Bridal Bouquet Ideas
There are many different types of bridal bouquets, and choosing the right style to match the gown, wedding theme as well as the bride herself. It is important to keep in mind that the bridal bouquet is supposed to draw attention to the bride, not be the center of attention on its own. Petite brides should avoid overly large bouquets as often it presents an unbalanced appearance.
Cascading
The cascading bouquet is romantic in appearance and is very soft looking. It usually includes lilies and roses that appear to drape in an inverted teardrop shape, and gives the illusion of flowers that are gently cascading down the front of the bride. Greenery is usually very soft and flowing, and adds to the overall effect. Often this style is used at Victorian style weddings or very formal weddings. Taller brides find this style to be very complimentary, where shorter women look best with smaller cascading bouquets.
Arm-Held
The arm-held bouquet is usually longer and is carried either straight or slightly curved along a bent forearm. These bouquets are often used in fall weddings that feature natural foliage and dried grasses to accentuate roses, carnations, mums, freesia and other seasonal flowers. The arm-held bouquet is also used with theme weddings that include decorations in the bouquet. The weight of the decorations is not a problem since the arm provides support to the arrangement.
Hand-Tied
This very romantic and natural look is achieved by tying long stemmed flowers with lace and carrying as a natural bouquet. Usually these types of bouquets will feature roses, lilies, daisies, Gerbera daisies, tulips, daffodils and other flowers with sturdy stems or woody stems. Gerbera daisies will need to be supported with plastic tubing if used in a hand tied bouquet. Many brides choose to weave pearls or fine white lace in with the other colors of lace to give a more formal appearance.
Nosegay
A favorite for many brides, the nosegay is a rounded bunch of smaller flowers meant to be carried in either one or two hands. Nosegay bouquets can be used with any type of flower, but are particularly attractive with daisies, mini-carnations, rose buds, violets, lavender and dried foliage or live greenery for texture and depth. A nosegay is often seen at spring and summer weddings when the bride uses all the gorgeous colors in nature in the flowers.
Pomander
This very unique bouquet is actually a round ball of flowers that is suspended from the brides wrist with a tie of lace or ribbon. These floral balls can be any size, but generally tend to feature large, soft and many petalled flowers such as peony and hydrangea. Often there are few additional flowers or greenery added as the unique shape and style of the pomander speaks for itself. The pomander is seen in traditional European style weddings, and those that are renaissance style.
The type, size and color of the bouquet is entirely up to the creativity of the bride. For theme wedding the bouquet should fit the theme. For example, a beach or Hawaiian theme wedding would look terrific with a few exotic tropical flowers carried in a hand tied style. Many brides choose to design their own bouquets for the wedding and create beautiful twists on the old traditions.
