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On your wedding day, you'll be the center of attention. As you walk down the
aisle on the most important walk of your life, all eyes will be fixed upon you.
Of course you want to be an elegant bride who makes a smooth entrance and
gracefully glides down the aisle without looking uncomfortable, feeling awkward,
or dropping your bouquet.
To feel confident and self-assured, you'll want to make sure you are holding
and carrying your bouquet appropriately. Not every bouquet is carried the same
way. Typically, the type of bouquet and features of your gown will determine the
way your bouquet should be carried.
Round, heart, cascade, and crescent bouquets are normally held and carried in
front. These types of bouquets should be low enough to reveal the details on the
neckline and bodice of your gown and are held with both hands as if your arms
are resting on your hips. Although the natural tendency when excited or nervous
is to bring the bouquet to your waist, chest, or even higher, try to avoid this
so your arms are not held in an awkward, uncomfortably position and so everyone
can see the beautiful details of your gown.
Small, lightweight and delicate bouquets, such as nosegays, clutch bouquets,
or single blossoms, can be carried to your side with one hand and are generally
held at the same level as a bouquet held in front. If your nosegay is mounted in
an elaborate or family heirloom
tussy mussy (a small, Victorian style, metal or
glass, cone-shaped holder), you may choose to proudly display it by holding and
carrying your bouquet in the front instead of the side. If you choose a tussy
mussy holder for your bouquet, you'll notice that there is generally only enough
room to hold it securely with one hand. For proper positioning, carry the tussy
mussy upwards in your hand with your forearm bent slightly so it is horizontal
(parallel to the floor) while your elbow rests comfortably on your hip.
Floral pomanders (bloom-covered balls or cones suspended from a ribbon) can
be carried to the side in the same manner as a nosegay or in front in the same
manner as a round bouquet. Typically, adult attendants carry pomanders to the
side with one hand while children carry them in the front with both hands.
Arm bouquets feature long floral stems and should rest naturally and
comfortably across the inner bend of your elbow so that the bouquet is cradled
in your arms with the blossom end of the flowers facing away from your body.
This holding and carrying technique is not only comfortable, but it also allows
guests on one side to see the open blossoms as you walk down the aisle and
guests on the other side to see the open blossoms as you walk back up the aisle.
Specialty bouquets such as fans, baskets, and prayer books should be carried
according to their size and proportion. Smaller specialty bouquets can be
carried to either your front or side, while larger baskets should be carried
down and to your side.
Whatever style you choose, it's always best to hold and carry your bouquet in
the most appropriate and natural way. You will not only look regal and confident
as you walk down the aisle, but you will also avoid disappointment with your
wedding portraits by ensuring that all photographs capture you holding your
bouquet comfortably without raising it too high and covering portions of your
neck, face, or the exquisite details of your gown. |
