Choosing your Bouquet
Your bridal bouquet is a once in a lifetime accessory. When else do you get to carry a beautiful bunch of flowers designed especially for you, all day long? Such special blooms deserve special consideration. Here are some tips on choosing and making the most of your bridal bouquet.
Play off your gown. When you meet your florist for a consultation, take along a picture of your gown (and a swatch of the fabric, if possible), as well as photos of your ceremony site and any other details you can provide. This will help the florist suggest beautiful designs for you.
Balancing act. The bouquet’s design should complement your dress, not compete with it. For example, you may want to offset a simple gown with a bouquet full of color and texture, or pair an ornate gown with simpler, clean-looking flowers. There are no strict rules to follow, but the key is to avoid extremes that appear unbalanced.
Size matters. Make sure the bouquet doesn’t overwhelm you. Consider your figure and height. For example, an enormous bouquet always looks disproportionate on a small bride.
In season. Find out what flowers are in season on your wedding day. Some flowers just aren’t available at certain times of the year (or are very expensive).
Make it personal. Consider incorporating personal effects into your bouquet, such as a family heirloom (grandmother’s brooch, lace hanky, etc.), that have special meaning to you. Bouquets can also incorporate beading, ribbons, sparkling crystals and countless other decorative accessories.
Fresh flowers. You’ll want your flowers to last all day, so be sure to ask your florist for advice about which will hold up well. Hardier varieties, such as roses, peonies and lilies, won’t be overly fragile or perish easily. If you select more delicate varieties, such as gardenias, viburnum, or hydrangeas, take precautions. Also, consider using a bouquet holder to keep your flowers fresh for the whole day.
