BRIDAL BOUQUETS
In this area you will find brief explications and photos of Bouquets. The Bouquets include the Brideʼs, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls.
Personal Flowers include Boutonnières, Corsages, Hairpieces, and any other extras which the Wedding party may need. The Wedding party consists of the Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and sometimes the Parents & Grandparents.
We have discussed the Basic Styles of Bouquets, let's turn to the mechanics involved in the design. There are three ways in which to assemble a Bouquet for either the Bride or Bridesmaid.
The First is the old fashion way of Hand Wiring. This labor intensive design evolves the individual wiring and taping of all the parts, after which the Bouquet is assembled into its final design. Floral foam was not available for commercial use until 1954, up to that point all Bridal Bouquets, Bridesmaids, personal and event flowers were hand wired or hand tied. Some Bouquets like the Cascade and Book/Bible are two or more pieces joined together. This type of Bouquet can be costly, but you have more control over the form. It can also be a lighter bouquet to carry.
In this area you will find brief explications and photos of Bouquets. The Bouquets include the Brideʼs, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls.
Personal Flowers include Boutonnières, Corsages, Hairpieces, and any other extras which the Wedding party may need. The Wedding party consists of the Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and sometimes the Parents & Grandparents.
We have discussed the Basic Styles of Bouquets, let's turn to the mechanics involved in the design. There are three ways in which to assemble a Bouquet for either the Bride or Bridesmaid.
The First is the old fashion way of Hand Wiring. This labor intensive design evolves the individual wiring and taping of all the parts, after which the Bouquet is assembled into its final design. Floral foam was not available for commercial use until 1954, up to that point all Bridal Bouquets, Bridesmaids, personal and event flowers were hand wired or hand tied. Some Bouquets like the Cascade and Book/Bible are two or more pieces joined together. This type of Bouquet can be costly, but you have more control over the form. It can also be a lighter bouquet to carry.
The Second way of Bouquet assembly is to use a performed Bouquet Holder with floral foam, different than the ones made of Styrofoam. A Styrofoam bouquet holder does not have a water source and all fresh flowers used Must be hand wired. These holders are generally used with silk flowers and greens.
The floral foam Bouquet holder comes in a large variety of sizes and shapes plus they have the bonus of a water source for the flowers. This is important in hot climates. The flowers and ribbons are placed directly in to the floral foam. However, some styles may also evolve some degree of hand wiring to achieve their shape adding to their cost.
The floral foam Bouquet holder comes in a large variety of sizes and shapes plus they have the bonus of a water source for the flowers. This is important in hot climates. The flowers and ribbons are placed directly in to the floral foam. However, some styles may also evolve some degree of hand wiring to achieve their shape adding to their cost.
The Third way is Hand Tied. This method evolves using natural flower stems to achieve the bouquets shape. Little to no wiring is involved and there is no source of water for the flowers. This style is used most in Presentation Bouquets and round, hand held Nosegays. This style is also used in the Victorian Tussie Muzzie. A small, hand Bouquet of a few flowers placed in a decorative holder. Many of these holders come with their own stand to place the Bouquet into. There is a way to combine the bouquet holders water source and the exposed stem quality of the round hand tied. Simply surround the straight handle of the bouquet holder with pre-cut stems of the flowers that You are using in the bouquet. Use floral glue to secure them down. Then tape over stems with floral tape, leaving the lower part exposed. Ribbon wrap with Your choice and decorate. The Bouquet Holders can also be used in Presentation bouquet design. |
The Cascade and Teardrop Bouquet, there are many Brides who believe these two Bouquet styles are the same bouquet-But they are Not. The Teardrop Bouquet is a smaller, more formal bouquet style when compared with the Cascade. Also, known as the Waterfall and Open End bouquet. To start, the dimensions of the Teardrop are about 6-8 inches across with a 12-18 inch drop to a point. The Cascade has 8-10 inches across with a 18-24 inch drop, possibly longer.
