Wedding bouquets have played an important role in wedding ceremonies since ancient times, when women wore bouquets of aromatic herbs to ward off evil. Now wedding bouquets have become the focus of most modern weddings and are the focal point of wedding photos. Here are our top tips for choosing your wedding bouquet.

[Words by Tabitha Syrett]

Wedding bouquet trends are changing rapidly; Where once exotic flowers such as zinnias, anemones and orchids—organized in more structured, formal arrangements—dominated wedding bouquets, they are increasingly being supplanted by wilder, more native blossoms, arranged as if they were ‘freshly picked from the perch’. Lawn or garden this morning,” according to flower expert Ash Barton.

For example, a study conducted by Hitched.co.uk in June 2022 found that the popularity of cornflowers (small blue wildflowers that grow in arable fields and were once considered a weed) has risen by 174.07%, while interest in zinnias has decreased by 75.93%.

These trends are similarly reflected in the emergence of “bright, colorful and fun” bouquets of wildflowers, according to Pesh florist Elaine Graham.

9 tips for choosing your wedding bouquet

Whatever the case, the flowers in a wedding bouquet are a fabulous way to add color and fragrance to the event, so here are some top tips for choosing the perfect wedding bouquet, according to the experts at Ash Barton.

Choose your bouquet with your dress in mind

Make sure you have your wedding dress selected before you even think about ordering your bouquet. The style and shape of the bouquet must complement the style and shape of your dress and should not obscure your silhouette or make you look unbalanced.

For example, it’s a bad idea to hide your waist because it’s your narrowest part and makes you look frumpy. If your dress has a long train, you can balance it out with a dramatic bouquet, while this isn’t such a good idea for dresses with detailing on the skirt.

So when you first meet or speak to your florist, make sure you have a picture of your dress handy. They match the design of your bouquet to the dress, making sure the arrangement doesn’t drown you out.

Consider the shape and size of your bouquet

Wedding bouquets come in all shapes and styles, from small Queen Victoria-style bouquets to large, overflowing, floor-to-ceiling bouquets. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Round bouquets

Tied in a compact form with little to no foliage, these bouquets complement more classic, traditional weddings. They look best when they’re made up of one type of flower, like roses or peonies, crowded together, but can also be made up of an assortment of flowers of the same color.

cascading bouquets

Cascading bouquets feature a cascade of vibrant flowers and greenery that cascade to the floor, adding a delightfully romantic touch to any bride’s aesthetic. Nowadays more and more green plants like vines or eucalyptus are used. These bouquets look especially pretty with fancy or boho wedding dresses.

Hand tied informal bouquets

These more relaxed bouquets have become hugely popular in recent years, in line with the increasing demand for outdoor, boho and rustic style weddings. These consist of loose clusters of bright flowers and greenery that have a ‘freshly picked’ or pastoral feel. Popular flowers for this arrangement include wildflowers or bright blooms like poppies or sunflowers that have their stems exposed and tied with a ribbon or lace.

Asymmetrical bouquets

Asymmetrical bouquets are perfect for brides who want something quirky or unusual for their big day. They can be made up of any type of flower (although large flowers and architectural foliage are particularly effective) arranged in an uneven or unstructured form. For example, one side would typically be higher or larger than the other.

color is everything

Its special meanings should influence not only the color palette of your bouquet, but also the color of your dress and even your venue. If, like Queen Victoria, you opt for white flowers, make sure they complement the hue of your dress (especially if it’s ivory or cream).

Likewise, dresses in pale gold, rose or champagne pair best with warm, deep neutrals, so think lily of the valley or rich olive ivy. Be sure to take a strip of fabric from your wedding dress with you to the florist, as well as a sample of your bridesmaid’s dresses. That way, your florist can recommend flowers that complement the color of your dress perfectly.

Seasonal flowers are best

Once you have chosen the shape and size, choose the flowers you want in your bouquet. Although many flowers are imported from overseas and are therefore available all year round, it is definitely worth choosing flowers that are in season in the UK from a cost and environmental perspective.

Wedding florist Dotty and Bramble explains that by doing this you not only “get the most bang for your buck” but also “get the best quality flowers possible”. In spring you have the choice of beautiful blooms such as hyacinths, anemones and marigolds, while in summer large, bold flowers such as hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, cosmos, lilies and sunflowers bloom.

Choose a bouquet that is easy to hold

Make sure you choose a bouquet that is easy to hold throughout the day and won’t make you feel awkward or askew. Our experts suggest that your wrist should be on your hip when holding your bouquet, as many brides hold it too high and end up distorting their shoulders.

Remember to avoid fresh flowers

For something as special for a bride as her wedding bouquet, it needs to last well over a week and certainly not wilt on the day itself. Instead, get creative with green foliage, feathers, dried flowers, felt flowers, berries, lace, paper, brooches and even pompoms, all of which are growing in popularity.

These exciting new additions can make bouquets more personal and make great talking points. You can also try mixing them with flowers.

Work closely with your florist

Before meeting with your florist, take some time to figure out what you like, and it also helps to learn what flowers and certain arrangements are called. Pinterest boards are a great way to find out exactly what styles, shapes and colors are your favorites.

This gives you a good basis for working with your florist, who can advise you on what flowers are available at this time of year and which blooms will complement your preferred bouquet shape. It’s also worth noting that florists book up very quickly (especially in the high season between May and September), so experts recommend that you contact them 6-12 months before the wedding.

Get florist tips from other couples

One of the best ways to find and review your prospective florist is to ask for recommendations from newlywed couples who have recently gone through the process. Browsing through wedding magazines and reading reviews will also help.

Your venue should influence your bouquet

It may seem like the last thing to consider when choosing your bouquet, but in fact your wedding location will have a huge impact on your floral choices. This is because the bouquet usually reflects the overall floral choices and mood of the wedding.

In a classic wedding held in a formal ballroom, for example, a gently hanging bouquet of wildflowers would look out of place, just as a structured, architectural bouquet of orchids would not complement a rustic, country celebration.

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