Bridesmaids' Flowers: Choosing The Perfect Blooms For Your Wedding Party

Flowers are an important part of a wedding, and choosing the right ones for the bridesmaids can be a tricky decision. While bouquets are a popular choice, they can be expensive, especially if the bridal party is large. There are many factors to consider when selecting flowers for the bridesmaids, such as the colour and style of their dresses, the wedding theme, and the overall vibe of the day. This article will explore different options for bridesmaids' flowers and provide tips for creating beautiful and affordable floral arrangements.

Bouquet colours to complement bridesmaids' dresses

The bouquets carried by the bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding ceremony. They should complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' dresses, and the overall theme of the wedding. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bouquet colours to complement your bridesmaids' dresses:

Complementary Colours

Firstly, consider the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. You can either choose to match the bouquets to the dresses or opt for complementary colours. If you have a specific wedding colour palette, try to incorporate those shades into the bouquets. For instance, if your bridesmaids are wearing cream-coloured dresses, delicate pastel flowers in shades of pink, lilac, or peach, along with elegant white flowers, would create a gorgeous, subtle effect. Alternatively, you could go bolder and choose a contrasting colour for the bouquets to make them stand out.

Seasonal Flowers

If you are having a seasonal wedding, consider using flowers that are in season to create a cohesive look. For an autumn or winter wedding, deep reds, oranges, burgundies, and darker shades of pink can be a beautiful choice. For a spring or summer wedding, opt for pastel colours or brighter shades like yellow and coral.

Simple vs. Bold

The size and style of the bouquets can also play a part in your colour choice. If you want to keep the bouquets simple and understated, perhaps to match a minimalist wedding dress style, then a single colour or a mix of a few complementary colours can be very effective. On the other hand, if you want the bouquets to be more eye-catching and bold, you could opt for a multicoloured bouquet with a variety of different flowers.

Individuality and Creativity

While it is traditional for all the bridesmaids to carry the same bouquet, you could allow for some individuality by giving each bridesmaid a slightly different bouquet. This could be a great way to incorporate a broader range of colours and make a unique impact. Alternatively, you could think outside the box and opt for bouquet alternatives, such as floral crowns, wrist corsages, or even lanterns.

Size and Shape

Finally, consider the size and shape of the bouquets in relation to the dresses. If the bridesmaids are wearing simple dresses, a larger, more colourful bouquet can add a stylish accent. Conversely, if the dresses are very detailed or brightly coloured, a smaller, more understated bouquet in neutral shades might be a better choice.

Remember, the bouquets are a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding. Whether you choose to match the bouquets to the dresses or go for a contrasting look, the most important thing is that you and your bridesmaids feel happy and confident on the big day.

Bouquet size and cost

The size of a bridesmaid's bouquet is an important consideration. A good rule of thumb is that the bridesmaid's bouquet should be roughly half the size of the main bridal bouquet or slightly smaller. This ensures that the bridal bouquet stands out as the most photographed floral arrangement of the wedding.

On average, a bridesmaid's bouquet 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 these bouquets depends on several factors, including the wedding season, location, and types of flowers included. On average, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per bridesmaid bouquet.

If you're looking to keep costs down, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, request that your bridesmaid bouquets be made with cheaper flowers or smaller blooms that match the colour of their dresses. This will help you stay within your budget while still looking amazing and coordinating with your colour scheme. Another option is to create bouquets with fake flowers, which can be a more affordable alternative without sacrificing aesthetics.

For a unique and budget-friendly twist, you could also explore bouquet alternatives. For example, your bridesmaids could carry a single stem flower, a floral cuff, a wreath, or even a dreamcatcher. These options can add a touch of whimsy to your wedding ceremony while reducing expenses.

If you have a larger bridal party, the cost of bouquets can quickly add up. In such cases, it's essential to prioritise cost-effective solutions without compromising on style. Opting for simpler bouquets with fewer flowers or choosing alternative arrangements, such as ribbon wands or fans, can help you stay within your budget without sacrificing the visual appeal of your bridesmaids' accessories.

Bouquet alternatives

There are many alternatives to the traditional bridesmaid bouquet. Here are some ideas to consider:

Parasols

Parasols can add a Victorian-inspired look to a wedding, especially if it's outdoors. White umbrellas paired with sleek dresses and simple bouquets can create an elegant aesthetic.

Ribbons

Ribbons can be integrated with floral bouquets to add a unique touch. Nature-inspired colours can accentuate the florals and transform each bouquet into a work of art.

Baskets

Baskets filled with petals or flowers can be a charming alternative to bouquets. This option adds a rustic and storybook-inspired touch to the wedding.

Destination-themed accessories

For a tropical wedding, bridesmaids can carry dried palm leaves, adding an interesting and stunning design element to their walk down the aisle.

Cultural touches

For a wedding with cultural significance, bridesmaids can carry traditional items such as Chinese fans, adding a unique and meaningful element to the celebration.

Flower crowns

Flower crowns offer an ethereal and garden-inspired look. They can be paired with dainty bouquets, such as those featuring baby's breath, for a flower-forward aesthetic.

Filler flowers

Bouquets composed entirely of filler flowers, such as baby's breath, can create a whimsical and ethereal effect.