When making the Teardrop Bouquet it is important to maintain the shape so the visual appearance of the bouquet looks like an inverted Teardrop. The shape of Cascade is a more forgiving, its long flowing lines draw the eye down giving the Bride the appearance of being taller. The bouquet can come to point or have an open end design where the flowers seem to cascade like a waterfall. There is also, a Teardrop/Cascade bouquet, it is much larger than your standard Teardrop with a longer point extending down. But the overall shape is still that of an elongated Teardrop.
As mentioned on the First Page, there are five basic styles of Bouquets. Round, Teardrop. Cascade, Crescent, Presentation. The most popular are the Hand Tied round and Free Form round. The Cascade is fast becoming the must bouquet style for today’s Bride. As can be seen in the large over size bouquets popular now. Any of the other styles can be given the “Cascade” effect with the addition of longer greens and flowers or ribbons. But, remember to keep with in the boundaries of the style chosen. |
Often, with today's heavily beaded and slim fitting gowns, Brides may want the Bouquets cut back, smaller to show more of the Gown. This is a simple process of scaling back the amount of greens and flowers used in the style chosen. Again, remember to keep an eye toward the shape of the Bouquet chosen when reducing the amount of flowers.
We are now in a wonderful trend of using jeweled additions in to the Bridal Bouquet. Out in the Wedding market there is a vast variety of rhinestones, crystals, strings of pearls or rhinestones, and broaches for this unique extra to the Bridal Bouquet.
Jeweled Pins are an addition that goes directly in to the flower. A single crystal gem, or cluster, mounted on a 2-3 inch wire, that may have a sharp point or not. They can be used in each flower of the bouquet or just a few flowers. Larger sizes and groups of Jeweled Pins can be added to the space between the the flowers for this attractive accent. Also, use them in coordinating corsage and boutonniere work. Jeweled Pics and Sprays are constantly being reinvented and changed to reflect the current Bridal trends. Many Florist and Bridal Stores have these jeweled items for sale. And there are many Craft/Hobbie Stores who carry several lines of wedding must haves. So, You never know what you will find out there and where you might find it. Jeweled Hair Pins can be wired and added to the bouquet. A special addition if Bride is also wearing them in her hair. Find these gems in clear or colored crystals. Again, use in corsage and boutonniere work. Use as special addition in Maid of Honor or Flower Girl bouquets. Find these at Beauty Stores and outlets. Jeweled Broaches or Buttons, must be wired but can become a unique additions to any bouquet or the foundation of a Broach Bouquet. Boutonnière Pins are usually used in Pomander Balls to hold the flower heads in place. A small, round ball in black, white or pearl on 1-1 1/2 inch straight pin. Can be used with smaller flowers like a Freesia or Stephanotis. |
And there is yet another new design area, that of the Handle of the Bouquet. After wrapping the flower stems in ribbon or Bridal lace, cleverly wired pearls or crystals are artfully wrapped around handle. Or a second ribbon is tied and secured with pearls or rhinestone pins. Pre-designed and cut wraps of satin, jewels or pearls are very popular. Broaches in rhinestones of various sizes and colors, heirloom Cameo pins, miniature picture frames with loved ones, Rosaries are being pinned or added on to the Bouquet handle. A special way to personalize your Bridal Bouquet. With the come back of the Charm Bracelet, Charms of all types are being added to the bouquet by ribbons. |
Lockets bring to the Wedding both traditional and modern touches. Many Families have heirlooms in jewelry and lockets with ancestors in pictures. There are more modern Lockets with Charms in designs for fun, professional and Military careers. Different charms can be gathered to tell the story of your personal path to the Wedding Event.
It is this personalized stamp that is key to a Bride in making the Bridal Bouquet and Wedding unique to her. After the Wedding, the Bride can wear the Locket on a chain of her choosing. A romantic Keepsake to be sure.
There are so many ways to use the Lockets for Bride besides simply wearing it around her neck. Here are a few places to use this special Jewelry.
It is this personalized stamp that is key to a Bride in making the Bridal Bouquet and Wedding unique to her. After the Wedding, the Bride can wear the Locket on a chain of her choosing. A romantic Keepsake to be sure.
There are so many ways to use the Lockets for Bride besides simply wearing it around her neck. Here are a few places to use this special Jewelry.
