Bridal Bouquets: Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting a Floral Arrangement
Choosing the perfect bridal bouquet is one of the most personal and beautiful parts of wedding planning. To help you navigate this important decision, we spoke with Ines Garstecki of Flowermaid, a renowned florist with a keen eye for creating stunning bridal arrangements. Ines shared her expert advice on everything from key factors to consider to incorporating personal touches. Read on for a step-by-step guide to selecting a floral arrangement to enhance your wedding day.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bridal Bouquet
When selecting a floral arrangement, it’s crucial to consider several key factors to ensure your bouquet complements your overall wedding vision. Ines emphasizes that, when choosing a bridal bouquet, several key factors should be considered to ensure it complements the overall wedding aesthetic and the bouquet-holders themselves.
First, consider the preferred colour scheme. While some brides opt for bouquets that match the wedding palette, others choose a stand-alone design, such as a white bouquet for a colourful spring wedding. Next, think about which flowers will be in season, as seasonal flowers tend to be more vibrant and resilient. The bouquet's style is also important—whether it's tight and round for a structured look or loose and natural for a more relaxed feel. Finally, the bouquet should be proportional to the bride’s frame, with smaller bouquets for petite brides and larger ones for taller or more robust individuals, as this balance becomes especially noticeable in photos.
The Impact of Theme and Venue on Your Bouquet
The theme and venue of your wedding play a pivotal role in shaping your bridal bouquet. Ines explains that a rustic barn wedding calls for different flowers than a formal ballroom affair. For instance, wildflowers and greenery are perfect for a countryside celebration, while roses and peonies might be more suitable for an elegant indoor setting.
“If, for example, a wedding takes place in fall at a rustic venue, like a farm, barn, or vineyard, I would create a bouquet with a more relaxed feel and muted or deeper colours,” Ines told us. “If a bride is getting married at a luxury hotel or iconic Hollywood location, a bouquet could be very elegant, with old-world Hollywood glamour. So yes, the surroundings and theme definitely play a huge part in creating the right bouquet.”
The venue’s ambiance and colour palette can guide your flower selection, ensuring the bouquet enhances the overall aesthetic.
Current Trends in Bridal Bouquets
Staying updated with current trends can provide inspiration and direction for your bouquet. According to Ines, cascading bouquets and asymmetrical arrangements are gaining popularity, offering a modern twist on traditional styles.
Ines explained, “Bridal bouquets still have a loose feel, but are not as huge anymore as when asymmetrical, loose and deconstructed bouquets became popular. There is also a trend towards small dainty posy bouquets again, like a small bouquet of lilies of the valley or a bouquet with small dainty mixed varieties of white wispy flowers.”
Additionally, incorporating unique elements like succulents, berries, and even feathers can add a touch of personality and flair. Sustainable and eco-friendly bouquets are also trending, with many brides opting for locally sourced and seasonal flowers to minimize their environmental footprint.
Maintaining Bouquet Freshness Throughout the Day
A fresh and vibrant bouquet is essential for your wedding day, and Ines shares valuable tips on achieving this. She advises keeping the bouquet in water as much as possible before the ceremony and storing it in a cool, shaded area. Using a floral preservative spray can also help maintain the flowers’ appearance.
“It’s best to keep a vase on hand where the bride can ‘park’ her bouquet throughout the day,” Ines noted. “The bouquet starts to get used for ‘first look’ pictures, usually about 2 to 3 hours before the ceremony. It’s best to put the bouquet back in a vase right after the shoot until just shortly before the wedding.”
Other suggestions she made included avoiding laying down the bouquet before the ceremony, as well as utilizing a spray called ‘Crowning Glory’ that locks in the moisture of flower blossoms. For destination weddings, couples can coordinate with a local florist to ensure the bouquet stays fresh in different climates.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Selecting a Bouquet
Selecting a floral arrangement involves avoiding common mistakes that can detract from your bouquet’s beauty. Ines points out that many brides choose flowers based solely on aesthetics, overlooking factors like fragrance and durability. It’s essential to consider how the flowers will hold up throughout the day and their scent, which should be pleasant but not overpowering.
“Brides see beautiful images on Instagram and Printerest, but often don’t realize these pictures are from styled shoots in controlled environments. While most flowers and foliage can be used for bouquet, some delicate flowers that need a lot of water—for example, certain varieties of helleborus or bougainvillea—or flowers that bruise easily—like lilies—are not ideal for bouquets. Also, every bride loves peonies, but when they are not in season, they get very expensive and tend to be rather small, so the money is better spent on other varieties.”
Of course, it’s important to note that last-minute changes to the bouquet design can lead to unnecessary stress and potential mismatches with other wedding elements.
Incorporating Personal Touches in Your Bouquet
Adding personal touches to your bridal bouquet can make it even more special and meaningful. Ines suggests incorporating family heirlooms or sentimental items, such as a piece of lace from your mother’s wedding dress or a charm with a photo of a loved one. Choosing flowers that hold personal significance, such as those from your childhood garden or first date, can also add a unique and heartfelt element to your arrangement.
Ines reflected on her own work in this area, telling us, “We have incorporated personal family heirlooms like brooches, necklaces, or a piece of lace from a bride’s mom’s bridal dress in bouquets, wrapped around the stems. Even a handkerchief hidden in between the flowers!”
Personalization makes your bouquet not only a beautiful accessory but also a cherished keepsake.
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Selecting a floral arrangement for your wedding day is a journey that combines personal taste, practical considerations, and the expertise of a skilled florist like Ines Garstecki. By understanding key factors, considering your theme and venue, staying updated with trends, and incorporating personal touches, you can create a bouquet that enhances your wedding day’s beauty and significance. With these insights, you’re well on your way to selecting a stunning arrangement that reflects your unique love story.