Single stems

A single rose or calla lily, wrapped in ribbon, can make a romantic and dramatic statement. Long-stemmed delphinium, roses, snapdragons, or lupine are also elegant options.

Feathers

Feathers tucked into posies add a touch of beauty and symbolism, as they are considered a symbol of good luck.

Herb-filled bouquets

Bouquets filled with herbs like rosemary or sage can be a stunning and fragrant alternative to traditional flowers.

Greenery arrangements

Arrangements of greenery, including eucalyptus, olive branches, and ferns, create a natural and textured option for bridesmaids.

Books

Books can be a unique alternative to bouquets, especially if they hold a special significance to the couple. Each bridesmaid could carry their favourite book or a book that represents the friendship they share with the bride.

Corsages

Corsages are a hands-free alternative to bouquets and can add a sophisticated touch to the bridesmaids' attire.

Tropical leaves

Large palm or monstera leaves can be a stunning and bold alternative to traditional bouquets, especially for a beachside or tropical-themed wedding.

Flowering plants

Astilbe is a flowering plant that comes in beautiful hues of white, pink, red, and lavender. Bunches of this plant can be a romantic and whimsical choice for bridesmaids.

Floral cuffs

Floral cuffs made of dried flowers or grasses with fresh blooms can be a beautiful and bohemian-inspired alternative to bouquets.

Mismatched bouquets

Curating a mix-and-match selection of personalised bouquets for each bridesmaid can add a unique and creative touch to the wedding.

Hoop bouquets

Hoop bouquets can complement any wedding theme. Metallic, wooden, or acrylic hoops can be decorated with flowers or tassels to create a stylish and lightweight alternative to traditional bouquets.

Silk flowers

Silk flowers offer a timeless and elegant alternative to fresh blooms. They can also be a more cost-effective option without sacrificing aesthetics.

Vegetables

For a fun and unexpected twist, bridesmaids can carry colourful vegetables like purple asparagus, carrots, or radishes. This idea is especially fitting for a farm or rustic-themed wedding.

Dried lavender

Dried lavender provides a stunning and calming fragrance while also offering a wildflower-inspired aesthetic. It can be assembled with other textured pieces for a simple and effortless look.

Cascading bouquets

Cascading or draped bouquets offer a unique and dramatic alternative to the traditional rounded shape. Hanging amaranthus, for example, can add a rich and enchanting touch to the arrangement.

Matching bouquets with the bridal party

The bridal party's bouquets should be cohesive and complementary to the bridal bouquet and each other, with slight differences. Here are some tips to help you match the bouquets with the bridal party:

Bouquet Size

The bridesmaids' bouquets are usually smaller than the bridal bouquet, roughly half the size or slightly smaller. This ensures that the bridal bouquet stands out as the most photographed floral arrangement of the wedding.

Bouquet Style

The bridesmaids' bouquets should be in a similar style to the bridal bouquet, with similar flowers and colours, but with some unique elements. For example, you could include smaller flowers that match the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses or incorporate the bridesmaids' bouquets with the overall wedding colour palette.

Bouquet Shape

While the bouquets should be similar in style, you can play around with different shapes to add interest and variety. For example, you could have cascading bouquets with long vines or opt for a hoop-shaped bouquet, which is easier for younger attendants to hold.

Bouquet Cost

If you're on a budget, there are ways to keep flower costs to a minimum. You can request cheaper flowers, use single-stem flowers, or create bouquets with fake flowers or dried flowers. Another option is to forgo flowers altogether and choose alternative bouquet ideas such as fans, parasols, or ribbon wands.

Bouquet Colours

When it comes to colour, you can either match the bouquets to the bridesmaids' dresses or use the bouquets to bring in a broader range of colours. For example, you could pair cream bridesmaids' dresses with delicate pastel flowers, or add bold colours to dark bridesmaids' dresses for impact.

Individuality and Creativity

While it's important for the bouquets to be cohesive, you can also add unique touches to each bridesmaid's bouquet to symbolise the love and admiration you have for them. For instance, you could include sweet strands of hand-dyed silk ribbon or small flowers that match their dress colours.

Remember, the bouquets carried by the bridal party are an important part of the wedding, and with a little creativity, you can design arrangements that complement the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids' attire, and the overall vibe of the day.

Flowers to avoid

While flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding, there are some types that are best avoided. Firstly, it is important to consider the scent of the flowers. Strongly scented blooms like lilies, lilacs, and jasmine can cause headaches or allergies, so it's best to steer clear of these if you want your bridesmaids to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Another factor to keep in mind is the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. While flowers can complement the dresses, choosing colours that are too bold or bright can pull focus away from the bridesmaids themselves. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing cream, pastel shades of pink, lilac, or peach, along with elegant white flowers, will create a gorgeous, subtle effect without taking attention away from the dresses. Similarly, for sage green dresses, white roses with green leaves and stems can create a fresh, natural look. If your bridesmaids are dressed in rust, perfect for autumn or winter weddings, opt for flowers that reflect the season, such as red roses or burgundy blooms, with lighter orange and peach tones to capture the seasonal palette.

It's also worth noting that large bouquets with many different types of flowers can quickly become expensive. If you're on a budget, consider cheaper flowers that still fit your colour scheme, or opt for single-stem flowers or alternative arrangements like arm garlands or a single rose.

Frequently asked questions