Choosing the perfect bridal bouquet is an essential part of wedding planning that complements the overall theme and style of the wedding. The bouquet not only highlights the bride's personal style but also holds symbolic meanings and traditions. This guide will walk you through selecting the perfect bouquet for your special day, ensuring it reflects your individuality and enhances your bridal look.
Understanding the Significance of a Bridal Bouquet
Historically, brides carried bouquets to signify new beginnings, fidelity, and hopes of fertility. The tradition of bouquet tossing is thought to bring luck to the catcher. Today, the bridal bouquet is a centerpiece of wedding aesthetics, often setting the tone for other floral arrangements and providing continuity in the wedding theme and colors.
Factor in the Style and Theme of Your Wedding
The first step in choosing a bouquet is considering the style and theme of your wedding. Whether it’s rustic, modern, classic, or bohemian, your bouquet should complement the setting. For example, a bouquet with wildflowers and greenery fits perfectly with a rustic or country wedding, whereas a sleek bouquet of a single type of flower, like roses or tulips, might suit a modern theme better.
Choose the Right Shape and Size
The bouquet’s shape and size should flatter your figure and your wedding dress. Here are a few popular styles:
- Round: These are compact bouquets consisting of mostly one type of flower cut at the same length. Ideal for both formal and informal weddings.
- Cascade: A waterfall-like bouquet that drapes down the front of the dress; perfect for more traditional gowns or those with a longer train.
- Posy: Small enough to be held in one hand, suitable for petite brides or those opting for a simpler look.
- Hand-tied: Typically a more relaxed bouquet with stems tied with a ribbon, giving it a 'just-picked' feel.
Consider your body size and dress detail when choosing the bouquet. A large cascade bouquet can overwhelm a petite bride or obscure the details of a delicately designed dress.
Selecting the Right Flowers
Choosing flowers often comes down to personal taste, the season, and the wedding palette. However, some flowers carry specific meanings which might add sentimental value to your bouquet. Roses stand for love, lilies for purity, and peonies for happiness.
Seasonality is also crucial. Seasonal flowers not only look fresher but they are also more affordable. Peonies, for example, are perfect in late spring but might be costly and less available in other seasons. Discussing with your florist about what's available, looks best, and works within your budget during your wedding season is advisable.
Complement Your Color Scheme
Your bouquet should complement not only your wedding dress but also the overall color scheme of your wedding. While matching exactly might seem a good idea, contrasting colors can also make your bouquet stand out, adding a pop of color against a white or cream dress. For instance, burgundy and blush can be a striking combination against a white gown.
Personal Touches
Personalizing your bouquet adds a unique touch. This could be as simple as incorporating flowers from your first date with your partner, using the same flower as your mother’s wedding bouquet, or adding small decorations like charms or a locket with pictures of loved ones.
Working with a Florist
Your choice of florist can make all the difference in achieving your desired bouquet. Look for a florist who not only understands your vision but also has experience with weddings similar to yours. Bring along images of bouquets you like, a picture of your dress, and details of your wedding theme and color palette to help your florist make recommendations that are tailored specifically to you.
Preservation of Your Bouquet
Finally, if you want to keep your bouquet, consider its preservation early on. Some flowers dry and preserve better than others. Discuss preservation options with your florist, who can offer advice on the best techniques and whether your chosen bouquet will hold up well over time.
Choosing your bridal bouquet is a beautiful and personal part of wedding planning. By taking these tips into consideration, you can ensure your bouquet is not just an accessory, but a cherished part of your big day that reflects your personal style and love story.
Please enquire for consultation for your Christchurch bridal bouquet.