The First is on the Bridal Bouquet Handle. This is a popular trend for today’s Brides to add a brooch with a Locket customized for Her and the Wedding Day. Use a broach pin to attach it on the Handle or tied on with ribbon or wire. Add pictures of cherished Loved ones to walk down the aisle with You, or a personalized plate with date, names or small quote. Next is for the Groom. Yes, the Groom. Lockets are just one of the many items being attached to the Groom’s Boutonnière. From beer bottle tops to super hero figurines, these additions are to customize the boutonniere to Your Wedding theme. A Locket can reflect his Story of Love to be used on a Key Chair for Him. Or a special Thank You to His Mother and keepsake for Her from the Event. Many of today's modern minded Brides are looking for flowers and bouquet styles that are different and unusual. The simplicity of a Single Flower, like a single Rose or Orchid, make a solid pop of color. Other popular flowers are Calla Lilies and exotics like Birds of Paradise or Protea. Protea, named after the Greek God Proteus. Come in a large election of sizes and shapes. Most popular is the King Protea, admired for striking size. Found in pink and white. Next is the Queen Protea, smaller in size and have a dark, fuzzy center. Pink Ice and Pink Mink Protea do not appear as open as the King and Queen, but have a more Tulip shape and the same dramatic style. Pincushion Protea have a more delicate, round appearance and a smaller size. Think about having all the Bouquets be made from the same flower. Baby's Breath is a popular choice to use by it's self. You can group larger flowers like Gerber Daisies or Star Gazer Lilies to give a solid color appearance. A single Over Sized Flower bouquet has become a new style being popularized today. They are being made not just from fresh flowers but from paper, fabrics and many other mediums. The Gamielia is a compound flower made up of single flower petals. The flower petals are each removed from, say a Rose. Then wired, or a floral adhesive used, and reformed in to the desired size of Gamielia. This beautiful flower can me composed from any number of flowers. Popular flowers to use besides Roses are Cymbidium Orchids, Lilies, Camellias, Gardenias and Gladiolas. Succulents and Weddings is a new theme for today's modern Bride. Don’t confuse these plants with a cactus and sharp needles. These adaptive plants come in a endless variety of shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Many of their designs resemble flowers and make beautiful focal flowers in bouquets. The colors are very attractive to those who seek grays, blues and blacks in a natural shade. Perfect for many jewel tones and blues of the peacock theme. You will find the shades of greens and reds to be compatible with many color combinations. Since many are low growing plants with short stems, they must be wired to be used in design work. Some species are trailing and can be used in cascade and teardrop designs. Others are miniatures and when grouped together can make a impressive bouquet. Succulents combined with flowers is another happy trend to draw inspiration from. Their natural colors compliment and soften the combining flowers in what ever your color themes are. Use throughout the wedding event, cut for design work or as plants in centerpieces or as favors. Add in to this theme of shaped Bouquets is the Heart Shaped Bouquets sweeping through the wedding designs. Many of the beautiful designs are coming out of Europe and Japan but American designers are quick to pick up on this exciting trend. Some designs are stylized taking on the basic heart shape while others create the more traditional heart shape. Made as a bouquet or in the style of the Pomander Ball to be carried by a decorative handle. This unusual designed bouquet brings the romantic heart in to the center of the wedding event. Brooch Bouquets have become extremely popular. They provide the size and shape of a floral Bouquet with none of the wilting flower issues. Made from vintage and modern jewelry these hand made Bouquets can really add that special touch to any Wedding Theme. Can be found with or with out fresh flowers. Not only used for the Bride but Bridesmaids, Flower Girls, and Personal Flower work. |
The Over Sized Cascade Bouquet is a style that has been used for many years. Princess Diana’s extremely long bouquet relaunched the world wide desire of this style. Some are a long design sweeping down to the floor. While others are wide, giving the appearance of a huge armful of flowers. The Presentation or over the arm bouquet is another style that lends it self well to this design. These stunning bouquets can be made in a bouquet holder but most are hand wired and hand held of natural stems. If this style appeals to You, talk with your local florist for ideas of flowers and colors to create you own design. Foliage Bouquets have been around for many years, foliage refers collectively to the leaves of plants. These are a different bouquet look than an all green floral