The Perfect Wedding Bouquet: 8 Stunning Options

The bridal bouquet is an integral part of a wedding. It is a statement piece that completes a bride's outfit and ties together the wedding colors and theme. When choosing a bouquet, it is essential to consider the shape of the wedding dress, the wedding style, and the availability of flowers. The bouquet should complement the silhouette of the dress without taking attention away from it. For example, a narrow bouquet may suit a mermaid or form-fitting dress, while a ball gown calls for a fuller bouquet. In addition to shape, the color and type of flowers used in the bouquet can contribute to the overall message and aesthetic of the wedding.

Bouquet shape and wedding dress silhouette

When choosing the shape of your wedding bouquet, it's important to consider the silhouette of your wedding dress. The right bouquet will complement the silhouette and details of your dress, rather than drawing attention away from it.

For instance, if you have a mermaid or form-fitting silhouette, a narrow bouquet can complement your form and highlight the shape of your dress. On the other hand, a ball gown or Cinderella-style dress calls for a fuller, more dramatic bouquet.

• Classic A-Line with V-Shaped Bouquets: For a classic A-line dress with a V-neck, a V-shaped bouquet can highlight and balance the top and bottom halves of the dress. Medium-sized bouquets or petite bouquets also work well with A-line dresses.
• Column/Sheath Dresses with Smaller Bouquet Shapes: The minimalist and elegant column or sheath dress calls for a rounded bouquet to contrast the straight lines, or a bouquet with long stems to elongate the figure.
• Ballgown with Big Bouquet Styling: To ensure the bouquet doesn't get lost behind a ball gown, opt for big blooms mixed with smaller blooms that accentuate the colours and textures of the dress. Finish with a wide ribbon to tie the look together.
• Mermaid/Trumpet with Small or Cascading Bouquets: Mermaid or trumpet dresses have a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. If the dress is detailed, opt for a smaller bouquet to avoid overwhelming the dress. If the dress has a flatter silhouette, a cascading bouquet can draw the eye downward to the unique shape.
• Short Hemlines with Playful Posies: For a playful, short hemline, choose dainty posies that won't overpower the outfit. Pastel and bolder colours can work well, especially for summer months or warmer locations.
• Modern Wedding Suits with Statement Bouquets: For a contemporary bride in a wedding suit, push the boundaries with a modern bouquet shape like a crescent or a design with unexpected elements. Consider hairpieces or statement floral jewellery to complete the look.
• Drop-Waist with Adaptable Bouquets: With a drop-waist dress, almost any bouquet shape can work. Medium bouquets are often a good choice, but the specific recommendation will depend on other factors like the venue, fabric choice, and colour palette.

Remember, the key is to choose a bouquet shape that complements and accentuates your wedding dress silhouette, creating a cohesive and romantic look for your special day.

In-season flowers

Flowers are a key part of your wedding, and choosing in-season blooms for your bouquet has several benefits. Firstly, it's more sustainable and cost-effective to source flowers locally. Secondly, in-season flowers beautifully complement the time period of your wedding. For example, bright, pastel-coloured flowers are perfect for an April or May wedding, honouring the softness and new life of springtime.

Spring

Spring is associated with new beginnings, making it the perfect time to get married. The pastel shades of spring flowers add a soft, romantic touch to your wedding. Some in-season flowers to consider for your spring wedding bouquet include:

• Tulips
• Peonies
• Roses
• Sweet pea
• Hyacinth
• Lilac
• Lily of the valley
• Daffodils
• Irises

Summer

Summer is all about vibrant colours and sunshine. Sunflowers are a popular choice for summer weddings, adding a bright and cheerful touch. Other in-season flowers for summer include:

• Sunflowers
• Dahlias
• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Gladiolus
• Hydrangeas
• Lilies
• Cosmos
• Geraniums

Autumn

Autumn is a season of rich, warm colours and textures. In-season flowers for an autumn wedding bouquet could include:

