Selecting Your Bridal Bouquet

A comprehensive list and description of bridal and bridesmaid bouquet shapes and styles
Once you've set the date, selected a location, chosen the formality, and selected the perfect bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns that will set the mood and main color scheme for your wedding, you'll begin thinking about your wedding flowers. Since a walk down the aisle would not be complete without flowers (and a beautiful bouquet always complements the radiant glow of an ecstatic bride), your bridal bouquet is probably the first floral arrangement you will begin formulating in your mind.

Generally, the wedding style and formality you choose will influence, if not determine, the style of bouquet that you select. For example, if you are planning an ultra formal wedding, it's likely that your wedding gown will have a royal or cathedral length train and you'll wear a long veil. Your bouquets and other floral arrangements should also reflect this formal style. In contrast, for an informal wedding where you'll be wearing a suit or a simple dress with a sweep train or perhaps no train at all), you'll likely select a smaller bouquet, nosegay, or single-bloom style. A good rule of thumb is that your train length and wedding formality should determine the formality of your bouquet. Bouquets vary in size from small to large, but they should always be proportional in size to the person carrying it.

There are many shapes and styles of bouquets from which to choose. Here are a few of the most popular styles:

• Round
Simple, elegant, traditional bouquet that is suitable for both formal and informal weddings. Sometimes called a "colonial bouquet," this type of bouquet does not have to be perfectly round in shape and can be designed as a tight cluster for a denser look or loosely arranged for an "airy" feel. The flowers chosen for a round bouquet can influence the bouquet's formality. For example, roses project a more formal look while daisies project a more informal and casual look.
• Nosegay
A small, round-shaped, cluster of flowers often not as dense as a traditional round bouquets. Nosegays often include more greenery, ribbon streamers, and are mounted in a tussy mussy (a small, Victorian style, metal or glass, cone-shaped holder).
• Biedermeier
A European-influenced bouquet with blossoms of different type and/or different color placed in a defined circular pattern. A bouquet similar to the nosegay and named for a German style of interior design.
• Hand Tied
Generally round in shape, hand tied styles are also referred to as clutch bouquets. This type of bouquet consists of a simple gathering of flowers, which is bound and tied with ribbon with stems left exposed.
• Cascade
Sometimes called a teardrop, fountain, or waterfall bouquet, this sophisticated and elongated style features fullness and an abundance of blossoms at the top of the bouquet then tapers downwards with flowing foliage, floral streamers, or ribbons at the bottom. This bouquet can be designed very dense with flowers and foliage or can be more loosely arranged for an "airy" or "wispy" look.
• Crescent
A dramatic bouquet of arching flowers and foliage that extend from the center of the bouquet and can be designed to project a traditional or contemporary look. Flowers can arch from either left to right or right to left depending on preference. There are two types of crescent bouquets, symmetrical and asymmetrical. A symmetrical crescent features a balanced look with arched blossoms and foliage of the same length on both sides. An asymmetrical crescent features arched blossoms and foliage of different lengths so that one side of the bouquet is longer than the other.
• Heart
A romantic, alternative shape bouquet featuring two, full, arched shapes at the top while tapering down to a point at the bottom of the bouquet. Typically the traditional shape, often seen at Valentine's Day, symbolizing love and romance.
• Arm
Also known as a presentation or pageant bouquet, arm bouquets feature a gathering of long-stemmed flowers that rest naturally across the inner bend of the elbow. A ribbon or bow is generally used to keep the bouquet together. Popular floral choices for arm bouquets are calla lilies, gladiolus, orchids, long-stemmed roses, delphiniums, and larkspur.
• Freeform / Contemporary
As the name implies, this style bouquet often has flowers or greenery coming out at various angles with no specific, recognizable shape. Freeform and contemporary bouquets are most often designed with tropical flowers and foliage that have unique shapes.
• Oval
This bouquet is a combination of both a cascade and a round. It is elongated in shape, but features rounded shapes on both the top and bottom. Generally the bottom is narrower than the top, but the overall shape resembles an oval.
Single Stem
While not technically a bouquet, single stem arrangements have gained in popularity over recent years, as simplicity has become the trend. Single stem designs generally feature a unique design element, such as an intricately wrapped stem (for a long-stemmed flower), elaborate bow, streamers, or a decorative lace bloom collar (for a shorter stemmed flower) to give the design more interest and appeal.
• Composite
A bouquet where the focal area is a large flower that has been created by assembling together detached petals from numerous flowers. Examples of composite flowers are glamellia, duchess rose, and galax rose.
• Fan
A small bouquet or cluster of flowers attached to an elaborate fan. This style of bouquet is reminiscent of the Victorian Era, and is popular for old-fashioned or vintage style, Southern USA style, and Asian-inspired weddings.
• Pomander
A flower or foliage covered ball or cone suspended from a loop of ribbon. Adult attendants can carry pomanders, but young attendants such as flower girls and junior bridesmaids most often carry them.
• Basket
Flowers arranged and carried in a shallow basket and often used in a garden or garden-like wedding setting. Most often carried by young attendants (flower girls and junior bridesmaids).
• Wrist
Technically more of a corsage than a bouquet, this style is comprised of a small floral arrangement worn on the wrist. Flowers and foliage are mounted on a small base that is attached to a strong elastic bracelet that fits around the wrist. Worn by brides and bridesmaids who want something near their hands for the look of a bouquet, but want the freedom of having both hands free from carrying anything.