bouquet. Not only are the leaves used but seed pods, branches, berries, cabbage, any local greens available are being used. On the East Coast, crotons and other decorative indoor plant greens are made in to stunning fall bouquets with out flowers. The look is decidedly rustic but when combined with succulents can look very formal and modern. There is a large selection of foliage which to choose from like Galax Leaves, Eucalyptus and its flower berries, Lemon Leaf, Sword Fern, the Asparagus Ferns that include Tree Fern, Lace Fern or Climbing Asparagus, Foxtail, Sprengeri and Simlex (aspg. asparaoides). These are just a few examples, Your local florist or flower market will know many of the local greens in your area that can be used and their seasons. You can also add a few flowers, generally white flowers are used but green flowers like amaranths, green roses or another green flowers will help keep with in the all green theme. Used for the Bride and Bridesmaids these unique bouquets will give Your wedding a Outdoor, Garden style. Don’t forge to include the boutonnieres and corsages when using this foliage theme. Not all Foliage is just green, there are many variegated species of plants that have white and those that are gray like Dusty Miller. Addition of these bring a new aspect to the design. The traditional Pomander Ball or Kissing Ball style of bouquet is fast becoming the popular design among new Brides. New shapes in this design have brought it in to the 21 century. The place to customize the design lies in the handle. Normally made from ribbon, today the handles are from pearls strands, crystals, twigs, lace, cord and combinations of these materials. Follow Your Wedding Theme when incorporating is design in to your Wedding. |
The Fan Style Bouquet for the Bride has seen many changes over the years. The Fan itself, usually made of lace, now is made from many different materials. From raffia to twigs to Flowers. Crystals, pearls and other bling items are incorporated in to the design to produce a unusual bouquet design. A unique fan design is emerging from the Baltic Countries and Russia. It is a open fan design that incorporates pearls, jewels and other materials in to the fan it's self with the flowers set along the rounded edge of the fan. A very creative and modern design. This unique Wreath or Hoop design for the Bridal Bouquet is fresh and exciting. Much like the Bridal Purse but a larger size. Carry it by the handle or slip it over the arm to lie across the forearm like a purse. The Bridal Cuff, Arm Band or Wristlett is a exceptional design that is sleek and modern. A favorite design with European Brides. The flowers sit on the forearm leaving the hands free for other activities during the Wedding Ceremony. This design is well suited for many of today's Bride who wants a nontraditional Bouquet design. |
The Bridal Purse is an extraordinary innovative design and modern addition to any Wedding Theme. Many times reserved for the Flower Girl, it has become the special accent for the Bridal outfit. European in style, this design can be of any flowers or combination of flowers and greens. Moss, crystals, succulents, twigs and many more materials can be designed in to this stylized bouquet. With many shapes to choose from. A truly American design is the Dream Catcher, borrowed from America Native Indians. This distinctive design brings a airy, rustic theme in to the the wedding. Used for Brides and Bridesmaids, this design lends it self well to stunning backdrops for the Ceremony or Reception.
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European styles can differ from our Western styles. In many areas they grow different verities of flowers along with traditional ones, this can change the overall appearance of the Bouquet. Also, the European community places different significance on styles, flowers and greens.
Asian styles use more exotic flowers and tend to have more severe lines. Yet, You can see some of our Western influence in their designs.
Australian designs mirror many Western styles. They too have different flowers and greens grown commercially which effect the overall look of the Bouquets. You will find these flowers are fast becoming Bridal fashion here in the United States.
After the Brideʼs Bouquet is chosen, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids should follow the Theme set with the Brideʼs.
For Example; The Bride has chosen a classic cascade/teardrop of white roses and freesia with jasmine and miniature pink rose accents.
The Maid of Honor here has a classic teardrop with white and pink roses, as the Bride's Bouquet, with alstromereia and jasmine. And the addition of hot pink roses
Bridesmaids can follow with the same Bouquet as Maid of Honor in the same size or smaller. Or the Bridesmaids could carry 3-roses or single rose with coordinating ribbon and greens. The choice is the Brideʼs, the Theme which she has chosen and her budget.
The following pictures show the Bride and Bridesmaids Bouquets with this coordination of flower theme.