How to Select Bridal Bouquets

Bridal flowers are a very important and expensive part of most weddings. When choosing bouquets for the bridal party, consider the wedding’s budget, season, styles and colors. The bride’s bouquet should complete her look, and not draw attention away from her.

• Plan to spend no more than 10 percent of your total wedding budget on flowers. The bouquets for the bride and maid of honor are usually the most expensive part of your floral expenses, but are also often included in wedding packages or venue rentals.

• Make note of any plants you (or members of the wedding party) are allergic to. Include grasses and other foliage. If you are not personally overseeing the creation of arrangements, inform the florists in advance which plants are off limits.

• Consider making your own bouquets if your budget is small.

• Choose hardy flowers for bouquets whenever possible (ones that do not wilt or discolor quickly when cut and left out of water).

• Consult a floral or artistic designer to help you find a style of bouquet that matches the style and cut of your dress. Alternatively, search online to find what bouquet styles match which dresses.

• Compare the benefits of different varieties of flowers often used in wedding bouquets. Some kinds carry special meanings or artistic advantages that might fit your wedding.

• Choose colors and styles for your bouquet that match your wedding’s theme, other decorations, cake, and venue.

• Plan bouquets that complement the season your wedding will take place in. Choose colors and styles that match, and flowers will remain attractive in the weather you expect.

• Ensure that the maid of honor’s bouquet matches the bride’s (but smaller). If all of the bridesmaids will have flowers, choose ones that reflect either the bride’s bouquet or the style and color of the bridesmaid’s dresses. All of the bridesmaid bouquets should match, and none should outdo the bride’s own bouquet.