How do I pick the right bridal bouquet?
All white hand tie bouquet. Image by Kate Adams Photography
The custom of carrying flowers down the aisle when getting married dates back from ancient times. In Ancient Rome, brides carried or wore flower garlands, believing that flowers signify new beginnings, fidelity and hope of fertility. I find this stuff intriguing so I have written a blog; if you would like to learn more about where our wedding traditions come from why not read my blog here.
Today it is rare for the bride not to carry or wear some kind of flowers down the aisle. The choice of style and variety of flowers available for the bridal bouquet can be a little overwhelming. You may ask yourself ‘how do I pick the right bridal bouquet?’
Perhaps this blog will help with your decision making. Often, the choice of bouquet style and shape varies with times and fashions. Maybe you are the couple to bring back an older tradition? Have a little read and let me know what you think
The loose hand tie bridal bouquet
I would say this is the most popular style of bouquet for my brides today, a loose hand tie. It draws attention to the middle of the body and is held just below waist level. In my opinion, if this is likely to obscure an important feature of the wedding dress an alternative style should be chosen. This bouquet is good for those brides who want a bouquet that is easy to hold. This style helps to emphasize those beautiful hips and waists. It can be big, wild and blousy or a little more subdued. It is a versatile bouquet that I love to create.
As a general rule large bouquets suit formal, long dresses whilst if you are planning on wearing a knee length dress a smaller bouquet would be more in proportion.
Loose autumnal bouquet. Image by Clive Nolan Photography
Formal hand tie bridal bouquet
An alternative to the natural, loose hand tie is this more formal, structured style hand tie or posy. It is held in the same way as above but might be more suited to the more petite bride. This bouquet can also be fully wired, where the stems are fully removed and replaced with florists’ wire, which will create an even lighter, compact, easy to handle bouquet.
Spring hand tie bouquet. Image by The Little Photo company.
Spring posy of flowers. Image by Kate Stuart Photography
Over arm bridal bouquet
Over arm bouquets became popular in the early 1900’s under the name of ‘Bernhardt’ bouquets, inspired by the presentation bouquets given to the popular female actor of the day. This shape is cradled in the arms, or it can be held upside-down against the skirt of the dress. This is a perfect bouquet if you like the natural look of stems but want something larger and more dramatic than a posy. It is usually larger than a posy and can be heavy, especially as one arm does most of the carrying. This bouquet is not for the faint hearted. The ribbon can be a big feature with this style bouquet.
Overarm bridal bouquet. Image by Hannah Miles Photography
Composite bridal bouquet
A composite bouquet is an almost forgotten style of bouquet that dates back from the early 20th century. Unable to source the wide range of colours and year-round availability of roses that us florists can today, they created this ingenious method of constructing huge ‘roses’ from the petals of gladioli. These oversized blooms were then fashioned into a bouquet for that bride with an unlimited budget. This is a specialized and very time-consuming technique which may never regain its popularity. I myself have only ever made one for a bride, alas no professional photo but my attempt isn’t too bad.
Sahara rose composite bouquet.
Shower bridal bouquet
The next on the list of how to pick the right bridal bouquet is the beautiful shower or trailing bouquet. These replaced posies as the bridal bouquet of choice around 1910. In later years this style became more exaggerated with bouquets so large that the bride could hide behind. It lost its popularity after WWII because the elaborate style did not suit the austerity of the time. It had a revival in the 1980’s when Princess Diana carried her impressive, huge bouquet to match that huge dress. The long elegant line of this bouquet can be flattering and compliment elaborate and vintage gowns beautifully. As with the hand tie bouquets these bouquets can also have a more natural loose flowing style or a more formal, structured look; as I have shown here.
Autumnal shower bouquet. Image by
Something a little different
For those brides that are after something a little different instead of a traditional bouquet you can carry a pomander, a floral hoop or perhaps a fan of flowers? A beautiful elegant bamboo fan embellished with jewel-coloured orchids could be the perfect flower for the alternative bride.
The last couple of bouquets I will discuss I have never actually been asked to make.
The first is the Bible spray. When Gwen Stefani married Gavin Rossdale she carried a prayer book with a small spray of flowers attached to the cover. This ‘bouquet’ used to be popular choice for the devout bride, especially Catholics.
Lastly the Crescent bouquet, exactly as described. A bouquet that is wired and the flowers are manipulated to fall into a dainty, curved line. It will be suitable for a bride that wants an unusual bouquet with more structure than a posy. Surprisingly it has never reached the heights of popularity. Could this be the next trend around the corner?
Hair flower comb. Image by Ryan Welch Weddings
Hair and make up by NGJ Make Up and Hair
Voluptuous flower crown. Image by Naomi Llewellyn
Of course, there are other ways to incorporate flowers into your bridal look that I have not covered here; wrist corsages, flower crowns, flower muffs for that winter bride and so on. I am a huge fan of wearing flower in your hair. You can read my thoughts about this on another blog here.
So there you go. I hope this blog helped you answer the question how do I pick the right bouquet.
Let me know what flowers you chose or what will you choose for your wedding day? I would love to know, especially if I haven’t covered your style here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne-Marie is Petal Power
Hi! I'm Anne-Marie, Petal Power is me!
I run my weddings and event floristry business out of my studio in Creigiau, Cardiff, South Wales.
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It’s only natural that you have a load of questions when planning your wedding flowers.
Some of the most common questions that keep cropping up I have already answered. You will find this page helpful; to read more CLICK HERE
I have written so many blogs, take a few moments and have a good look.
But If you are looking for some real life wedding inspiration where I created a beautiful, loose hand tie bouquet then take a look at this beautiful wedding.
Beautiful, natural wedding flowers bouquet
I still have some availability for this year and next year. If you have booked your wedding date get in touch to discuss your wedding flowers.
I look forward to speaking to you.