• Chrysanthemums
• Asters
• Goldenrod
• Sunflowers
• Dahlias
• Marigolds
• Orchids
• Calla lilies
• Celosia

Winter

For a winter wedding, you might want to create a cosy, intimate feeling with your bouquet. Dark greenery, red roses, and white flowers are a perfect choice. Some in-season flowers for a winter wedding include:

• Holly
• Berries
• Pinecones
• Poinsettias
• Amaryllis
• Paperwhites
• Anemones
• Camellias

Wedding colours

If you're using soft blues, white, and pink, for example, you could choose a bouquet with blue delphinium, white hydrangea, and blush roses. For a winter wedding, dark greenery, red roses, and white flowers create a cosy, intimate feeling.

The specific shade of the wedding dress is also important. A true white dress will be best complemented by different flowers than an off-white, cream, or ivory dress.

In addition to the dress, the bouquet should also tie in with the wedding's overall colour palette, including the venue, fabrics, tablescape, and more.

For a cohesive look, consider the season and choose flowers that are already present at your venue. For example, tulips add a pop of colour to spring wedding bouquets.

Finally, don't forget to consider allergies when choosing the flowers for your bouquet.

Personal touches

Adding a personal touch to your wedding bouquet is a perfect way to pay homage to the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" wedding tradition. Here are some ideas to make your bouquet more intimate and unique:

Heirloom Accessories

Attach a family heirloom, such as lace or a pendant, to your bouquet to represent "something old." This could be a piece of jewellery passed down through generations or a vintage accessory that holds sentimental value. Incorporating an heirloom adds a layer of intimacy and connects your family history to your special day.

Blue Accents

Incorporate blue ribbon or lace into your bouquet to represent "something blue." This could be a delicate blue ribbon or lace wrapping the stems of your bouquet, adding a subtle hint of colour that complements your wedding colours. The blue accent will also stand out beautifully in your wedding photos, providing a unique detail that ties your bouquet to the rest of your ensemble.

Sentimental Flowers

Include flowers that hold a special meaning or sentiment. For example, you could choose flowers that were present in your first bouquet from your partner, or flowers that symbolise a particular memory or experience you've shared. This adds a romantic and personalised touch to your bouquet, making it even more meaningful as you walk down the aisle.

Symbolic Charms

Add small charms or brooches to your bouquet wrapping or ribbon. These charms could represent inside jokes, shared interests, or significant milestones in your relationship. For example, a small charm in the shape of a lock and key, an initial, or a symbol that holds personal significance for you and your partner. These charms will be like hidden messages in your bouquet, making it even more special.

Fabric Swatches

If you want to ensure that your bouquet complements your dress perfectly, consider providing your florist with fabric swatches from your wedding gown. This will allow them to create a bouquet that harmonises with the colour, texture, and style of your dress. The right bouquet should enhance your dress, not distract from it, and fabric swatches can help your florist achieve this balance.

Bouquet size

The bouquet size you choose for your wedding will depend on the silhouette and details of your dress. The bouquet should complement the shape of your dress without taking attention away from it.

For example, if you have a mermaid or form-fitting silhouette, a narrow bouquet will complement your form and highlight the shape of your dress. On the other hand, if you have a ball gown or Cinderella-style dress, a fuller, more dramatic bouquet would be a better choice.

If you're wearing a classic A-line dress, medium bouquet sizes usually work well. However, petite bouquets are currently trending and often pair nicely with this style of dress.

For a sheath-style or column dress, a smaller, rounded bouquet or a bouquet with long stems can help elongate the figure.

With a ballroom gown, it's important to strike a balance between the dress and the bouquet. Big blooms mixed with smaller blooms can help achieve this, as can finishing the bouquet with a wide ribbon.

If you're wearing a short hemline, you'll want a bouquet that doesn't overpower your outfit. Dainty posies are a good choice in this case.

Finally, if you're wearing a wedding suit, your bouquet should be bold, individual, modern, and powerful. A crescent bouquet or a design with unexpected elements can be a great choice.

Frequently asked questions