|
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 that 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, this style is
comprised of a small floral arrangement worn on the wrist. Flowers and foliage
are mounted on a small base that is attached to a 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. |
