The Bridal Bouquet: Choosing the Right Accessory

Choosing the Right Bridal Bouquet

Throughout time, flowers have been used to communicate feelings.  Did you know, for example, that when you receive an orange or lemon blossom, it means fidelity?  Receiving a peach blossom is a different thing altogether.  In flower symbolism, it means “I am your captive.”  Even roses have different meanings depending on their color: red= passion, white=purity, pink=happiness.

Traditionally, brides’ bouquets were simply made with white flowers.

• White roses meant purity
• White calla lilies, magnificent beauty; and
• White daisies, innocence and loyal love.

Flowers are now chosen more for their appearance rather than for their customary meanings.  After all, the wedding bouquet should express your style since it will appear with you in most, if not all your photographs. It also sets the standard for all the other flowers you will use in your wedding.

So how can you choose the right flowers for your wedding bouquet from the bewildering hundreds of choices?

First and foremost, your choice of flowers and the shape of your bridal bouquet largely depend on your personality, the formality of your wedding, and your budget for the flowers.

Wedding Gown Silhouette
If you are planning a formal wedding, for example, your wedding gown will more likely to be elaborate and richly beaded or laced.  A cascading or large bouquet is ideal since small ones recede to the background of a lavishly adorned dress.  The most common flowers used for formal weddings are white flowers.

If your wedding is semi formal or a destination wedding where you will be wearing a sheath silhouette that has sleek and clean lines, a stunning bouquet will be a perfect accessory. Choose bouquets in bold hues:  canary yellow, cobalt blue, deep raspberry, tangerine.  Full ball gown skirts, on the other hand, call for the classic round bouquet (sometimes called “colonial bouquet”) of roses or lilies in soft shades.

Your Wedding Colors
If you have chosen your wedding color scheme, deciding what flowers to use in your bridal bouquet will be an easier decision.  The flowers you choose should go well with your color scheme.  Choose flowers with subtle colors to match and bold colors to contrast.  Flowers in different shades of your motif complement your scheme while using bright dramatic blooms (purple, bright pink, lime green) make the bouquets stand out. Add touches of blue, green, lavender where you see fit to add texture.

Your Favorite Flower

You can also start with your favorite flower and take it from there.  Ask the florist to help you make a bouquet with your flower as the focal point.

Flowers in Seasons
Of course, the seasons may work for or against you.  Summer brings the hydrangeas and chrysanthemums.  Spring produces tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms.  Several flowers like the rose, calla lilies, and carnations are available all year round.  Remember that if they are not in season, you may have to pay a higher price to get them.

There you have it.  Your flowers in your bridal bouquet should complement the season, your gown, your color scheme, your attendants’ attire, and the style and formality of your wedding. If you have a favorite flower, build your bouquet around it and include it in all your arrangements.