Unless you have a serious green thumb or do a lot of gardening, you may not know much about wedding flowers. That’s ok! Get informed so you can ask the right questions and know what to expect when you meet with a florist. Here are a few basics about wedding flowers. We’ve also included a few pics from our Wedding Bouquet Favorites board…just click here to see more!
Types of Bouquets – Here are just a few types of bouquets:
Nosegay: This is a small, compact bouquet that typically contains one type of flower, or contains more greenery than flowers.
Round: This is a traditional bouquet containing different types of flowers, greenery, and other filler. or it can contain one type of flower, but it’s larger than a nosegay.
Cascade: This bouquet trails downward (or cascades). The length of the cascade can vary from just enough to cover your hands to close to the floor.
Presentation: Also known as an arm bouquet, long-stemmed flowers are tied together and held in the crook of one’s arm.
Pomander: This is a ball of flowers that hangs from a loop or ribbon. This is really cute for a flower girl and is also called a kissing ball.
How do I decide on the type of bouquet to choose?
It depends! What do you prefer? What kind of look are you going for? How do you want to hold your bouquet? A few things to consider: When you meet with your florist, bring a picture of your dress, so he or she can suggest a design based on its style. Your bouquet should complement, not take away from, your dress. Also, if your gown has a lot of detail in the front (lace, beading, etc), look at bouquets that will not hide that beautiful work. Lastly, if you are a petite bride, a really large bouquet may be a bit overwhelming (you don’t want to be hidden behind a lot of flowers).
Popular Wedding Flowers
According to WeddingChannel.com, these are some of the most popular wedding flowers:
- Calla Lilly
- Gardenia
- Hydrangea
- Tulip
- Roses
- Orchid
Check to see if your favorite is in season for your wedding. If not, you may incur additional costs to obtain them.
What are my other floral needs?
In addition to your bouquet, you will need to get bouquets for your bridesmaids and flower girl, corsages for the special ladies in your life, and boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, and the special men in your life. You may also want to provide something for others who are playing an important role in your wedding (soloist, hostess, or ushers for example). Before you schedule an appointment with a florist, have a list of how many of each item you will need, so that he or she can provide an accurate proposal.
Your Planning Assignment
It’s always wise to do your homework before meeting with any wedding vendors, including a florist. Use tools like Pinterest (our favorite wedding inspiration tool) to gather your ideas on types of bouquets, flowers and colors in one place. Happy Planning!