When it comes to wedding florals, one of the most iconic elements is the bridal bouquet. It’s a favorite for many brides to design and some even choose to preserve their bouquet after the wedding. With a variety of styles to choose from, how do you pick the one that complements your wedding aesthetic the best? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the five iconic bouquet styles to find the perfect fit for your bridal look and theme.
Classic Round Bouquet
Consider the type of flowers you want in your bouquet, as they will impact its overall look. A classic round bouquet can be customized in terms of cost and flower variety. It can be arranged tightly for a dense appearance or loosely for an airy feel. Opting for a single flower type can create a striking effect.
The round bouquet is a timeless and elegant choice, whether tightly clustered or loosely arranged for a romantic touch. It’s the most popular option for weddings, usually featuring a single type of flower arranged in a perfect dome shape and wrapped with a silk ribbon.
For a timeless and elegant bridal bouquet, the round shape is ideal. It suits formal weddings and ball gowns perfectly. Monochromatic round bouquets or those made with just one flower type make a strong statement and are best kept in a moderate-to-small size.
Round bouquets are a classic and timeless choice that complements traditional weddings well. They look stunning in monochromatic colors or with a single flower type but may not be suitable for very modern or bohemian weddings.
Pageant Bouquet
Also known as a presentation bouquet, this style features longer stems designed to be carried in the crook of your arm. A pageant bouquet, also called an “arm sheath” bouquet, includes long-stem flowers and foliage that the bride holds gracefully. It’s reminiscent of being crowned a queen.
Pageant bouquets are a popular choice for modern boho weddings, offering a dreamy and lush feel. They are great for brides who prefer long stems and desire a unique and unconventional bouquet. Milan, for example, was delighted with her pageant bouquet choice.
Cascade Bouquet
Cascade bouquets, also known as “shower bouquets,” cascade elegantly downward like a waterfall. This formal and traditional style is designed to flow gracefully for a sophisticated look. Any flower type can be used, with orchids being a popular choice for their natural cascading effect.
If you have a whimsical and dreamy style, a cascading bouquet might be perfect for you. Ideal for garden, ballroom, or cathedral weddings, it pairs beautifully with vines and greenery for a simple and understated bridal look.
Cascading bouquets are a statement in themselves, best suited for simple bridal looks as they can be quite dramatic. Princess Diana famously carried this style for her bridal bouquet, known for its romantic and sophisticated appearance.
Hand-Tied Bouquet
Hand-tied bouquets are favored for their relaxed and natural aesthetic. Filled with flowers and greenery and tied with ribbons or twine, they exude a loose and organic feel. Popular among brides seeking a classic and handmade bouquet.
More flexible than other styles, hand-tied bouquets can include a variety of flowers and greenery. Secured with ribbon or twine, they offer a freshly picked look and are perfect for bohemian or rustic weddings. Ideal for brides with a boho-inspired style!
While hand-tied bouquets can be on the heavier side due to their lush appearance, they bring a natural and organic feel to your wedding. Suitable for garden or forest weddings, they provide a fresh and wild aesthetic.
Posy Bouquet
Posy bouquets are a popular choice among brides and bridesmaids for their versatility in flower types and colors. Designed to be held in one hand, they are arranged in a round dome shape. Perfect for grandmothers, mothers, or bridesmaids walking down the aisle.
A posy bouquet can be either loose with a ribbon or structured with florist wire for a more formal look. Roses, gerbera daisies, peonies, tulips, and ranunculus are excellent choices for these types of bouquets.
If you’re looking for a petite and delicate bouquet that won’t overpower your gown, a posy bouquet is a great option. Ideal for bridesmaids, ensure it’s not too small by doing a floral mockup to achieve the desired look.
Nosegay Bouquet
Similar to a Posy, a Nosegay bouquet includes more greenery alongside the florals. It features a compact cluster of flowers with greenery, tightly wrapped in a ribbon for a chic and sophisticated look.
Gifted to bridesmaids, grandmothers, or mothers, Nosegay bouquets work well for petite brides or those desiring a smaller bouquet. Emphasizing the gown over the flowers creates an elegant and understated appearance.
Intriguingly, the term “nosegay” originated in the 15th century, signifying an ornament that appeals to the nose. Scented roses are a popular choice for these bouquets, adding a fragrant touch.
If you’re seeking a petite and green-focused clutch, consider the nosegay bouquet. Small enough to hold in one hand, it can be crafted with ranunculus, sweet pea, hyacinth, and muscari for a charming look.
Photo: BeeHaven Farm
Flowers have long been a symbol of love and romance, with brides traditionally carrying fresh blooms during weddings.
Ancient Traditions
In ancient times, herbs and spices were used at weddings to repel negative energy. Eventually, flowers became popular, each type symbolizing different meanings.
Victorian Influence
During the Victorian era, carrying bouquets with specific floral meanings became fashionable, allowing for communication through the language of flowers.
