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,
traditional, round-shaped bouquet that is suitable for both formal and
informal weddings. 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.
Nosegay
A small,
round-shaped, cluster of flowers often not as dense as traditional round
bouquets. Nosegays often include more greenery, ribbon streamers, and are
sometimes mounted in a tussy mussy.
Biedermeier
A
European-influenced bouquet with blossoms of different type and/or different
color placed in a defined circular pattern.
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
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 extends from the center of the
bouquet and can be designed to project a traditional or contemporary look. 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.
Freeform / Contemporary
This
bouquet is a hybrid 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.
Pomander
A flower
or foliage covered ball or cone suspended from a loop of ribbon
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 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.
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 vintage
style, Southern style, and Asian-inspired weddings.
Ballerina
A round
bouquet composed of masses of tulle or net and few flowers. This type of
bouquet was popular in the early 1940s when flowers were scarce due to World
War II.
Basket
Flowers
arranged and carried in a shallow basket and often used in a garden or
garden-like wedding setting.
Wreath or Hoop
Made
popular by the wedding of Britain's Duke and Duchess of York (Prince Andrew
and Sarah Ferguson), this "bouquet" is a large ring decorated or intertwined
with foliage and flowers. Generally thought of as a symbol of eternity with
no beginning or end.
Book
A small
prayer book or bible used as the platform upon which a small bouquet is
placed. The design may be composed of a small cluster of flowers or may be
featured as a small cascade.
Wrist
Technically more of a corsage than a bouquet, this style is comprised of a
small floral arrangement, mounted on a small base that is attached to a
strong elastic bracelet, worn on 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.
Officiant - Officiate - Reverend -
Reverand - Minister - Celebrant
-
Pastor - New Jersey Wedding Officiant - Presiding over New Jersey
Wedding Ceremonies
*Please note that New Jersey
no longer has a "Justice of the Peace" position. The position was
eliminated many years ago.
