Flowers
Bridal Bouquet Considerations Before visiting a florist, look over the Popular Wedding Flowers Chart (pg. 44) to refresh yourself with the different wedding flowers available in your season. Bring a photo of your wedding dress and a swatch of the bridesmaids’ dresses. To make you aware of all options, florists need to know the dress color shades so they can match or contrast your flowers and ribbons. Many florists welcome pictures you collect to give them an idea of what you like. Work with the florist who can best honor your requests and with whom you are most comfortable. Most importantly, be upfront about your budget. Florists are creative and can work within many limitations. Most are able to incorporate lots of greens and fewer flowers, which may help a tight budget. You and your florist will consider the following before deciding what types of flowers to use: • Colors to suit your personality and compliment the formality* of the wedding • The style of your dress and bridesmaids’ dresses • Your height, figure and skin tone • Season of the wedding • Flowers in season • The sentiment and symbolism of the flowers • Price ranges *Ultra formal and formal bridal bouquets are traditionally all white, made of one type of flower, or no more than two or three white flowers. They are shaped into nosegays or cascaded and trimmed with elegant ribbons. Semiformal bouquets often add more colorful flowers and may also be nosegays, cascades or arm bouquets. Informal bouquets are usually simpler and often smaller, sometimes even a few single, long-stemmed flowers tied together. Bouquet Styles for Brides and Bridesmaids Once a color theme has been established, your florist can help you decide which type of bouquet style will best suit you and the color and fabric of your dress, as well as the bridesmaids’ dresses. Inquire as to which ribbons or cordings will best accent the beautiful bouquets. Bouquets are properly carried at the waistline.
Nosegay
Sometimes called a posy, this bouquet is a round style and is sometimes created with very tight, open flowers like roses or tulips. Or it might include a variety of colorful flowers like hydrangea, sweet pea, anemones and lisianthus.
Cascade
The cascade is a style that flows down the skirt and might be very full and lush, or simple and classic. It is popular because it compliments many dress styles. The size of the cascade will be based not only on your dress line, but also on your height and figure.
Crescent
This bouquet is also lengthy, but is more u-shaped with two tails flowing down the skirt front. One side is usually a bit longer than the other to create a more elegant effect. Crescent bouquets are filled with flowers that drape well and are easily shaped. An arm bouquet is sometimes used in more casual settings or informal weddings. Arm bouquets might include fresh-cut flowers that are very pretty and natural. Most arm bouquets will need a water source after photos are complete, as the stems are open. Plan to put them in vases on your bridal table or cake table at the reception.
Arm Bouquet
Decor
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Tussie Mussie
A tussie mussie is a compact cluster of flowers that creates a round, charming bouquet. The stems are usually bound and may be hand-held or put into a vase that is easily carried. Tussie mussies are often put into vases with stands at the reception. Flower Girl Options Once decisions are made for the bride and her bridesmaids, consider the flower girls. They briefly “steal the show” with their personalities and precious dresses, as well as with the flowers they carry. Traditionally, the flower girls process just before the bride and are generally between the ages of four and nine. They might carry a basket of loose flowers and hand them out as they walk down the aisle, or perhaps toss rose petals, if allowed at the ceremony site. Because a tussie mussie is small, it is also appropriate for any flower girl. Some younger flower girls find it easier to clutch a looped ribbon attached to a small ball of flowers, which is adorable. Any flowers for the flower girls’ hair should be easy to attach and durable; floral rings are perfect for any flower girl.
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Corsages After the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom have selected their dresses, let the florist know the color and style of dress. You might ask each woman if they are more comfortable with a pinned corsage or wrist corsage. Some formal dress materials prohibit pins! If the corsage is pinned, it should be made with durable flowers, as the moms will be hugging many guests all day. Corsages are also made for grandmothers and special attendants. You may choose to provide a corsage for any other ceremony participant or relative. Boutonnieres The groom’s boutonniere may match the theme of flower used in the bride’s bouquet. It should stand out from the groomsmen and ushers. Fathers, grandfathers and ring bearers all wear similar boutonnieres. Any other male ceremony participant or close family member may receive a boutonniere. They are pinned on the left lapel.
Flowers
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