Royal Impact
Queen Victoria helped popularize well-arranged floral bouquets. She emphasized the importance of the language of flowers and the selection of bouquets for bridesmaids.
In 14th century England, the tradition of “catching the bouquet” was born, symbolizing love, connection, and celebration.
Modern Adaptations
Today, bridal bouquets focus more on aesthetics than symbolism. There is a wide variety of flowers, styles, and arrangements available, all playing a crucial role in weddings.
After exploring the history of bridal bouquets, consider learning how to elegantly hold them during your ceremony for a touch of confidence and grace.
Consult with a Wedding Florist for Expert Advice
For brides, bouquets are as integral as wedding dresses in creating a memorable bridal ensemble.
Wedding flowers, with their rich history and symbolism, complement individual aesthetics, adding depth to the tradition of carrying bouquets at weddings.
Bridal bouquets have been a longstanding tradition in weddings, symbolizing fertility, new beginnings, and luck. Different flowers hold different meanings, so choosing the right blooms for your bouquet can convey a specific message on your special day. Roses, for example, symbolize love and beauty, while lilies represent purity and virtue. Working with a professional wedding florist can help you select the perfect flowers to create a bouquet that reflects your personality and enhances the overall ambiance of your wedding.
Historical Symbolism of Wedding Flowers
Since ancient Roman times, flowers have symbolized fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings in bridal attire, while Middle Ages brides utilized herbs and spices to protect against negative energies.
The tradition of the bridal bouquet, stemming from Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840, paved the way for symbolic wedding flowers. Roses convey love, peonies represent joy and ambition, intertwining bouquets with sentimental romance.
Diverse Floral Selections in Bridal Bouquets
Round Bouquet
Representing love and romance, the round bouquet was a popular choice during the Victorian era, carried by brides and bridesmaids alike.
Photo: Paradise Wedding Chapel
Princess Diana’s wedding showcased the cascade bouquet, an ideal option for lavish and grand weddings.
Photo: Sandi Edwards
A compact handheld bouquet filled with symbolic blossoms that gained fame from the 18th to the 19th century, arranged to convey poignant messages.
Photo: Something Borrowed Blooms
A relaxed and natural-looking bouquet style, fitting for rustic and bohemian weddings.
Spherical Floral Arrangement
Carried by bridesmaids or flower girls, recreating traditional herb and spice bouquets, perfect for vintage-themed weddings.
While timeless, floral choices for bridal bouquets today vary widely based on personal preferences and budget considerations.
Other popular styles include the cascading bouquet, teardrop bouquet, and composite bouquet, each offering a unique and elegant look for brides on their special day.
Modern trends also include incorporating non-traditional elements such as succulents, feathers, and brooches into bridal bouquets for a personalized touch.
Regardless of the style chosen, the bridal bouquet remains a significant and cherished accessory for the bride, symbolizing beauty, love, and new beginnings.
The Evolution of Bridal Bouquets
Rooted in historical events, bridal bouquets are a significant aspect of weddings, reflecting values that commemorate the special day.
Work closely with a knowledgeable wedding florist to select the ideal bouquet that complements your wedding theme perfectly.
Unveiling the Symbolic Meaning of Wedding Flowers
Ancient Origins
Tracing back to ancient times, brides carried bouquets symbolizing fertility, love, and happiness to safeguard against negative energies.
Traditional Choices
Classic bridal bouquets featuring roses, lilies, and myrtle symbolize love, purity, and fidelity, with additional selections influenced by cultural and personal preferences.
Selecting the right flowers for your bridal bouquet is a meaningful part of your wedding preparations, as each bloom carries its own unique symbolism.
From Tradition to Personalization
From herbal posies to floral designs, bridal bouquets have transformed over time, showcasing different eras and individual styles.
Sabrina, a respected Miami florist, shares expertise on floral arrangements, encompassing wedding florals, flower gifting, and corporate floral advice.
Brides consider bouquets as essential as wedding gowns, playing a crucial role in creating a memorable bridal look.
With the versatility of wedding flowers, they complement individual aesthetics while carrying a rich history and symbolism in the tradition of bridal bouquets.
The Symbolic Meaning of Wedding Flowers
Since ancient Roman times, flowers have embodied fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings in bridal attire, while Middle Ages brides relied on herbs and spices for protection.
The introduction of the bridal bouquet during Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840 marked the onset of symbolic wedding flowers. Roses signify love, peonies convey happiness and ambition, intertwining bouquets with sentimental and romantic symbolism.
Diverse Floral Choices in Bridal Bouquets
The custom of tossing the bouquet dates back to medieval Europe, serving as a way to protect the bride’s gown from being torn by eager well-wishers hoping for good fortune. Capturing the flowers was thought to represent fertility, and in modern times, it is believed that the unmarried woman who catches the bouquet will be the next to tie the knot.
Some brides opt out of the bouquet toss in order to preserve their floral arrangement, using methods such as drying, freezing, or pressing. These preserved bouquets can be displayed in frames or turned into mementos, providing a enduring reminder of their wedding day.