the reception decor. This can help stretch your budget further and create a cohesive look throughout the venue.
• DIY options: If you're crafty, you may be able to create your own bouquets or work with a local florist to source the flowers and put them together yourself. This can be a fun project, but it requires careful planning and may not always result in cost savings.
• Shop around: Don't be afraid to get quotes from multiple florists and compare prices. You can also explore wholesale flower markets or online flower delivery services, which may offer more competitive prices.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting for wedding flowers. The key is to be creative, flexible, and open to different options. By combining different strategies, you can achieve beautiful bouquets that fit within your financial plan.

Frequently asked questions