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Selecting Your Bridal Bouquet
by Something
Spectacular Custom Floral Design
Once you've set the date, selected a location, chosen the formality,
and selected the perfect bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns that will set
the mood and main color scheme for your wedding, you'll begin thinking
about your wedding flowers. Since a walk down the aisle would not be complete
without flowers (and a beautiful bouquet always complements the radiant
glow of an ecstatic bride), your bridal bouquet is probably the first
floral arrangement you will begin formulating in your mind.
Generally, the wedding style and formality you choose will influence,
if not determine, the style of bouquet that you select. For example, if
you are planning an ultra formal wedding, it's likely that your wedding
gown will have a royal or cathedral length train and you'll wear a long
veil. Your bouquets and other floral arrangements should also reflect
this formal style. In contrast, for an informal wedding where you'll be
wearing a suit or a simple dress with a sweep train or perhaps no train
at all), you'll likely select a smaller bouquet, nosegay, or single-bloom
style. A good rule of thumb is that your train length and wedding formality
should determine the formality of your bouquet. Bouquets vary in size
from small to large, but they should always be proportional in size to
the person carrying it.
There are many shapes and styles of bouquets from which to choose. Here
are a few of the most popular styles:
Round
Simple, elegant, traditional bouquet, which is suitable for both formal
and informal weddings. Sometimes called a "colonial bouquet,"
this type of bouquet does not have to be perfectly round in shape and
can be designed as a tight cluster for a denser look or loosely arranged
for an "airy" feel. The flowers chosen for a round bouquet can
influence the bouquet's formality. For example, roses project a more formal
look while daisies project a more informal and casual look.
Nosegay
A small, round-shaped, cluster of flowers often not as dense as a traditional
round bouquets. Nosegays often include more greenery, ribbon streamers,
and are mounted in a tussy mussy (a small, Victorian style, metal or glass,
cone-shaped holder).
Biedermeier
A European-influenced bouquet with blossoms of different type and/or different
color placed in a defined circular pattern. A bouquet similar to the nosegay
and named for a German style of interior design.
Hand Tied
Generally round in shape, hand tied styles are also referred to as clutch
bouquets. This type of bouquet consists of a simple gathering of flowers,
which is bound and tied with ribbon with stems left exposed.
Cascade
Sometimes called a teardrop, fountain, or waterfall bouquet, this sophisticated
and elongated style features fullness and an abundance of blossoms at
the top of the bouquet then tapers downwards with flowing foliage, floral
streamers, or ribbons at the bottom. This bouquet can be designed very
dense with flowers and foliage or can be more loosely arranged for an
"airy" or "wispy" look.
Crescent
A dramatic bouquet of arching flowers and foliage that extend from the
center of the bouquet and can be designed to project a traditional or
contemporary look. Flowers can arch from either left to right or right
to left depending on preference. There are two types of crescent bouquets,
symmetrical and asymmetrical. A symmetrical crescent features a balanced
look with arched blossoms and foliage of the same length on both sides.
An asymmetrical crescent features arched blossoms and foliage of different
lengths so that one side of the bouquet is longer than the other.
Heart
A romantic, alternative shape bouquet featuring two, full, arched shapes
at the top while tapering down to a point at the bottom of the bouquet.
Typically the traditional shape, often seen at Valentine's Day, symbolizing
love and romance.
Arm
Also known as a presentation or pageant bouquet, arm bouquets feature
a gathering of long-stemmed flowers that rest naturally across the inner
bend of the elbow. A ribbon or bow is generally used to keep the bouquet
together. Popular floral choices for arm bouquets are calla lilies, gladiolus,
orchids, long-stemmed roses, delphiniums, and larkspur.
Freeform / Contemporary
As the name implies, this style bouquet often has flowers or greenery
coming out at various angles with no specific, recognizable shape. Freeform
and contemporary bouquets are most often designed with tropical flowers
and foliage that have unique shapes.
Oval
This bouquet is a combination of both a cascade and a round. It is elongated
in shape, but features rounded shapes on both the top and bottom. Generally
the bottom is narrower than the top, but the overall shape resembles an
oval.
Single Stem
While not technically a bouquet, single stem arrangements have gained
in popularity over recent years, as simplicity has become the trend. Single
stem designs generally feature a unique design element, such as an intricately
wrapped stem (for a long-stemmed flower), elaborate bow, streamers, or
a decorative lace bloom collar (for a shorter stemmed flower) to give
the design more interest and appeal.
Composite
A bouquet where the focal area is a large flower that has been created
by assembling together detached petals from numerous flowers. Examples
of composite flowers are glamellia, duchess rose, and galax rose.
Fan
A small bouquet or cluster of flowers attached to an elaborate fan. This
style of bouquet is reminiscent of the Victorian Era, and is popular for
old-fashioned or vintage style, Southern USA style, and Asian-inspired
weddings.
Pomander
A flower or foliage covered ball or cone suspended from a loop of ribbon.
Adult attendants can carry pomanders, but young attendants such as flower
girls and junior bridesmaids most often carry them.
Ballerina
A round bouquet composed of masses of tulle or net and few flowers. This
type of bouquet was popular in the early 1940s when flowers were scarce
due to World War II. For modern brides, a ballerina bouquet offers a cost-effective,
yet beautiful solution for a tight floral budget.
Basket
Flowers arranged and carried in a shallow basket and often used in a garden
or garden-like wedding setting. Most often carried by young attendants
(flower girls and junior bridesmaids).
Wreath or Hoop
Made popular by the wedding of Britain's Duke and Duchess of York (Prince
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson), this "bouquet" is a large ring decorated
or intertwined with foliage and flowers. Generally thought of as a symbol
of eternity with no beginning or end.
Book
A small prayer book or bible used as the platform upon which a small bouquet
is placed. The design may be composed of a small cluster of flowers or
may be featured as a small cascade. Generally flowers are attached with
ribbon or a small armature to prevent damage to the book.
Wrist
Technically more of a corsage than a bouquet. A small floral arrangement
that is designed to be worn on the wrist. Flowers and foliage are mounted
on a small base, which is attached to an strong elastic bracelet that
fits around the wrist. Worn by brides and bridesmaids who want something
near their hands for the look of a bouquet, but want the freedom of having
both hands free from carrying anything.
Something
Spectacular Custom Floral Design
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